Anita and Chirag get married in Long Island

Anita and Chirag’s wedding at the Hyatt Regency Long Island was one of the most incredible events I have ever participated in.  Everyone has come and gone, and I sit here writing as I back up more than 100 gigs of information.  It began Thursday night while Anita, her mom, and sister-in-law had their Mendhi (henna ink) applied.  So much as happened since then that everything seems to be blurred together.  One thing that will never be blurred nor forgotten is the amazing love and emotion that this couple shares with each other, their families, and friends.  

I would like to stop and thank everyone involved before I go any further.  Thank you so very much to Anita and Chirag for your hospitality, genuineness, and everything about you.  Thank you to your parents, families, and friends for welcoming us with open arms, and always being there for anything we needed.  It really was an honor and a pleasure to do this for you.  Thanks also to the members of my  “Dream Team 2”.  Tony and Anna Yu (Team Yu from Boston), and Erich Camping (Rochester) who drove down right after his wedding on Saturday.  All three joined us for the Garba and stayed until brunch was over on Monday morning.  My good friend, and the very talented Jason Groupp (NYC) also stopped by Saturday night (so great to see you Jason) before his wedding on Sunday. 

Most of all I want to thank Beth for introducing us and making the whole thing possible.  Beth was at Katie’s (one of my all time favorite brides) wedding in Saratoga last year, and made sure that Anita knew what it was like to work with me, and what kind of photographer I am.

Sometimes everything comes together in perfect harmony and I just hold on and enjoy the ride.  This was certainly one of those times!  We all have different ways of remembering special events.  For me one big marker is when I get to experience “firsts” (the first time I ever did something).  Well, this was my first elephant at a wedding, my first taste of fresh squeezed sugar cane juice (WOW!), my first henna, yes, I got the coolest henna on my shooting hand and trigger finger.  I can go on and on but you know what I mean.  It was the most magnificent celebration, and I’m not sure it can ever be topped.  Really nothing could be better, because of the people involved.  There was so much love, and camaraderie present, that this event would have been amazing no matter where it was held.  Indian weddings are always so spectacular, and so many times I have heard it said that they are all about the outfits.  While the outfits are amazing, and get more fabulous as the wedding goes on, but it is really about family and friendship.  Honestly, there is nothing like it in the world!  It has a soul cleansing affect on everyone, and leaves you feeling refreshed, and wanting to live life.  Of course it is exhausting too, anything that goes on for four days would be.  The power that the wedding generates provides all the energy needed to make it through, and we all come out the other end a little better than we went in.  It truly is something that everyone should experience.

It is no secret that I enjoy good food, especially when I am working hard.  I knew I was in for a treat when we did the engagement shoot and Anita said, “Don’t worry about food Frank, I may be thin but I like to eat and there will be a lot of great food there”.  I loved her already, but what an understatement this turned out to be!  I mean it was the most delicious Indian food I have ever eaten in my life.  It was much different than the great Indian food I am accustomed to, and has left me longing for more.  Regular food just doesn’t cut it anymore, and I just can’t seem to get satisfied no matter what I eat.

One of the most amazing things is that all four parents have been good friends for over 41 years.  It was great to hear Anita’s Dad tell the story of how this was an arranged marriage from way before Anita and Chirag were even born, they just didn’t know it.  Wow, you two are so blessed to have such great parents, family, and friends.  I thank all of you again for everything, and wish you much love and many blessings on your journey together.

This wedding was magnificent, and deserves the record breaking slideshow that goes with it.  It is over thirty minutes long, has five songs, and 459 images.  I wasn’t even sure my slideshow program would support that many images and had to keep my fingers crossed while I paved new ground.  Please click here to see the show.