Ganeshji

This is Ganesh, or Ganesha, or Ganeshji.

He is who I saw first when my husband and I started planning our wedding. Up until our engagement, I was hidden from his family. It was a HUGE step for him to choose an American wife over an Indian wife.

I wasn't very familiar with the Indian customs and was suddenly engulfed in them and the Hindu religion. This was honestly a scary time for me. I was completely terrified that I would dishonor his family in some way or say something completely ridiculous.

I found the way into the heart of his parents through religion. Each week I would attend pooja at their home, and I would sit and stare into Ganeshji's twinkling eyes. I found the courage to memorize a bhajan (hymn) that his mother would sing and one day asked if I could sing it. I think that might have been the moment they realized I was their's now.

When I ordered my wedding cards, it was only fitting to choose the most beautiful handmade cards from India with a gold leaf Ganeshji on each and every one. To this day they are the most beautiful cards I have ever seen.

At our wedding, this Ganesha tapestry hung on the wall. He is accented in gold sequins and beads and now hangs on the wall in my home. He is symbolic to my life, and I thank him for guiding me and my family. Our weddings...

The swirl was just a result of a slower shutter and me spinning the camera.