Just got back from Arkansas after photographing Poonam and Biran’s wedding.  We started at 6:00 AM and finished at 12:30 AM but it was totally worth it.  They had my favorite DJ from Chicago who kept the party rockin..

Here are some pics from the wedding, it was fun giving a non-traditional take to a traditional Indian wedding.

We started fairly early in the morning and I think Poonam was VERY sleepy from Friday night’s ceremonies.

I just LOVE how she looks here, the way her eyes and her hair and how gracefully she runs her fingers through her hair, this woman is one graceful bride.

I think she liked the part where she could close her eyes during the make up.

A statue of Ganesh at the enterance of the wedding blessing the happy couple to be.

Love, love, love the henna, the jewelry and her wedding dress detail.  Instead of just showing the dress hanging I loved how it matched up with the jewelry and the henna.

Biran arrived to the ceremony on horseback and his barat had a lot of people dancing.

Everyone got into the dancing spirit and had a great time.

I love being right in there with the crowd as that allows me to get some killer shots and true personalities.

Biran was hoisted up in the air and even he got into the dancing spirit.

The lovely Poonam entering the ceremony escorted by her uncles and aunts.

The couple performing the pheras (Circling the Agni).

Poonam’s parents were quite emotional during the ceremony.

Here is Poonam being comforted by her mom.

But when it was time for Poonam’s vidai (departure with the groom after the traditional ceremony) even her mom couldn’t keep her emotions in check.  I have to admit, it was tough for me to keep my emotions in check and yes my assistants gave me a tough time because of it.  Hey I get attached to my couples as they become friends for life you know…

We started the reception photography by photographing the cake and using the hall lights and the 1000 watts of lights setup by the video crew for ambience.   I really like this shot of the cake and the abstract lighting in the background.

Here comes the happy couple for their reception.

Love the look on Poonam’s face here during their first dance.

Oh and the bride and groom got into the dancing spirit when Poonam’s cousin’s performed a musical number for them.

Uhhh I think these are some new bollywood dance moves.. LOL!!  Biran swears he loves this shot (somehow I doubt it), but hey atleast he had a good time while dancing..

We didn’t get a chance to do portraits during the day so the couple and I sneaked out for a few shots using some dramatic lighting.

And then the party started….

Here is the lovely bride getting down on the dance floor.  The stage lights provide a really cool background.

Once the party was over, things again turned emotional as Poonam was walked to the waiting buses to take them home.

Poonam is loved by one and all and everyone was VERY emotional as she left for her new home in Dallas.

Biran and Poonam, I have a blast at your wedding and I promise, we’re gonna set a time to do a fashiony shoot soon and in the meantime hang tight for all the photos that i’m going to put online for you in a few weeks.

Thanks for letting me be a part of your special day….