Cynthia Viola Photography

Sangeet Celebration

Abbey and Mayukh's Wedding at The Oaks at Salem

Wedding PhotographyCynthia Viola
Dance is the hidden language of the soul
— Martha Graham
Indian American Wedding in Raleigh

Well…I thought I had seen alllll the dancing at weddings. But no. With three days of Henna tattoos, bridal showers, family talents shows at a Sangeet ceremony and then, of course, the wedding and reception…. now, I feel like I’ve seen all the dancing. I had SO MUCH fun this weekend. Abbey and Mayukh were gracious enough to invite me to all the festivities that their Indian/American wedding included and I was not disappointed. So much color, good food and alll the dancing.

Abbey and Mayukh like to say they met the third time they were supposed to. After being in the same place at the same time twice and missing each other, they finally had their first conversation at a friend’s birthday party and the rest is history.

Their wedding, like so many others this year was rescheduled due to covid, and still could not include at least 100 guests who would have otherwise been here if not for travel restrictions, but it didn’t damper the fun. Both families were so happy to meet each other and celebrate with the happy couple.

The Mehndi party kicked of the weekend as all the ladies were decorated with henna.

Raleigh Mehndi Party Bridal Shower

After the wedding rehearsal and rehearsal brunch on Saturday they had the Haldi Ceremony where turmeric was placed on their head and hands by 5 married women on each side of their family. This is considered a symbol of blessing for the couple and a healthy marital life. According to Indian customs, all the married ladies of the house apply haldi to the bride and the groom in order to bless them with a long and strong relationship.

Raleigh Haldi Ceremony
Indian Haldi Ceremony in Raleigh

Then the dancing began. The Sangeet. Everything you’ve ever imagined about Bali dancing…. this was it. It was absolutely mesmerizing and beautiful. It truly set the tone of celebration for the rest of the weekend.

Indian Sangeet Celebration in Raleigh

Sunday morning for the joint wedding ceremony was perfectly beautiful and every tradition for both sides was welcomed and celebrated.

Indian American Wedding in Raleigh
Indian American Wedding in Raleigh
Indian American Wedding in Raleigh
Indian American Wedding in Raleigh
Indian American Wedding in Raleigh
Indian American Wedding in Raleigh
Indian American Wedding in Raleigh
Indian American Wedding in Raleigh

I had soooo much fun celebrating with these two and hope to witness many more Indian weddings soon!

The Vendors who made the day possible:

Photographers: Cynthia Viola with Guillermo Delgado

Venue: The Oaks at Salem

Wedding Coordinator: Aubi and Laura from The Oaks

Henna: Henna by Neena Jain

Her Dress: Pronovias from Tre Bella in Durham, NC

Wedding Party Attire: David's Bridal and Menswarehouse

The Rings: Diamond's Direct

Hair Stylist and Make up Artist: Ashley Watts

Florist: Cary Florist

Officiant: Jason Lynch

DJ: Frankie at CWDJ Entertainment

Catering: Under the Oak Restaurant and Catering

Cake Baker: I Do Cakes

Bartending: BrewMasters

Linen/Chair/Tent Services: CE Rentals

Invitations: Papel Custom Design

Favors: Wine bottle stoppers featuring a prominent compass rose on top of the stopper