Sandra & Alan’s Indian Wedding in Raleigh, NC

Sandra and Alan were looking for a Raleigh wedding photographer who could capture classy and elegant photos and keep up with their 15 hour Indian wedding day. I was absolutely honored to be chosen as their Raleigh Indian wedding photographer! As is the case with many Indian weddings, their celebration took place over multiple days. Sandra and Alan requested photography for their Sweet Giving Ceremony on Friday night and their ceremony and reception on Saturday. I’d love to share a few of the stunning images with you below.

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Sweet Giving Ceremony

Getting Ready at the Marriott

Wedding Ceremony at Hayes Barton Baptist

Wedding Reception and Portraits at Pinehill Pavilion

Sweet Giving Ceremony at the Maxwell

On Friday night, Sandra and Alan celebrated the Madhuram Veppu, also known as the Sweet Giving Ceremony. The Madhuram Veppu is a traditional Christian Indian wedding ceremony in which the couple gathers with their family the night before the wedding. The families take turns serving the couple a prepared sweet dish to commemorate the sweetness of married life to come. 

Sandra and Alan held their Sweet Giving Ceremony at the Maxwell, an absolutely gorgeous venue! The evening consisted of portraits of the couple, the wedding party, and the families, followed by performances and (of course) sweet giving! After the ceremony, the guests enjoyed a dinner of traditional Kerala cuisine followed by a night of dancing. 

Getting Ready at Marriott City Center

Sandra and Alan got ready with their families and wedding party at the Marriott City Center in Downtown Raleigh. It would have been the perfect location, except the Raleigh Christmas Parade was coming through just when we had to leave for the ceremony! Thankfully everyone was able to make it to the ceremony. Before they left the Marriott, Sandra and Alan both separately shared a sweet moment of prayer and peace, where they received blessings from their priests.

Wedding Ceremony at Hayes Barton Baptist

Sandra and Alan both come from Christian families, so it was important for them to get married in a church. After getting ready at the Marriott City Center in Downtown Raleigh, everyone made their way to Hayes Barton Baptist, a beautiful church. Sandra and Alan shared a first touch. They read letters to each other and prayed. Their ceremony beautifully incorporated Indian wedding traditions and was co-officiated by their Indian priest and a pastor from Hayes Barton Baptist.

Wedding Reception at Pinehill Pavilion 

No wedding is complete without a major party! While Harmony Wedding & Event’s team worked speedily to decorate Pinehill Pavilion, we took wedding party and couple portraits outside. Sandra was absolutely stunning in BOTH of her wedding outfits. 

After guests enjoyed cocktail hour, it was time for performances, dinner, and a long night of dancing. I am blown away by the energy of this group! DJ Rang did an amazing job keeping the crowd going, and everyone had an amazing time.

Sandra and Alan were an absolute dream to work with. It was my absolute joy to be their wedding photographer. Their kindness and love for each other was astounding, and I am so grateful to have been a part of their Raleigh Indian Wedding. Here are a few kind words they had to say: 

“Megan was an absolute gem to work with for our wedding! From the beginning, she was easy to talk to and discuss ideas with.She was gracious, kind, overjoyed, and in high spirits all weekend. Our guests RAVED about how spectacular the photos turned out. Megan went above and beyond. We so enjoyed working with Megan!”

Participating Wedding Vendors

Photography: Megan Nicole Photography / Venues: The Maxwell, Raleigh Marriott City Center, Hayes Barton Baptist Church, Pinehill Pavilion / Coordination: Harmony Weddings & Events / Hair & Makeup: Beauty by JLis / Floral: Teacup Floral / DJ: DJ Rang / Catering: Zayka Indian Cuisine / Dessert: Small Cakes / Rentals: Curated Events Raleigh, Greenhouse Picker Sisters / Videography: The Family Films