Raleigh Wedding Photographer

Shelby + Naveen

This past weekend was my first as a Raleigh wedding photographer! First of all, a huge thank you to Shelby and Naveen for trusting me with their wedding day! Just look at all these precious moments I was privileged to capture! Shelby and Naveen met at a young professionals church event, and then got to know each other through a bible study they attended. Obviously, their relationship began with God in the center. And now, as newlyweds, it is clear that these two will continue to keep God at the heart of their marriage.

Getting Ready

These two decided to keep tradition and not share a first look. Shelby prepped and dressed in the basement of their church, with Naveen just one floor above her. We all were on the look out for Naveen that afternoon, because we wanted to make sure they wouldn’t accidentally see one another before they were supposed to. I loved the deep green for their wedding colors and how they infused Naveen’s Indian culture into their outfits and details.

Ceremony

Finally, the moment they had been waiting for for so long had arrived! After all the hustle and bustle and worrying and planning, this truly is the reason for it all. The moment their marriage becomes legal and binding! Their ceremony was so pure and sweet. First, it began with a blessing from members of each of their family. I loved hearing their parents praying over them, using their own words and wishes for their marriage. Next came a beautiful sermon, their vows, the ring exchange – and everyone’s favorite part! The kiss!

 

Portraits

It rained pretty much nonstop all day long. However, just after the ceremony ended, the rain stopped for just a few moments. We made the most of it! We took the bridal party out to the steps on the church. Almost every car that passed by greeted them with honks and  congratulations. The rain picked back up and we finished their bride and groom portraits under any overhang we could find! I do have to say my favorite detail of their wedding day is the fact that they both swapped outfits before the reception. Shelby changed into a more traditional Indian dress, and Naveen swapped into a white button up and bowtie. These two blended together seamlessly in both outfit combinations!

Reception

Sharing this time with Naveen and Shelby and their family was so joyous! It was obvious how happy everyone felt to witness these two become one, and for their families to unite as one. I have to say, I was SUPER excited they served authentic Indian food for dinner (naturally! So spicy and sooo yummy!). Everyone that spoke about these two kept repeating the same phrase, “It’s no surprise.” No one was surprised that these two fell for each other. It was clearly just meant to be!

Finally, we sent these two off with a proper goodbye: with hundreds of bubbles! Naveen and Shelby, you two are a pure delight!! I wish you all the best in this new phase as newlyweds.

 

 

If you loved this downtown Raleigh wedding, be sure to check out Kenneth and Nene’s Utah wedding too!

Meghan is a Raleigh wedding photographer based in Western North Carolina Wedding photographer serving Cashiers, Highlands, Sylva, Franklin, Dillsboro, Boone, Asheville, Hendersonville, Canton, and all over the Smoky Mountains. Follow her on Instagram here or Facebook here.