It was an incredible honor to photograph Ann & Ryan’s wedding last month, as it was my first introduction to the Syro-Malabar Catholic Rite and my first experience of the exuberant joy of an Indian wedding! What struck both Deirdre and me the most was how deeply tradition was woven into every part of the day, with family and community at its very heart. Since there are several unique elements in an Indian Catholic wedding, I want to explain some of them for all my fellow non-Indian friends and followers so that you can understand and appreciate the depth and beauty of these traditions!

The day started at both Ann & Ryan’s parents’ homes, where they each got ready before participating in the Stuthi Ceremony with their extended families. The Stuthi is a period of time where they all pray together in front of Holy Images, and then the elders in the family, one by one extend a blessing to the bride + groom.

During the Sacrament of Matrimony in the Syro-Malabar Rite, there are a few key unique elements: specifically, the Manthrakodi and the Thaali. The Manthrakodi is a saree that the groom and his family have bought for his bride, and the name comes from “manthra” which means blessed and “kodi” which means new clothes.

The Thaali (or minnu) is a gold heart-shaped pendant embossed with a cross. The thaali is hung on seven threads taken from the Manthrakodi. During the Ceremony, the groom ties the thaali around the bride’s neck, symbolizing the permanence of marriage and their inseparable bond.

After the Thaali has been tied, the groom places the Manthrakodi upon his bride’s head, which symbolizes Rebecca, who took a veil and covered herself when she first saw Issac (Genesis 24:16) as an act of humility, chastity, and devotion to her husband. The groom’s act of placing it over the bride’s head as a mantle reflects the promise of the groom to honor, protect, and provide for his new bride for the rest of their lives. The bride keeps the Manthrakodi draped over her arm throughout the Holy Qurbana (the Eucharistic Liturgy), and later changes into it during the reception.

And speaking of receptions, Ann and Ryan’s reception was held at The Palace at Somerset Park, an amazing venue with plenty of gorgeous spots (both inside and outside) for all their portraits! And man, their reception was so much fun! I don’t think I’ve ever smiled as much behind the camera as I did that night. The joyful energy was contagious!

One of my favorite moments came after Ann and Ryan made their second entrance in their traditional attire: the choreographed dances! The energy on the dance floor was electric, and I loved capturing not only the dancers themselves but also the cheering, laughing, joy-filled faces of the guests who surrounded them.

Ann & Ryan, thank you SO much for trusting me with capturing your wedding and for welcoming me (and Deirdre) into your family and community!

Xoxo,

Mary Kate

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A huge thank you to all the other vendors who came together to make this day possible!

CHURCH // St Thomas Syro Malabar Catholic Forane Church

RECEPTION VENUE // The Palace at Somerset Park

WEDDING PLANNER // A Cord of Three

FLORIST // Anderson Flowers

VIDEOGRAPHER // ZeeeMotion

DJ // DJ Nibz

CAKE // Palermo Bakery

DRESS // Luxe Redux Bridal Houston

HAIR & MUA // Elegance Artistry Philadelphia PA

BRIDESMAIDS // Aw Bridal

GROOM // Moattari Menswear

GROOMSMEN // Menguin