As the preparations for Tara and Anish’s wedding celebration began, I could feel a buzz of excitement in the air. Like most traditional Hindu ceremonies, their marriage would take place over multiple days, beginning with Indian pre-marriage festivities & Sangeet in Limassol. With a cheerful heart, I prepared to capture everything, knowing that each phase of the ceremony would offer its own unique expression of love.
Being a long-time Indian wedding photographer in Cyprus, I hold great fondness for the traditional Sangeet. Indian culture recognizes that weddings are not just the union of two people, but two families as well. In this, the Sangeet plays an essential role: It is a special day and night set aside for friends and relatives of the bride and groom to meet and mingle. With music, delicious food, and dancing, everyone is invited to discover what they share in common and form bonds that will last a lifetime.
For Tara and Anish’s Indian pre-marriage festivities & Sangeet in Limassol, the guests gathered together on a catamaran in the gorgeous Limassol Marina, making for a truly unique experience. Here, under the bright Mediterranean sunshine, older relatives shared stories and memories, while the young men dove into the cool blue waves below the catamaran, inspiring cheers from those watching. Soon, everyone was mingling together like old friends, and a sense of belonging pervaded the atmosphere.
Then, after lunch, it was time for Tara and Anish to prepare for the evening’s Sangeet. Returning to the nearby Hotel St. Raphael, I resumed my duties as an Indian Wedding Photographer in Cyprus, capturing the happy couple as they prepared for the festivities. My eye was drawn to the intricate styling of their outfits, appreciating the care and attention put into every detail. Tara shone like the sun in her raiment of gold, while Anish stood proud as a king in his green and white attire.
I was not alone in my sentiments; when Tara and Anish entered the celebration hall, smiles and applause immediately erupted among the guests. I could feel the awe as those in attendance saw the young couple transformed before their eyes: Where before they had been casual and playful, Tara and Anish were suddenly regal, confident, and lit with passion’s inner fire – ready to be spiritually united. Around the room, pulses quickened as the Sangeet began.
To the vibrant sounds of music, the bride and groom’s families embraced each other, murmuring congratulations and good wishes for the wedding to come. With notes of revelry floating on the night air, the guests laughed and enjoyed delicious food, enlivened by the prospect of a shared future. Next, party games commenced: Thrilled gasps echoed from the crowd as glasses were carefully stacked and balanced on a guest’s head, defying gravity.
Then, the dancing began: In their bright outfits, the guests moved in synchrony like a joyous rainbow, their elation evident in each movement. As the evening went on, luxurious fabrics sparkled under the lights of the dance hall as the women twirled, expressing in their dance a happiness deeper than any words could capture. Like stars glittering in the night, Tara and Anish’s families came together as one constellation, and the Sangeet gave way to another day of celebration…