Solihull Indian Wedding : Bonita & Eren
Bonita & Eren held the first chapter of their two-part wedding in the garden of Bonita’s family home (Click here to see the second part of their wedding). A beautiful, pink Indian Wedding in Solihull, filled with love, laughter, tuk-tuks & the funkiest Bhangra drumming I’ve ever heard.
I first met Bonita & Eren at the Barbican just prior to their engagement photo-session. I was immediately struck by how different their characters were: Bonita, a feisty, talkative TV producer who claimed she adored having her photo taken. Eren, a laidback media consultant, self-deprecating, who quietly told me that the idea of having a camera pointed his direction made him feel…unwell. One-upping each other about who had the most peculiar habits, I wondered what made these two people–seemingly so different–decide to plan a life together.
But then I heard them laugh.
And once they started, they didn’t stop.
I smiled. I understood.
On the day of their Indian Wedding, Bonita & Eren’s joy & laughter inspired their families & friends. At the close of the ceremony, cheers rang around the marquee and out into the garden. A perfect, sunny May day faded into a beautiful evening with delicious food, hilarious speeches and a jam-packed dancefloor. Just perfect.
Bonita looked beautiful in her dress by Este Couture and jewellery by Kyles Collection.
No. 21 shoes for an Indian Wedding? Of course! This was no ordinary Solihull Indian Wedding.
The bridesmaids couldn’t wait to see Bonita in her outfit.
The bridesmaids looked elegant in delicate teal & gold saris.
Bonita’s connection with her bridesmaids allowed me to capture precious moments like this.
Prepare for the bangles. A little moisturiser helped!
That bling, so gorgeous.
Bonita’s delicate pink veil completed her wedding look.
Eren’s entourage of best men LOVED their outfits. They were preening more than the bridesmaids!
Guests enjoyed aperitifs whilst waiting for the groom to arrive.
Family & friends helped with the preparation. This day was a labour of love.
Eren arrived at the wedding in this amazing tuk-tuk, accompanied by Kudos Music drummers.
Eren could have stayed in the tuk-tuk all day. Bonita’s Dad had to pull him out!
Bonita’s Mum greeted Eren & his nephew.
Emotional hugs & handshakes abound. Family members travelled from throughout the UK, as well as India & America.
Eren looked regal in his outfit. He threw a smile at his groomsmen whilst waiting for the Bride to arrive.
The Hindu ceremony begins.
The bridesmaids escorted Bonita to the mandap holding a traditional protective veil overhead.
The moment their eyes met was pure joy.
The perfect nose-squish kiss.
The relaxed, edited ceremony was filled with smiles.
What were the bridesmaids discussing?
*Melts*
Members of Bonita’s family handed them puffed rice as part of the saptapadi.
The saptapadi or “seven steps” is an important part of the Indian Wedding ritual. The couple walks around the Holy Fire and throws rice into it.
The laughs & smiles didn’t stop. Pink scarves were draped around Bonita & Eren and tied together, symbolizing their eternal bond.
Towards the end of the ceremony, the Mums took turns to feed Indian sweets to their new daughter & son.
A celebratory throw of the flower petals. They’re hitched!
Ceremony over, guests enjoyed the May sunshine in the garden.
Inside the marquee, Shades created magic with their beautiful styling.
These two were just so happy to be back in that tuk-tuk.
Just gorgeous…
“We have to do a photo like an Indian goddess with all those arms coming out of her…but we’ve only got 15 seconds to do it” said Bonita. We did this instead…
Whose Choos?
Giving a nod to Eren’s heritage, the Turkish Delight was a nice touch on the sweet table.
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Nope, just a drone.
The early evening light was perfect. I grabbed a reluctant Eren for a portrait with his new bride.
A Solihull Indian Wedding.
Stepping into the marquee to Notorious B.I.G’s “Mo’ Money, Mo’ Problems”, I couldn’t help but smile when the drummers started a thundering accompaniment. They got the whole room shaking.
Guests conversated over the wonderful food.
Eren’s speech had a the girls in stitches…
…and tears.
The best men provided plenty of embarrassing moments for Eren.
A Solihull Indian Wedding.
It wouldn’t be an Indian Wedding without a cheek-squeeze from an aunty.
The first dance started traditionally…
…until the glitter cannon exploded and the Bhangra took over.
Eren’s boys celebrated by sending him to the skies.
A colourful day made possible & beautiful by a great couple, their families, and a great creative team.
Marquee & Styling: Shades
Catering: Five Rivers
Floral: Mary Jane Vaughn
Bridal Couture: Este Couture
Brides Shoes: No. 21
Jewellery: Kyles Collection
Hair & Make-up: The Real Bride
Drummers: Kudos Music
Tuk-Tuk: Big Yellow Tuk
Photography: Nigel Edgecombe
Solihull Indian Wedding