SOUTH INDIAN CHRISTIAN WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
South Indian Christian weddings usually last one day, with a ceremony in the morning which is always held in a church, followed by a reception in the evening. These unique ceremonies are so much fun to photograph, and I take time to capture every moment of each tradition.
DAKSHINA KODUKKAL
Right before they leave for the main wedding ceremony, the bride and the groom perform the “Dakshina Kodukkal” in their respective, separate homes. Here they ask for blessings from all the elders of the house by transferring a betel nut between each person present and the bride or groom. The leaf contains an areca nut and may also contain a gold coin. If you translate Dakshina, it means blessings of the elders. This ceremony is warm and full of love.
THE HOLY WEDDING CEREMONY
Similar to other Christian Weddings, a Mallu Christian Wedding also has a procession of the groom with his parents, followed by his groomsmen, followed by the bride and her parents, followed by her bridesmaids. Once everyone is in place, the priest then reads the Holy Bible which is followed by a sermon, called the “Homily,” on the sacredness of the wedding.
TYING OF THE MINNU
As soon as the rings are exchanged, the groom ties a Minnu around the bride’s neck. A Minnu is sometimes a gold cross or a leaf-shaped pendant made of gold with seven tiny beads placed together on the leaf to form a holy cross. Traditionally, the Minnu itself is made up of threads taken from the Manthrakodi (Wedding Saree). The tying of the Minnu is a very important part of every South Indian Christian wedding ceremony, and it is especially important that this is always photographed.
GIFTING OF THE MANTHRAKODI (WEDDING SAREE)
The last step of a South Indian Christian wedding ceremony is the gifting of a wedding saree to the bride by the groom. This saree is always made of silk and gold threads and must be worn by the bride at some point during her wedding day, which usually happens during the reception.
Resources for Brides
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A WEDDING VENUE
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MY MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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TIPS FOR PLANNING AN OUTDOOR WEDDING CEREMONY
Read More →About Natasha
Natasha is a New York City-based wedding photographer who specializes in photographing Punjabi Sikh, Hindu, South Indian Christian and American weddings on the East Coast and beyond. She believes that everyone in love deserves the opportunity to be able to look back with joy at the days when wrinkles were sparing, bones weren’t as fragile and the sanctity of marriage was yet to be discovered.
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I understand how important it is to capture every moment of your South Indian Christian wedding! Do you have specific ideas for your wedding photography? Fill out the form below and let’s discuss your big day!
