Chandu & Ecaterina | Traditional Indian & American Wedding

I was honored to capture these soulmates proposal at the Castle Hill Lighthouse in Newport, RI. Chandu was born and raised in India and Ecaterina is from Moldova. Their cultures, and religious beliefs are truly diverse but they are united by loving families with strong family values and a common desire to find beauty in the life they share. I couldn’t be more excited to photograph their wedding. They combined two weddings in one. Their traditional Indian ceremony took place at Sri Lakshmi Temple located in Ashland, MA and after they had a traditional American ceremony with justice of the peace at North Beach Clubhouse, Narragansett, RI.

In Indian culture, marriage symbolizes not just the sacred union of two individuals, but of the coming together of two families and extended families as well. Indian weddings are traditionally multi-day affairs, and involve many intricate ceremonies, such as the painting of the hands and feet of the bride called a mehndi. Garlands are presented to guests of honor instead of corsages, and lots of flower or rose petalsare thrown for good luck. With so much of color, vibrancy, food, people, rituals, music, fun and frolic, the Indian wedding is truly a festival in itself!