Mr. & Mrs. Krumme! {The Muhurtham}

Many traveled far and wide to celebrate these two lovebirds. It was a multi day event filled with so much fun and laughter, exactly what we anticipated!

I learned so much and yet still know so very little about the Indian traditions. The overly curious person I am, absolutely loved soaking it all in. I’ll do my best with captions to explain ceremonial happenings as so many people have asked since being home!

Multiple times, the women in Rathyna’s family dressed her. This 6yards of gorgeous sari fabric has various intricate ways of being worn. It was folded, pinned and twisted over and over til her aunt saw it perfectly fit for the bride. SO much patience involved!!

Meanwhile Markie got ready alone inside. I feel like Paco, Blevins and Troy all would have thoroughly enjoyed dressing you! In fact, Brinkman may have actually paid you to let him dress you, this was an opportunity lost. 😬

“Fancy seeing you here!”

All these beautiful women in stunning attire! Y’all know I am HERE for that color!

There were also multiple times her mother gave her gifts of gold! A full box of intricate jewelry to wear!

Markie helping Rathyna with finishing touches.

These adorable girls walked around adding fresh gajra (flower garland) to the hair of EVERY woman present, yes, myself included! Those small, very fragrant flowers, were individually sewn together!

They gave us approximately one hot second to do 2 poses before the Muhurtham needed to begin!

🔥🔥🔥

I’m thankful there were palm trees right out front so we could still get the California vibe!

😍😍😍

While Adam and I took a quick portrait of each, we laughed as they couldn’t keep their eyes off each other!!

Bling bling!

The baskets Markie’s family was presenting Rathyna.

Mark and his people all paraded in together. (I know. I could really have gone for an elephant or white horse, too!😉) I couldn’t get over how stunning Linda looked in her sari! Those are your colors, mama!! Please find a reason to rewear these outfits!!

Christine (Markie’s sister) presented the first of three gifts. Since he doesn’t have other sisters, our friends, Kelly and Katie processed in with the other 2. 😍

The mothers placed the floral garlands around the couples neck, which soon after they exchanged each other’s in ritual.

Actual fresh roses!!😍😍😍

The fathers gave their children a bible, which again, were exchanged between the two, soon after.

When big bro got mic shy, baby bro stepped in like, “it’s cool, I got this.” It was hilarious and adorable.

Lots of singing!

A spectrum of colorful, delicious Indian food to feast on!

They were supposed to exit by 7p and the 4 of us were going to the orange grove across the street. 7p came and went and we still had more to go on the itinerary. The sun had fully set and my anxiety was THROUGH THE ROOF as I looked at this gorgeous couple in these smashing outfits as we had minutes of light left to capture any of it. Their families wanted a shot and that gave us opportunity to steal them! We rushed into the middle of the street for about 3min before it was fully dark. 😬

LOOK. AT. THEMMMMMM! Oh the fun we could have had if we got to play! Markie said to me during dinner, ‘I know how hard this is for you not to get portrait time, I appreciate you.” I was like, “I think I’m actually dying inside watching this yummy light dance in the trees and not getting to use it with you hotties.” 😭😭 But I’m so glad we got at least 2 more set ups, even with hints of palms and mountains back there! Praise!

We were over 5K ISO, hand holding at 1/20th, some of which were 200m. 🥴🥴 This is why constantly investing in top dollar equipment is key. Shew. Imagine shooting this with standard 2-400ISO film back in the day. Thats a hard pass.🤣

Walking back in, Rathyna stopped and was gawking over this fancy car. (More on that later🤣) I laughed and yelled her name. She gave me this look!! Theena is feeling it more in that shot, than any other image that weekend! 🤣 Yaaaas Ladii_z33! If only you had your helmet in that left arm. BOSS LADY.

Her brother did a great job as MC all evening, even sharing some funny stories about the couple.

So much more goodness to share from the following day’s American wedding ceremony, which the reception kinda was hijacked into a fantastic second Indian celebration. I so enjoyed watching all the family coming together completely all these small details. It very much took a village to bring together and all your hardwork didn’t go unnoticed! Even though it was relaxed ceremony, there were still many seamless moving parts. Fantastic job to all involved!  Love you guys. Heart, Melanie & Adam.