Intimate, non-traditional Sheik Indian Fusion Wedding bringing the family and friends together.
A run down of what’s to come: Mendhi, Sangeet, Haldi, Ceremony, Steward Park, Tacos, Cake, Basketball, Lawn Games, Dance + Pool Party… that sounds like our idea of a good, good time. Go ahead, grab some refreshments because the scroll is worthy.
Austin + Jasleen have a beautiful and sweet relationship. We so enjoyed being given a window into their life and love as they pulled off a wedding with just mere months before the chosen date. What we so respect about them is how they live day in and out celebrating and honoring one another as they are, here, there, everywhere, together or apart, the love is strong.
They wanted to honor family and cultural traditions while also offering a nod to their non-traditional ways – from an intercultural love marriage, to having a smaller, quieter multi-day event. So they did it – and it was perfect, if you ask me. We started with a low-key evening at home with bridal mehndi with Art by Hetal, incorporating their love for the Pacific Northwest landscape and love for outdoors into the typical henna work. It was a slow and steady process to create a beautiful and unique design for the wedding day, there was much laughter, stories being told, and a lot of chill.
We left them before the feet were complete to have their dinner, let the henna dry, and get on with their night, tomorrow another day and all. The next day, the Sangeet would bring all the friends and family together for the first time.
The colorful Sangeet started with snacks, introductions, and merriment of friends and then transitioned to a bit of ceremonials with the Haldi celebration, where there’s a paste that is made from turmeric, rose water and sandalwood. This paste is applied to the couples hands, face and feet as a blessing for their wedding day. It was quite the hit with the children being able to “paint” the faces of their auntie and uncle… they couldn’t get enough of the blessingway!
After the Haldi ceremony, the mehndi artists arrived and provided beautiful design work with henna on the hands and feet of those who wanted it for the wedding celebration. It was adorable to see everyone doting on one another, verifying that all the jewelry was ready for the next day, that the outfits were organized, that everything was JUST SO. After a short rest from the Sangeet festivities… it’s time for each family to return to their respective homes and prepare for the wedding day itself, time at the temple, a shared meal with community, then a quintessential summer wedding experience – a walk through a park, tacos + a pool party.
The next morning, the chai is ready as everyone prepares themselves and their traditional wedding attire: sari, lengha, bangles, suits, turbans, pocket squares. The kids getting ready together, conversations of fanciness and which dress twirls better. . . the women pinning dresses, adjusting veils, tucking scarves and making final adjustments for the beautiful day ahead. Jasleen’s gracious triplet brother’s demonstrated the art of wearing turbans, ensuring their brother-in-law was pleated perfectly. Witnessing and documenting all of the pieces coming together, with so many hands, is really special.
Individually family and friends arrive at the temple enjoying this reunion in the name of love. The first look is shared, with a moment to connect before moving into the temple to participate in the marriage ceremony. There’s music, song, ritual and so much love, reverence and joy shared within the room.
After the ceremony, the signing of marriage license and a delicious shared community meal catered by Kaur’s Kitchen, Austin + Jasleen opted outside to catch a breathe as newlyweds. Steward Park, one of Jasleen’s favorite Seattle neighborhood park boasts a Lake Washington, Tahoma views, lush green everywhere, and abundant pathways for running, biking and dancing while in love… wearing your gorgeous traditional wedding wear. As you do.
We took the time, and some epic portraits (ask to see their album!) and then ventured off to the Seattle venue – a local AirBnb MCM home with sweet lounging ares, a ground hog, a pool, basketball courts, lawn game area … in general, a perfect place for a party. Add in their incredible vendor team : Centro Burien with their taco spread, hosted by Daring to Dream Events, and the perfect cake by Honey Crumb Cake Studio paired with a masala chai. So much fun.
After settling in, sharing some refreshments and enjoying the shade and excellent interior of the venue, it was time to indulge in the most lovely taco bar, making certain that we saved space for the perfect slice of cake with masala chia before indulging in more fun and games.
It was such a delight to get to know these two… their unique journey to where they are today in this world. With their family gathered around, kindred spirits + friends from near and far, supporting them, stepping into something new, celebrating this meeting in the middle, in the name of love. It’s an honor being invited into these sweet, sacred spaces. Thank you for inviting us Austin + Jasleen, and thank you for being patient for the blog release while we were in Nepal – ya’ll can read about that a little bit if you want here.
If you’re planning an event, or want to have imagery that captures YOUR love story – whether that’s in your family, friend group, or in your business- we’d love to connect and be of service.
