Jasmine and Shivam’s wedding celebrations are a perfect example of how you can customize your special day exactly the way you want. The sweet couple knew that a huge traditional Indian wedding was not for them, so they decided to elope at the courthouse, then hold a traditional ceremony at their family home to honor their religious values. Being able to capture both special days as their intimate wedding photographer was truly an honor. Jasmine and Shivam are so in love, and this was by far one of my most memorable couples to work with.
The Intimate Courthouse Elopement
Jasmine and Shivam are a pretty quiet couple who don’t really need to make a big show of their love. Their first stop was a courthouse elopement at Kearney Courthouse in NJ. I loved how this choice reflected their personalities – the modern and simplistic vibe of an elopement was more their style. I love seeing couples so comfortable with keeping things low-key and true to themselves.
A Courthouse Wedding Ceremony
The courthouse elopement was short and sweet, just like Jasmine and Shivam wanted. They walked in together, looking both excited and at ease. Those attending were only immediate family members, who brought so much joy and laughter to the atmosphere. It was intimate and personal, filled with genuine moments of happiness. They said their “I do’s” and you could really feel the love between them. The simplicity of the ceremony perfectly reflected the couple’s desire for a low-key, meaningful exchange of vows.
Stunning Elopement Portrait Session
After the ceremony, it was time to capture some beautiful memories of the couple. As micro-wedding photographer, this is always one of my favorite parts of the day – the couple is all giddy and excited, and we get to create some truly special images.
We took bride and groom portraits both inside and outside of Kearney courthouse. I especially loved the ones inside because of the colorful stained-glass windows. They were so beautiful and actually tied into their later photos of their traditional celebration due to the colorfulness. We captured some heartwarming shots on the stairwell with them smiling at each other, and more intimate ones outside near a garden.
Gorgeous Backyard Indian Wedding Celebration
About a week later I saw Jasmine & Shivam again, but this time, it was to capture a slightly bigger, yet still intimate celebration with their families. They wanted to honor their religious ties with a gorgeous backyard wedding ceremony at their family home, which included many Indian wedding traditions. Different from their modern courthouse elopement, this celebration was filled with so many vibrant colors and rich cultural elements.
Intimate Wedding Portraits & Private Vow Reading
Before the celebrations started, Jasmine and Shivam set time aside to read private vows and take beautiful bride and groom portraits. Their faces while reading to each other were unforgettable. The look in their eyes told a thousand words – they absolutely adored each other. Afterwards, we did some bridal portraits both together and apart. I took some photos of the bride showing off her stunning traditional Indian wedding dress and veil, and lots of detail shots of their intricate attire. Of course, We also took some documentary-style photos of them laughing together, kissing, and being their true selves.
The Groom’s Arrival: A Lively Wedding Procession
The celebrations started in the early afternoon with the groom’s procession, known as the Baraat. This lively tradition is a key part of many Indian weddings, and Shivam’s was no exception. His family and friends led him to the wedding altar in a parade of drums, dancing, and incredible energy. As the procession neared its end, Jasmine’s mom met him near the altar where the ceremony would begin. This moment, where the two families came together, was filled with such warmth and excitement. This set the perfect tone for the ceremony that was to follow.
Traditional Indian Wedding Ceremony
After Shivam made it to the ceremony area, Jasmine’s mom performed a traditional wedding custom where she washed the groom’s feet. This represents a mark of respect given to the groom by the bride’s family. Once complete, it was then time for the first look! A sheet was placed in front of the groom while Jasmine proceeded down the aisle with family. When she was seated, the families raised the sheet so he could see her for the first time. They could not stop smiling!
This moment kicked off a series of amazing customs:
- Jasmine and Shivam completed the Saptapadi or “Seven Steps” together, representing their first seven steps as husband and wife. During this time, 7 verses were read, similar to the concept of vows.
- They fed each other which was super cute and fun, and had everyone beaming.
- The jai mala took place, where the bride and groom exchanged flower garlands. They both had garlands with breathtaking white roses with baby’s breath in between – absolutely stunning.
- Shivam placed a very special necklace called a Mangalsutra on Jasmine, symbolizing their marriage and the bond between them. This was a very significant moment they wanted to capture.
- Finally, rose petals were thrown by the families onto the married couple.
We also captured some great family portraits, which was so fun because I got to see all the many faces that came to celebrate the couple!
Vendors
Here’s a quick shoutout to the vendors that made both days so special:
The Courthouse Elopement:
Dresses: Lulus
Rings: @ultimatediamondco & @sara_jewlery2
Groom’s attire: Suit Supply
Hair and makeup: @melandre_salon & @risinglotusbeauty
The Traditional Ceremony:
Dresses: @fashionqueenbridals
Rings: @ultimatediamondco & @sara_jewlery2
Groom’s attire: @manyavar
Makeup: @risinglotusbeauty
DJ: @dj.rkg
Chrissy Marie Photo Co. | Elopement & Intimate Wedding Photographer
Weddings like Jasmine and Shivam’s are what I specialize in. From their intimate courthouse ceremony to the vibrant backyard celebration, every moment beautifully captured their unique journey together. As an intimate wedding photographer, I understand that wedding photography is an investment, and I want to make sure my couples are getting exactly what they want.
If you’re looking to do something similar – having two separate celebrations or planning a small backyard wedding – all of my packages are customizable to your needs. Whether it’s a courthouse elopement, a backyard wedding reception, or a blend of modern and traditional elements, I’m here to document your special day in all its authenticity.
If you’re ready to start planning your wedding or elopement, let’s chat about how we can bring your vision to life. Contact me today to discuss your wedding photography needs!
P.S. – I also offer film in some of my packages and film add-ons. See some stunning film photos of Jasmine and Shivam below!
