I just finished with the photos from Manisha and John’s beautiful four day wedding celebration in San Antonio, Texas. I met this couple in Jamaica while taking pictures for Andrew and Erika’s wedding back in June of 2008. It was wonderful to see a lot of familiar faces again for this celebration, but in a far different setting. Manisha and John both work for Engender Health, an NGO that works with public health issues around the world. Based out of New York, both came to Manisha’s hometown of San Antonio to tie the knot over the course of four days. We started on Thursday evening with the Mehndi ceremony, where henna designs were applied. The bride received her designs first, followed by the other members of the wedding party. This was an informal, but important celebration bringing people together to start getting into the spirit of the wedding. On Saturday things settled in for a formal Hindu ceremony in the morning with Manisha and her side of the family.
Saturday evening culminated with the Raas Garba, or dance event, held at the McNay art museum in San Antonio. This beautiful building blends traditional Spanish architecture with a second half that is completely modern, with straight metallic lines and large windows that contrast magnificently with the classic adobe walls. This event brought a third cultural element in to the McNay, with the evening full of spirited dancing, Indian line dancing, and a rocking live Indian band. In a way, these three days were a preparation for the main ceremony, but there was enough action and important tradition to warrant a separate post. Stay tuned for more.
A few of the Mehndi ceremony, where Manisha was getting her henna designs done. This sure took patience. After a few hours, there was even a wonderful tradition where the bride’s husband (or members of her family) have to feed the bride, since her hands are covered with the henna that needed to sit for the dye to permeate.
Saturday morning’s ceremony:
The evening wedding celebration at the McNay art museum:
3 comments
All was done by the bride’s family and other guests! Natural talent I suppose.
Hello!
I am looking at hosting a wedding in San Antonio and as you may know, the planning is endless! I am looking for a Mehndi lady to hire. Would you be able to obtain the Mehndi lady’s contact information? Your help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much!
~Amrita
I started my biz in SA. The McNay is/was a favorite place for portraits. You’re photos are… eye candy =) Thanks for sharing them and bringing back memories.