Trump National Golf Club Wedding

This Trump National Golf Club wedding in Rancho Palos Verdes, California was a beautiful day with a gorgeous couple celebrating in the Indian Hindu tradition. Transported to a dreamlike state from the ocean view ceremony, to the Indian feast, to the fantastic dance performances by their family, Urvi and Monish truly had a day to remember.

First of all, anyone that walks through the main entrance of the Trump National Golf Club is going to be impressed. The staff is gracious, the property is gorgeous, and everything is well manicured to the finest detail.

I love the henna artwork on Urvi’s hands, it’s so pretty! I often use the couple’s hands in images to help tell the story.

Processing down the street, Monish met the bride’s family with dancing and music surrounded by his groomsmen, family, and friends. This is called the Baraat. Accompanied by the rhythm of a dhol the Baraat keeps everyone dancing until the elders of both the families meet.

The Ceremony

Most noteworthy, the wedding ceremony, called vivaah sanskar, begins.

The wedding ceremony begins with the Kanyadaan – the giving away of daughter by the father, so touching.

Saptapadi is the most important ritual. It is called the seven step ritual since each step corresponds to a vow the groom makes to bride, and a vow the bride makes to groom. The vows are pronounced in Sanskrit. Saptapadi is performed near a fire; and after each of the seven oaths to each other, the groom and bride perform the ritual of agnipradakshinam – walk around the fire due to the end of their garments being tied together. The fire is a form of yajna – a vedic ritual where fire is the divine witness to the marriage. After Saptapadi, the couple are considered husband and wife.