The Henna Ritual

The night before the Indian Engagement Party, I was invited to photograph the bride-to-be’s side of the family during a traditional henna application ritual. They are a wonderfully spicy bunch of people that welcomed me with open arms.

Some of the ladies applied the henna to themselves; decorating both sides of their hands with intricate designs.

When they offered to decorate my hands, I was very tempted. But, how do you recommend I photograph with this stuff all over me?

The future bride was ‘tsk-ed’ by the elders when she moved around as her special ‘wedding’ henna was being applied by a cousin. Naughty, antsy girl.

The whole family stayed up until the wee hours of the morning talking over all the details of the engagement party happening the next day. Some got cranky….

Some passed out…
And me? Well, I got cranky and then I passed out. Finally, I went home at about 1 am and settled in for a long winter’s nap.

The next day, amidst the make-up application and the intricate outfit preparation, the bride-to-be was exquisitely beautiful and appeared calm. (see for yourself-An Indian Engagement).

However, I looked like death warmed over due to lack of sleep…but no one was looking at me. That was a blessed relief.