Weddingbee Blog

So the portraits had been taken and it was time to start. At least for everyone besides me and my bridesmaids. We sat waiting in the house/changing area while everyone got to see the groom’s procession on the elephant. I’m so sad I never even saw the elephant in real life and only through pictures. I heard she was very sweet and well mannered, though.

Here is Tai the sweet 8,800 pound elephant from Have Trunk Will Travel.

Isn’t she pretty?

And one of my favorite pictures of Mr. Margarita from the wedding. His eyes are buggin’ out!

Our ring bearer clearly was not pleased at the idea of getting on this elephant, either.

Thankfully, they both got over their fears and up they went. Apparently our ring bearer kept saying the entire time, “Daddy look at me!” over and over again.

Things got a very delayed at this point because they were waiting on the dhol players who never showed up. Our awesome DJ, Parag, saved the day and busted out his portable speaker system to get the party started.

The groom’s side arrived to the wedding singing and dancing:

Meanwhile, my family was nervously waiting to greet them. This is an Indian tradition, so they were worried about messing everything up.

My gorgeous sister in law reacting to Mr. Margarita on the elephant

My mom greets Mr. Margarita:

You’ll see a lot of feeding during the wedding.

Then the garlanding process started. If you’d like to read more about the background/significance of all of this, you can visit my posts (1, 2, 3) on our Buddhist/Hindu ceremony.

Our dads:

My oldest brother and Mr. Marg’s grandfather:

Our grandmothers:

Our moms:

Our brothers:

After all the exchanging of garlands and some mingling, the boys made their way to the mandap/poruwa. Don’t they look so handsome and rugged here?

Then the Hindu priest, Mr. Margarita, and his parents began the Ganesh puja while I got ready to make my entrance.

This whole process took about 1.5 hours when it was supposed to last a maximum of 1 hour. I was a ball of nerves waiting because I had absolutely no idea what was going on and I couldn’t see anything from the changing area. My bridesmaids tried to keep me calm while my flower girls were playing and eating all that candy I put in their little suitcases.

Me and my three nieces hanging out:

*picture taken by a friend

Here’s my baby niece looking all cute and mischievous.

Next up, I walk up the aisle, and the ceremony (finally!).

All pictures unless otherwise noted by the always fabulous Dina Douglass of Andrena Photography.

Already blogged:

The Mendhi
Wedding Details
Our Fashion Show
Getting Pretty
Portrait Time