Back to the collection
Christian . Kottayam, Kerala . January 2026
Riya Mathew and Alan Varghese
A nuptial mass at eight in the morning, and a minnu her mother had kept in a bank locker since 1994.
- Venue
- St. Mary's Church and a hall by the river
- Where
- Kottayam, Kerala, India
- When
- January 2026
- Guests
- about 400
- Coverage
- Two days. Engagement blessing, nuptial mass, reception.
- Collection
- The Film Story
Frames from the day
The nuptial mass at eight. Incense, and a choir loft full of her cousins who could actually sing.
The vows, then the rings, and her hands would not stay still for either.
The minnu tied on a thread drawn from the manthrakodi, which is the part her grandmother came to see.
The manthrakodi placed over her head by Alan, badly, twice, and then correctly.
Out through the church doors into rice and a great deal of shouting, and sadya on plantain leaves by one o'clock.