Day 1 of 3 - VANAI

I remember arriving at the hotel in Richmond and standing next to all the participants with water balloons in their hand and a big pot of green goop on the side. There was also silly string canisters and one of the girls was putting on a helmet with a GoPro camera on it.

This was my introduction to a Muslim wedding.

I had no idea what a Vanai was. Apparently, Muslim weddings last a week or so and Jody Nay Photography called me in to do a seconding assignment for the last 3 days: the Vanai, the Ceremony and finally the Reception.

Today was the Vanai. There were hijabs, there was a lot of talking with certain intention and there was still that big pot of green goop on the ground. I was trying to guess as to it's particular purpose.

Within minutes, I saw the groom arrive and, well.... here's the whole story: