Joanna and Jay had a beautiful Hindu and Christian double wedding, complete with gorgeous outfits and tons of music! It looks like it was a day filled with laughter and love. We got all the details from the photographers at Sujata Photography.
From the photographer: When I first met with Joanna and Jay to talk about their big Catholic and East Indian Wedding day, it was clear right away that this was going to be an epic and very unique wedding day. One interesting fact about this couple is that a few years ago, they had a small and very intimate legal wedding ceremony with just their families. So although Jay and Joanna were already married, they thought it was very important to honour both of their families’ culture and traditions with a religious wedding day and of course a big party to follow!
Joanna and Jay’s day started with a morning Catholic wedding service at St. Thomas More Parish in NE Calgary. After the service, everyone enjoyed a delicious Japanese food truck lunch in the parking lot.
One of my favorite moments of the day was walking out of the church and seeing so many beautiful, colorful saris as everyone waited in line for their lunch.
Since the day was jam-packed with events, we all head straight back to the hotel to prepare for the afternoon Hindu ceremony. Jay and Joanna changed out of their suit and white dress and into beautiful, traditional red outfits. Many of their guests also changed to match the event.
One of the most exciting parts of their wedding day was the Groom’s Barat. This is a procession that takes place before the Hindu ceremony. All of the guest wait outside for the groom to arrive (Jay arrived in an awesome black Camaro) and then greet him with cheering, a drummer and lots of dancing. Although a bridal party is not a traditional part of a Hindu ceremony, Jay wanted his groomsmen to be an integral part of the Barat procession, so they all wore matching Flames Jerseys.
A Hindu wedding ceremony took place in Sanskrit. Since most of Jay and Joanna’s guests do not understand Sanskrit, their priest did a great job of stopping between each ritual to explain in English what was about to happen and why they would be doing each part. I especially loved his updates on their marital status “Now they are 60% married!”
Of course, after two beautiful ceremonies, everyone was ready to party! From a choreographed bridal party entrance, to a delicious curry dinner and a packed dance floor, Jay and Joanna’s reception did not disappoint.
What a gorgeous and joyful day! Thank you so much, Sujata Photography, for sharing all these beautiful pictures with us.
Photographer: Sujata Photography//Event Planner:Beso Event Designs//Hair Stylist:Chic Effectz Hair//Reception Venue:Executive Royal Inn//DJ:House of bounce//Dress Store: The Bragging Bride//
