For those who haven't been to an Indian wedding, most have at least 300 guests. A venue topping out for 150 guests is tiny by comparison. Except for the maad wind, The Sunol Valley Gold Club worked out perfectly. Who knew this place existed so close to Fremont & Pleasanton! Memorial Day weekend had awesome weather so no complaints on that part....

Always trying new things...here I'm getting the lensbaby some work. Rich colors and refracting light? Lensbaby likes.

Palm trees & clear skies? You'd think we're in SoCal....

Most grooms tend to be a bit nervous and therefore quiet before the ceremony starts and it takes them a while to get into dancing with the baraat. Not in the this case. As soon as Jiggar got off the horse, he we at it with the rest of his family & friends.

Just love getting into the crowd. Photojournalism is one thing, but we've really been trying to take photos to show what's it's like to be there. This is generally not a problem since the guys with the big cameras usually get right of way, but it's definitely a challenge trying to convince people that, yes, they really can ignore us and do their thing.

Looking over the shoulder is one of those ways to let people do their thing. Of course, an 8 pound camera kit can be a little disconcerting in the corner of your eye :)

Every wedding is a new training session letting people know that they don't need to hold out gifts just so the camera guys can take a picture. In most cases, we've already gotten the reaction shot before they even think to hold it out for a photo :) In this case, Jiggar's obviously bought into the whole concept of "ignore the photographer" so it's nice to get some shots as he straightens out the mangal sutra before he put it on Keya.

With so many ceremonies and everyone's eyes on her, it can be tough to get shots of the bride just pausing for a moment...and...thinking.

Oh...and if you haven't noticed yet, I'm loving this bleached look for outdoor photos...hope they like the high-key, washed out look :)

Even harder to capture? The bride and groom just spending a moment in their own world....

Good game! The videographer wanted the couple to give each other a high five. They were as surprised as I was by the request. Well...at least they had fun with it :)

Amazingly...you rarely see the couple just hug each other. I suppose it's just Indian tradition, but the couple is usually pretty hands off. Nice to see them share another moment.

Just LOVED the colors at the reception...burnt orange may be a really popular color, but it's pretty hard to get it to work with many colors and even tougher to make it look elegant.

Nice cake too. Okay, okay, I've been accused of being a cake snob :) I think that's because I don't like cakes that are too over-done or flamboyant in the old-skool way. A well made cake that's not too ornate? That works for me.

A little lensbaby action to focus on the roses and the top tier.

Who can complain about such a wonderful backdrop? We took these shots about 15 minutes later than I would have liked so the sun had already set. Pretty decent light anyways.

Yes...another moment. You figure these two love each other? :)

We just started giving this perspective to entrances when both Asad and I are covering events. We tend to love this, but I guess the proof will be in the pudding when our couples give us their feedback.

The mother of the bride tends to make the call on technical details surrounding ceremonies and which uncles and aunties to thank. In this case, the mother actually tended to every detail since the couple don't live in the area. Great job by all accounts...and without being overbearing!

Garba-raas at a wedding reception?! Now that's a first!

A little salsa by the couple doesn't hurt either :) Congrats you two!