Next up was the Hindu wedding ceremony for Andy’s cousin and her fiance Kunal. Please excuse any butchering of terms or traditions, this is just what I gathered was going on. The first part was called the Baraat, the groom rode in on a horse followed by his family and friends. It symbolized the groom’s ride into the village to retrieve his betrothed.

I’m not sure the significance of Kunal’s headdress/mask.

But the horse was decorated beautifully.

The “wedding procession” followed Kunal through the reception hall’s gardens and grounds.

His family wore the burgundy scarves.

Not everyone in attendance was Indian, but a majority of the people participating in the procession were.

The hall decorated, before the ceremony began.

There were flowers everywhere, all real carnations!

Kunal came into the ceremony first, escorted by his dad. (I also don’t know why he was wearing money…)

Andy’s dad actually had a part in the ceremony too. As the bride’s uncle he even got a “dot!”

The bride’s uncle walked her down the aisle while her brothers carried a lace canopy over their heads. They all headed towards the groom and both sets of parents who were up front.

We didn’t have the greatest seats, but still got to see a bit of the ceremony. The Hindu priest actually didn’t speak any English, so he would give directions to the bride and groom and Kunal’s family would have to translate.

I snuck around back to at least get a picture of the whole room.

There was a lot of flower throwing, walking in circles and chanting and here they’re doing something with an eternal flame. The whole ceremony lasted a bit over an hour, which I guess is really short (they traditionally can last 4-5 hours!)

A shot of one of the bridesmaids after the ceremony. Their saris were so beautiful!

Rachel and Kunal all decked out!

Although we didn’t really understand everything that was going on, it was very neat to sit in on the ceremony. It’s an opportunity not a lot of people get to have.

The first ceremony we went to for Andy’s cousin was the Catholic one held at the Basilica in Buffalo. Beautiful architecture and a beautiful bride!

More weddings!

This past weekend Andy’s cousin Rachel married her fiance Kunal. It was an entire wedding weekend with a Catholic ceremony, Indian ceremony and several receptions. Before I get to all those though, I wanted to share their wedding invitation. It was the most elaborate, beautiful invitation book I’ve ever seen.

It came with its own packaging!

Invitations and response cards for all the ceremonies.

With pilfered images…

Andy and I at the dress rehearsal. When we showed up, my dad (who was officiating) said “You guys look comfortable” :) Okay, so we were slightly under dressed. I pulled the pregnancy card and said I didn’t have any dresses that fit. And Andy, well, it was a wonder I got him in a button down shirt! It didn’t really matter at all, but still made us chuckle.

He CAN smile in pictures!

Justin and I at the rehearsal dinner. Duck Dynasty anyone?

Just for kicks, this is Justin and I at my dad and Leslie’s wedding in 2003!

Day of the ceremony, Paul walking my mom down the aisle.

Andy and I after the ceremony. I love this picture of us :)

My dad (the Colonel) and Leslie with Justin and Kate.

Siblings! You guys make me want to have 5 kids. Did I just say that out loud? *momentary insanity*

The wedding party.

My mom and I at the start of the reception.

Andy and I at the end of the reception, we look a little out of it :)

Justin and Kate also had a photo booth at the reception. Gabby, Danielle, Christopher and I all crammed inside.

Then Andy and I gave it a go.

The bride and groom also invited everyone to use the hashtag #lutewedding on all their photos of the event. See all the pics people took. It was such a fun weekend spent with family and friends. Justin and Kate, you guys are best friends and have an awesome life ahead of you. Love you <3

My brother got married this weekend! You could probably tell by the ridiculous amount of pictures on facebook and instagram ;-) I couldn’t take any pictures day of the ceremony because I was a bridesmaid, but I did take a few pics the night of the rehearsal and dinner.

Kate walking down the aisle with her dad.

The crew down front.

Flower girl and ring bearer, they were SO cute!

Kate’s parents, Bob and Sue.

Kate with Justin and my dad. My dad actually got to marry my brother (he married Andy and I too!)

Justin (before his beard trim) and Kate.

My grandparents at the rehearsal dinner.

Gabby and Patrick!

Ben joined us for the rehearsal dinner too. We buzzed his hair and he is totally Andy’s mini-me now :)