Lens: Sony e-mount 16mm f2.8 with fisheye adapter
Camera: NEX-7, ISO1600, f3.5, 1/60, raw
OK, there would be so much to tell about today that it wouldn’t ever fit in a post. So, I’ll try to make it short. We started the photo-shoot of the three-days Pakistani wedding we are in London for. The first day is the Mehndi. As far as I understood, traditionally a day or two before the ceremony both the bride and the groom have a separate party, the Mehndi for the bride, where she gets her hands and feet painted with Henna, and the Tael for the groom, where he gets his head oiled. This couple, however, had the two parties together. Apparently this is becoming quite common.
So, first the groom, then the bride, enter the place (a large hall) under a decorative dupatta (a long scarf) brought by six friends of the same sex (girls for the bride, and guys for the groom). While entering they are followed by a cue of women bringing goods like sweets, dresses, and jewelry.
At this point the couple sits on a stage. Literally, the venue has a central, theatre-like stage, with even the red curtains. In the middle of the stage there is a little “house”, the walls made with scarfs, a carpet on the floor, and traditional golden objects and decorations all around.
Two at the time, family members and close friends climb upon the stage and sit next to the couple. They feed the groom and the bride with sweets and symbolically pour oil over their heads. This ritual is supposed to bring good luck and longevity to their married life.
The rest is as colorful and spicy as you would expect from a Pakistani wedding, tons of good food and crazy loud-music fun.
So long from the first day, see you tomorrow for the Nikka, the core of the wedding ceremony!
Great portrait Luca- the patterns on the rug draw the eye to the faces.
thanks!