One of the things I love seeing at Weddings is when couples make the content and flow of their day be as genuine to their love and personalities as possible. When their unique backgrounds and culture is a part of these special touches, I just can’t get enough.

I’ve been to Weddings, watching an amazing ritual, or Ceremony that is from the couple’s Culture, but not my own, and I find myself asking so many internal questions: wondering what the history is, the backstory, the “why” for the couple and their families. So, I started a new Blog series called “Culture + Weddings” and I’ve asked some of my real past clients to share some special insight into their Cultures, and the way they chose to bring it into their day.

Here’s the first go at it, enjoy as Narisa & Jacob share some insider information on how they brought their unique stories into their Indian American Wedding!

1. Tell me yours and your partners names!
   Jacob & Narisa 
   
   
2. When was your wedding!?
   Our wedding was on May 7th & May 8th, 2021
   
   
3. What cultural backgrounds / heritages do you and/or your partner identify with?
    My cultural background I identify with is the Indian culture. Being half Indian, and raised within the Indian community, I knew I wanted to do something special not only for myself, but for my dad as well. I knew it would be important for him to see me have a traditional Hindu wedding and that’s what I’ve always wanted to do as well. Jacob comes from a Military/American background.
   
   
4. How did you incorporate one or both of these cultures into your Wedding Day?
   It was stressful! Lol. BUT we were able to make do with the days we had. Traditional Indian/Hindu weddings are almost a week long and each day holds different traditions both the Groom, Bride and their families take part of. Luckily Jacob and his family were more than willing to take part of some of these traditions. We decided to split our days into three days for the Indian wedding and one day for the American wedding. We had a Henna night for the Bride and all our family and friends, the next day there was the Haldi Ceremony when turmeric is rubbed on the Bride and Groom to have “glowing skin” for the wedding. Then we were able to have a day dedicated to our traditional Indian ceremony and the following day was our military/American ceremony which was so intimate we loved it so much.
   
   
5. Any advice for other couples looking to incorporate their own unique heritages and stories into their Big Day?  Especially if they come from different backgrounds?
    I would tell other couples to just do it! Incorporating your traditional values and celebrations is so beautiful and it shows who YOU are. It’s amazing to see two blended families come together as one and celebrate what everyone is there for, LOVE. Ignore all the families butting in and making you do all things traditional to the T. Do what YOU want and incorporate traditions that mean the most to YOU. Ours wasn’t the most traditional but we did what meant the most to us and we loved every second of it. We wouldn’t change it for the world and we both were able to show our cultures in the most beautiful way. If you have to have two weddings do it, if want to have the most beautiful blended wedding showing both you and your partners cultures do it. 
   

Vendor Team:
Coordination: Kayloe Bridal
Photography: Leah Dawson
Indian Ceremony Venue: Family Home
American Ceremony Venue: Leach Botanical Gardens
American Reception Venue: The Sheraton
Florist: Mimosa Floral
Hair & Makeup: Shelby Renee
Decor: NK Party and Events
Cake: Fat Cupcake
DJ: Noopz Productions