Hold onto your hats ladies and gentlemen because we’re about to take you on one hell of a romantic ride. Shally and Rahoul’s Hindu wedding, held over five days, was one of the most colourful and love-filled affairs we’ve seen. All of which was beautifully captured by the one and only, Lakshal Perera.
After a surprise proposal, Shally embarked on a seven-month search to find the perfect sari. £I have always wanted a red sari with a turquoise boarder, and it was so hard to find! My mum is a determined woman and she started scrolling the Internet, and found THE SARI! It was exactly what I wanted, says Shally who was also pleased when Rahoul purchased a matching Indian outfit. £He wasn’t sure about the colours but he looked fantastic on the day!
For Shally and Rahoul, every aspect of their wedding was infused with tradition. By far one of the most memorable moments for Shally was leaving her family home for the last time. £I had to throw rice over my head into the house and my mum had to try and catch some in her sari. This was a really significant moment for me as it was the last time I would live at the house with my family and I was about to start a new chapter in my life as soon as I stepped out of that door, says Shally. £This is a really meaningful tradition, as it is believed in the Indian culture that when a daughter is born she brings wealth and prosperity into the family, therefore when she is married and leaving the family home, she needs to throw rice back into the family home so she leaves behind some wealth and prosperity with her family.
For days, friends and family celebrated and watched as Shally and Rahoul tied the knot to a soundtrack recorded by Shally’s mum an Indian wedding singer. £We had a traditional Hindu ceremony, which is why we had five days of celebrations. We both had yellow turmeric paste rubbed on us the day prior to the wedding as part of the cleansing ceremony. Other traditions that were part of the ceremony included my sisters stealing Rahoul’s shoes. It’s tradition for the brides side to steal the grooms shoes. The groom then needs to buy back his shoes.”
Held at Fairfield Amphitheatre in Victoria, the list goes on. After all the formalities were finished however, Shally and Rahoul were able to process what it all really meant. “Marriage means I can fight with Rahoul and love him at the same time. It’s about waking up next to one of your best friends and his bad breath for the rest of your life, and growing old and learning from one another everyday. But most of all, its about fun, love and lots of laughing.”
CREDITS Photos Lakshal Perera // Bridal gown and veil CBazaar // Hair piece Spell & the Gypsy Collective // Flowers Indian Temple, Victoria // Rings George Jensen // Jewellery Funny People Co // Bridesmaids dresses Dhulan // Grooms suit Indian Fashion Trend // Ceremony Fairfield Amphitheatre, Victoria // Reception Oakleigh Mechanic Hall, Victoria // Catering Fiji Cafe & Sweet // Styling Nancy May // Lunch boxes Pack Queen // Cutlery Going Green Solutions // Stationary Digital Px, MindTheWrap via Etsy, AproposRoasters via Etsy and Write to Me, Stationary and Press // Hair Envarihair // Makeup DollFace Nathalie // Eyebrows Maxie Care Eyebrows // Celebrant Pandit Parmod Maharai.