Colorful Mountaintop Indian Wedding

Sunny & Alisha planned a perfect mountaintop ceremony with stunning views for their summertime Hudson Valley wedding. A mandap covered in colorful reds pinks and oranges provided a perfect pop of color against the sunny mountain range. Because of the location, Sunny was able to ride a horse throughout his baraat. Being immersed among the thick crowd of colorfully dressed family and friends is truly a highlight of my career as a wedding photographer. The energy and joy that radiated was undeniable. At the end of the baraat, a traditional ceremony that involves a little mischief, called the Joota Chupai, has the groom’s shoes stolen. At the end of the ceremony, the groom must pay a ransom to get his shoes back from the culprits. The tradition really welcomes a sense of fun into the wedding ceremony, and shows how willing both sides of the families are ready for a lifetime of laughter and fun together.

After the ceremony concluded, Sunny & Alisha made their way to a decked out rickshaw, which served as their getaway car. Alisha then threw rice back over her shoulders to her family, a tradition meant to signify to her family that despite leaving for a new home and life, she is praying for their material and spiritual prosperity. It’s also a way of thanking her parents symbolically for everything they’ve done for her since childhood. I can’t say it enough; these traditions are absolutely so sweet and full of beautiful meaning.