Photographers: Gabriel and Michelle
Venue: Tappan Hill Mansion
At Emma Cleary Photo and Video, we had the pleasure of capturing a stunning Hindu-Jewish wedding at the beautiful Tappan Hill Mansion. The weather was perfect, with the sunny day adding an extra layer of joy to this colorful celebration. The bride, Ambika, was an exquisite sight in her traditional red saree, embodying the elegance and grace of a Hindu bride. As the night progressed, she changed into a dazzling silver saree, and some of our favorite shots are of her twirling on the dance floor, showcasing her gorgeous attire.
This wedding was a beautiful blend of Indian and Jewish cultures.
The groom, Rafael, is Jewish, which made the celebration rich in diverse traditions. Despite being an interfaith wedding, the couple incorporated many Hindu customs, making this Tappan Hill Mansion Indian wedding even more special.
The ceremony structure was elaborate, following the traditional Hindu wedding format. It included multiple ceremonies spread over several days, starting with the pre-wedding rituals like the Mehndi (henna) ceremony and Sangeet (musical evening). The main wedding ceremony was a spectacular affair, followed by joyous post-wedding rituals.
The ceremony took place under a Mandap, a decorated canopy that is a central element in Hindu weddings. This beautiful structure added to the grandeur of the event. One of the most significant moments was the fire ritual (Agni), where Ambika and Rafael took seven steps or circles (Saptapadi or Saat Phere) around a sacred fire. This fire ceremony symbolizes the couple’s vows and commitment to each other.
This Indian wedding was rich with mantras and prayers.
As Hindu priests chanted Vedic mantras in Sanskrit, creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere. Ambika looked stunning in her traditional attire, adorned with intricate embroidery and jewelry, while Rafael wore a classic sherwani, looking every bit the regal groom.
During the ceremony, Rafael applied sindoor (vermilion) on Ambika’s forehead and tied a mangalsutra (a sacred necklace) around her neck, symbolizing their marriage. The exchange of garlands (Jaimala) was another beautiful moment, symbolizing mutual acceptance and love.
The decorations were vibrant, featuring Hindu symbols like the swastika, colorful rangoli patterns on the ground, and marigold flowers. The music and dance performances added to the festive atmosphere, with traditional Indian music, classical instruments, and lively Bollywood songs setting the tone for a joyous celebration.
Blessings from elders were an essential part of the Indian Hindu ceremony.
Adding to the warmth and love that filled the day. This stunning Hindu-Jewish wedding was a beautiful reminder of how love can bring together different cultures in a harmonious celebration.
It was our pleasure to work with this lovely couple on their wedding day and Sangeet. For more Indian weddings and to see our portfolio, visit emmacleary.com/indian-weddings. We look back on Ambika and Rafael’s wedding fondly, cherishing the moments we captured and the memories we helped create.
