Back in September I had the privilege of documenting Jayna & Scott’s gorgeous Bedruthan Hotel Wedding. I had been really excited about this wedding since the couple booked me earlier in the year: this was my first Indian wedding (Jayna’s family are of Indian descent) and Jayna had helpfully provided me with a list of the customs I would be witnessing. I was expecting lots of colour, music and dancing and I wasn’t disappointed!
I arrived to see Jayna having the finishing touches applied to her stunning outfit and had the pleasure of being introduced to most of her family who popped in for photographs with the bride-to-be. I then headed to the bar where Scott and the rest of the wedding party were waiting for the Baraat (Groom’s Procession) to begin. Accompanied by a Dhol drum the wedding party danced their way through the hotel to the ceremony room (much to the delight of the other hotel guests – particularly the little ones in the creche!) where Scott was welcomed by Jayna’s mum with Aarati (a plate with a lighted lamp) and sweets as a symbol of future happiness and good tidings.
At the beginning of the ceremony the couple exchanged flower garlands (Jaimala) marking not only a union of two souls but also between their two families, a merging of their traditions and values. As well as Indian customs the couple also drew on other traditions to reflect Scott’s family heritage: exiting their ceremony to Irish wedding bells and leaving Scottish Shortbread wedding favours were in little bags tied with a ribbon of Scott’s family dress tartan.
Jayna & Scott made their entrance to their Indian banquet wedding breakfast by dancing their way through the room – definitely my favourite bride & groom entrance to date! What followed was a wonderful, relaxed evening of food, drink, fab live music and dancing.
Seeing all these very different customs working so well in harmony together to form Scott & Jayna’s unique day was a perfect reflection of these two wonderful families coming together to celebrate Scott and Jayna’s relationship. The consideration that had gone into making the day a real coming together of cultures showed exactly what marriage is all about and it was really moving to witness.
Scott and Jayna, I cannot thank you enough for asking me to be your photographer and for being so welcoming – I had the best time getting to know you both, as well as your lovely family and friends, who could not have been friendlier or more fun. Wishing you both every future happiness.
Venue: Bedruthan Hotel
Room Dressing: Unique Designs By Tina
Henna Artist: Tamara of Lively Arts Henna
Hair: Kellee Blake & Sophie Exelby at The Hair Shop
Make Up: Kathryn Sevier at The Hair Shop
Dhol Player: Baz St Leger
Band: The Grace Notes
DJ: Getbacktothebeat
