Colorful Haldi Ceremony in Schenectady NY | Navita + Jeremy

Day two of Navita and Jeremy’s three-day Hindu wedding celebration brought us to their beautiful and colorful Haldi ceremony.

After photographing their Mehndi celebration the day before, I was so excited to experience another one of the traditions leading up to their wedding day. One of my favorite things about photographing a multi-day wedding celebration is having the opportunity to document not only the wedding itself, but all of the traditions, family connections, and meaningful moments that happen along the way.

And Navita and Jeremy’s Haldi ceremony was filled with all of them.

A Beautiful Haldi Ceremony in Schenectady NY

The Haldi ceremony is a traditional pre-wedding celebration where a turmeric paste is applied to the bride and groom by their family and loved ones.

The ceremony is filled with symbolism and is traditionally associated with blessings, purification, good fortune, and preparing the couple for their wedding day.

But what I loved most about Navita and Jeremy’s Haldi ceremony was seeing how much emotion and love surrounded them.

There were moments when I found myself getting teary-eyed behind my camera—especially as I watched Navita’s parents become emotional during the prayers.

Those are the moments I always find myself drawn to on a wedding day. The little glances between family members, a parent’s expression, the laughter happening just outside of the main event—those moments often tell just as much of the story as the ceremony itself.

Turmeric, Traditions + Plenty of Laughter

Once the prayers were complete, things got a little more colorful!

Family members took turns applying the turmeric paste to Navita and Jeremy, and it didn’t take long for the laughter to begin.

I loved photographing everyone’s reactions as family members joined in. What began as such an emotional and meaningful ceremony quickly became playful, colorful, and so much fun to document.

That contrast is one of the things I loved most about this entire wedding weekend.

There were quiet moments and emotional moments, followed almost immediately by laughter, music, celebration, and family surrounding Navita and Jeremy.

Photographing a Multi-Day Hindu Wedding Celebration

As a photographer, being invited to document traditions that are meaningful to a couple and their families is something I don’t take lightly.

Navita and Jeremy’s three-day celebration gave me the opportunity to photograph so much more than their wedding day. From the intricate details and celebration of their Mehndi ceremony to the emotion and laughter of the Haldi, each day told another part of their story.

And we weren’t finished yet!

The following day, Navita and Jeremy would finally become husband and wife during their beautiful Hindu wedding at The Mansion at Cedar Hill.

After two days of photographing their families, traditions, and celebrations, I couldn’t wait to see everything come together for the wedding day.

Navita and Jeremy, thank you for allowing me to be part of such a meaningful celebration and trusting me to document these memories for your families.

Planning a Hindu or multicultural wedding in Albany, NY or Upstate New York? I would love to hear about the traditions and celebrations you’re incorporating into your wedding and help you document the entire story—from the events leading up to your wedding to the moment you finally say “I do.”

View Jeremy and Navita’s Wedding Day

Wedding Coordinator: Linda from Your Day, Your Way
Music: Rooh Musicals