Indian Wedding Photography in Seattle

 

While growing up, I always noticed the same style of Indian weddings photos, and I felt like they never fully captured the cultural essence or traditions the way I saw and experienced them. While they may have done a great job of making the couple look like Bollywood stars, everything felt too ‘posed’ for me.  One of the greatest joys during  my photography experience has been the chance to develop relationships with my couples, and to photograph them in a unique way that brings out and captures real emotion. Real emotion has power. It makes you feel.

I love the emotion and feelings at multicultural weddings. (It’s truly an honor to photograph them) These are opportunities to share Indian culture, and at the same time, welcome new traditions into our lives. After all, we learn and grow through open hearts.

Preetma & Brian (two incredible friends) celebrated their modern Indian wedding at the Renton Gurdwara. After the ceremony, we drove into the majestic Cascade Mountains to create some beautiful photos where Preetma wore her red lehenga, and Brian wore a groom’s achkan sherwani with a red turban. Their traditional Indian outfits gave these photos a special (magical) feeling, especially when the fog and misty rain rolled in…

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A huge thanks to Brian and Preetma for the opportunity to photograph their beautiful Indian wedding!

 

Here are a few more reasons to love the Pacific Northwest – the awesome people, delicious coffee, and the breath-taking scenery.  These engagement photos in Bellingham took us to the beautiful Whatcom Falls Park where we walked a top large boulders, next to a huge waterfall, and through some incredible Evergreen trees.

 

 

Although their families had the official engagement ceremony, which is typical within Indian tradition, Sunny was waiting for the perfect opportunity for a surprise proposal.  When Jasmin was turned away from him, he got down on his knee and pulled out the ring and that’s when she turned around completely surprised!

 

 

For those who grew up in the Pacific Northwest, we know that a little rain is no big deal, especially when you’re prepared with an awesome red umbrella.

 

 

 

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A huge thanks to Sunny and Jasmin for being so awesome, and to my brother, Tanvir, for his help during this session!

 

Trees. Horses. Mountains. Fields. Ocean. Architecture. Sunset. This Bellingham engagement session had it all…

…we ventured into the heartland of Whatcom County- from the ocean waters of Bellingham Bay to the horses & green pastures of the county. Having grown up in that area, it was an extra special treat to photograph there – especially with this awesome, loving couple! They made it so fun!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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With over 500 guests, Nita and Aaron’s Indian Wedding Sangeet was a party not to be missed!  Family and friends gathered at Fisher Pavilion (Seattle Center) for a celebration of music, singing, dancing, and mendhi (henna).  There was even a belly dance performance!

An Indian Wedding Sangeet is an evening of celebration prior to the marriage.  During the Sangeet, women sing traditional folk songs, joke around with the bride, apply mendhi (henna) to their hands, and do a lot of dancing!

I wanted these photographs to capture the spirit of the evening. Many guests traveled from Canada, Portland, and other cities around the United States.  Kristina and I had a fun time photographing all the happy faces that evening.  Everyone was dressed so nicely, and Fisher Pavilion was filled with bright, beautiful colors.

There are a lot of photos for this blog post…but I really wanted to show the fun memories of the night. I hope that by looking through these photos, viewers are able to experience the energy, joy, and excitement of the Sangeet.

Kristina and I had a fun time taking portraits with the soon-to-be bride and groom, Nita and Aaron.

Fisher Pavilion was an awesome venue. It was large enough to hold all the guests, and once decorated, it looked beautiful!

Guests had a fun time mingling during the cocktail hour. We were able to get a bunch of great photos of all the happy faces!

It was super cool to see friends from past weddings.  Above:  Runeet, Mayank & Family,  and Mick, Karen & Family

Prior the wedding, the women apply artistic mendhi to their hands as decoration for the upcoming wedding.

The photographs below show the beginning of the Jaggo.  Traditionally in India, the Jaggo is started by the mother’s side of the family, on the night before the wedding.  A decorated brass pot (gaggar) is decorated with oil-lit candles and placed on top of the head.  The ladies dress up in colorful outfits and begin walking through the streets of the village.  While walking through the village, they carry long sticks with bells, which lets everybody know about the upcoming wedding.   The Guggar is passed from one person to another as they sing and dance.

Although Nita and Aaron’s Jaggo did not occur on the streets of Seattle, we had a very fun time in side the Pavilion.  In the photo’s below, you can see how the decorated pot is passed from one person to another.   It’s a very loud and energetic ceremony, and sets the tone for the upcoming wedding festivities.

After the Jaggo, the dance floor opened up and everyone had a blast!

Thank you Nita and Aaron, and your families, for giving me the opportunity to photograph your amazing wedding Sangeet. It was such a pleasure to celebrate this evening with you, and I wish you both the very best!

 

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