Ellora’s wedding, which Slice Of Life covered, was a splendid affair—an immersion in all that is traditional Bengali. Resplendent in gold and pearl jewellery, and a richly embroidered red Benarasi silk saaree—both staples of a traditional Bengali wedding—Ellora was a vision of tranquil beauty and a wedding photographer’s dream. 

Bengali weddings are culturally rich, and underneath the veil of strict rituals, love and romance are truly honoured. Take the slender shidoorer kouto for example, which the bride will carry with her throughout the ceremony, is a silent prayer for the longevity of the groom’s life as well as a long and happy marriage. Photographed in Ellora’s hands, the shidoorer kouto is as elegant as ever. The shankha-pawla, the shidoor, the mehendi, all carry traditional significance—they are in prayer for a long, peaceful marriage. The headgear that Ellora wore is typical to Bengali weddings. Called topor, it is made of sholapith, and worn by both the bride and groom, though the styles vary for each. 

As wedding makeup go, she kept hers elegant and low-key and it truly brought out her gorgeously dark eyes. The chandan detailing on her forehead is part of the Bengali wedding traditions and she was indeed all the more charming for it.  

Ellora made a stunningly elegant bride and it was a joy to photograph her.

	by Sristi Gayen Slice of Life Pictures © Slice of Life - Pictures 2018