“Love is an endless mystery, for it has nothing else to explain it”
Michael and Sonia met at a Jazz Bar on Bourbon street. OR at an orthopedics conference where they were both presenting their work from graduate school. (depends on who you ask). After thriving through Covid together they knew this was real and we started planning all the things.
As Duke is near and dear to their hearts we captured their engagement between Sarah P. Duke Gardens and Duke Chapel. And all their wedding festivities were in and around Durham.
I initially met the rest of their family at the Mehndi ceremony at their home. It never ceases to overwhelm me as couples invite me into these sacred and life giving moments in their lives. Their families were already familiar with each other and blended easily as her family taught his, with great love, the meaning behind each moment.
A Mehndi is a way of wishing the couple health and prosperity as they make the next step into marriage but I love how it forces them to rely on the help of their friends and family to feed them, fix their hair, assist with potty breaks, shoe removal and communication. It forces them to slow down, not check their phone and simply be present with each other and their family while the henna dries.
I would love to see more of this for all my couples. Michael’s friends and family were certainly excited as they learned and experienced each new tradition.
As for their Haldi Ceremony, the celebrations continued and the familiarity with each others’ families grew. As each member gently and intentionally placed the turmeric and other spices on their bodies for wellness and good fortune, it quickly turned to a fun filled smearing of the yogurt and spices all over them to ensure the best wedding day “glow.” Everyone had a blast!
The wedding day welcomed more and more family and friends into the fold as they danced and laughed through each ritual and tradition. Michael and his crew had a blast celebrating his Baraat wedding entrance and her family greeted him with open arms.
Michael even included our very Southern tradition of burying the bourbon on the ceremony grounds and digging it up to ensure no rain on the wedding day. (it worked!) Both being proficient at ballroom dancing, they dazzled their guests during the reception and also tipped their hats to their NOLA beginnings and included a beignet truck instead of cake for their desserts!
You guys thank you so much for inviting us to be a part of your big weekend!
Instagram Handles for all the Vendors who made the day possible:
Photographer: @cynthiajviola with @jhaganphotog
Ceremony Venue: @oaksatsalem
Reception Venue: @durhamcookery
Planning: @southernskiesevents
HMU: @weddedkiss
Henna: @hennaartbynadia and @mysticalhennabypriya
Florals: @beckettfloral
DJ: @dowoakevents
Catering: @limenlemon_indiangrill and @rocky_top_caters and @nukkad.usa
Bar: @withatwistbartendingservice
Dessert: @squaredoughnuts
Rentals: @curatedeventsraleigh, @americanpartyrentals and @greenhousepickersisters
Puppy Care: @barkandbonenc
Fashion: @Indochino and @bhldn
Rings: @emilychelseajewelry, @brilliantearth and @Thorum
Officiant: Priya Amaresh
Haldi Venue: @achoteldurham