I am thrilled to finally be able to show this wedding! It feels like I shot Joanna and Gopal's wedding last week. Their wedding was so special. Held at the Hendry House in Arlington Virginia, the turn of the century restored Victorian mansion set the tone for a colorful cultural fusion. Joanna and Gopal's wedding paid homage to both Indian traditions and American ideals. The day was a visual feast set on gorgeous grounds that let nature enhance the tender moments.
Joanna's dress was a rapture. A beautifully classic silhouette with thoughtful details like a sweetheart neckline and a full a-line skirt. This dress was so "Joanna," easy-going, laid-back and made to celebrate.
Joanna was a champion wedding pro on the Big Day, a far cry from her initial email to me in which she said she was so oblivious to the whole process!
The beautiful restored mansion, which happened to be painted in rich curry tones perfectly suited for this Indian-American affair.
Here comes dashing Gopal with his parents. I cannot imagine what a special moment this must be for parents to walk your little baby down the aisle and know that their lives are about to change forever.
Anticipation...
A very special touch to the wedding was having their friend officiate.
Married at last!
Joanna and Gopal danced down the aisle. It was so cute to see Gopal, who is reserved, bust a move down the aisle.
This is my favorite image of Joanna and Gopal from the day, so much tenderness. This is one of images that begs to be printed on a 20x30 canvas and hung prominently! Look at those colors! Devastatingly beautiful!
There are hundreds of decisions to make when buying rings. "Is this me?" being perhaps the most important. These rings perfectly epitomize Joanna and Gopal. Joanna's ring has a feminine, organic shape with a delicate band that speaks to her laid-back aesthetic. Gopal's ring is the ring of a Gentleman; with a brushed matte-finish center and thin strips of polished light-reflecting edges his ring speaks to his dynamic personality.
Joanna you are SO gorgeous! Your eyes look like the Caribbean Sea!
I must interject that when Joanna first contacted me she said that they are not used to being in the spot light and get quite nervous when attention is on them. I was tickeld when she told me "I have complete faith in your awesomeness." Seeing these pictures they certainly fooled me!
I adore the Indian tradition of painting the hands with henna. The hands become an accessory, much like a beautiful bouquet.
Stunning...
Can you believe these colors? These ladies look like rare gems. I loved how all of these guests loved having their portaits taken.
Joanna and Gopal, or Jopal as they call themselves, love ginger beer. For their wedding Jopal ordered cases of Saranac Ginger Beer, a dreamy soda over which they share a mutual love. Their guests loved the personal touch of the attached recipe turning the soda into a "Dark & Stormy" cocktail. The bar did not have a dull moment!
This custom made poster outlining the state of Virginia was such a cute personalized touch that was used in place of a guest book. Such a great idea! They will be able to frame and hang this poster on their walls as both cool graphic art and a sweet remembrance of their day.
Sweet little rascals!
There is something magical about weddings that makes couples want to get a little closer.
Joanna with her Mother and sister. Good looks run wild in this family!
A sweet moment between Joanna and her (much taller) baby brother.
The Lebanese Taverna catered and served up some of the most exciting combinations. Stuffed grape leaves with fresh mint and zesty lemon, creamy fresh hummus embraced by baby soft pita bread. The flavors danced with guests' palettes and paired beautifully with Joanna and Gopal's signature drink, ginger beer.
Joanna and Gopal are amazing dancers!
Clink clink!
Guest of the night goes to...this guy! He and his wife had the time of their lives!
Empty seats mean a full dance floor.
They wasted no time in creaming each other with frosting.
Gopal's parents happened to be celebrating their anniversary, so Gopal surprised them with a cake of their own! What a thoughtful son!
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these look fantastic! very well done
ReplyDeleteGreat work!!! Amelia. You have narrated the wedding story so beautifully like a short film.....Joanna looks so gorgeous and Gopal seems to be her better half....I enjoyed looking all these pictures....
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