Wedding Date: October 20th 2024

Swati and John’s wedding wasn’t just a day, it was a celebration, a true gathering of cultures, colors, joy, and love that unfolded over several beautiful days. From their turmeric ceremony to the quiet lakeside moments at the end of their wedding day, everything about this experience was full of heart.

It began with their turmeric ceremony, where Swati and John were surrounded by loved ones in a setting filled with rich blue decor and vibrant energy. There was an art station for guests, and you could feel the creativity and joy flowing from every corner. Family and friends dove into the tradition wholeheartedly, covering the couple in turmeric paste with plenty of laughter, cheer, and a few playful smears to the face. The ceremony was beautiful, and the funny moments sprinkled throughout made it even more unforgettable. It was one of those rare moments where tradition meets pure fun, and everyone felt the love.

A few days later, we gathered again for Swati’s Mehandi (Henna) ceremony. Swati looked absolutely stunning. Radiant and relaxed as her talented henna artist created the most intricate designs. The other women chose henna patterns that were meaningful to them, and it was so fun watching everyone share stories and admire each other’s designs as they came to life. There was a real sense of community and connection in the room, and the joy was contagious.

When the day finally arrived, the energy was electric. Everyone was excited, and Swati’s henna had deepened into a gorgeous, rich color. She looked incredible, and so did every guest and family member. The day began with Swati heading to the Hindu Society of Minnesota with her parents for morning prayers. The temple was incredible, peaceful and ornate, with golden light streaming in and the scent of incense wrapping around the space like a blessing.

Soon after, it was time for the groom’s parade, and what a moment it was. John arrived in style, surrounded by dancing friends and family, drums beating, colors swirling, and energy building with every step. The excitement was infectious.

The ceremony began with the ritual foot cleansing, a beautiful and symbolic start. Swati made her bridal entrance, walking in with grace and joy as her family beamed beside her. A ceremonial wedding veil was placed between them and slowly lowered, revealing their expressions as their eyes met again, it was tender and electric all at once. They exchanged garlands in a playful and sweet moment, followed by the kanyadaan, where Swati’s family gave her hand to John. Then came the sacred moment where they were officially united in front of the temple, followed by John placing the wedding necklace around Swati’s neck. Their families then tied the ceremonial knots, representing the bond of their union.

They circled the sacred wedding fire together, taking the seven steps and making vows to one another with each round. Everyone watched with full hearts as the couple committed to a lifetime of love, strength, and shared dreams. A sweet, lighthearted moment came during the traditional sulking of the groom’s mother, full of laughter and love. Swati and John then exchanged rings and received blessings from their elders before feeding each other a small, symbolic first meal as newlyweds.

After the ceremony, we took a few moments for portraits in the warm light. Swati and John were glowing. Lunch followed and was delicious and full of conversation and joy as everyone reflected on the beauty of the morning. After lunch, Swati spent a little time with her bridal party before we headed back to Bloomington. At their home, Swati performed the traditional rice push, gently marking the moment she entered a new chapter.

We ended the day at Normandale Lake. The weather was perfect. The trees reflected golden light on the water, and the air was calm. We walked the lakeside trails as Swati and John soaked in the peace and joy of everything they had just experienced. They laughed, twirled, and held hands as the sun dipped low in the sky.

It was the most beautiful way to end such an incredible celebration. Swati and John, thank you for letting me be part of this unforgettable journey. Your wedding was pure joy from start to finish. I’ll be smiling about it for a long, long time.