Cam and Yogesh: Fairytale wedding

We have received so many questions regarding Cam and Yogesh's four day wedding we thought it best to tell the story for all to hear. The sneaks have been popping up for months now as we have been editing our way through all four days that we spent with Cam and Yogesh in San Jose. Many people have notice the sheer volume of pics rolling out and have asked in curiosity what the deal was. Well here it is...Cams family is from Vietnam while her now husband Yogesh's family hails from India. As indian weddings are often week long events, Cam and Yogesh compromised with a four day adventure through ceremonies, cultural events and religious symbolism. As students of Anthropology, Eric and I were in 7th heaven being honored to attend all of these events as photographers. They worked tirelessly to plan a series of ceremonies that held great significance to their parents, families and themselves. Below is a day by day account of their Magical event!

Day One: Ceremony at the Buddhist Temple

Unassuming from the outside, this temple was breath taking on the inside. The symbolism was not lost on us.

Cam and Yogesh during their first ceremony at the Buddhist temple.

After a wonderful vegetarian lunch at the temple we followed Cam and Yogesh to Cams parents house for a ceremony of  bowing the ancestors. 

Our next stop was this great setting for some fun pics with Cams ladies. 

Cam and Yogesh Picked a great location for these fun and colorful Portraits! We had a lot of fun! Eric and I were so honored and excited to be a part of such an amazing couples dream wedding. Myself as an Anthropology Major and Eric as an Anthropology minor, we were living our lifetime dreams seeing the joining of this cultrally diverse and amazingly accepting family's union.

Day two: Mehndi in the AM and Prosperity Ceremonies at the Grooms Parents in the PM

This was a very special day steeped in tradition and art. An important part of Hindu weddings, mehndi or Henna, is a beautiful and intricate work. This artist was an absolute joy to work with. Her name is Ravie Kattaura and her work can be seen at her website: jeyuris.com. 

Her maids all came throughout Cam's transformation and got several beautiful designs including this shoulder design.

The process of covering both the brides hands and feet with henna took place over several hours with the final design presenting itself as a masterpiece! Ravie told us that Cam's design choices where generally different than traditional wedding designs. We think they were a wonderful choice to include the things she loves and values.

 After a full day of Henna we made our way to the home of the Grooms Parents for and evening of celebration and intention. We were told that this ceremony is not usually photographed. The honor of being welcomed to these ceremony and events was beyond touching to us.

When we arrived, these lovely ladies were hard at work drawing the symbol for Peace. Its evolution over the next few hours were fascinating as each individual added a touch here and there to its overall look.

We were in love with the singing and celebration that was all around us. Between the bright colors and bright smiles these people were such a light and blessing to be around and shoot.

The Mother and Father of the groom.

Once Cam and Yogesh arrive they are treated to a showering of prosperity symbols and love from this group. 

After a delicious dinner the fun began again with parading leading to dancing...in the kitchen! Seriously, these are my kind of folks! 

Cam and Yogesh get their hands up to a whole house full of drumming, singing and blessings!

Cams Dad gives Eric the thumbs up while dancing in the kitchen.

That drum got a lot of play as it was passed around for all to take a turn.

Cams Brother Loc, does a little jig with Yogesh. You rock guys!

Eric and I were so impressed with the ease with which these two families messed. Each was respectful and partcipatory in each others traditions and ceremonies for every single day. Again, we were so honored to be a part of such a beautiful union. Thanks again Cam and Yogesh!

Day Three: The Bangle Ceremony

The Bangle ceremony is also very important to the Hindu wedding tradition. This ceremony was slated to take place at a really divine Indian restaurant in San Jose.

The food was AMAZING and Eric developed what I expect is a life long obsession with Naan.

These ladies were in attendance for all of the ceremonies and events and were so amazing and supportive to us.

The arrival of the Bride was quite and event as she was escorted in under cover.

Cam and Yogesh were front and center waiting for the Bangle ceremony to begin.

Cams Brother assists with the placing of the bangles on the brides hands.

Everyone helping with the bangles. 

Beautiful bangles

This tiny dancer honored the Bride and groom with her dance.

These pots on the Bride and grooms head were passed around to everyone to have a dance with them as they represent prosperity, so I was told.

All the dancing was right up my ally! As all of you who's wedding I have shot know, I just cant help doing a little jig when the music gets to rocking!

The beautiful bride and groom at the the end of the evening.

Day Four: Final ceremonies at The Kohl Mansion, Burlingame, CA

Elephant topiary in the Foyer. So beautiful! Cam and Yogesh choose a  setting for their fourth and final day of their wedding celebrations. The historic Kohl mansion http://www.thekohlmansion.com, was as fascinating as it was beautiful with a colorful past. It reminded us of Hogwarts with its grand staircases, imense lawns and gardens, and intricate architecture and elegant design.

Cam and her lovely ladies

The whole bridal party

The groom and his groomesmen

Cam and her parents

Yogesh atop the horse for the Barat.

Surrounded by a singing and dancing crowd, the groom was led to the door where his bride and her family awaited. 

Cam is a vet student and loves animals. The feeling was mutual for this beautiful horse as he seemed to really like her also.

He may have also wanted to eat her bouquet! 

The bride and groom making their garland exchange at the front entrance.

According to Cam and Yogesh's Program, The hindu wedding has been celebrated according to rituals described in the Vedic Scriptures and consists of sixteen stages.

The entrance of the bride, the Kanya Aaagam.

The Mangalashtak & Jimala, the garland exchange. 

Dragon dancers following the Hindu ceremony.

These performers were incredible and fun to watch.

The gents celebrate as the bride makes her final transformation of the evening into a stunning white, gem studded gown.

The first dance as performed by the bride and groom. I wish to express a deep appreciation for the time and energy they put into this often overlooked portion of western weddings. 

The cake cutting followed by the parents feeding them bites of the cake. I think that was a nice touch and very appropriate to their well planned wedding ceremonies. 

The toasts began with the introductions of family members and important guest who traveled from afar. 

The Bride prepares to throw the bouquet in one of the final events of the evening.

Cam and Yogesh were two very special people who's ceremonies will not soon be forgotten. We wish to thank my cousin Kelly, a photographer in Vacaville, who referred them to us. Our great thanks go out to all of the wonderful people we met during these four fabulous days in San Jose and its surrounds and we hope all the best to Cam and Yogesh as they begin their life together as husband and wife.