Angelica + Avneesh's South Asian Wedding (Part II): at the Winery SF

        Every wedding ceremony should start with a dance party! Jelly + Avneesh's Hindu wedding ceremony began with the baraat, a giant, high-energy dance party, where the groom's entourage, the baraatis, danced their way to the bride's family, to join the two families together. Avneesh came in riding his dad's vintage Datsun car, honoring the memory of his father. It was a sweet ride and the sight of Avneesh standing through the sunroof of the car with his arms in the air had everyone dancing with joy.

        Check out Jelly + Avneesh's "first look" and moments from earlier in the day, on our previous blog post here. 

       Once the baraatis reached the entrance to the wedding venue, the Winery SF, the groom and his family were greeted by the bride's parents. They blessed and welcomed him in, with a beautiful cleansing ceremony involving a coconut, flowers, and a nut. Inside, both sides of the family formally met during the milni ceremony, taking part in sacred rituals led by their pandit. Afterwards, all eyes turned to Angelica, who looked stunning, and was accompanied down the aisle on each arm by her dad and brother. The Hindu ceremony was steeped in beautiful and meditative rituals, culminating with the bride and groom taking seven circuits around a holy fire to solemnize their vows to each other. Lifting their arms, all the couple's loved ones and friends gave their blessings to them, and then took their gold swizzle sticks and waved them around in the air in jubilation, celebrating their marriage!

       After the Hindu ceremony (and a quick outfit change into a smart suit and elegant dress!) the couple got married again in a Western ceremony! We'll post those photos next, plus the reception, so peek back in a few days for the rest of their amazing wedding day story! 

The baraat begins! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Avneesh's mom during the baraat. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

So much fun! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Everyone was so happy and excited during the baraat! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Avneesh surrounded by friends and family. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Such a happy groom! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Everyone had great dance moves :) © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

The whole party making their way to the bride's family. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Party time! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

The groom = all smiles! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Avneesh is blessed by the brides family. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Blessing the groom. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

© Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Such a beautiful celebration! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

The Milni ceremony. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

A prayer before the bride enters. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Angelica, looking stunning, walks in with her dad and brother. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Avneesh and his mom watching the beautiful bride come down the aisle. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Angelica's brother helping her take off her sandals to enter the ceremony platform. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

The bride + groom holding gorgeous flower garlands. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Up and up!! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Flying high :) © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

So many sweet moments during the ceremony. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

The ceremonial fire or Havan. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Taking the seven steps for the Mangal Phere. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Angelica leading Avneesh :) © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Climbing mountains together! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Blessing the bride. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Thanking their parents. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

A final blessing from their friends and family. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Married!! Yay!! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Yippy!! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco Winery SF on Treasure Island.

       Jelly + Avneesh's ceremony was so full of tradition and love, and was the perfect way to celebrate their perfect union!

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Venue for Preparations: San Francisco JW Marriott

Venue for Ceremony: Winery SF

Wedding Coordination: Dreams on a Dime

Wedding Design: Suit 27 (Zoe Munson)

Venue Coordination for Winery SF: SF Event Venues

Hair & Makeup: Susie Cee San Francisco

Wardrobe: Dolce Vita Beauty

Florist: Passion Flowers by Adriana

DJ: Ambiance Music

Transportation: JoyGo Transportation

Catering: New Delhi Restaurant

Hindu Officiant: Nilesh Pandya

Western Officiant: Sindy Wilkinson

Opera Singer: Litz Plummer

Cake and cookies: Baker & Banker

Photography: Bowerbird Photography

Angelica + Avneesh's South Asian Wedding (Part I): at the JW Marriott in San Francisco and Winery SF on Treasure Island

       First of all, we'd like to say, "Welcome home Jelly + Avneesh! We hope you had a fabulous and relaxing honeymoon in Bora Bora!"

       Jelly + Avneesh had a spectacular wedding that included two wedding ceremonies: a Hindu and Western one. It was so beautiful to watch them honor both of their cultures and bring their families together for such a wonderful day. Their wedding was filled with so many lovely little details, colors and love. So much love. 

      The morning started with preparations for the Hindu ceremony. Both Jelly's mom and Avneesh's mom helped the bride get dressed in layers and layers of gorgeous fabric and family jewelry. It was beautiful to watch Avneesh's mom gracefully place bangles and necklaces on Jelly, a wedding tradition going back for generations. There was so much care put into Jelly's bridal outfit; the silk was perfectly folded, and her bangles stacked up her wrist like glittering gold coins. Jelly looked stunning.

       Avneesh also had a wonderful, white wedding outfit that made him look like royalty.  The groom's turban was ceremoniously placed on his head by his older cousin, and his late father was remembered with his portrait by Avneesh's side. Once dressed, Avneesh went up to the terrace of the JW Marriott, to await his bride for their first look.

       When the two finally got to see each other, their faces lit up with excitement. Their wedding day had started, and they couldn't have been more thrilled to finally be in each other's arms! Total perfection.

       After the first look, everyone drove to Treasure Island for family photos before the festivities began. There are so many wonderful moments from their wedding day we can't wait to share, so we'll be posting more photos during the week.  To start, enjoy these moments from their wedding preparations and adorable first look!

The bride's golden sandals perfectly showcased the mehndi art on her feet. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco JW Marriott and Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Wedding henna painted on the bride's feet with floral flourishes cascading from her legs to her toes.  

© Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco JW Marriott and Winery SF on Treasure Island

 

The bride's colorful bracelets jingle happily as she moves. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco JW Marriott and Winery SF on Treasure Island

The bride's hands serve as a canvas for intricate mehndi designs. Notice Ganesha on her right wrist!  © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco JW Marriott and Winery SF on Treasure Island

The beautiful bride! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco JW Marriott and Winery SF on Treasure Island.

The bride's mom helps her get dressed.  © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco JW Marriott and Winery SF on Treasure Island.

The groom's mom helps the bride put on her jewelry and gold. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco JW Marriott and Winery SF on Treasure Island.

The groom's headdress along with his kalgi, a brooch, and feather. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Pagri, Kalgi, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco JW Marriott and Winery SF on Treasure Island.

The groom gets his headdress put on. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Pagri, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco JW Marriott and Winery SF on Treasure Island

The groomsmen look on as the groom prepares for his big day. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Pagri, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco JW Marriott and Winery SF on Treasure Island

The handsome groom, all dressed, and ready to see his bride! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco JW Marriott and Winery SF on Treasure Island

The groom's mom couldn't be happier! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco JW Marriott and Winery SF on Treasure Island.

The groom's hand with the sacred om symbol in mehndi, with his mom's hand resting on top. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, groom's mehndi, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco JW Marriott and Winery SF on Treasure Island.

The first look! The groom waits on the balcony to see his bride for the first time before the wedding. Love their expressions of excitement and anticipation! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, First Look, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco JW Marriott and Winery SF on Treasure Island.

The bride taps the groom's shoulder, and he turns around to see her for the first look. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, First Look, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco JW Marriott and Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Doesn't the bride look amazing!!! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, First Look, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco JW Marriott and Winery SF on Treasure Island.

The groom looks upon his bride for the first time! Pretty soon they are going to be married!

© Bowerbird Photography 2013, First Look, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco JW Marriott and Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Aww! So cute. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, First Look, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco JW Marriott and Winery SF on Treasure Island.

The bride and groom admire each others' outfits. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, First Look, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco JW Marriott and Winery SF on Treasure Island.

They look so great together!

© Bowerbird Photography 2013, First Look, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco JW Marriott and Winery SF on Treasure Island.

The bride looks out over the San Francisco cityscape, and the groom peeks between palm fronds to admire his bride.© Bowerbird Photography 2013, First Look, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco JW Marriott and Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Holding hands. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, First Look, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco JW Marriott and Winery SF on Treasure Island.

So happy! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, First Look, South Asian Wedding at the San Francisco JW Marriott and Winery SF on Treasure Island.

The bride with a view of San Francisco and the Bay. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, View of San Francisco from Treasure Island, South Asian Wedding at the Winery SF on Treasure Island.

Looking at the spectacular view of the City from Treasure Island.

© Bowerbird Photography 2013, View of San Francisco from Treasure Island, South Asian Wedding at the Winery SF on Treasure Island.

So much bling! The bride and groom wear their Culver class rings.

© Bowerbird Photography 2013, South Asian Wedding at the Winery SF on Treasure Island.

The groom, the bride, and her dad. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Family Photos on Treasure Island, South Asian Wedding at The Winery SF on Treasure Island.

The lovely bride and her mom. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, View of San Francisco from Treasure Island, South Asian Wedding at The Winery SF on Treasure Island.

The groom and his mom, with the Bay Bridge in the background. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Family Photos on Treasure Island, South Asian Wedding at the Winery SF on Treasure Island.

The wedding party looks amazing in their colorful dress.

© Bowerbird Photography 2013, Wedding Party Pic, Treasure Island, South Asian Wedding at the Winery SF on Treasure Island.

When the wind picked up, the bride and groom held each other to keep warm. © Bowerbird Photography 2013, View of San Francisco from Treasure Island, South Asian Wedding at the Winery SF on Treasure Island.

       As you can tell from the photos, these two are beautiful, inside and out!  Next photos we'll post will feature the Baraat and Hindu wedding ceremony.

       Congratulations Jelly + Avneesh!

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Venue for Preparations: San Francisco JW Marriott

Venue for Ceremony: Winery SF

Wedding Coordination: Dreams on a Dime

Wedding Design: Suit 27 (Zoe Munson)

Venue Coordination for Winery SF: SF Event Venues

Hair & Makeup: Susie Cee San Francisco

Wardrobe: Dolce Vita Beauty

Florist: Passion Flowers by Adriana

DJ: Ambiance Music

Transportation: JoyGo Transportation

Catering: New Delhi Restaurant

Hindu Officiant: Nilesh Pandya

Western Officiant: Sindy Wilkinson

Opera Singer: Litz Plummer

Cake and cookies: Baker & Banker

Photography: Bowerbird Photography

Happy Pride!!

       We send so much love and support to the LGBTQI community and are thrilled about the fabulous strides in marriage equality rights that happened this week! So exciting and so much to celebrate this Pride weekend!

        Here are two photos of one of our favorite couples in the world.  Angela proposed to Erica last Pride weekend in San Francisco at Golden Gate Park.  In March, we flew down to document their beautiful wedding near Bastrop, Texas.  Pride is a time to celebrate love!

Angela + Erica got engaged last year in SF over Pride weekend and married this spring in Texas! © Bowerbird Photography 2013, Lesbian wedding photo.

xoxo, 

Ariel + Sam

Bowerbird Photography Featured on I Do Venues Wedding Blog

       We are excited that Anastasia + Matt's wedding was published on the I Do Venues wedding blog! You can check out the full post here.  

xoxo, 

Ariel + Sam

Wedding Site Visit: The Winery SF

       We photographed a gorgeous Indian wedding a few weeks ago at the Winery SF, which is located on Treasure Island. Our friend Sunisa went with us to scout the site last month, before the wedding, and we wanted to share the images with you, because it is such a beautiful wedding venue. Photos from the actual wedding will be going up very soon :)

© Bowerbird Photography 2013.

© Bowerbird Photography 2013.

© Bowerbird Photography 2013.

© Bowerbird Photography 2013.

© Bowerbird Photography 2013.

© Bowerbird Photography 2013.

© Bowerbird Photography 2013.

© Bowerbird Photography 2013.

© Bowerbird Photography 2013.

© Bowerbird Photography 2013.

© Bowerbird Photography 2013.

xoxo, 

Ariel + Sam