Today I’m thrilled to be showing off Shahn and Melissa’s super lovely American and Indian fusion wedding! The beautiful day was held at the Turf Valley Hotel & Country Club in Ellicott City, Maryland. I LOVE that they chose to incorporate huge aspects of both of their cultural and family backgrounds to make it a celebration truly fitting for all of their family and friends. Shahn and Melissa were actually already married for a year by their wedding date, but because of Shahn being in medical school, and an intensely complicated schedule due to that, they spent much of the year apart and weren’t able to have the full wedding until this August. But it seemed worth the wait, and the joy that exuded from the day was contagious!

Melissa gave each of her bridesmaids a custom charm bracelet that had specific meaning to them, and went perfectly with their necklaces so that they could wear it for the wedding. It was a huge hit with each of the girls. :)

Does Melissa look AMAZING, or what?!

I was SO happy to have Rachel shooting with me for the day, and I love the shots she was able to get of the guys getting ready (among the other fabulous shots she got throughout the day)!

Shahn was definitely looking good in his wedding attire, as well!

Ahhh, just so, so gorgeous!

Haha, such a fun wedding party!

I just love ALL of these portraits. The light was sooo perfect!

And now for reception details!

After the first dances, Shahn, Melissa and all of the bridesmaids went and changed into traditional Indian wedding wear for the rest of the reception. Such a great idea!

Her outfit and jewelry were sooo beautiful!

From what I understood of the Indian tradition, after re-entering the reception, the bride and groom then sit on a stage for the evening where guests are welcomed and asked to take photos of them, and where the bride and groom can easily see dance performances and anyone who makes a toast.

Shahn’s sister also did a special mash-up performance of several songs that are meaningful to their relationship – it was such a sweet, special part of the evening.

And then there were some more Indian traditions. This one being where they place a mirror in front of the bride and groom and ask them to each say what they see in the other one, respectively.

There was definitely some crazy and awesome dancing, as you can see. It was a night full of celebration and I’m so happy that I was able to be part of it! Congratulations, again, Shahn & Melissa! And HAPPY WEEKEND, everyone! :)

Wedding Coordinator: Carol Sirchio
Venue: Turf Valley Country Club
Florist: Vanita
Cake Artist: Debbie’s Cake Studio
DJ & Lighting: DJ Doug Sandler
Hair Artist: Tunde Kulina
Wedding dress: David’s Bridal, Galina Signature
Bridesmaid dresses: David’s Bridal
Men’s tuxes: Men’s Warehouse
Linens: Turf Valley/Sarah Boemmel
Officiant: Sandy Queen