Nashville Indian Wedding Celebration - Aparna and Shiv

Give me all the color and all the wedding traditions. Aparna and Shiv were married last year at Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville in a glorious Indian wedding celebration. Besides the couple, the outfits, the henna, the flowers, the music, the traditions, Shiv’s Jordans, and the food, my absolute favorite part of the day was the baraat. Traditionally the groom processes in on his own but Aparna and Shiv did it their own way and they entered together standing out of a jeep. Music courtesy of DJ Jay ATL was thumping out of the back of an open sprinter van while guests walking next to vehicle danced and waved ribbons. The atmosphere was so joyful that I would say it was one of my top favorite 5 things I’ve ever photographed. There were three gorgeous outfit changes and the florals were out of this world. Wait until you see the mandap! The reception had enormous crystal “chandeliers” suspended over the tables. It was a work of art by Elliott Events and Bloom. Aparna and Shiv were the sweetest couple and so much fun to work with. It was a pleasure to work with them and their families. Please enjoy a few of my favorite images. We photographed for 15 hours so there were A LOT of images! Vendors are listed below.

Here are a few more Indian inspired weddings-
Country Music Hall of Fame - Kari & Devin
Kimpton Aertson Hotel - Cynthia & David
Nelson Green Brier Distillery - Shirley & Sean

Special thanks to their vendors -
Planning & Design: Elliott Events
Venue: Country Music Hall of Fame
Hair and Makeup: Canvas and Coif
Florals: Bloom
DJ: DJ Jazz ATL
Calligraphy: White Ink Calligraphy
Hotel: Omni Nashville

Hindu Christian Country Music Hall of Fame Wedding - Kari & Devin

My last wedding of 2019 was with the fantastic Kari & Devin! Another one of my Vanderbilt Residency Squad, Kari and Devin are THE CUTEST. The couple had their wedding and reception at Country Music Hall of Fame in downtown Nashville. The ceremony was a mixture of Christian and Hindu traditions and had so many beautiful moments to photograph. The reception with its colors and mandap was a stunning nod to Devin’s Indian heritage. Wait until you see BOTH of Kari’s dresses. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect couple to end out my year with. Congratulations to Kari and Devin. Please enjoy their Hindu Christian Country Music Hall of Fame Wedding Sneak Peek!

Special Thanks to their Vendors-
Planning, Design, & Florals: Elliott Events
Venue: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Hair & Makeup: MHD Beauty
Cake: Katelin Hayes Desserts
DJ: DJ Adam
Officiant: Ralph Griggs
Stationery: Dear Addie

Green Brier Distillery Wedding- Shirley & Sean

Shirley and Sean were married this past Friday at Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery in Nashville, TN. My favorite Staten Island bride got ready at Noelle downtown and their wedding followed at the Distillery. The couple met on Thanksgiving when Shirley, who was Sean’s sister’s neighbor, showed up for dinner. Sean was pretty much instantly smitten. Their wedding day was the perfect mix of family, close friends, and lots of laughing. One of the most touching parts was during the ceremony when Sean, Shirley, and Sean’s sons took a family pledge. It was such a great way to involve the boys. I am so glad that I got to work with these lovely people and their wonderful families. Please enjoy their Green Brier Distillery Wedding Sneak Peek!

Special Thanks to Their Vendors:
Planning: Julie with Randi Events
Getting Ready: Noelle
Venue: Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery
Hair & Makeup: Laura Beth Boles of Darling Salon
Florals: Branching Out
Catering: Dream Events & Catering
Desserts: Dulce Desserts
Rentals: Music City Tents
DJ: Entertain!
Officiant: Rich Events
Lighting: Nashville Audio Visual
Calligraphy: White Ink Calligraphy

Sneak Peek Bengali-American Wedding Weekend - Tanya & Asad

There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that these two are madly in love. As soon as they look at each other, they light up. This past weekend I was very fortunate to photograph two of the days of their wedding celebration. Saturday night was the Gaye Holud. During the Gaye holud, gifts are brought to the bride and groom (including their wedding attire), tumeric is rubbed on their faces and sweets are hand fed to them by their relatives. All of this was done as a beautification process for their reception the next day. 

Sunday was their reception. And with the help of Angela Proffitt, the couple added their personal touch to their decor. Their centerpieces centered around their love for sci-fi and video games, quotes on their favor boxes came from well loved movies, video games, etc., and their music although it most of it sounded like chamber music, was actually some of their favorite rock songs. Sunday also included the traditional gate ceremony where the bride's family blocked the groom and his family from entering the hall. His family had to bid on his behalf in order for him to enter in to the reception see his bride. They paid and pushed their way through only for Asad's shoes to be stolen by the bride's family. To get the shoes, he had to pay for them. I don't think he ever did!

Working with this bride and groom and their immediate and extended families was incredible. They were some of the nicest and kindest people that I have ever encountered and I don't think I have ever been asked if I have eaten so much in my life....which if you know me, that is my love language. I also love color so this was a dream come true. There was honestly some of the most beautiful clothing I have ever seen. Thank you so much for including me in your wedding weekend.

Special thanks to the vendors:
Planning & Design: Angela Proffitt
Venue: Hilton Downtown Nashville
Florals: Lauren Marie Atkinson
Drape: Visual Elements
Lighting: Nashville Event Lighting
Linens: BBJ Linen
Seating: Please Be Seated
Hair & Makeup Sunday Reception: Karissa Paige Beauty
Dessert: Ivey Cakes
 

Day Two - The Reception & Gate Ceremony