When two worlds come together to celebrate love, there aren’t enough hours to contain it. Up before the sun, Ray + Nirali began to prepare for one of the best days of their lives. I can’t even tell you the magic I felt documenting beauty everywhere I looked on this late September day. I hope you enjoy this look into their story and some of my favorite moments from Ray and Nirali’s wedding.

Part One of Ray and Nirali’s Vedic Wedding
at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

Their Story | Nirali and Ray first crossed paths at the corner of 116th St and Amsterdam in the wee hours of the morning, she coming back from a birthday party and he decked out in neon clothing coming back from Electric Zoo. Friends, classmates and study partners throughout Civil Procedure and the treacherous first year of law school, Nirali and Ray had no idea they would be marrying each other six years later (especially Nirali, who gave Ray quite the chase). They have since then studied abroad at Oxford, embarked on a Euro Trip for two months, traveled to Hawaii and Asia after passing the bar, and are continuing to pursue their dreams together in the Big Apple.

 I always love to see how couples will answer “prompts”. When asked to dance, there was no ballroom twirling.
This is Ray + Nirali. And I love them. We spent the first part of the day photographing portraits before the party. BAPS Swamanarayan Temple kept the beauty flowing
with gorgeous backdrops around every corner!

With bridal party photographs completed, it was time for Ray to head off to the Baarat⎯his wedding procession.

Joyful energy and vibrant colors collided while family and friends celebrated Ray on the way to his ceremony.

The gorgeous Mandap, designed by Andy Beach, created a stunning view for their ceremony filled with rich history and tradition.

The groom’s face is covered so that he isn’t able to see the bride until she arrives at the Mandap.

I absolutely love this moment below as Nirali’s mom smiles at her daughter.

And just like that. They are now husband and wife.

Family is one of the most beautiful things in life. I love being able to capture the relationships represented at each and every wedding.

Think this was beautiful?! You haven’t seen the half of it! Click here to see the continuation of Ray and Nirali’s wedding celebrations set at the Atlanta History Center’s Historic Swan House.

Cheers, 🥂
Rebecca

Vendor Team: