Audra + Rahul’s beautiful traditional Indian wedding in Charleston was definitely one for the books.  I absolutely LOVE everything about South Asian/Indian weddings… the colors, the attire, the music, the food, the traditions, the rituals, the family element, the dancing.  There really is nothing like it and if I could specialize in shooting only South Asian weddings, I totally would!!  I feel so blessed to have been able to be a part of this amazing celebration and to document it all for Audra + Rahul’s families.  Seeing them come together and blend their cultures together was truly a highlight of my year.

Their wedding weekend started with the Mehndi party, where Audra and her family + friends celebrated the beginning of the wedding festivities and received henna designs.  The following day, Audra + Rahul had a family prayer in the morning – followed by the Sangeet.  I absolutely loved being a part of the Sangeet – which is a tradition that celebrates the union of two families.  The evening was filled with incredible food, amazing music, and plenty of dancing – including several choreographed dances performed for Audra + Rahul!  I just loved the atmosphere at the Sangeet – it really set the tone for their wedding celebration the next day.

Audra + Rahul’s wedding day started with the Baraat, which is probably my favorite part of an Indian wedding.  I think EVERY wedding should have a Baraat!!  This amazing ritual is a celebratory wedding processional for the groom that features music and dancing.  Joined by his family + friends, Rahul made his way from the front of the hotel to the ceremony site while traditional Indian music played loudly and everyone danced in procession.  The energy and celebration during the Baraat is something incredibly special and I just loved being a part of it all!

After the Baraat, Audra’s family met Rahul and his family at the mandap, where the traditional Indian ceremony began.  Throughout the hour+ long ceremony, many rituals were performed, including the kanya aagaman (Audra’s formal reveal down the aisle), the jai mala (exchanging of floral garlands), the hasta melap (tying together of the groom’s scarf and bride’s sari to signify the binding together of two souls for a lifetime), the mangal phera (fire ceremony), and lastly the gifting of the mangalsutra necklace and sindhoor.  Each piece of the ceremony was filled with so much meaning and tradition – something I really love about photographing Indian weddings.

After their ceremony, Audra + Rahul changed into different outfits for their reception.  Rahul wore a black velvet tuxedo and Audra wore a cream colored dress she purchased on their trip to India.  The spent the night dancing with family + friends… the perfect ending to their weekend celebration.  Here are a few of my favorite images from Audra + Rahul’s Indian wedding in Charleston…

Wedding Photography: Dana Cubbage Weddings | Venue + Catering: Wild Dunes Resort | Planning + Design: Intrigue Events | Floral Design: Loluma | Wedding Dress: handmade in India | Hair + Makeup: Glam Squad by Shira | Bride’s Jewelry: custom from India | Groom’s Attire: handmade in India | Band: Emerald Empire Band | Stationery: Minted