Words by Maureen Young

We shot Meezy + Sam in a Bowling Alley Romance back in July and were excited about our first 5 day wedding shoot and experiencing a Sikh wedding.  This is a landmark wedding for us as it’s our first East Indian Wedding and we’d like to thank Meezy + Sam and their family and friends for showing us a fantastic time!

Sangeet – Meezy

A Sikh marriage is celebrated over 5 days, the first celebration being a Sangeet – celebrating the happy couple through music and dance.  Meezy + Sam had seperate sangeets, which took place in the days leading up to the wedding ceremony.  Meezy had a ladies only sangeet, where Sam’s mother and his female relatives were guests.  While the sangeet may be for the bride, she’s not the centre of attention.  The celebration is a dinner (yummy East Indian food!) and an opportunity for the ladies to party!  The ladies sang traditional Indian songs accompanied by Indian instruments and joked around, complete with some good natured ribbing of the future in-laws.

Sangeet – Sam

Over 500 guests, including Meezy’s mother and female relatives as well as his guy friends, attended Sam’s sangeet.  We were thoroughly impressed with the dance moves as guests jumped around and even got down on the ground while getting their groove on.  Like Meezy’s sangeet, there were Indian instruments such as the dholki, a two-sided drum, accompanying the singing and providing a beat for the dancing.

Mehndi – Meezy

On the eve of the marriage, the bride’s arms, hands and feet are adorned with elaborate patterns using henna.    Despite the heavy rain, family and friends gathered in the outdoor marquee to watch the ceremony.  Meezy’s muscle control was put to the test during the 6 hour ceremony where she had to keep her arms perfectly straight to avoid disrupting the henna while it dried.  Legend has it that the darker the Mehndi is, the more the mother-in-law loves the bride.  It seems Sam’s mother really loves Meezy as the Mehndi was really dark!

Vatna – Sam + Meezy

Vatna (a mixture of barley flour, tumeric and mustard oil) is a fantastic way for family and friends to get pay back wish the couple well… by smearing them with paste   Meezy’s brothers took full advantage of the rare opportunity to smear their sister with paste without consequences and smeared the vatna all over her face!  The laughter turned to tears of joy as Meezy became rather emotional at the realisation that tomorrow she would be getting married.

Choora (Bangle Ceremony) – Meezy

The bangle ceremony is another part of Sikh wedding tradition.  Taking place at the bride’s home, the bride’s maternal Uncle and Aunt adorn her wrists with white and red bangles.  Kalira (ornaments made of silver and gold) are tied to the bangles as well.  As part of the Gana ritual, Meezy had an auspicious red thread tied to her left wrist.   This red thread is seen as sacred, protecting her from ill omens.

All grooms look their best on the wedding day.  Sam had some help when his uncle used the vatna to give Sam a facial the night before the wedding! As part of the Gana ritual, Sam had an auspicious red thread tied to his right wrist so, like Meezy, he too would be protected from ill omens.

Part II we see the gorgeous traditional outfits and witness a Sikh marriage ceremony as we move onto Day 4!

“I’m here without you baby
but you’re still on my lonely mind
I think about you baby
and I dream about you all the time
I’m here without you baby
but you’re still with me in my dreams
And tonight it’s only you and me”

~Here Without You, 3 Doors Down

Suja + Tony’s e-session, Urban Bollywood, told a tale of two hearts divided by an ocean as Tony traveled  around Australia.  As they danced to Here Without You, it seemed a beautiful and fitting song choice.

With family in from out of town, Suja + Tony were considering taking them to the Rockies so we helped get the tourists acclimatised to Canadian weather by taking bridal party + family around Edmonton’s outdoor spaces; from the wheat field to apple orchard and flower garden, being outdoors reminded the newlyweds of their childhood as they grew up with a love of green space.

The guys went GQ and Tony looked uber cool, although not quite cool enough to dissuade his groom’s men from teasing him during the reception!  Suja, in her traditional white dress, surrounded by her bridesmaids in traditional saris, had a radiant smile that simply lit up every frame.

The newlyweds delighted in frolicking in the wheat fields even when a seemingly out of place spark of lightening signaled a storm was en route.  Nothing was going to take the spark out of their first moments as husband + wife.

For the reception, Suja + Tony changed into traditional outfits, again blending their culture and faith into their wedding.  Everyone in the bridal party and both mums  had a speech prepared to commemorate the individuals they knew and celebrate the couple they’ve become.  Family members also put together videos for the happy occasion.

Strong, bold, courageous, brave… words that described how the newlyweds felt about their respective mums.  The biggest thank you of the night touched everyone’s hearts.  Suja tearfully thanked her mum and spoke about how her mother has shaped her into the woman she is today.  Tony, still trying to avoid being teased by his mates, held back the tears even when he thanked both his mum and grandma for being there for him. Even tears from Tony’s little brother.

Suja + Tony – we had a wonderful day with you & your family.  The warmth, love and closeness of your families speaks volumes about you and will be a perfect foundation on which to build your married life.  We really appreciated being taken in as part of the family.  Tony – love how true an Oilers fan you are!  Starting your wedding day in an Oilers shirt and then sneaking it into the reception under your traditional top, genius!  Also, a big thank you to your wedding coordinator, Nicole, who along with Suma and Sheeba put together a beautiful day to remember.

Hugs!

A+R

“A Sri Lankan boy, An Indian girl… marriage is the beautiful blending of two cultures, two families, two hearts. Today we join our hearts on one love as two families become one.” ~ Quote put together by Suja + Tony’s families

From Oilers fan to dashing man.  Tony changed out of his Oilers shirt and his mum and grandma couldn’t resist taking a peek at the little boy they’d raised all grown up and getting ready for his wedding.  Downstairs, his brothers were ironing their shirts awaiting the last groom’s man, Jebron to show.  Unfortunately he was late & missed out on the guys’ morning (& possibly having his shirt ironed for him!)

Suja’s dress was gorgeous but the crinoline proved to be tricky!  Fortunately her family had gathered at the house prior to the ceremony and everyone, uncles included, helped her out.  Problem solving how to get the bride into her dress was a fun experience for everyone to bond over as even Suja’s uncles weren’t quite sure how it was going to get done!

Suja’s older sisters, Sheeba and Suma, were on hand to help the other girls into their saris.  The house was a vibrant palette of colours as the women closest and dearest to her were on hand to see the girl they’d grown up with (& raised!) before her walk down the aisle.  The beautiful saris gave the already celebratory atmosphere a vibrant tone.

Amidst the smiles were the fond memories of a father who passed away too young to see his little girls grow into beautiful women.   His presence was with Suja on her wedding day as a portrait of him looked down on her in her wedding gown.  Suma wipes the tears off her baby sister’s cheek.

400 family and friends from around world witnessed the joining of Suja + Tony.  As Suja walked down the aisle with her mum, the girls couldn’t stop the tears of happiness from flowing.  Tony, wary of his friends teasing him, tried to hold back his tears as his beautiful bride approached the altar.   A choir surrounded Suja + Tony with beautiful music while their guests’ heartfelt prayers wished them well in their married life.

The ceremony was a blend of Suja + Tony’s culture and their faith, with elements from both traditional wedding ceremonies included.

Having been swept away by his bride’s beauty, Tony decided it was his turn to sweep her off her feet and carried Suja down the aisle.

Adieu until Part II… where a love of the outdoors and the love of family take precedence.

Much love,

A+R

Latest adventures on college campus with Infused Studios (feat. Jimmy + Angela). Like what you see???  Get the latest exclusive photoshoot sneak previews and video content only available on Facebook and Twitter

“Well, if you knew how much this moment means to me
And how long I’ve waited for your touch
And if you knew how happy you are making me
I never thought that I’d love anyone so much”

~ It Feels Like Home to Me, Chantal Kreviazuk

Red Tail Landing came alive as Andrea + Chris’ family and friends celebrated their marriage.  The cake was utterly cool, all nouveau Pop and, regardless of age, a candy buffet is a tantalizing reminder of being a child with pocket money at the corner shop looking at sweets.

The speeches were touching tributes to the happy couple as individuals and a comedic reminder that sometimes, sisters don’t always know best: Jamie’s advice to Andrea was to wear high heels and low cut shirts as that’s what Chris liked.  Andrea stayed true to who she was and found that in not changing herself, she changed Chris!  After meeting Andrea, Chris, already a hockey player, decided goalie was really quite cool after all.

Both sets of parents gave speeches – delighting bride and groom with memories of raising them and a touching pride in the adults they’ve become and their accomplishments.

Andrea’s sisters gave a surprise kiss to dad!  And he looks absolutely delighted to be surrounded by the beautiful women in his family.

Before sunset, we took the glowing couple outside to enjoy the gorgeous jewel toned sky and simply enjoy being with one another for some stolen moments away from their guests.

Let’s DANCE!  Everyone took to the dance floor, including Chris’ grandparents who are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary this year.  Having traveled up from Ontario for their grandson’s wedding, they showed the newlywed’s that marriage just makes life sweeter and the importance of always making time to dance with one another.

The bouquet and garter toss had the singles reaching on the floor!

It may have come out during the speeches that Chris’ high school ambition had less to do with hockey, or being an accountant, and more to do with dancing… boy band style….  For a pep rally he and his friends choreographed some moves inspired by ‘N SYNC.   And there is no better time for a reunion show than a wedding!  We’ll leave it up to you to decide who the Justin of the group is!

Thank you Ian, for the stunning rendition, we couldn’t say it better ourselves, Bye Bye Bye.

Andrea + Chris – you two are truly stunning and we loved being part of your big day.  Andrea, you looked absolutely beautiful and Chris, you could have given JT himself a run for his money.  What truly made this day brilliant was the happiness that radiated from the two of you.  It was a blast seeing everyone dance the night away and we hope that in 60 years, you’re showing your grandchildren how it’s done .  Thank you for your warmth, kindness and adventurous spirit in doing both the engagement shoot & creatives.

Bye, Bye, Bye

A+R

Sexy, sophisticated, cool and utterly Canadian;  Andrea + Chris showcased their talent on the ice and their love for one another through their love of the sport – hockey – in Moonlight + Ice.  Their love story began when Andrea’s little sister, Jamie, and her husband, John, decided that her sister and his best friend would be an ideal couple.  All it took to convince Chris this was a good idea was a photo of Andrea – instant ‘wow’!

At the salon, Andrea’s bridesmaids teased her about how she had always been the tomboy, doing what the boys did.  Ok, she did it better than the boys did – Andrea won 3 championships with the UofA Pandas ice hockey team.  Teasing aside, the tomboy became a princess as golden curls replaced any sign of a pony tail or helmet hair.  From the salon, the girls arrived at Andrea’s parents’ home and were treated to a home-cooked breakfast, prepared by Andrea’s dad, before having their make up done.

Andrea’s mom and sisters were all smiles and shed tears of joy as they looked at the tomboy girl who grew up to become a hockey princess.

Chris’ friends arrived at his house for breakfast before spending (the requisite) 15 minutes getting ready themselves.  |Which gave Anton just enough time to rearrange the furniture in the family room and admire the coffee table!)

Surrounded by family and friends, Andrea walked down the aisle accompanied by her mum and dad.  Chris stood with his parents at the end of the aisle, awaiting his first glimpse of Andrea. A gorgeous, fresh idea; in Andrea’s bouquet was Chris’ boutonniere and as she met him in front of the altar, she removed the boutonniere and pinned it to her (almost!) husband.

We took advantage of the gorgeous summer weather and did family and creative portraits in the always picturesque Glenora area.  The happiness was palpable, smiles lit up everyone’s faces.  Andrea even kicked off her shoes to test out the water!

Andrea + Chris enjoy a pint now & then so we incorporated a brewery into their creative shots.  We loved how the top lighting and clean architectural lines gave the shoot just that bit of an edge and the location let the couple simply relax and enjoy themselves.  As we headed to the canola fields, the sunlit trees were and yellow flowers were a perfect splash of colour – although no matter how gorgeous the scenery, nature’s beauty really didn’t have anything on these two!

Warning :: Part II may remind some readers of the 90s… and boybands….

Andrea + Chris – we loved capturing your first moments as husband + wife – your smiles were a permanent fixture and lit up every frame.  Thank you for traveling around town with us so our artistic vision could showcase your love and personalities.

Adieu until Part II…

“Baby when you touch me
I can feel how much you love me
And it just blows me away
I’ve never been this close to anyone or anything
I can hear your thoughts
I can see your dreams” ~ Amazed, by Lonestar

When we shot Irene + Peter’s e-session in Jasper we saw how much these two loved hiking and the outdoors and they were fantastic sports.  When we saw the beautiful warm yellow of the bridesmaid’s dress and Irene’s bouquet, it seemed the perfect opportunity to bring in the wedding colours via canola fields.  As Irene and Peter danced amongst the canola, it was a bit of dancing on sunshine.

Irene’s gown had some beautiful detail and even the baby goat wanted a closer look!  Irene – thank you, for being the bride that didn’t panic because her gown got a bit muddy and stained before the reception.  As you said yourself  ‘I only plan on wearing this dress once.’  Good thing you had your Chinese dress to change into for the reception though

After that rather unorthodox introduction, Irene & the Goat became fast friends while poor Peter’s allergy med’s had worn off!  Sorry

We loved how Irene + Peter incorporated the bamboo element from their wedding invite into the reception decor.  It can be quite tricky at a traditional Chinese banquet to personalize the space, but they did a wonderful job with the simplistic elegance of bamboo as the table centre-pieces.  The guests received chopsticks in beautiful embroidered cases as favours with the bamboo repeated on the tag.

And what better way to toast the happy couple than with a glass of wine served from the personalized wine bottles!

It was an evening for celebration and the best man, Darren, wasn’t going to let his brother and new sister-in-law get away with not par-taking in the tradition of a first dance.

Irene + Peter – Thank you so much for your general awesomeness.  We knew after Jasper that your sense of adventure and fun meant we’d be able to push the limits and get some truly memorable images of your first moments as man and wife.  You didn’t dissapoint!  You are both all-stars for committing to our creative vision, even though it meant getting your wedding finery messy in the process!

Your wedding was beautiful and rustic, but most of all – it was the warmth and intimacy brought by being surrounded with your closest family and friends that really made the day amazing. We are so humbled to be part of your very special day.

Much love,

~Rina + Anton

P.S. Alvin, Kristine – a BIG thank you for being our lighting bearers.  (They’re so good at this, you can’t even see them!)

A love story that opened in the hallways of High School and developed in University avowed itself in the company of close family and friends in an intimate backyard ceremony. Irene + Peter didn’t start dating until University, but both recalled seeing each other in the hallways of High School and Irene’s friends recount gossip of a crush and a chase.

Irene awoke at 4:30am, regardless of how cute a girl naturally is, somewhere between the excitement of marrying the man you see as your one and all the preparation there is time for gorgeous hair and make up. As Amily, her sister, bonds with her upstairs, Irene’s parents are busy downstairs preparing for the arrival of family and friends.

To find good fortune, both bride and groom took part in a Chinese hair-combing ceremony;

The first combing symbolizes: from beginning till the end
The second combing symbolizes: harmony from now till old age
The third combing symbolizes: sons and grandsons all over the place
The fourth combing summaries good wealth and a long-lasting marriage.

Irene’s closest girl friends came along early to see her in her Chinese dress and prepare the door games for Peter and his groom’s man, Darren.  Peter was stopped at the door and while the push ups may not have made him break a sweat, his rendition of Truly, Madly, Deeply by Savage Garden, had everyone’s ears breaking it seemed, a cat crying was a close comparison to the ‘music.’  Irene, ever thoughtful, or perhaps just eager to see her groom, called Peter to come pick her up.  Those push ups were just the warm up it seems .

The weather even co-operated!  A backyard ceremony in Edmonton may seem a gamble, but on a day where the sun shines and your yard is filled with family and friends, it is a perfect portrait of intimacy, warmth and simple at-home hospitality.

From backyard to barnyard, the bridal couple were troupers who weren’t bothered about the canola fields or baby goats! See all of that in part 2!

Where you lead
I will follow
Anywhere that you tell me to
If you need, if you need me to be with you
I will follow
Where you lead

~ Where you lead, I will follow by Carole King & Louise Goffin

Home.  A concept that becomes so much more real when it’s wherever your heart is, or better yet, with the person you love.   In the midst of their wedding planning, Stephanie + Ryan are also planning for their new home together.  For their engagement shoot we took them away from all the planning and out to the corn maze, much to the delight of the kids that were also visiting that day!

While they may love HGTV and the adventure of creating a home together, they also love to try new things together and this engagement shoot did just that.  Although it was at the expense of Ryan’s pristine white trousers, which are now coloured with memories of sitting amidst the green corn, savouring sweet peas with his sweetheart and ripe strawberries dripping with sugary sweetness.

“Mommy!  Look… a scare crow!”

While we weren’t on the yellow brick road, we were caught up in the magic of the corn maze, which to Stephanie had a bit of Stars Hollow’s magic to it.  For Ryan, it was his chance to (inadvertently) become an iconic figure, the scarecrow.

From sweet peas to the pumpkin patch where we were caught in a misty shower which provided just another reason for a cuddle.  Ryan’s face is priceless as Stephanie, with the sweetness that first caught Ryan’s eye, casually tosses a pumpkin over her shoulder.

Strawberries were a juicy end to a sweet day.   Just desserts for a sweet couple.

Thank you guys for the laughs that you brought to the shoot. And Ryan’s clummsiness (thank goodness you had a Tide to Go pen in the car!)

Stephanie + Ryan, we can’t wait to shoot your big wedding day and see how ballroom dance experience & practice will make your first dance amazing. Looking forward to more laughs.

Your food buddies,

A+R