In addition to photographing his own events for Russell Gearhart Photography, Russell also covers events for Samson Productions. Samson specializes in Indian, Pakistani, and South Asian wedding events.

I love looking through all the images from these weddings. They’re gorgeous! Having purple hair myself, of course I’m in love with all the bright colors in the outfits and decorations at these events. Scroll through the images below to see highlights from five Indian weddings Russell photographed this year.

I love learning about the different traditions. Indian weddings are often multiple-day events. The ladies often spend a day before the wedding having a Mendhi party, covering their arms, hands, and feet with henna designs. Sometimes even the men get involved with Mendhi painting.

Most Indian weddings kick off their day with the grooms Baraat. The groom’s family members, relatives and friends accompany him to the wedding venue, in a marriage procession of dance and celebration. After reaching the wedding venue, the groom and his family are welcomed by the bride’s parents and the elder members of her family. 

A Hindu ceremony is held under a mandap, a temporary covered structure with four pillars.

During the Baraat, the groom traditionally arrives via horse or elephant. However, a contemporary approach to the ritual is to make use of a car, instead of mare. 

In Hindu tradition, the welcome portion of the ceremony includes a white sheet held up in front of the groom to prevent him from seeing the bride on her arrival. The bride is sometimes lifted in a small carriage up to the mandap, or she is just escorted by her close uncles.

A Hindu ceremony includes a Mangalfera (walking around the fire) ritual. The couple makes several rounds of the fire, each pass symbolic of Dharma (righteousness), Artha (accomplishment), Kama (passion), and Moksha (liberation).

Most of the time, there is a “costume change” before the reception. Sometimes the reception is held on a separate day than the ceremony itself.

Samson Productions specializes in Indian weddings and events. Contact Samson Productions and request to have Russell as your photographer!

Want to see more Indian wedding Russell’s photographed? Try these:

• Orange County Indian Wedding Reception: Saarah and Talha
• Indian Wedding Story: Ami and Prakash
• Real Wedding Inspiration Board: A Feast of Color
• Real Wedding Inspiration Board: Jewel It Up