Nothing transcends boundaries and barriers more than an act of love, and a wedding such as this one is a testament to that undying fact. The union of Mallika and Neel was a pleasure for us to work on, and as a Toronto-based wedding videography and cinematography group, it came as a surprise when they came up north for their wedding from Washington DC and chose us for our services. In both wedding and photo-booth services, the family from the capital made sure to capitalize on the best we can offer. For the couple from across the border, most of their families and friends are in Toronto, and in a Hindu wedding ceremony fitting for the multiculturalism Toronto is known for, the celebrants held their special day on September 14, 2013, at the Grand Empire Banquet & Convention Centre (100 Nexus Avenue, Brampton ON L6P 2K9).

Wedding day started particularly early for both bride & groom to be. Mallika awoke only an inkling before 4 in the morning to begin preparations, and both Mallika and Neel were set and ready by 7 in the morning. Our crew arrived at the Hilton Garden Inn where the couple were staying and captured footage and pictures of the opening moments of an unforgettable day. Once everyone arrived at the convention centre, everyone began preparing for “baraat”, the traditional Hindu bridegroom procession. A particularly extravagant and lively display, Neel arrives and is welcomed by Mallika’s family, and the couple travel together to the wedding venue on a mare, accompanied by traditional Gujarati dancing and music from a live band. A fitting atmosphere for such a joyous occasion.

The baraat continues until the group arrive at the Grand Empire banquet hall. Mallika enters with her uncles and aunts, and our Toronto wedding videographers were there to capture every special moment as she descended down the stairs of the bridal suite and into the main hall. Welcoming rituals are performed for Neel as he too is escorted into the Grand Empire hall. Breakfast is served for the guests, as everyone waits in anticipation for the Bridal Party in full to make an entrance.

One by one, bridesmaids holding diyas (oil lamps) begin their procession into the hall, followed by ring bearers holding a pillow with wedding bands for the couple, and the bride is finally escorted by a large congregation, all in tune to a sentimental soundtrack chosen by the family. The couple finally unite in marriage to the joy and jubilation of everyone, and our photographers were on hand for a special wedding photo group session afterwards. As the formal wedding ended, the post-wedding rituals began. In Hindu fashion, the couple and all in attendance made their way to Toronto’s Hindu Sabhah Temple (9225 The Gore Rd, Brampton, ON L6S 5Y8). A holy blessing for a holy day.

Once the post-wedding rituals were performed, the newlyweds and respective families proceeded to the nearby Clairville Conservation Area (Claireville Conservation Rd, Brampton, ON L6T 0B3) for more post-wedding celebrations. Our videographers and photographers were there for a special photo-shoot amongst the backdrop of Toronto’s lush natural scenery, certainly a spot well chosen to highlight Toronto’s geographic diversity to please both couple and tourist alike.

After an immersion into Toronto’s creeks and ravines, post-wedding celebration preparations were in attention. The blessed bride and grateful groom, after some time getting prepared, were perfectly fit for undoubtedly one of the happiest evenings of their lives. Our crew were on hand for an exclusive pre-reception photo shoot with a select list of the the newlyweds and immediate family. A gorgeous wedding cake made its arrival, meticulous arrangements of tables, canvases, guestbook and a gift box were made, and and a photo-booth staffed by yours truly at SDE Weddings was up and running before the beloved pair made another grand entrance, this time into the Hilton Garden Inn.

At the start of the evening, at 7 pm, guests began to arrive. Greeted with buffet-style appetizers and special guest seating, the wedding staff made sure to accommodate and share this happy day with all in attendance. As the reception began, speeches and well wishes from family and loved ones poured out from the crowd, one by one. We made sure to the request of the newlyweds to capture every word of blessing, and as the sentiments of the celebrants made themselves known, through slideshows and speeches, a somber dance for the newly united pair highlighted the evening’s festivities. As the first dance ushers forth an entire night of dancing and celebration, we at SDE Weddings were proud to be a part of such spirited and memorable moments throughout this special day. We hope you too can share in the couple’s happiness in the highlight wedding video that we filmed and edited for the couple.

Bride & Groom Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn | 2648 Steeles Ave. East | Brampton, ON L6S 6J9
Photographer: Banga Photography | Anil & Simmi
DJ: Empire Entertainment | Rajen & Kareem
Wedding Co-ordinator: Seema
Wedding Officiant: Shastriji Parshootumbhai Pandya
Clairville Conservation Area: Claireville Conservation Rd, Brampton, ON L6T 0B3