It warms my heart to talk about these two and remember their day [correction: “days”] of celebration. While they may say otherwise about themselves, they were super laid back with us, and I believe it was because they trusted me.
Their trust meant the world to us, because it gave us complete freedom to create beautiful artwork for them.
While I was the Lead Creative for their multi-day wedding celebration, Brett (Making The Moment’s Creative Director aka my boss) was the secondary photographer and under my creative lead…. I can’t tell you how fun it is to say that basically, I was Brett’s boss for this entire event 😀
Marcus also aided in covering one of the many events between Thursday and Saturday, so Brett and I could stay fresh and energized. I’m super proud of how our creative team took care of Karen and Nikhil and couldn’t ask for better teammates.
Everyone was bubbly (yes, bubbly) at the Mehndi. Friends and family members enjoyed each other’s company and decorated each other’s palms with henna.
Every time I photograph a Mehndi, I get crazy jealous of all the beautiful henna around me. Some day I would love to learn this art form myself and give it to others. The designs are beautifully symbolic and intricate.
Both Nikhil and Karen had Pujas the morning after the Mehndi.
Their mornings were filled with many different ceremonies, meant to prepare the couple in different ways for marriage …
… and honor what is important to them and their families.
Karen (in case you’re blind) I hope you know; you’re freaking gorgeous.
Brett and I had fun hanging out with Karen and Nikhil before their Raas-Garba. Knowing how busy they had been and much busier it was going to get, it felt nice to create at a relaxed pace.
One of the things I love most about Indian weddings is the dancing.
Dancing is my love language, and I love that Indian wedding celebrations use that to celebrate each other.
This little guy became our favorite because he loved the camera, and adores Karen.
Since Karen and Nikhil had 4 outfit changes, we took care to photograph their details well. Bridal and groom details are one of my favorite things to photograph, which is another reason I adore the uniqueness of Indian weddings.
Let’s take a moment and compare the ladies getting ready to the guys getting ready.
Ladies: On fleek, taking seflies, and looking amazing.
Guys: Practicing their tiger claw, because that’s what happens when Brett directs you and half your groomsmen are, um … bubbly … 😀
Saturday mornings are always bumping with the Barat. Legit, if I ever get married, I am coming in with my entourage of family and friends having a party around me. What better way to walk into your wedding?
The guys definitely succeeded in stealing Nikhil’s shoes. The police may or may not have gotten involved …
Needless to say, their mandap and wedding ceremony was beautifully decorated.
We like capturing Indian ceremonies uniquely by illustrating depth and utilizing multiple angles as the ceremony unfolds.
The most entertaining part of their wedding was when the women tried to “steal” Nikhil’s nose. After dodging her for a couple minutes, to the pleasure of the audience, Karen’s mom finally grabbed his nose.
It was so sweet to witness their affection for each other throughout the day.
After the wedding ceremony, guests returned to their rooms to nap and prepare for the reception. It was endearing to capture Karen and Nikhil getting ready in the same room.
Since we were running short on time, we made use of a hotel lounge that Nikhil’s cousin had recently built. The window light was killer, as it made for some of my favorite images.
That bow-tie image was specifically one of their favorites that they’re looking forward to hanging.
The Champagne Ballroom at Lacentre never disappoints with its chandeliers and uplighting.
Their reception details were perfect …
… and the speeches were full of blessings and inside jokes.
Karen and Nikhil’s wedding was so full, of everything – color, dancing, laughter, life, etc. Everyone brought it.
Everyone simply enjoyed each other.
It’s one of the weddings I’ve shared the most with my friends, because at the end of the night, when I approached Nikhil and Karen, and asked, “Is there anything else you’d like me to do for you,” and they said ….
“Yea, put your equipment away and come dance with us!”
And that’s why I love my clients. They invite me into the party with them. We’ve actually formed a trust and relationship where they feel comfortable enough to tell me to stop working and dance with them. So. Freaking. Awesome.
Karen and Nikhil, we love you two. It’s been fun getting to know you over the last year. Looking forward to keeping in touch =) Welcome to the married life!
