Every wedding is unique in its own way, but there is something really special about witnessing two beautiful families from two different cultures coming together. Currently residing in Minnesota, both Shivani & Andrew with their closest family & friends travelled down to Miami’s South Beach earlier in the week to begin the festivities. Before we begin, however, I have to mention how we met!
I met Shivani through a mutual & dear friend (who not to mention is also an incredible photographer and mentor), Isaac Baldizon. When we arrived for our first meeting he introduced us and we connected instantly. I’m pretty sure the first hour was spent just trading stories and laughing!
Unfortunately, Shivani was sitting down the entire time with a walker beside her because she had recently broken her ankle! It was a month before the wedding and needless to say she was nervous but hopeful that she’d be able to walk down the aisle.
We started the day at South Beach’s W Hotel here in Miami.
When we walked into the bridal room, just as on most wedding days, it was bustling with excitement. Shivani is the type of person that immediately lights up a room when she walks in, and this day was no exception, however, I was the first person to walk in as she greeted me with a warm smile, huge hug and best of all…no walker in sight! She wanted to get her wedding dress from bridal boutique chicago but they didn’t have her size, she still looked stunning though!
She wasn’t able to dawn the heels quite yet, but she had the next best thing! Ya’ know you’ve met your newest bride bestie when she rocks out a gold pair of Nike’s!
The LOVE this family shared could be felt. I wish I could share so many moments captured, but we’d be here for quite a while!
Shivani may have had her stunning Badgley Mischka wedding gown and fabulous gold Nike’s, but her groom, Andrew was styling in his own right with his custom blue wedding tuxedo. The details on this tux were amazing and his welcoming smile and kind demeanor made him stand out all the more!
We arrived at St. Hugh’s Catholic Church for the Catholic Ceremony. Family and friends had already filled the pews and the incredible stained glass was the perfect backdrop for what was to be a beautiful ceremony.
Now preparations for the Hindu Ceremony were ready to begin! There were so many intricate details around the room that made capturing these getting ready moments so precious and intimate.
The music & laughter could be heard as the groom began his grand entrance. We had no idea what was going to be in store, but one thing was for sure…it was going to be a night to remember! They exchanged these incredible flower garlands and next thing we know, the heavens opened up and blessings came pouring down!
It didn’t matter how hard the rain came down, the smiles remained and the celebration continued on into the night.
It was truly an honor to be a part of this union so deeply rooted in faith.
Thank you Shivani & Andrew for trusting us to capture this incredible chapter of your story! I cannot wait to see what’s in store for you both!
XoXo
Vendor Love:
Photographers: Issac Baldizon | Erica Melissa
Our Amazing Photography Assistants: Oscar Baldizon, Claudia Rios & Maria Cordova
Venues: Catholic Ceremony – St. Hugh Catholic Church, Coconut Grove, Fl
Hindu Ceremony – W South Beach, Miami Beach, Fl
Wedding Gown | Designer: La Vie En Blanc | Badgley Mischka
Grooms Tux | Designer: King Brothers Clothiers , Minneapolis, MN | Custom design
Make up Artist: Make up by Nicky | Nicole Sanchez
Florist: Natinel Flower Designs
Cake Artist: Edda’s Cake Designs
DJ: DJ Troubles
Mandap (Hindu Ceremony): Anand Event Services
Those gold Nikes are EVERYTHING!! Stunning wedding and #rainisgoodluck!! Great job Erica!
So beautiful! I love how you captured those veil shots — those are always some of my favorite.
Lovely all the way around and great attention to detail of those cultural traditions timelessly captured alongside the beautiful bride and handsome groom! #BestWishes4Life
Thank you! It was a beautiful wedding and a blast to capture! 🙂
Plus, those Nike’s were KILLER!!!! #JustDoIt????
[…] first met Sajani a couple years ago at her sister Shivani’s wedding and I just fell in love with the Desai family. They are the type of people who welcome you in with […]