Get ready for a lot of fun while you look through Chris & Abha’s photos. They were married at Montalvo Arts Center in Saratoga, California where they had not one wedding ceremony, but two! They started with a Western-style wedding where they exchanged their own vows in front of their guests. Chris was brought to tears when he saw Abha walking down the aisle on the arm of her Dad. Following the ceremony, their guests enjoyed a cocktail hour while Abha & Chris changed into new outfits for their Bengali Indian ceremony.
This was my first Bengali ceremony, and it had some distinct differences from other Indian ceremonies I have photographed. I thought it was so cool how Abha was ushered in by her bridesmaids and while she covered her face with two leaves. Chris was made to cover his eyes too until she had walked seven circles around him and then they had a sweet reveal face to face.
Scrolling down from there, if you’re wondering why Chris is poking Abha’s nose, I can tell you! There is an important part of the ceremony from the groom places red powder in the part of his bride’s hair to symbolize that she is now a married woman. The priest was giving Chris instructions on how to place to powder and specifically told him, “Don’t put it on her nose, put it on her part.” Well, of course, the temptation was too great, and a wide cheeky smiled bloomed on his face and he went for her nose, as well as the part of her hair. I just love how these two are so playful with another and it was cute to even see it come out during their ceremony. If you want to see more of them being totally silly together, check out their engagement photos here.
And in the spirit of keeping things lighthearted, Chris and Abha invited a very unique guest to their wedding who showed up during the second cocktail hour– a mime! Oh my goodness, he was hilarious. The guests loved interacting with him and taking photos with him. He even gave a speech on the patio during dinner. He put the guests and me in stitches!
Enjoy Chris & Abha’s very special celebration below. Be sure to check out their list of wonderful vendors at the end of the post.
Chris & Abha worked with the following vendors to make their wedding a success:
Venue: Montalvo Arts Center | Planner: Events by Satra | Caterer: La Bocca Fina | Florist: Mandolin Floral | Baker: Pretty Please Bakeshop | DJ: Apple Z | Hair & Makeup: Brides by Amy | Photography: Manali Anne Photography
