Fairmont Hotel Winnipeg Hindu Wedding – Shail and Shivani
This summer, I had the honour of photographing a breathtaking Fairmont Hotel Winnipeg Hindu Wedding for Shail and Shivani. Their celebration was nothing short of extraordinary—a six-day Gujarati wedding filled with love, prayer, laughter, and heartfelt emotions. From the intimate ceremonies at their homes to the grand reception at the Fairmont Winnipeg, every moment reflected the beauty of tradition and the closeness of family.
A Week of Traditions and Emotions
The wedding week began with Grah Shanti ceremonies at both of their homes. These rituals, led by a priest who flew in from Vancouver, were performed around a sacred fire while family members sang and prayed. Emotions ran deep, especially since Shivani’s grandmother had passed away shortly before the wedding. Her presence was felt throughout the week, and it was incredibly moving to witness the family remember her. Shivani’s father sang with tears in his eyes after the Grah Shanti, creating a moment that will stay in everyone’s hearts forever.
Transitioning from prayer to celebration, the couple hosted a lively Garba night at Petrus Hall. The atmosphere was electric, with family and friends dancing in rhythm with colorful sticks, spinning in circles, and breaking into laughter as the music carried them late into the evening. Performances and singing added to the joy, perfectly balancing the week’s emotional moments with vibrant celebration.
The Wedding Day at the Fairmont Hotel Winnipeg
On the wedding day, the excitement was palpable as both families gathered to prepare Shail and Shivani. Shail’s Barat procession was a highlight—he arrived seated in the back of a yellow convertible while guests danced to the beat of the dhol. Energy and joy filled the streets leading up to the entrance of the Fairmont Hotel Winnipeg Wedding venue.
Inside, the ceremony space was transformed into an elegant setting. Florals lined the aisle and adorned the Mandap, while flickering candles added a warm, glowing ambiance. As the ceremony began, Shail’s face was hidden behind a traditional veil. When Shivani entered and sat opposite him, the priest signaled to lower the sheet separating them. The moment their eyes met brought instant smiles and pure happiness, marking the beginning of their life together.
The ceremony concluded with flower petals tossed over the couple as they stood at the Mandap, showered with blessings and joy.
Portraits and Farewell
After the ceremony, we headed to the Assiniboine Park English Garden for portraits. Surrounded by natural beauty, Shail and Shivani shared quiet moments together while we captured their love in timeless photographs.
What followed was one of the most emotional parts of any Hindu wedding—the Doli ceremony. As Shivani prepared to leave her family home, tears flowed freely. The goodbyes were filled with hugs, heartfelt words, and waves of emotion. It was impossible not to feel the depth of love shared within this family as they sent their daughter into a new chapter of life.
A Fairmont Wedding Reception to Remember
The next day, the celebration continued with a spectacular Fairmont Winnipeg Wedding Reception. Shail and Shivani made their grand entrance to a WWF wrestler’s theme song—a playful request from Shail that had the entire room laughing and cheering. It was such a fun and unique moment that set the tone for the evening.
Emotional speeches soon followed, along with touching father-daughter and mother-son dances. Once again, raw emotion filled the room, and it was a privilege to capture those tender connections between parents and children.
Then came the party. Guests packed the dance floor, singing and dancing with such energy that the room practically vibrated with joy. Everyone was drenched in sweat, proof of just how much fun they were having celebrating Shail and Shivani’s love story.
Final Thoughts
Shail and Shivani’s Fairmont Hotel Winnipeg Hindu Wedding was a remarkable blend of tradition, culture, and raw human emotion. From the deeply spiritual Grah Shanti ceremonies to the laughter-filled Garba, from the tearful Doli to the high-energy reception, every part of their six-day celebration was unforgettable.
Thank you, Shail and Shivani, for allowing me to capture your wedding week. It was truly an honor to witness such an emotional and joyous celebration, and I wish you both endless happiness as you embark on this new journey together.