Originally published on October 2, 2009, Caitlin and Vikrant’s two-part Indian and American wedding is a favorite of ours because of the unique beauty of the couple’s two cultures coming together…

Today’s Real Wedding of Caitlin and Vikrant is truly a double dose of gorgeousness! With two weddings taking place across the globe from each other, in Pennsylvania and then in Delhi, India, these two honored their strong family traditions and celebrated all that makes them unique. Photographer Jihan Abdalla was at both events, and the images she captured are nothing short of stunning!

In Caitlin’s parent’s backyard in rural Pennsylvania, the happy couple was married during a day filled with family, friends and total ease. In the morning there was a picnic at a friend’s farm where they got to rest, relax and take a dip in the pond. Afterward everyone pitched in to help prepare for the wedding by hanging lanterns, setting up chairs and creating the flower arrangements to go in silver vases and pitchers. Caitlin and Vikrant chose a vibrant color palette of red, teal and peacock blue to represent Vikrant’s Indian background, and the ceremony and reception were full of meaningful Jewish traditions to incorporate Caitlin’s family heritage.

Seven months later, in Delhi, India, Caitlin and Vikrant took part in an amazing three-day traditional Northern Indian wedding celebration. On the first night the two families gathered for a relaxed evening where the women had their hands decorated with Mehendi. The second night was the Sangeet, a fun and rowdy evening of eating, drinking and dancing where Vik’s relatives sang funny songs teasing the couple about married life. Because it took place in Vikrant’s parent’s garden, just as their US ceremony had been in Caitlins’ family’s garden the previous year, the celebration was extra meaningful to all involved.

The third night was the most solemn and sacred. Vikrant arrived on horseback in his spectacular ceremonial clothing and jewelry, and Caitlin was dressed and decorated like a queen. During the Feras, or fire ceremony, Caitlin and Vikrant sat around a fire with family on all sides and exchanged vows in Sanskrit. The ceremony was made up of many small rituals which included making offerings of things like rice, wood and butter to the sacred fire, and then walking around it together. The images from this night are an absolute feast for the eyes!

Thank you so much for sharing your weddings with us Caitlin and Vikrant! It’s an honor to tell your story.

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