Yesterday, Kevin and I celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary! We toasted fancy cocktails at Canon in Capitol Hill & then stuffed ourselves silly at Renee Erickson’s newest restaurant, Bateau! This is definitely a special occasion place – elegant enough to offer mille-feuille yet rustic enough to have a blackboard listing the cuts of meats available on the wall. Our dear friend, Kristina, (who was actually one of our only Seattle friends in attendance at our wedding in Virginia) works at Bateau, and spoiled us with champagne and decadent bread pudding topped with a candle (because anniverssary wishes are just as good as birthday wishes, right?). Kevin and I talked about our past years of marriage and our hopes for the future and reveled in our love for each other. I sure hope no one could hear our conversations because I’m pretty sure we sounded disgusting!! It was a wonderful evening and we are beyond excited to continue the celebration in New Orleans this weekend! We’re meeting up with Kevin’s little sister and her boyfriend down in the Big Easy where Kevin and I actually met six years ago and we all plan on having too much fun – stay tuned for pictures of that!
I couldn’t jet off to NOLA however, without sharing this stunning wedding from last weekend! Vibrant cannot even begin to describe Kaitlin and Priyam’s wedding day! I am so glad that mutual friends connected us and I was able to capture their traditional Indian celebration. There were so many different rituals that occurred throughout the day – so much dancing and excitement, it was hard to keep up! Luckily the unpredictable spring weather in Seattle cooperated and the day went off without a hitch. The ceremony and reception took place at the Kent Event Center, and there was a break in between where Kaitlin was officially welcomed into Priyam’s family home. There were SO many details – I was practically on photographer inspiration overload! Read on to learn more about the progression of the day & see Kaitlin’s TWO unbelievable (read: heavy) saris!
Kaitlin & Priyam – Thank you so much for trusting me to capture your day! I’m so glad I was able to celebrate alongside you all and I’m wishing you two many happy years together (and best of luck with the plans for your east coast wedding!!) Cheers to you!
This was just a portion of all of the jewelry Kaitlin wore! She literally had an entire suitcase for her ceremony outfit and jewelry! 
The first ceremony of the day was the grooms procession or barat. Priyam arrived in a fancy red convertible and friends & family gathered to celebrate. The drummer played for about 45 minutes straight as everyone paraded around the parking lot. The drum echoed off the walls of the venue and everyone processing cheered along with the beat.
There was a lot of money throwing throughout the day!!
Next, it was time for the wedding ceremony. The festivity started with Priyam & Kaitlin placing leis on each other – they were instructed to not let this be easy which resulted in both of them being hoisted in the air to avoid it! 
Guests were seated on either side of the ceremony space and actively participated in several parts of the rituals.The whole ceremony lasted about an hour and a half and there was even a meal served for the guests which smelled absolutely amazing and probably made me feel hungrier than I actually was! 
During this ritual, Priyam & Kaitlin were instructed to look into each other’s eyes without blinking for a whole minute! Kaitlin lost.
I loved how family members were so involved in various parts of the ceremony – Here, Kaitlin’s brother is being instructed that he will never visit his sister’s home without bringing a gift – Priyam & Kaitlin got a kick out of that!
Seven women marked Kaitlin’s forehead to indicate that she is a now a married woman. Priyam & Kaitlin recited a series of “conditions” that served as their vows for marriage – by the ritual, Kaitlin had 7 conditions ranging from their roles in the home to public obligations – each was read in Hindi and translated to English.
During the entire ceremony, Priyam’s shoes were being stolen and hid by various guests – the following picture shows Priyam’s sister bribing Kaitlin’s brother for his shoes back! I think Liam made off with about $200!
After the ceremony Kaitlin was taken to Priyam’s parents’ house to be officially welcomed into their home & family. I was able to steal them for a few minutes in the hot afternoon sun for some portraits! 
I seriously couldn’t get enough of all of their intricate details!! Kaitlin made the most stunning bride! 
Finally, it was time for the reception back at the venue. Kaitlin washed her hair out and began hair & makeup preparations again for her second outfit of the day! They converted the ceremony room into a reception set up complete with tons of sparkles! 
Priyam’s sister, her dance company and the kids all performed several dances to honor the newly married couple – it was beautiful!
Everyone (including me) feasted on more delicious Indian food and danced the night away! Congratulations, Kaitlin & Priyam – your day was magical!!
