Celia + Amit | A Catholic, Hindu Multicultural Affair in Austin, TX

This Catholic-Hindu wedding is bursting at the seams with color and culture; it's full of tender moments, sweet, loving glances, and lots of hand holding. Captured expertly by Sean over at Day7 Photography, Celia and Amit's day long Austin, TX wedding celebration, which included a Catholic ceremony in the morning and a Hindu ceremony in the afternoon, combined family traditions and modern touches to create a true fusion affair.

Celia and Amit met in Boston through mutual friends at a party. Amit played it cool. Celia thought he wasn’t interested. They ultimately got along better than expected, since he proposed!  Despite living in two different cities for the time being, Austin was in their hearts and top of the list when it came time to start planning their wedding. And what a wedding celebration it was!

Hindu weddings are know for their fiery colors and ornamental, intricate attire for both the bride and groom. A rich warm palette of reds, golds, bronze and burnt orange symbolize happiness and prosperity. Traditionally, a Hindu bride wears a red sari and headdress, embellished with metallic gold stitch work, and black, gold and red jewelry including her bindi and bangles. Celia's strong bridal colors stand in dramatic contrast to Amit's cream and gold colored wedding attire. Take a moment to appreciate the intricate embroidery and beading on their outfits....such detail and craftsmanship.

Traditional Indian Hindu weddings are made of numerous steps, each emphasizing harmony, balance and personal growth.  They call upon friends and family to bless the couple and usher them into their new life together.  I think my favorite Hindu wedding traditions is the jaimala, or oath of respect, where the bride and groom exchange flowered garlands to symbolize unity and then recite a pledge of acceptance, where they promise to respect each other. Respecting each other is not a bad way to start a marriage.

I just adore when multicultural couples choose to have two weddings. Such a perfect way to honor family heritage and tradition, and create a brand new version of who you will be together - this is the ultimate respect. Congratulations to Celia and Amit; may your days be filled with joy, laughter and an abundance of love. Many thanks to Day7 Photography for sharing this wedding us. I look forward featuring more of your stunning, personal photography in the future.

Are you planning a multicultural wedding? Check out my Top Tips for pulling off a successful, unique affair in style!

Here's to more respect,

{Real Wedding} Shilpa and Chirag - Highlight Video

As promised, Lovlies, a super sweet, high energy video of today's featured Real Wedding from Binita Patel Photography.  On my de Lovely journey, I have come to appreciate the absolute joy and beauty of traditional Hindu weddings; the three day event, the festive atmosphere, family and friends and flowers, the deep respect for culture and the dancing, dancing, dancing...as you will see captured in this highlight reel.

Enjoy this serious fun!



Shilpa & Chirag's Highlight Video from binita patel on Vimeo


Binita Patel is a Boston-based photographer spcializing in wedding, lifestyle and event photography with expertise in South Asian and Indian weddings and events.


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{Real Wedding} Shilpa and Chirag from Binita Patel Photography

I have to say before we get started that I am absolutely in love with this couple and their obvious love for one another. I am grateful that the fabulously fabulous Binita Patel offered to share this sweet, sincerely moving Real Wedding with us. Shilpa and Chirag look like the kind of couple who are just eternally happy, which in turn makes me happy!

Here is what Binita had to say about the couple along with her images of this gorgeous, traditional and yet modern Indian wedding.

Shilpa and Chirag are one of those really sweet, really authentic couples who just warm your heart.  You can just tell that they really make each other feel comfortable and loved; and being around them just puts you at ease. 

Their wedding day was full of color, love & laughter.  Gorgeous flowers, beautiful materials, filled with tradition and family, and lavish ceremony made it a wedding to be remembered for a long time to come. 

The traditional Hindu ceremony took place at La Renaissance in Connecticut with Mandap King, also of Connecticut, providing the mandap and exquisitely detailed decor. Shilpa was a gorgeous bride; her mehndi done by a local Connecticut artist Shabhana, her dresses direct from India and her hair and make up compliments of Amisha’s Artistry. Like most brides, she seemed to be the somewhat quiet...



However the bride and the rest of the wedding were certainly ready to put their party shoes ON once the reception got started. Seriously, Shilpa has sooo much energy. This bunch really knows how to party!

Starting from the baraat (the traditional procession of the groom from his home to the wedding location), all the way through the reception… the dancing just DID NOT STOP!! Thank you for letting me be a part of the glorious day, this coming together of family and tradition. It was an absolute joy!

Photography/Cinematography - Binita Patel Photography + Binita Patel Cinematography

Venue - La Renaissance

Hair/Makeup - Amisha's Artistry

Mandap/Decor - Mandap King

Cake - Modern Pastry Shop

DJ - Vishal Sharma, Bounce Entertainment, Manchester, CT

Make sure you check back later today for the Shilpa and Chirag's highlight video! What fun they had at their celebration, all weddings should be this joyful!  Many thanks again to Binita Patel for sharing her work with de Lovely Affair.

Also, if you have a Real Wedding you would like featured, check out the Submissions page up top!

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Have a deLicious day!