I always wished to attend a wedding in America. Having seen weddings in so many movies, I wanted to see it myself, is it really like that, thevows, "you may kiss the bride", daughter- father dance... Yes, yes, yes. It is all that!
I never expected to see N's mail in my mailbox asking me to assist her for a wedding shoot on Friday. Just couple of hours before her mail, I mailed my friends regarding a potluck grill lunch. As Navratri was supposed to start on Saturday, most of my friends had plans of fasting or being vegetarians for the nine days ahead. But seeing N's mail, I almost jumped in my seat. I couldn't miss this opportunity! Potlucks keep happening girls, I thought. But a wedding happens just once!
I called U immediately and he too readily agreed. My son looks at me and asks, what's happening mom? I am called to assist a wedding shoot, I said. Can I come, was his expected reply. No I said. He agreed and told me take a lot of pictures. Aww....
So I replied to N that I would join her and wrote to my friends, the grill-lunch was cancelled! Instead I met my friends on Thursday for a chaat and chat party :)
I met N on Thursday evening for the first time. She is such a lovely lady and good to talk too. We talked about how to go about with the next days shoot.
I was too excited to sleep well Thursday night, but I slept and woke early. Only to sleep back for an hour late morning. But it was totally rejuvenating!
The wedding venue was sort of a vineyard, a very cosy place. We went to the brides room and she
was getting ready to wear her bridal gown. OMG! It was such a pretty gown! I'm sure at the store she may have gone, "I'm saying yes to the dress", with all tears rolling down her cheeks and all huggy-huggy to the everyone who helped her select the dress.
Without wasting a minute, N was ready with her gear and had already started clicking pictures. I was still admiring the gown :) Unlike desi weddings, the bride was so relaxed, having a drink, joking
around and posing happily for the photographer. She wasn't shy at all! And I was happy seeing her.
Yes, I did help N with the photos. Then the outdoor shoot started and everyone was so outgoing while taking pictures. The best man, maid of honor, all that I had seen in movies was right in front of me.
The wedding planner managed the wedding so well. All was happening at the proper time as planned. The guests arrived on time and everyone got to enjoy the vows.
The vows part was so emotional. "Something, something and till death do us apart..." My heart almost sank, with the flash in my hand held up. And then "you may now kiss the bride" part. Oh God! It was magical. The bride blushed and her cheeks were so rosy. The father of the bride shed a tear and so did many of the guests. N was totally doing her job and I was totally enjoying looking at everyone, along with doing my part of helping the photographer.
The number of guests were limited, which was really good. Most of the arrangements in American weddings are done by the bride and groom themselves, so they really are on a budget. Inviting the closest acquaintances is anytime good.
After dinner, there was dance on the stage. At first the bride and groom danced. They looked so good together. Talking casually and kissing while dancing. All eyes on them. Wow! Then the father of the bride danced with her. This was the best part. The dad was such a sport. He danced so awesomely and so did the bride. Oh...What a wonderful world... My heart was still to come back to its normal beat. After that most guests joined the dance floor and it was total masti and fun! Everyone was in an enjoying mood. May god bless the couple with lots of happiness.
And just like that it was time to leave for home. We packed our gear and left the venue. But the wedding was still there going on in my mind.
I can't thank N enough for taking me along with her. The pictures turned out lovely. N shared a few
on her page. They truly are beautiful, especially the magical father-daughter dance one.
I had to write down this experience, so that down the way I don't forget it and fight with U saying you never took me to an American wedding! Yes, I am capable of doing that!
So thanks a lot N and wish you all the very best for your future shoots.And my friends, what all you see in the movie weddings, it really happens!
