Images from the spectacular wedding of Nena and Jerry by Coombe Abbey wedding Photographer Steven Rooney…
I knowingly accept you as you knowingly accept me. May we remain together , listen to joyous sounds together, May we always experience well-being and speak loving words. May we remain together for a hundred autumns.
From this day onwards two hearts unite, not for life but for eternity.
I first met Nena and Jerry in August for a drink and an engagement shoot in Blackheath, London. We got on really well and I know from the off that their wedding would be one to remember.
Coombe Abbey Wedding Photography // A photographers view
From start to finish this wedding was something special. Set in the stunning buildings and grounds of Coombe Abbey in Coventry everything was in place for a stunning wedding. The festivities started in the morning with a Civil Ceremony in the medieval Abbeygate suite followed by some quick refreshment, a change of clothes and on to the Hindu wedding ceremony in the marquee.
You can’t fail to be taken in by the amosphere of this wedding. Both Nena and Jerry have such close families and many friends who were all so pleased to be witness on this special occasion. It was clear to see how much it meant to the two of them to have everyone there. For me, as an observer concentrating on the story, the nerves and tension during the day went up and down so many times that it was quite exhausting! But at the same time fantastic to photograph. I sometimes think that no one present on the wedding day sees as much or takes as much in as the photographer. And it’s not until all the photographs are ready to view that all parties realise the scale and depth of the full wedding story. From the looks between the bride and groom to the reactions of the parents, to the wider family and friends having a ball on the periphery. These are the things I see as a Coombe abbey Wedding Photographer.
The Hindu ceremony was such a beautiful and emotional part of the day. Here’s a short explanation of the main part as provided by Nena…
At its core the Hindu wedding ceremony unites two individual souls spiritually, mentally and physically. The bond of matrimony is sacred and the ceremony of marriage is conducted according to Vedic traditions that date back some three thousand years BC. In The Vedic ceremonies originated from the Vedas, which are the most sacred scriptures of Hinduism. Although the rituals have been simplified considerably in modern times, Hindu culture attaches a deep significance to them. Each step of the ceremony has a profound spiritual meaning and a life affirming purpose. The ceremony will be conducted in Sanskrit, one of the most ancient languages of the world and translated in a simplified way by the priest. Most of the Mantras (hymns) are taken from the Rig Veda, Yajur Veda and the Puranas. The brief description of each part of the ceremony that follows will explain the meaning of the rituals. In the Hindu tradition, marriage is viewed as the second stage of the four stages of life. As well as being the union of two souls, it is also regarded as a bond between two families.
