As physicians, Sarah and Jacob, met in the midst of the Pandemic in-full medical gear as they cared for COVID-19 patients in Chicago. Only a few months after first meeting each other in masks and scrubs, they invited me along their love journey and we started planning their two-part coastal California wedding. To maximize their wedding celebration, we planned a morning ceremony and a sunset reception. With the wedding ceremony being a fusion highlighting the couples cultures and traditions as Hindu and Malayali, we weaved their heritages throughout the aesthetic and design details.
Customizing the ceremony space and creating the altar was a fantastic challenge I welcomed with every bit of imagination. The ceremony color palette was rich with tradition, featuring bold reds, gleaming golds and touches of soft champagne. The ceremony aisle was lined with ikebana style floral arrangements that stood out against the glamorous gold caged chairs. The aisle came to life with color and fragrance as delicate jasmine petals and petite ruby red blooms carpeted the path of the processional.
Drawing inspiration from a customary mandap, I triplicated the structure to create an elongated pergola — allowing immersive seating for the wedding couples immediate family. The draped sheer curtains fell across the backside and sides to gently enclose the structure, while keeping it open-air. Flanking the ceremony cabana were welded cathedral arches with fluorescent bursts of florals in red, coral and apricot mimicking sun-soaked stained glass windows. An oversized peaked arch was centered at the altar, framing an elegant gold mirrored table that housed the bible and a gilded crucifix. At the foundation of the altar was the kunda, the sacred fire.
It was incredibly beautiful to see how the Catholic and Hindu customs were fused into one magnificent ceremony. In addition to the readings of bible scriptures and prayers, a number of sacred rituals were performed. The couple had both of their mothers complete “Hastamelap”, the pouring of sacred water over their hands. The soon-to-be newlyweds exchanged floral garlands, “Jai Mala” before having their garments tied together in “Granthi Bandhanam” symbolizing the joining of their souls. Perhaps one of the most recognized rituals was when the wedding couple completed “Saptapadi” by circling the flame seven times to establish friendship and their promised vows.
After the couples ninety minute ceremony and vows, guests were treated to an Indian luncheon, including a live action dosa station and ice cold chai. At the end of the first half of their two-part wedding day celebration, family and friends were able to enjoy the ocean and beachside activities before changing into formal wear for the reception.
Captured by: Madeline Barr