The Sacred Fire

Havan (Lighting of the Sacred Fire)
The couple invokes Agni, the god of Fire, to witness their commitment to each other. Crushed sandalwood, herbs, sugar rice and oil are offered to the ceremonial fire.

Rajaham (Sacrifice to the Sacred Fire)
The bride places both her hands into the groom's and her brother then places rice into her hands. Together the bride and groom offer the rice as a sacrifice into the fire.

Getting Ready to enter the Sikh temple for a union of two souls!

Hindu Wedding Rituals

The Indian culture celebrates marriage as a sacrament (Sanskara), a rite enabling two individuals to start their journey in life together.

Set:
Hindu weddings generally take place outside, on the earth, under a canopy known as a mandap.

Props:
Coconut
Garlands to be exchanged by bride and groom
Rings to be exchanged by bride and groom
Wedding necklace (mangalsutra)
Gift from groom to bride's brother
Gift from bride's mother to groom
Sacred fire
Sacred rope (varamala), tied in a loop large enough to go easily around bride and groom
Pots of water for washing hands and feet
Kumkum or red paste applied to forehead
Rice
Flowers






Madhupak (Offering of Yogurt and Honey)
The bride's father offers the groom yogurt and honey as the expression of welcome and respect

Jaimala (Exchange of Garlands)
The couple exchanges garlands as a gesture of acceptance of one another and a pledge to respect one another as partners.

Groom Patiently Waiting!

The Groom Praying and getting ready before he sees his bride...

A family is a gift that lasts forever

Happiness is Homemade!

Family faces are magic mirrors. Looking at people who belong to us, we see the past, present and future.

A family is a haven of rest, a sanctuary of peace and most of all a harbor of love.

A family is a place of warmth when the world is cold;
a place of safety when the world is hostile;
a place of light when the world is dark.


A family is a gift that lasts forever

A princess is what you were meant to be, 'cause being sweet comes naturally!





Have a great night!

Getting Ready....

Grandma was sitting by the window praying while the Bride was getting ready. She was such an adorable lady.

Here are some shots of the Bride getting ready for the Ceremony...what a beautiful princess!

Hindu Wedding

Sneak Peak for the Bride...

I had the most amazing opportunity to photograph an "Indian Wedding" where they celebrated the rituals of both the Hindu and Sikh religions. Both religions are quite similar but in order to be married they needed to perform different rituals in different locations

The Sikh ceremony is also called Anand Karaj meaning 'Blissful Union". The ceremony usually takes place in the morning at the Sikh place of worship, the Gurdwara. It was such a neat experience to be welcomed into the Sikh place of worship. There where a few rules I needed to follow such as wearing a scarf to cover my hair, taking my shoes off and never turn my back on the Holy Book. I really enjoyed the celebration and found the people to be so very warm and friendly.

The Hindu marriage is a life long promise between a man and a woman taken in the presence of a sacred fire and an assembly of Family and Friends. This celebration took place in the brides backyard. There was a whole stage set up so this ritual could take place. Over the next few weeks I will upload some photos so you can have a peak at the different rituals...it was absolutely breath taking.

"They are not said to be husband and wife, who merely sit together. Rather they alone are called husband and wife who have one soul in two bodies."

For now here is a peak at the lovely and beautiful bride!

Facebook...the new addiction!

It seems that my family and friends have become obsessed with facebook...LOL...everyone wants a new and updated facebook profile...here is a few shots of my sister...I sent her "7" so she can decide which one she wants to add for her facebook picture...I do hope she likes one of them! I think she looks absolutely stunning but I know how we are our own worse critique!!!


Sisters
Author: Gina Lauchner

If sisters were flowers, I'd still pick you.
I'd let the sun shine so you'd never be blue.
I'd show the world how beautifully you grew,
with bright bold colors and strength through & through.
If sisters were flowers, I'd pick you right away.
Because you cheer me up and bring smiles each day.
If sisters were flowers, for what it's worth.
I'd always pick you ... the best sister on earth.

Sisters are special
From young ones to old.
God gave me a sister
More precious than gold



Sisters and Friends
My sister shares a part of me
that no one else shall ever see.
And when the days and miles divide us...
the bond we have will live inside us.
Together sharing dreams,
love and laughter
My sister for always,
my friend...forever after.




Sisters
Sisters share their inner souls,
Secrets, hopes, sorrow, goals.
Though time passes with joy or tears
A sister's love will last the years.



What is a Sister
She's a friend who brings sunshine and laughter your way.
She supports you in all that you do
She's been at the heart of so many glad moments
And shares precious memories with you.

She knows how you've changed
How you've grown through the years
And she knows all that you're dreaming of
She's the comfort of family, the warm touch of home
She's a beautiful blessings of love.

Tessi Girls

Tessi is one of the most exciting new home party companies in Canada...and here are your hip, happening, beautiful and Funky Sales consultants.

Karen-Lynn is the founder and owner of Tessi...The Everything store!




Beth is a school teacher and a wonderful mommy of two! Beth loves working for Karen-Lynn. She really enjoys meeting new people, working for herself, earning a great income and gaining independence.

If you are interested in hosting a party please feel free to contact Karen-Lynn at (905)639-1916 or you can visit her website at:

www.tessi.ca

Have a great Friday night!!

Beauty Queen!

Two Hearts Joined as One!

Quiston & Susan's Wedding in Cuba!

Wedding Ceremony...
BOTH PARTS have the right and capacity to make this marriage legal, they assure that all the data included in these documents to be signed today April 17th, 2007 is true and that they are aware of the legal responsibility they have in not telling the truth.

As there is nothing against the legalization of this marriage, I proceed to read articles from the 24th to the 28th of the family Code.

Article 24
Marriage is constituted based on equal rights and obligations of both spouses.

Article 25
Spouses should live together, be loyal, considerate, respect, and help each other.

The rights and obligations that this code establishes should be respected unless marriage is legally dissolved, no matter that both spouses due to understandable reasons do not live together.

Article 26
Both spouses have the obligation to take care of the family they had created and should cooperate with each other in the education and raising of the children. At the same time, they should participate and co-operate with each other in ruling the house, according to the possibilities and capacity of each spouse.

Article 27
The spouses are obliged to satisfy the needs of the family they had created, according to the capacity and economic possibilities of each of them. Nevertheless, if one of them only works in the house and takes care of the children, the other one should satisfy the economic needs of the family, which does not constitute an exception for any kind of help to the other spouse in reference to the household tasks.

Article 28
Both spouses have the right to work according to the job or profession they have and should help and co-operate with each other, they can study and improve their knowledge, but they will always take care of the family fulfilling the obligations that this code establishes.

You may kiss the Bride!!!!!