Pyrgos Melissourgou & Pyrgos Petreza: Indian Wedding in Greece Day 2
Alright, day two of Vaishali and Manhar’s wedding in Greece, and it was another whirlwind! We started back at the same hotel, capturing the bride's preparations. Vaishali looked absolutely stunning in her traditional red Indian wedding dress, decked out with intricate stonework. The light was perfect, and I managed to get some beautiful portraits – a great start to the day.
The weather was definitely an improvement over the previous day, but the wind was still a factor. Unfortunately, it meant the couple had to move their Buddhist ceremony indoors at Pyrgos Melissourgou. They were a bit disappointed, as the venue has incredible outdoor spaces, but safety first, as fire is being used in many of Buddhist traditions.
The venue itself was beautifully decorated, blending Buddhist symbols with the couple's cultural traditions. A gold Buddha statue, incense, candles, and lotus flowers created a serene atmosphere. Then, the groom's entrance happened. Let me tell you, I've photographed a lot of weddings, but I've never seen anything like it. Traditional Indian drummers led the way, and it was a full-on dance party! People were literally lifting the groom in the air, and the energy was electric. I was snapping photos like crazy, trying to capture the sheer joy of the moment. There was also a funny moment with a little girl being bribed with money, and then the grooms mother feeding him something, and then him braking something. It was amazing.
Before Vaishali's entrance, they covered the groom's view with a large cloth. When she finally walked in with her brother, they slowly lowered the cloth, revealing the bride. It was a really emotional moment for both of them. The Buddhist ceremony itself was fascinating, filled with traditions I'm still trying to wrap my head around. But it was an incredible experience to witness. I hope I managed to capture it from an outsider’s perspective.
After the ceremony and what felt like endless formal portraits (family photos are a must!), guests had a lunch break at Pyrgos Melissourgou. Then, the couple made another grand exit. We took advantage of the empty venue for some bridal portraits, capturing some beautiful shots of them in the grounds.
Then, it was off to Pyrgos Petreza for the reception. The couple changed into more Western-style attire, though Vaishali’s dress still had a traditional flair. After a delicious dinner and some heartfelt (and hilarious) speeches, the party kicked off again! The energy was incredible, and everyone was ready to celebrate.
Looking back, I'm so grateful for the opportunity to photograph this wedding. It was a cultural experience like no other, and I'm definitely looking forward to more events like this in the future. What a way to celebrate love!
See the first day of this wedding HERE
See the first day of this wedding HERE
Photographed by George Pahountis Studio