Traditional Indian Engagement Party in Stokesdale, NC

Nick and Jessica celebrate with family and friends at Stonefield Vineyards in Stokesdale, NC. This Traditional Indian Engagement Party honored Jessica’s heritage and brought together two beautiful families with very different cultural backgrounds.

Jessica and Nick are one of the cutest couples we have ever met! They currently live in California, but have family here in North Carolina and scattered around the Southeast. When they recently became engaged, it was important for them to include their families in their wedding celebrations. While their wedding will be this summer in LA, they decided to honor Jessica’s Indian heritage and have a traditional engagement party at Stonefield Cellars in Stokesdale, NC. This celebration is the time when both of the couple’s families can meet and get to know one another before the wedding. 

When Jessica reached out to us, she was looking for photographers to capture some photos of her and Nick in their traditional Indian clothing. They also wanted some photos of their families before the party. She told us she was hoping for a photographer to capture images with vibrant and true tones. We scheduled a call and after talking with Jessica, we knew we would be a great fit! During our consultation, Jessica talked with us about the photos she really wanted. There were special moments that she hoped to capture. She also had some ideas she had for some creative shots. We came up with a timeline that worked with the beautiful November sunset and the rest of the party plans. 

Culture, Tradition, and Legacy

We loved learning more about these beautiful traditions from Jessica and her family! She explained that after a couple gets engaged it is traditional for the groom’s family to meet the bride’s family by throwing an engagement party. Jessica dressed in a beautiful sari. She had the idea of using the pallu (the long part of the sari) similar to a wedding veil for that signature photo you will see below. She also got beautiful mehndi for the party that incorporated locations that were very special to her and Nick. Nick wore a kurta, the men’s garment. This was the first time Nick’s family had dressed in Indian clothes. Everyone looked amazing!

We loved witnessing the two families meet for the first time. At the end of the party, the elder women of the families, including Jessica’s grandmother, bestowed upon her a Hindu blessing to mark this momentous occasion, and wish the couple well as they embark upon this exciting new chapter of their life together. They were also given new clothes and fruit as part of the ceremony. 

This was such a special occasion and we were so fortunate to be able to capture it for Jessica and Nick! We wish them the absolute best and cannot wait to see their wedding photos!