Fotorecord: Sonia and Vivek's Wedding

Sonia and Vivek

Sonia and Vivek are modern and sophisticated professionals.
But they are also proud of their heritage as they proved in their magnificent Punjabi Hindu Wedding Ceremony in Charlotte Sunday.
I hadn't had the opportunity to photograph an Indian wedding, but I knew my 20-plus years as a photojournalist had prepared me for just about anything.
Company photographer Laura Mueller is also a seasoned journalist who has traveled the world and I felt secure having her on the job.
There were many facets to the day and I was struck by the joy and enthusiasm displayed by both families throughout. It was a true melding of families.
Photographing for more than 12 hours and having Laura on duty for six hours, along with an incredibly colorful, visual event, generated the most images I've ever produced at a wedding.
Virtually the same team of vendors, planner Samantha Slapnik of Emma Grace Designs, Eric Weiner from The Westin, videographer Prashant Shah of Prashant Video, Katen from Elegant Designz and floral designer Carolyn Shepard did a great job throughout the weekend. Sonia brought Bollywood makeup artist Kapil Bhalla from India for the weekend and his work spoke for itself.
The Westin is a classy, modern structure with large windows and views of the skyline. Truly a great wedding venue.
The day started on the messy side with Haldi ceremonies for both the bride and the groom. Vivek was at the Holiday Inn Center City while Sonia stayed at The Westin, site of the wedding and reception.
The Haldi involves people rubbing Haldi paste on the bride and groom and it had some fun moments.
Vivek, the groomsmen and members of his family then held the Baraat procession where Vivek rode to the Westin on a horse.
After a few more traditional ceremonies, the wedding took place in one of the ballrooms at The Westin.
Elegant Designz transformed the room with an elegant Mandap (altar) and other decor.
Everyone took a bit of a break following the ceremony and moved on to a cocktail party prior to the reception.
Elegant Designz quickly removed the Madap and Katen and Carolyn Shepard created an entire different set-up for the reception.
The entire weekend was impressive culminating with the couple's exit in a stretch limo as they headed to an after-party.
I felt fortunate to get a chance to play a part in such a beautiful and unique event.
Congratulations to Sonia and Vivek and their families.