Bindiya & Al-Karim / Braxted Park

Bindiya and Al-Karim’s Indian Wedding at Braxted Park: A Celebration of Love and Culture

The stunningly vibrant and brilliant Braxted Park Indian Wedding of Bindiya and Al-Karim in October 2018. Set in the beautiful rural Essex countryside of Great Braxted at one of Essex’s most famous wedding venues Braxted Park.

I first met Bindiya and Al-Karim at the Braxted Park Open Day as they stopped and chatted with me at my stand. We followed up with another meeting in early March in London and as Bindiya and Al had a brilliant wedding planned even at this stage, I knew it would be one I would look forward to. A Braxted Park Indian Wedding really is a spectacular occasion with vibrant colour and traditions throughout the day.

Bindiya and Al decided upon Braxted Park as soon as they saw what site has to offer. They had a very specific wedding in mind with lots of modern takes entwined with the more traditional aspects a Braxted Park Indian Wedding would bring.


The Ganesh Puja

The Ganesh Puja is when the bride and her family ask for the wedding to go without obstacles to Lord Ganesh. During this ceremony, offerings are made to Ganesh and a variety of mantras are spoken by the Priest, parents of the bride, and the bride herself.

ganesh puja braxted park indian wedding
ganesh puja braxted park indian wedding

The Wedding Ceremony

Hindu weddings take place under a canopy known as a Mandap. Each of the four pillars of the bridal canopy represents one of the four parents. If an outdoor wedding is not possible, a Mandap is built inside. Seating under it can be on the ground or on chairs.

A typical Indian ceremony includes a priest, a fire, and a Mandap. Front and centre under the Mandap is the sacred fire. The fire can be small and can be confined to a brazier or dish for safety. Agni, the god of fire, is said to be the sustainer of life, and thus gives life to the marriage.

Braxted Park Indian Wedding by Matt Wing Photo

The day started with the traditional Indian ceremony, where Bindiya and Al-Karim exchanged garlands and performed the sacred rituals of their culture. The atmosphere was electric, with the sound of the dhol and the smell of incense filling the air. I captured every moment, from the bride’s intricate henna designs to the groom’s joyful expressions.

As the ceremony came to a close, the couple shared a touching moment, where they exchanged heartfelt vows and promised to love and cherish each other for eternity. It was a beautiful moment, filled with love and emotion, and I felt honored to be there to capture it all.

We managed to get two, yes TWO separate portrait sessions due to the early start which gave two completely different styles and portrait opportunities. They really are some of my favourite Bride and Groom portrait sessions of the year. I also had the pleasure of shooting alongside one of my favourite videographers, David, from the brilliant Rideout Films and look forward to seeing his film soon.

Bindiya and Al-Karim really are a great couple and one I really connected with. They’re brilliant fun and nothing was too much trouble, despite the near 300 guests at their Braxted Park Indian Wedding who each wanted their own 5 minutes with them. I wish them the very best in the future and all the luck in the world.

Here’s the story of their day…

If you’re still looking for a wedding photographer for your Braxted Park Indian Wedding please get in touch HERE


Suppliers:

Venue: Braxted Park
Video: Rideout Films
Caterers: Greenleaf
Make-Up/Hair: Gini Bhogal
Dresses:- Anokhi / Sapana AminAlmas Couture
Drummers: Drummers Delight
Cake: Simply Delicious by Karima
DJ: DJ Irf
Flowers: U-Floria



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