Matt & Ekta – Hindu Wedding At Thonrton Manor
Where do we even begin?! Our first wedding of 2018 brought excitement and anticipation for the year ahead, what a way to kick off our wedding season! We travelled to the beautiful Thornton Manor on the Wirral where we met our bride, Ekta.
You know the theory on six degrees of separation? Well, Ekta had been primary school friends with one of 2012 brides, they found each other after years via Facebook (as we all do!) and she had recommended us – thank you Fahmida!
Bridal & Groom Preparations
At the East Lodge, make-up and hair was underway by the awesome Payal, our bride’s close friend who had flown over from Philadelphia for the wedding. She just happens to be an extremely talented (and lovely) make-up artist, which is pretty handy. Only our bride, Maid of Honour extraordinaire, Suchita, and Payal were getting ready together which created such a relaxing, intimate atmosphere in preparation for the wedding; the wedding that was fast approaching!
Tobiah left to go and capture the groom, Matt, and his best men over in the Grooms Cottage leaving Laura with the ladies. Typically the gents don’t take as long to get ready which means there is still some time to create some portraits, time for them to relax a little and check that they DEFINITELY have the rings. Matt is someone who is unbelievably thoughtful, in life and in gift giving! He’d bought his best men framed sound wave prints of their favourite songs which they loved.
Coffees & Choos
Meanwhile, our lovely bride had moved across to the Lady Lever room with Laura where yet more thoughtful gifts from Matt were waiting. During the many pre-wedding shopping trips for last minute things, Ekta casually mentioned she’d like to get some nice shoes for their honeymoon. What was waiting for her in the bridal suite? The most gorgeous pair of Jimmy Choo wedges! Oh, and a Starbucks for Matt’s bride-to-be, Suchi and Payal. I think the coffees got just as much appreciation as the Choos at first! Matt, you’ve set our ‘Ultimate Groom’ bar pretty high. Once Ekta was in her stunning Anoli Shah wedding outfit, it was time for the ceremony! Tobiah had already headed down to the Music Room to photograph the groom making his entrance. After a few quick portraits on the landing with Laura, it was time for the bride to make her entrance too.
Hindu wedding Ceremony
The majesty of the Music Room combined with the mandap set-up made the ceremony space extra special. There are so many moving parts and different elements for any Hindu ceremony. One main aspect that we noticed though was the involvement of family. The combination of cultures, sentiment and joy felt by everyone involved and those watching on was beautiful. Following this epic ceremony it was time for a few family photographs before our newlyweds exited the Music Room. It was now time for a more intimate ceremony, ceremony number two in the Dining Room.
Chinese Tea Ceremony
With light flooding in through the windows, a more informal but equally special tea ceremony was ready to happen in the Dining Room. This part of the day was all about incorporating Matt’s Chinese heritage and included traditions of gifts being given and tea shared between our bride and groom and his family. Meanwhile, many of the other guests were enjoying canapes from the excellent team at Payal Events, drinks and cocktails in the Grand Hall. We love the buzz of everyone chatting, laughing and catching up during the drinks reception. The super-talented Danny Jewell was dazzling guests with his magic skills during this time too and he is such a lovely guy.
Dinner & Dancing at Lakeside Marquee
After an outfit change and with the guests escorted across to the Lakeside Marquee, it was time for dinner and speeches to begin. The brilliant Trav aka Saxingh entertained guests as the service by Payal commenced. Speeches given by Ekta’s Maid of Honour, Matt and the Best Men were spectacular. Even one of Ekta’s best friends from America could enjoy the speeches via the wonders of Facetime, what did we do without it? This precious friend wasn’t able to be there but certainly was in spirit (and via Payal’s iPhone screen).
We love a “secret curtain” and the stage was set by the awesome Rewind Entertainment for Matt & Ekta’s first dance. The music began, the curtain dropped and guests were astonished to see our bride and groom dancing away. Loved ones soon joined them on the dance floor and so began an epic night of dancing! Saxingh, a DJ set from the guys at Rewind and D & S Dholis made for some awesome entertainment and added to a great atmosphere. It was such a privilege to work alongside such a great team all day and of course having the most lovely couple. Thank you Matt & Ekta for having us there to capture your special day. Enjoy the photots!
Custom Groom Outfits: Shyamal & Bhumika
Custom Bridal Outfits: Anoli Shah & Shyamal & Bhumika
Bridal Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Bridal Make-Up: Payal MUA
Venue: Thornton Manor
Magician: Danny Jewell
Catering: Payal
Entertainment & Lighting: Rewind
Dhol Drummers: D&S Dholis
Saxophonist: Saxingh
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