Indian Wedding Photography Archives

Sacred Thread Ceremony Photographer | Mohan Family

Upanayanam Photographer MN

Archana and her family hired me to capture photos of their son’s Upanayanam (Sacred Thread ceremony) at the Hindu Temple of Minnesota in Maple Grove. The day arrived and I was raring to go – I always love seeing the beauty and splendor of Hindu and Indian ceremonies! We started outdoors capturing photos of the family members that had assembled for the big day. Then afterward it was on to the big event inside the temple.

Hindu Temple Upanayanam Ceremony

The ceremony took place on the stage in the Temple under their beautifully designed mandap. There were flowers and brightly colored drapes everywhere. And seeing everyone’s beautiful saris and Indian dress was so much fun! My finger barely had time to rest as I captured the entire ceremony as well as the family and friends that had gathered to watch. And little Advaith was such a champ – he seemed to be having a great time, full of smiles and laughs as he kept up with the ceremonial events happening around him. A beautiful banana leaf lunch was served after the ceremony for family and friends to spend time together and celebrate the big day. The entire family stayed for the fun well into the evening.

Thank You!

Thank you, Mohan family, for working with me for Advaith’s Sacred Thread Ceremony. I had so much fun working with you at the big event, and I am thrilled that you love your photos!

If you’d like to work together for your child’s Sacred Thread Ceremony, give me a call or send me an email soon!

BONUS: Be sure to take a look at other Indian + Hindu events I have photographed including Vishana + Brian’s beautiful Vishnu Mandir wedding, Madina + Omkar’s backyard Hindu wedding and spectacular St Paul Hotel wedding reception, and Rachel + Nishant’s Hindu Temple of Minnesota wedding too.

Profile Event Center Indian Reception Photography | Vishana + Brian

By Joanna Carina

Indian Wedding Reception

Vishana + Brian were planning for a spectacular Indian wedding celebration as they begin their new lives together. Their wedding ceremony was held at Vishnu Mandir, their family temple, the day before. They held their wedding reception the next day at the Profile Event Center. The second day was as gorgeous as the first!

Profile Event Center Wedding Reception

We began the day with preparation at the Profile. Once Vishana + Brian held their first look, we headed over to the Stone Arch Bridge for wedding party photos. We had an awesome time walking around the riverfront and capturing the two of them, as well as their wedding party together.

After we were finished, we headed back to the Profile for the cocktail hour and then grand march into the big event. Toasts were given and they cut their cake after dinner. Then there was tons of fun afterward with dancing, a bouquet toss and garter toss, and they partied well into the night.

Thank You!

Vishana + Brian, thank you so much for including me as your Indian wedding photographer for your beautiful event. I am so happy for you both as you begin your new lives together!

BONUS: Be sure to take a look at Vishana + Brian’s beautiful Vishnu Mandir wedding photos too!

BONUS 2: Also take a look at Vishana + Brian’s beautiful MN Landscape Arboretum engagement photos too!

BONUS 3: Also be sure to check out other Indian wedding receptions I have photographed, including Rachel + Nishant’s Mississippi Gardens wedding reception and Madina + Omkar’s St Paul Hotel wedding reception too!

Be sure to take a peek at Vishana + Brian’s slideshow for more photos too!

VENDORS
Venue: Profile Event Center
Wedding Dress: Annika Bridal
Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie.com
Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Wedding Rings: Jared’s
Florist: Profile Event Center
Catering: Profile Event Center
Cake: Profile Event Center
Musicians: DJ Leon D
Invitations: Minted
Videography: Videography of MN

Vishnu Mandir Indian Wedding Photography | Vishana + Brian

By Joanna Carina

Indian Wedding Day

Vishana + Brian were planning for a spectacular Indian wedding celebration as they begin their new lives together. We began their day at Vishnu Mandir, their family temple, for their wedding ceremony. They both prepared beforehand, then were driven over by family members. The events begin right in the parking lot with music and welcoming Brian and his family into the temple by Vishana’s family.

We then headed indoors for some of Brian’s ceremonies. Then Vishana emerged with her family for the women’s ceremonies. When she was finished, she left to change, and then Brian came into the temple for his ceremonies.

Vishnu Mandir Hindu Wedding

Once Brian was finished, Vishana came out in her traditional red dress. They both completed their ceremonies together and with their families. Afterward, they were serenaded with a choreographed dance from their cousins. And then they had their beautiful couch and backdrop to have photos with family and friends. Once those were complete, they quickly ate their dinners before heading out to their cars and off to Brian’s home to bring Vishana in and end the day’s festivities.

Thank You!

Vishana + Brian, thank you so much for including me as your Indian wedding photographer for your beautiful event. I am so happy for you both as you begin your new lives together!

BONUS: Be sure to take a look at Vishana + Brian’s beautiful Profile Event Center wedding reception photos too!

BONUS 2: Also take a look at Vishana + Brian’s beautiful MN Landscape Arboretum engagement photos too!

BONUS 3: Check out other Indian weddings I have photographed, including Rachel + Nishant’s Hindu Temple of Minnesota wedding and Madina + Omkar’s home Indian wedding. Also take a peek at the Mohan family’s Upanayanam ceremony at Hindu Temple of MN too!

Be sure to take a peek at Vishana + Brian’s slideshow for more photos too!

VENDORS
Venue: Vishnu Mandir
Wedding Dress: Annika Bridal
Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie.com
Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Wedding Rings: Jared’s
Officiant: Pandit Doobay
Florist: Profile Event Center
Catering: Vishnu Mandir
Cake: Profile Event Center
Musicians: DJ Leon D
Invitations: Minted
Videography: Videography of MN

Hindu Temple MN Indian Wedding Photography | Rachael + Nishant

By Joanna Carina

Indian Wedding Photography

Rachael + Nishant met in Georgia through friends several years ago. She was from Minnesota and he was from New York. Once they got engaged, they decided upon on a Hindu/Christian fusion wedding. A fusion wedding is essentially two different weddings, one for each person’s culture. I was so honored to have been chosen as their Indian wedding photographer!

The Hindu portion of their wedding day was held at the beautiful Hindu Temple of Minnesota. The day began with Nishant’s Baarat – he rode in on a white horse amidst celebratory music and dancing with his friends and relatives. Once they arrived at the Temple entrance, they were welcomed by Rachael’s family. Her family escorted Nishant to the Mandap inside the Hindu Temple. After Nishant’s portion of the ceremony, Rachael was escorted to the Mandap by her brothers.

Hindu Wedding Ceremony

The beautiful Indian wedding ceremony proceeded with exchanging of garlands, knotting their sari and scarf together, and circling the sacred fire. They moved on to their seven wedding vows, a special groom’s promise, and then exchanging of rings and a final blessing. They were now officially married! We quickly followed with formal family photos, wedding party photos, and photos of Rachael+Nishant in their beautiful Hindu wedding outfits.

We then had time to have some fun photographing the wedding party with brightly colored smoke bombs. Afterward, we captured Rachael+Nishant alone by the Hindu Temple’s golden doors and more smoke bombs. Everything looked so amazing! The Hindu portion of their wedding day was now over, and they headed back to their hotel for some rest and also to begin preparing for the second part of their day – their Christian wedding ceremony. Take a look at their Leopold’s Mississippi Garden wedding photos too!

Thank You!

Thank you, Rachael + Nishant, for including me as your wedding photographer for your absolutely spectacular wedding day! I am so honored to have gotten to know you, and I wish you every happiness in your new lives together!

Are you considering an Indian wedding? Contact me soon to see if we’d be a great fit to work together!

BONUS: Be sure to take a look at other Indian weddings I have photographed including Vishana + Brian’s beautiful Vishnu Mandir wedding photos, Madina + Omkar’s backyard Hindu wedding and Madina + Omakar’s spectacular St Paul Hotel wedding reception. Also take a peek at the Mohan family’s Upanayanam ceremony at Hindu Temple of MN too!

Take a look at their slideshow too!

VENDORS
Venue: Hindu Temple of Minnesota
Wedding Planner: Kerry Hollenback, The Simply Elegant Group
Catering: India House
Florist: Tulips and a Kiss
Rentals: Avant, Apres
Hair/Makeup: Warpaint International
Transportation: Northfield Lines

Como Park Indian Wedding Photography | Madina + Omkar

By Joanna Carina

Minneapolis Indian Wedding Photography

Today is part four in my blog series about Madina + Omkar’s spectacular Indian wedding celebration. Take a look at their Muslim wedding photography, Indian wedding photography and St Paul Hotel wedding reception photography!

Como Park Indian Wedding Photography

Madina + Omkar did not have enough time during their Indian wedding celebration for us to capture their couple portraits. They were originally hoping to sneak some time in between other activities. Unfortunately, it was just not possible. We decided to have one more portrait session of them together in their stunning Indian wedding attire.

Minneapolis Indian Wedding Photography

Both Madina + Omkar were adorned in magnificent, custom-designed garments. The garments were made with materials from six different countries, and produced in India. Madina + Omkar were so happy and relaxed during our session. So happy after their wedding festivities and being newly married. They still had so much to do. Madina was moving in with Omkar, and they were planning their Hawaiian-Californian honeymoon. They were excited to be able to capture their portraits together in a more relaxed session.

Como Park was perfect that day. The sky had a bit of cloud cover to create dramatic lighting. We spent time near the beautiful waterfall, fountain, bridge, and trees. We had so much fun creating beautiful images of them together.

Thank You!

Madina + Omkar, I want to thank you so much for including me as your wedding photographer in your magnificent Indian wedding celebration. I am so honored to have met you and your families, and for having witnessed the love shared by all of you. I am so grateful to be included in your beautiful wedding ceremonies, and happy for the two of you as you begin your new lives together. Best wishes for every happiness in life!

If you’d like to talk more about working with me at Como Park for your wedding photography, or you are having an Indian wedding, contact me soon!

St Paul Hotel Indian Wedding Photography | Madina + Omkar

By Joanna Carina

Minneapolis Indian Wedding Photography

Today is part three of my blog series on Madina + Omkar’s spectacular Indian wedding photography celebration. Make sure to take a look at the other blogs posts. Part one features their Muslim wedding ceremony. And part two shows their Hindu wedding ceremony.

Saint Paul Hotel Wedding Photography

Madina + Omkar held their Indian wedding reception at the St Paul Hotel. Madina prepped in the L’Etoile Suite and Omkar in another room of the beautiful hotel. Omkar wore a sharp black and white tux, while Madina wore a magnificent custom gown with lace and crystals throughout.

Once the two of them were ready, we took them across the street to Rice Park for their first look and portraits, followed by group photos. Then we were able to head back to the St Paul Hotel for their gorgeous reception. And really, the word “gorgeous” is such an understatement. It was truly a jaw-dropping, opulent event!

Saint Paul Hotel Wedding Reception

Madina + Omkar’s reception was held in the St Paul Hotel ballroom. Walking into the room, I think my eyes popped right out of my head! The center of the room featured their stunning, gold-adorned, six-tiered wedding cake. The tables were set so elegantly with custom menu cards, gold chargers, and floral centerpieces. The lighting featured ornate gobos on the ceiling as well as a custom gobo with their names and monogram. They included six different color changes throughout the evening. And the pinnacle of the room was the custom-built pergola over Madina + Omkar’s sweetheart table. It was draped in gold fabric and topped with live flowers. Inside was a gorgeous crystal chandalier. Simply spectacular!

After dinner, Madina + Omkar received numerous toasts, love and blessings from their guests. The two of them gave thanks for everyones’ support and love through the years. So many tears of joy! The toasts were followed by Madina + Omkar’s first dance, then their parent dances as well as an anniversary dance. Then they were able to dance the night away.

Thank You!

Such a fun day with Madina + Omkar as their Indian wedding photographer! Stay tuned to my next blog post which features their beautiful Como Park wedding portraits.

Will you be having an Indian wedding? Or a reception at The Saint Paul Hotel? Contact me to talk about how we could work together!

BONUS: Be sure to take a look at some other Indian wedding receptions I have photographed including Rachel + Nishant’s Mississippi Gardens wedding reception and Vishana + Brian’s Profile Event Center wedding reception. Also take a peek at the Mohan family’s Upanayanam ceremony at Hindu Temple of MN too!

Check out the video showing their entire stunning wedding extravaganza:

VENDORS
Venue/Catering: The Saint Paul Hotel
Wedding Coordinator: Mani Mela
Bride’s Wedding Gowns: Custom Designed
Bride’s Shoes: Christian Louboutin
Hair/Makeup: Nicole Fae Makeup Studio
Wedding Rings: Shane Company
Wedding Invitation: Custom Designed by Bride and Indian Invitation Designer
Florist: Richfield Floral
Rentals: Midway Party Rental, Cici Events
Cake: Queen of Cakes
Videography: B&M Video Productions
Lighting: Instant Request
DJ: Safraz

Minneapolis Indian Wedding Photography | Madina + Omkar

By Joanna Carina

Indian Wedding Photography

Today is part two of my series on Madina + Omkar’s spectacular Indian wedding photography celebration. Take a look at part one featuring their Muslim wedding photography.

Minneapolis Indian Wedding Preparations

Madina + Omkar’s Hindu wedding began as they made preparations at their respective family homes. Omkar dressed in a custom embellished coat, hat, shoes and sword. He then partook in an Imli Ghontai ceremony. Then his Barat (he and his wedding party) headed over to Madina’s family home.

Madina’s preparations began as she donned a gorgeous custom pink sari with matching silver and crystal jewelry. Shortly afterward, Omkar’s motorcade Barat arrived in a din of joyfully honking cars and Indian music. Once Omkar arrived, he and his family were welcomed by Madina’s family. The Hindu priest led a series of welcoming ceremonies. Madina’s family then led the party to the site of the wedding ceremony for another welcoming ceremony.

Indian Wedding Beginning

Madina and her mother started their ceremony with the priest in the stunning back yard Mandap. After their own Imli Ghontai ceremony, they completed several other ceremonies. Then Madina and her mother headed back inside to change into her next dress. This time Madina donned a custom embellished yellow sari and matching gold and crystal jewelry.

As Madina was indoors, Omkar took his place in the Mandap to begin his Hindu wedding ceremonies. After these were completed, Madina’s family went inside to summon her. She came out in an entourage of relatives, and hidden by an embellished cloth. As she arrived at the Mandap, the cloth was removed. Madina + Omkar were then able to see each other for the first time that day, and they cracked huge smiles!

Minneapolis Indian Wedding Ceremony

Once they were together in the Mandap, the priest led them through several Hindu ceremonies. They tied together the ends of their garments, poured holy water through their hands, walked around a sacred fire, and exchanged flowers and rings. They received many blessings from family and friends.

Once their Indian wedding ceremony was complete, Madina + Omkar were able to receive their guests’ well-wishes. They took time out for group photos and enjoyed the amazing Indian feast.

Indian Wedding Ceremony Completion

As soon as they were finished, Madina left to change into her next gown. She donned a stunning, custom-made, exquisitely-ornate red dress. It was paired with gold and red jewelry. Six different countries provided handwork and materials for this dress! The two of them then left Madina’s family home with much love and fanfare. They headed back to Omkar’s family home for more celebrations. Her family continued their celebrations through the day.

Thank You!

What an amazing Indian wedding celebration! Everything was so spectacular. I loved the honor of witnessing such beautiful traditions as their wedding photographer. Take a look at the remaining blog posts about Madina + Omkar’s spectacular St Paul Hotel reception and Como Park wedding portraits.

Want to discuss the photography for your Indian wedding celebration with me? Contact me soon!

BONUS: Be sure to take a look at some other Indian weddings I have photographed including Rachel + Nishant’s Hindu Temple of Minnesota wedding ceremony and Vishana + Brian’s Vishnu Mandir wedding ceremony. Also take a peek at the Mohan family’s Upanayanam ceremony at Hindu Temple of MN too!

Watch the highlight reel from their multi-day spectacular wedding extravaganza:

Mendakota Country Club Wedding Photography | Bobby + Susan

By Joanna Carina

Mendakota Country Club Wedding Photography

They met half a world away while stationed in Afghanistan. He is a dentist and she is a doctor. When they returned to the States, Bobby went home to Minnesota and Susan went to Washington DC to finish out her service. They maintained a long-distance relationship for several years, but once Susan’s service time was ending, they decided to get married and settle down in Minnesota.

Church of St Joseph Wedding Photography

Bobby + Susie worked with me for their Church of St Joseph and Mendakota Country Club wedding photos. Their guests hailed from all over the country, including some from Susan’s original home of Delaware. They also had many military friends, as well as guests from around the world. Susan’s father even found the beautiful saris that the bridesmaids wore on his frequent visits to India. And Susan wore beautiful Indian henna art on her hands.