Pooja and Ameya's Wedding

On Saturday, Shaun and I went to New Orleans for Pooja and Ameya's wedding. It was a traditional Hindu wedding with many N.O. twists! Ameya and his family arrived at the hotel in a horse-drawn carriage (from the French Quarter) and a brass band played second-line music as they proceeded down the street. I didn't take any pictures. Then, we went upstairs for the ceremony. Ameya is wearing a red shawl and seemed pretty nervous until he saw Pooja.



Pooja was escorted up the aisle by her uncle. She was BEAUTIFUL!!!



Pooja and Ameya were separated by a curtain at first.



This is after they had exchanged wedding garlands.



There was a program describing the symbolism behind the wedding rituals, as well as an emcee who explained what part of the ceremony was occurring (so like the Dhumes to make sure that everyone felt welcome and comfortable!). We were grateful for that- Hindu weddings are VERY different from Christian weddings!



After the ceremony, there was a coctail hour (and a half) with some really fantastic food and drinks. When we thought it couldn't get any better, the doors to the ballroom opened up and the reception started. Pooja and Ameya entered on a motorized cart decorated like a Mardi Gras float and threw beads. The picture below is from that, though you can't really see them.



There were many speeches, then dancing, and later there was a buffet dinner with Indian food. The wedding went until much later, but we were pretty tired. Pooja graciously took this picture with me before we left. We are so happy for Pooja and Ameya, and really pleased that we could attend the wedding! It was a truly amazing experience!



Here's the 36 week belly shot. There's really nothing else to report. Thanks to Donkey for being so cooperative- I didn't want to miss Pooja's wedding!