Follow the Journey: 6) The Massive Wedding Day

The Wedding Day of Mr & Mrs Goyal was held on SAT 6th May 2006, from 8pm-8am:

An Indian wedding traditionally starts from 6pm - 6am in the evening, but Sandeep just had to be different. It usually starts with the ladies frantically getting dressed in their sari and wearing their best jewellery while the men puts on their 'I don't know what you call it' traditional Indian outfit. Then the men of the house puts on Sandeep's hat for him. From there, it's performing many many many & I say many rituals on the groom. Even when he walks out to the car, there's still rituals performed. Then when he's in the car? yep you guessed it, more rituals in the car!

Finally, we begin our march of 1.5km to the reception where the bride and family awaits for his groom. The male stands at the front near the lights that leads the way. Follow by the Women behind the men and finally the groom's car and other cars that takes the little or old ones who can't walk. The band will stand around the familes forming a rectangular shape while everyone is in the middle of the rectangle.

Every ten minutes, the march stops and the drum beats begin for a dance. Everyone joins in (but I must say it's usually the men that dance the mosts as the women are too shy!). Then about 1hr later, we arrived at the reception.

We were then greeted by the bride's family with drinks and flowers welcoming the groom's side of the family.

From there, the groom walks to the grand chair on front stage and as soon as he arrives to the stage, the bride will walk down the aisle to join him. From there, she puts a chain of flowers around his neck then it's his turn. When that's over, they both sit down and take photos with the 600 guests which will literally take the whole night. They will not get to eat until midnight!

Then at around 3am, the actual wedding ceremony where the 'walk in a circle for 7 times; occurs. This symbolises their 7 vows to each other as well as blessings upon their marriage. This will basically go for 3hrs and finally when it's all over and done with, the final session of the wedding is 'crying ceremony' (well not really called that) but literally the entire bride's family sobs and weeps as the moment of truth has arrive for them to lose their 'daughter/sister'.

A very long but cultured wedding in deed! What an honour to be able to witness it and not to mention experience all the major events!

The Dowry plus another 8 items not shown here!

Finally we're all dressed up!
With our pretty AUD $6 Indian Chappels!

Btw, Duc & Edward aren't together and no
dowry is being offered there. It was done purely for a pose!

The Putting on the Hat Ceremony
& with my adorable boyfriend!

Going into the car with more rituals
With the Band Ready to March the Way!

And we can't forget the horseys too!

Let's Boogy on down!
Now you know why one would sweat so much while marching!

The Many, Many Spectacular Firework Displays!

Finally We're at the reception!
It's an Indian Affair with over 600 guests!

The Catering Team that offers
every internationl cusine available!
(which btw, dinner started at 10pm!)

The beautiful Wedding of
Sandeep & Akansha
(Now am I an artist or what, took this pic in btw a person's legs!)

A Happy Group Shot!

Finally, Let the Acutal Wedding Ceremony Begin
(which by the way started at 3:30AM!!
something to do with the moon!)