“I just want to see him!”
Her man, her almost husband, was waiting for her, to see this stunning bride who would become his wife. An intimate few moments together before being swept up into the ceremony festivities and crowds of family and other loved ones who would celebrate the union of these two. Two people, two families, two cultures coming together. As Narissa’s maid of honor put it, God clearly knew what he was doing by joining Narissa and Ashi.
They first met as philosophy student and professor at Moody Bible Institute…but once the semester was over, their intellectual discussions moved from the classroom to the coffee shop and grew into something more. Two genuine souls, both sincere, loving, God-centred individuals found forever in each other and last weekend made it official at what was probably the most lovely wedding I’ve been to! I’m probably biased since Narissa is both a dear friend and cousin of mine…but after seeing the images, I think you might agree with the loveliness…
From the gorgeous home in Wheaton where the girls got ready, to Narissa’s exquisite Kitty Chen gown…which is a story in and of itself – the first wedding dress Narissa ever slipped into was at The Dress boutique directly across from Ashi’s apartment in downtown Wheaton, the same apartment where they’ll start their life together…to Ashi’s equally exquisite traditional Indian wedding suit and barat – a procession to the ceremony at the Oak Brook Hills Marriott on a white mare, accompanied by drums and dancing.
Narissa and Ashi, I can’t tell you how thankful I am that we got to document your wedding day! It was so special to be a part of it, and to see you become husband and wife! So glad you guys got your honeymoon, I hope you’re thoroughly enjoying each other, off in your own corner of the world right now. Love you, can’t wait to see you again, xo!
I could spend an entire day shooting in a house like this…
Narissa, this gives me goosebumps…you’re a BRIDE!
While I hung out with the girls, Shane went over to Ashi’s apartment for some getting ready shots…
…then it was off to the breathtaking grounds of Cantigny, where they had their First Look…
We escaped the hot, bright sunlight in the shadows of the gorgeous McCormick House…
couldn’t have asked for prettier light or a better backdrop for such a beautiful bride…
While I was shooting Narissa, Shane saw things from another angle – photo on the left – and I love it.
Narissa’s niece Brooklyn was her flower girl…I don’t think there ever has been a more excited or proud girl to do the job!
She had been practising for weeks :)
The lovely bridesmaids’ bouquets were carefully and lovingly made by Narissa herself…
And then came the barat at the hotel! Oh how they danced and celebrated! So fun!
And then it was Narissa’s procession…she walked down the aisle to Sufjan Steven’s rendition of Come Thou Fount…there are no words to describe how emotion-filled these moments were…
Mr and Mrs Varma!
Their ceremony was Christian, but the exchanging of these garlands was one Indian tradition they could incorporate.
Another fun tradition! The night before the wedding, us girls all got Henna tattoos. The bride’s includes the groom’s name, hidden somewhere in the design…on the wedding night, the groom is supposed to find it, as a way to break the ice in arranged marriages.
Indian weddings – the best food, and the best dancing! But I don’t think anyone danced more than the flower girl…she cut up the floor all night long!
If you would like to see more photos from Narissa and Ashi’s wedding, check out the slideshow by clicking HERE!
Kelsey Loewen says
Incredible!
Risa (Mom) says
I knew I shouldn’t have looked at this before heading out the door for work…*sniff sniff*
Ashi and Narissa, you both are gorgeous and the love and happiness and beauty of your day are clear to see! Happiest congratulations to you both! (and to you, Mikaela and Shane for capturing it all so beautifully!!)
Kevi Zupancic says
Gorgeous wedding! Narissa looks so happy! Incredibly glad for both of them!
Justine says
Mikaela what an absolutely gorgeous wedding! I am so in love with these photos!!! :)
Alanna says
wow. what a beautiful wedding! congrats to your cousin! :)
Amy says
Beautiful photos Mikaela!! I love the traditions from an Indian wedding. Im so excited for you to shoot mine in just a few months!
Carlee says
Absolutely gorgeous Mikaela!! Love all the details!!
colleen says
…such beautiful colour!
Lesley says
beautiful photos! i simply adore indian weddings, so much celebration and dancing!
Ashleigh says
Wow. These images are filled with beauty and bursting with love. There is something very special about this wedding that I can’t put my finger on, but you seem to have caught, Mikaela.
Jasmine* says
LOVE it! :)
Mandi Nikole says
Beautiful. Love the colors!
Rose Dykstra says
Wow! That house is divine! What a beautiful wedding and so many lovely locations, gorgeous!
Lydia says
Wow, I love how they combined traditional with modern!!