The vibrant colors, rich textures and cheerful, effervescent traditions of this Bengali wedding from Weddings by Two makes my heart want to sing out in excitement. There is so much joy packed into every moment and every detail from the customary ceremony to the bright, neon decor. It all just pops against the urban backdrop of Basilica Hudson making it that much more stunning. See it all in the full gallery!
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From Laura of Weddings by Two… Farihah and Jeff are both film-industry professionals and the first couple to choose Basilica Hudson in Hudson, New York, as their wedding venue. As their photographer, I have to say this is an amazing, amazing space — a huge industrial warehouse with an exposed brick interior, set amidst a barren landscape with a few decaying outer buildings next to to an old train yard in the Hudson River Valley.
The day included many Bengali wedding rituals, including a bargaining tradition before the formal, legal ceremony, explained by Wikipedia: “The groom, along with his friends and family, traditionally arrive later than the bride’s side. As they arrive, the younger members of the bride’s family barricade the entrance to the venue, demanding money from the groom in return for allowing him to enter. There is a bargaining between groom and the bride’s family members on the amount of money of the admission. There is typically much good-natured pushing and shoving involved.”
After the ceremony, we headed over toward the train tracks for some formal family portraits and an uncle commented, “This is perfect. There is always a train in Bengali movies!” The reception included Bengali dancing, a Kulfi dessert cart and movies by filmmaker friends. Farihah and Jeff wanted traditional film when possible, so we shot a bunch of black-and-white Polaroids and some color Holga along with digital.
Wedding Photography + Photobooth: Weddings by Two / Wedding Venue: Basilica Hudson in Hudson, New York / Event Design: Ara Farnam of Rock Paper Scissors Events / Flowers: Erica Darling of Erica Darling Floral Design / Building Signs, Screens + Event Design: Annie Reichert of Brooklyn Guild / Makeup: Helene Andersson of Face Stockholm / Hair: Jennifer Martin / Catering, Cake +Dessert: Devi NYC / Officiant: Imam Talal Eid / DJ: Yussef Cole / Piano: Michael Koresky / Singers: Betsaida Alcantara + Kazi Belal / Dancers: Lana Zaman, Cara Parks + Hannah Faddis / Gold Bracelet + Diamond, Ruby and Emerald Armlet: A Gift from the Maternal Grandmother of the Bride / Bangles: A Gift from the Family of the Groom / Gold Collar Necklace: From Bangladesh / Diamond Kundun Necklace: From India / Emerald Necklace + Earrings: From Turkey / Ruby and Diamond Necklace + Bracelet: From Myanmar / Rings: Facets / Wedding Sari: Custom-Made in Bangladesh / Gold Veil + Pearl and Gold Hair Ornament: Custom-Made in Bangladesh / Shoes: J.Crew / Bridesmaids’ Attire: Custom-Made in Bangladesh / Groom’s Attire: Custom-Made in Bangladesh / Groom’s Brooch: Borrowed from the Mother of the Bride / Groom’s Shoes: Custom / Groomsmen’s Attire: Aarong in Jackson Heights, Queens / Wedding Stationery: Courtney Jentzen of Swiss Cottage Designs