How do you sum up Ashmita and Kevin’s four-day Hindu wedding in Northern Virginia in just a few words? How can you describe any event that big and spectacular concisely? Throughout their wedding, there were an almost overwhelming variety of sights, colors, sounds, smells, moments and emotions. We felt like we had our cameras up and taking pictures the entire time! And the result of all that work was literally thousands of beautiful Westfields Marriott wedding photos!

And naturally, we loved every minute of this massive affair! Capturing the fun (and funny!) spins the couple’s family and friends put on their dances during the Indian wedding sangeet brought smiles to our faces. Preserving on film the loving intimacy of the haldi ceremony warmed our hearts. Taking pictures of the way Ashmita’s family welcomed Kevin into their family during their wedding ceremony reminded us of how lucky we are to do what we do. And wading into the crowd on the dance floor at their reception to document the craziness made us want to put down our cameras and join in!

Bride and groom at their Sangeet before their Indian wedding ceremony at the Westfields Marriott Hotel in Dulles Virginia by Potok's World Photography

Westfields Marriott Wedding Photos of Indian Sangeet

As we mentioned above, Ashmita and Kevin’s marriage celebrations kicked off with a traditional sangeet. The setting was one of the Westfields Marriott’s huge and elegant ballrooms. Thanks to the efforts of ARJ productions and Twinbrook Floral, the space looked gorgeous!

After a brief round of family portraits, the couple entered the ballroom. They took their seats at the edge of the spacious dance floor and awaited the beginning of the festivities. For the next hour or so, Ashmita and Kevin’s family and friends performed an awesome series of choreographed dances. Some were elaborate nods to famous scenes in Bollywood movies. Others were funny, with lots of mugging and clowning around that left the couple roaring with laughter. Some were even a little risque in a cheeky sort of way. But no matter what the emotional tenor of the dance, they all concluded the same way. Ashmita and Kevin rose from their seats and shared heartfelt and touching hugs with every dancer.

Bridal henna hands at an Indian Sangeet at the Westfields Marriott Dulles Virginia by Potok's World Photography

Bridal henna hands and bangles at an Indian Sangeet at the Westfields Marriott Dulles Virginia by Potok's World Photography

Dance performances at an Indian Sangeet at the Westfields Marriott Dulles Virginia by Potok's World Photography

Dance performances at an Indian Sangeet at the Westfields Marriott Dulles Virginia by Potok's World Photography

Dance performances at an Indian Sangeet at the Westfields Marriott Dulles Virginia by Potok's World Photography

Jaggo Night Pictures from Indian Wedding at Westfields Marriott

The pre-prepared dances portion of the Indian wedding sangeet ended with the couple themselves entertaining their guests with a fun choreographed routine of their own. From there, the evening transitioned to a less structured, more free-flowing celebration. Marking that shift, though, was one last ceremonial element: the jaggo (also written as “jago” or “jaago”). In a traditional Punjabi wedding celebration, the bride’s and groom’s mothers and their families make a ritual entrance carrying ornately decorated clay pots and colorful sticks. They then pass the pots around while singing and dancing. Not surprisingly, the women celebrating and hoisting the containers above their heads made for some spectacular Westfields Marriott wedding photos!

Jaggo night pictures at an Indian Sangeet at the Westfields Marriott Dulles Virginia by Potok's World Photography

Equally unsurprisingly, the jaggo got the crowd amped up and ready to party! Before the ceremony had even ended, Ashmita and Kevin’s wedding guests piled onto the dance floor to join the celebration. For the remainder of the evening, everyone danced and jumped to the beats the DJs from Dynasty AVE laid down. It was the perfect end to a night of celebrating Ashmita and Kevin. It was also a great way to get everyone ready for three more days and nights of fun!

 

Indian Sangeet dancing at Westfields Marriott in Dulles Virginia by Potok's World Photography

Indian Sangeet dancing at Westfields Marriott in Dulles Virginia by Potok's World Photography

Indian Sangeet dancing at Westfields Marriott in Dulles Virginia by Potok's World Photography

Indian Sangeet dancing at Westfields Marriott in Dulles Virginia by Potok's World Photography

Up next: An intimate haldi ceremony at the bride’s family’s house in Northern Virginia.

 

Vendor team:

Planning: Ari Productions

Photography: Potok’s World Photography

Videography: Shawn Fisher Productions

DJ: Dynasty Ave

Hair and Make-up: Afshan Khan

Venue: Westfields Marriott Virginia

Florals: Twinbrook Floral Design

 

 

 

 

 

 


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