06-07-2008: A baraat (Wedding procession)

So, DJ Vinny rocks dhol now, thanks to DJ Sachin who got him into it. Sachin left his dhol for a long time with us so Vinny could practice and finally Vinny got his own dhol. Kalakendar dot com is a wonderful website to get percussion instruments. Their service was great, shipping was timely.

The wedding was at the Detroit Westin Hotel at the airport. Considering security, as far as you could carry an item in your hands open, they would allow it. We were skeptic coz we did not know if, the drum would have to go through security and such. It was no hassle.

The aroma of Idli/sambar and Upma was sailing through the lobby. We warmed up everyone and after some photoshoot, the baraat started. DJ Vinny took them down the escalators into the open lobby and called the family and friends one by one for some dhol fun. Now, dhol being so loud, the Westin management got 13 complaints that it was bothering them. Apparently if, you get 10 complaints an action is due. We were urged to wrap it up soon and so Vinny took them down another escalator for the Milni. I think the complaints were genuine coz, the guests could be so tired, crew rests there amidst flights, so, it was okay.

Airport weddings are cool, although there are some limitations such as you could not have a loud dhol for a long time, no horse is allowed for baraat such and such....but, your guests can arrive, rest and get ready right there for the wedding. It is very convenient as far as travelling goes. Oh and not to mention, the hotel staff, though being non-indian was all dressed in Sarees and did an excellent job in co-ordinating the event. They had another cool thing, a gobo projecting the bride and the groom's name in front of the escalators.

We rolled into Ann Arbor, had Bubble Tea at Bubble Island, yayyyyyy and picked a friend to go to the airport again. We picked his wife and child, who were coming from India and I captured a candid Canon moment. For a first timer, the flight from India is an overwhelming experience.

While driving back that night, we stopped by Hyatt at Dearborn to meet DJ Naveen. DJ Naveen was absolutely rocking the night on a wedding reception and the waves were seeping through the parking lot. We hung out for a little while there and headed back home.