Wow, what a weekend this was. And how crazy that next week, it’s been a year ago! This wedding was extra special because Keith is my brother-in-law (Rutvi is now officially my sister-in-law). It’s crazy to think about but I think I’ve known Keith longer than I’ve known my husband, Vincent. You see, Keith and I went to school together. He was a grade younger than me, and we definitely passed each other in the hallways for years. I knew who he was but never spoke to him (that I recall, anyway). But one summer he, Vincent, and I were all were attending driver’s ed at our school and that’s when I got to meet Vincent for the first time. I met Rutvi a few years after she started dating Keith. They were both in medical school at the University of Tennessee at Memphis and I knew instantly that I loved her. She was such a joy to be around and she meshed so well with our entire family (my side of the family included)! We quickly became friends/family with her little brother, and once they graduated from med school, I got to meet her parents as well.
We’ve experienced so many things, and our lives have changed dramatically since we all first met. I feel so lucky to have these two as a part of my family and I couldn’t love them more. When they asked if my photography team and I could photograph their Columns Memphis wedding, I couldn’t say no. I was so excited and honored to have been asked. It was tricky being the photographer, a bridesmaid (my husband was a groomsman and my daughter Ellie was the flower girl also), and a family member – but with the help of my amazing team, we did it! And it was a blast. My associate Maria was my right-hand gal and took over whenever I needed to be in photos myself as well as on the last night at the reception so we could all relax and celebrate together. I couldn’t have done it without her!
DAY 1 – The Christian Ceremony + Indian Garba
The wedding was a two-day event! The first day was the Christian ceremony where they were married at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church in Memphis, TN. Rutvi wore a gorgeous delicate gown adorned with lace and small beads that we actually got to pick out together from The Barefoot Bride. Such a fun memory! She paired it with a simple cathedral veil, beaded shoes from Bella Belle Shoes, a diamond necklace, and blue earrings for her “something blue.” Keith and his groomsmen wore stunning black suits. Keith wore a black bowtie with classic black studs while the groomsman wore silk Indian-style ties that were created by our brother-in-law, Alex Priede. The bridesmaids wore long dusty pink colored dresses in different styles and had pink and white floral bouquets that paired perfectly. We went to a popular park in downtown Memphis near our hotel for portraits and then hopped on the bus to take us to the Garba after a quick outfit change. The Indian Garba followed that night in the Hutchison School gym. The main stage included a Queen Anne style gold and white chair in front of multicolor draping. Keith and Rutvi had Central BBQ catered on one side of the gym and delicious Indian food on the other side. It was a lively party with tons and tons of dancing! (Scroll down for Day 2)
DAY TWO – The Indian Ceremony + American Reception
Day two was a long one! We were up around four o’clock in the morning for hair and makeup and didn’t get to bed until after one o’clock in the morning – and it was the best day ever. Rutvi wore a gorgeous red and gold lehenga that stunned her guests! Keith also wore red, gold and ivory. He made his entrance by white horse and rode it throughout downtown Memphis while the guests danced around him – a tradition called Baraat. The ceremony was absolutely breathtaking. White and pink rose petals lined the way for Rutvi and her family to walk down the aisle. After the ceremony, we took portraits around the venue (even at an old bank vault), on the hotel rooftop, and where the trolley’s come downtown. One of the trolleys even stopped for a moment so we could take a few photos! After another change of clothes, the reception began back at The Columns. There were high and low floral arrangements on each table and the head table was adorned with candles and hanging glass orbs. Keith and Rutvi sat in two grand gold and white chairs as they listened to friends and family members give their speeches. It didn’t take long for everyone to light up the dance floor! It was such an amazing Columns Memphis wedding! I could go on and go about this incredible weekend but I’ll let the photos speak for themselves 🙂
Happy (soon to be) anniversary, Rutvi and Keith!
Day 1 Vendors
Ceremony Venue: Saint Patrick Catholic Church
Garba Venue: Hutchison School
Hair/Makeup: Beauty by Faizah
Draping: Mahaffey Tent
Garba Catering: Central BBQ and Vanashree Deo
Florist: L & Jay Productions
Videography: Lynn Productions
Entertainment: DJ Raju Productions
Transportation: Tennessee Limousine
Day 2 Vendors
Ceremony and Reception Venue: The Columns Memphis
Cake: Ginger Clark Cakes
Florist: L & Jay Productions
Videography: Lynn Productions
Entertainment: DJ Raju Productions
Decor and Rentals: White Door Events, Elegant Chair Solutions, Resource Entertainment
Makeup: Kasey Acuff Makeup