Corporate Event Photographer London | Christine Constantine Photography

“Thanks so much for coming to cover the event and thanks for sharing the pictures so quickly. I have successfully downloaded them and they look wonderful! I would love to work with you again and so will be in touch with any future London-based events I am in charge of!” Sophia Blandy

The Delfina Foundation 15th Anniversary Event Photography

It's always a pleasure to be working with young talented individuals and emerging artists. And that is exactly what the Delfina Foundations seeks to promote. Based in the heart of London, Delfina Foundation is an independent, non-profit foundation dedicated to facilitating artistic exchange and developing creative practice through residencies, partnerships and public programming.

Event Photography for Sara Berman and Luella Bartley’s opening night at Kristin Hjellegjerde’s Gallery in South London.

Event Photography at the Greek Ambassador’s Residence in Mayfair for NEON Greece.

Event Photography for Hoxton-based Media Company Courier

Event Photography for Mosi O Tunya Gallery in Holland Park

Zara's Fabulous Mehndi Party

A Mehndi party is a pre-wedding party for the bride and her closest female friends and family members. Centering around the application of the bridal mehndi, or henna design, to their hands and feet—it is one of the most colourful and festive celebrations in both Muslim and Hindu cultures.

As a London wedding photographer it was a dream come true to capture this colourful and joyous celebration.

The History and Meaning of the Mehndi Party

Mehndi, also known as henna, is a dye made from Lawsonia inermis, the henna plant. According the culture, mehndi also has medicinal properties. Its cooling properties provides relief from stress, fever, and headaches, so it is said to calm the bride’s nerves when applied to their hands and feet.

For thousands of years, mehndi has also been used as a form of body art. This is why the Mehndi party is often held the day before the wedding—to beautify and bless the bride before her big day. In Hindu tradition, mehndi is part of the sixteen bridal adornments, which is a ritual for the beautification of the bride from head to toe at the time of their wedding. Mehndi is also encouraged in the Muslim tradition as a hair dye or to beautify hands.

Apparently the darker the stain of the mehndi, the more love the bride will receive from their partner and in-laws. Brides were also told that they shouldn’t do any housework for as long as the stain lasts, which can be up to two to three weeks if natural henna is used.

What Happens at a Mehndi Party

A Mehndi party is a night of fun with lots of food, music, and dancing. Traditionally, the bride parents host the party. Intricate henna patterns are applied to the bride’s (and guests) hands and feet during the event. In modern times, the bride often opts to have a henna artist come to her home before the actual Mehndi party.

The event often starts with a grand entrance to drumming. Guests feed the soon-to-be couple all types of sweets. Brides and grooms perform choreographed dance performances with close family and friends that are often rehearsed for months. The dances are a form of friendly competition between both sides of the family. Women often sit on the ground in front of the couple singing songs and playing the dhol (a type of drum) surrounded by colorful throw pillows and decorations. Bhangra music is commonly played and the dancing can continue for several hours.

At Zara’s mehndi party her husband-to-be Jon also joined in the party. The tradition of the groom’s shoes being stolen for a fee on their return, was also incorporated into the celebrations.

Mehndi Party Photography

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Want great Mehndi Party Photography? Get in touch!

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St Mary's Greek Orthodox Church Christening Photography | Camberwell | South London

St Mary’s Greek Orthodox Cathedral is one of the oldest Greek Orthodox Church in South London. It was originally built for the Catholic Church in 1876, and the original structure was much larger than it is today. Sadly much of it was destroyed in the Second World War. In 1963 it was taken over by the Greek Orthodox Church and as a Greek Orthodox Christening Photographer based in nearby Clapham, I was delighted to be asked to capture baby Tommy’s Christening there. Here are my favourite images from the day..

Christening Details

Christening photographers LOVE details and I’m no exception..

Greek Christening Photography in St Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church

I was also delighted to be asked to be baby number 2’s Christening Photographer too!!

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See more Greek Christening photography here..

Christine Constantine Photography

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