Photographing a Multicultural Wedding in San Jose: A Two-Weekend party.
Every wedding I photograph is its own world, filled with emotions, connections, and once-in-a-lifetime moments. But some weddings stand out not just for their beauty, but for the sheer magnitude of their celebration. A few years ago, I had the honor of documenting an extraordinary wedding in San Jose—an event that spanned two weekends, welcomed eight hundred guests, and seamlessly wove together the rich traditions of both Hindu and Catholic wedding ceremonies.
This wedding was more than just a union between two people. It was a symphony of culture, ritual, and celebration—a testament to the beauty of honoring heritage while embracing new beginnings. As a documentary wedding photographer, I live for these moments, capturing stories as they unfold, without interference or orchestration. This wedding was a masterclass in storytelling.
The Beauty of Multicultural Weddings
Photographing multicultural weddings is always an immersive experience. There is something deeply moving about witnessing two families, each with their own traditions, come together to celebrate love. The layering of rituals, attire, and symbolism adds an incredible depth to the visual narrative. Indian weddings, in particular, are a feast for the senses—vivid colors, intricate henna patterns, sacred rituals that date back centuries. When combined with the solemnity and elegance of a Catholic wedding, the result is nothing short of mesmerizing.
As a photographer, these events demand not only technical skill but also an understanding of the cultural significance behind each moment. Knowing when to step back, when to move in, and how to anticipate what comes next is key. Over the years, I’ve learned that photographing these weddings isn’t just about the grand moments—it’s about the small, intimate ones too. A groom’s quiet prayer before the ceremony, a bride’s mother adjusting the folds of a sari, a stolen glance between newlyweds in the chaos of celebration.
The Hindu Wedding Weekend: Ritual, Color, and Celebration
The first weekend was dedicated to the Hindu wedding, a three-day affair filled with ceremonies, dance, and an energy that never seemed to fade. It began with the Mehndi night, where the bride’s hands and feet were adorned with henna in intricate patterns, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. The room was filled with music and laughter as guests had their own hands decorated while sipping chai and indulging in sweets.
The next day, the Sangeet—a night of music and dance—was unlike anything I had ever photographed. Families from both sides prepared choreographed performances, retelling the couple’s love story through Bollywood-style dance numbers. The energy was electric, the colors vibrant. My camera could barely keep up with the movement, the flying scarves, the joyful expressions. This was storytelling at its finest, where every dance move and beat of the drum added to the narrative.
The wedding ceremony itself was a masterpiece of tradition and devotion. The mandap, draped in marigolds, stood at the center of the venue, its golden glow casting warmth over the gathering. The bride entered under a canopy of flowers, her red and gold sari shimmering in the afternoon light. The groom awaited her, dressed in an embroidered sherwani, his face partially veiled by a sehra.
Hindu wedding rituals are deeply symbolic. The tying of the Mangalsutra, the Saptapadi (seven steps around the sacred fire), the exchange of garlands—each moment carried a weight of meaning and history. I moved carefully, ensuring I captured these traditions with the reverence they deserved. Some of my favorite images from the weekend were not of the grand moments, but of the quiet ones—the bride’s father wiping away a tear, the groom’s mother whispering a blessing into his ear.
A Week of Parties and Festivities
Between the two wedding weekends, there was no lull in celebration. The couple hosted a series of events, from a casual brunch by the pool to a formal gala-style reception. One night was dedicated to a fusion party, where guests dressed in both Indian and Western attire, the dance floor alive with a mix of bhangra and pop music.
One of the most touching events was a traditional Haldi ceremony, where turmeric paste was applied to the couple’s skin to bless them before their Catholic wedding. It was an intimate gathering, family members playfully smearing turmeric on the couple while laughter filled the air. These in-between moments, the ones that aren’t always on the itinerary, are where some of the most genuine photographs happen.
The Catholic Wedding: A Sacred and Elegant Affair
The following weekend, the couple exchanged vows in a grand cathedral in the heart of San Jose. The contrast between the two weekends was striking—where the Hindu wedding had been a riot of color and movement, the Catholic ceremony was marked by a serene, almost sacred stillness.
The bride, now in a classic white gown, walked down the aisle as the organ played. The groom, now in a tailored black tuxedo, waited for her at the altar. The ceremony was deeply emotional. As they recited their vows, you could feel the weight of the moment. Two cultures, two families, two traditions—brought together in love.
After the ceremony, we snuck away for portraits in the golden California light. It was a rare quiet moment for the couple, away from the crowds, where they could just be with each other. These are the images I love most—unscripted, unguarded, real.
The reception was a spectacle of its own. An enormous ballroom, tables adorned with lush floral arrangements, a multi-tiered cake standing tall in the center. Speeches were given, laughter echoed, champagne flowed. But my favorite moment was the first dance—under a canopy of fairy lights, the couple swayed to a song that seemed to carry the weight of their entire journey.
The Challenge and Beauty of Capturing a Wedding of This Scale
Photographing a wedding of this scale, with multiple traditions and hundreds of guests, is an exhilarating challenge. There is no room for error, no second chances. It requires agility, deep cultural awareness, and the ability to find intimacy in the vastness of the event.
What made this wedding so special wasn’t just the grandeur—it was the love at its core. Love that honored the past while embracing the future. Love that bridged traditions, families, and continents. My job was to capture that love in its truest form, and as I look back at the photographs, I hope I did justice to the story that unfolded before me.
As I packed up my gear that final night, exhausted but exhilarated, I thought about how incredible it is to witness these moments. A wedding like this is more than just an event—it’s a living, breathing story, and I am endlessly grateful to be the one to tell it.
For couples planning a multicultural wedding, know this: the beauty is in the blending, in the honoring of your roots while forging something uniquely yours. And for me, as a documentary wedding photographer, there is no greater privilege than capturing that journey, exactly as it happens.
If you’re planning a wedding that blends traditions, spans continents, or simply tells your story in an authentic way—I’d love to be there to document it. Let’s create something timeless, together.
