Wedding: Sarita and Frank

Despite marrying into an Indian family, I’d never actually seen, much less photographed, a full Indian wedding until Sarita and Frank’s. There was so much to enjoy – the lavish clothes, rich colors and happy couple – but what I really loved was the fact that the ceremony revolved around family and food.

Food was an essential part of the day – welcoming guests and blessing the new couple. Ghee (butter) fed the sacred fire, coconuts signified fertility, and rice and grains represented the sustenance they’d share in their life ahead. They were fed so many sweets I think they lost count!

Frank’s Puerto Rican-Italian family gamely joined in for all the ceremonies. Here they’re feeding the couple a sweet banana-milk drink and waving colorful cooked rice balls to ward away evil spirits.

Sarita’s father officially gave his daughter away to Frank, while Grandma looked on.

Then, at the appointed hour (with one last gorgeous sari for good measure), Sarita and Frank officially tied the knot. Congrats guys!!