Sonia + Andy | Canyonwood Ridge in Dripping Springs, Texas | November 25, 2017

Where do I even begin with this epic wedding?! Sonia and Andy’s Catholic + Indian wedding day was such a colorful celebration of two cultures cloaked in ritual and tradition. I will never forget this beautiful day, not just because it was beautiful and I’ve never witnessed anything like it but because I grew up with Sonia and she’s one of my dearest friends. I remember receiving the gleeful text followed by a phone call the weekend Andy proposed. The two of us have countless memories growing up, we met when we were both five and my mom was the leader of our Daisy Troop! Photographing and capturing their big day was such a great honor. Alex and I are immeasurably happy for this gorgeous duo and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for them.

Sonia and Andy met when Sonia and her sister were apartment hunting and stumbled upon an apartment complex Andy just so happened to be the leasing manager at. Andy left the room to get them more information about the unit they were interested in and Sonia immediately turned to her sister Aditi and exclaimed how cute he was. Thankfully the feelings were mutual and Andy and Sonia started dating soon afterwards. Andy learned to love Sonia’s affinity for sushi and Thai food and they became inseparable. Eventually they moved in together and even adopted a sweet rescue pup named Arnold. Sonia comes from a long line of animal lovers and I adore seeing their posts with Arnold, he’s such a lucky pooch!!

The big day started out at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Dripping Springs. Andy’s family is of Catholic faith and it was important to them to pay homage to both families. Sonia looked like a goddess in her white gown and Andy so dapper in his suit. The bridesmaids’ wine colored gowns as well as the bouquets matched the decor of the upcoming Indian ceremoy oh so perfectly, so many deep bugundies and dark purples. Once the Catholic ceremony concluded everyone was whisked off to Canyonwood Ridge, a gorgeous hill country venue just a handful of minutes away in Dripping Springs. I adore this venue, the light is always spectacular inside and out and the sweeping views of the hill country are unmatched. The venue itself took on a life of its own as Sonia’s family and a team of talented vendors transformed the space into an exotic Indian oasis. I still can’t get over all the florals and gold and details upon details upon details. It really was a feast for the senses.

My absolute favorite moment of the entire day was the Baraat. It’s a popular tradition in Hindu weddings where the groom is led to the ceremony site on a white horse (the Ghodi) while friends, family and his groomsmen celebrate around them. I was told about this tradition beforehand by Sonia’s parents but nothing had prepared me for the electric energy and excitement that came along with it! The music during the Baraat set the mood for the upcoming ceremony and the day’s events with upbeat songs blasting and Indian drums beating. It was a mix of hip hop and Bhangra music, it felt like we were all part of a Bollywood film and everyone had perma smiles on their faces as they danced and celebrated.

The Hindu ceremony that followed was led by Sonia’s adorable grandfather who is a Hindu priest and wise beyond his years. He expertly explained every ritual and tradition during the hour and a half ceremony to those of us who weren’t in the know. It was fascinating and obviously dripping with beauty and tradition. Once the Hindu ceremony concluded guests enjoyed a beautiful cocktail hour complete with a beer burro and delicious Indian appetizers while we took photos of the couple and their bridal party in the most gorgeous of November light.

Sonia and Andy’s reception was a party with no lack of entertainment and delicious food. There was of course Indian karaoke, speeches galore, a birthday surprise for the father of the bride, a live country performance by Andy’s cousin, as well as Sonia and Andy tearing it up on the dance floor later. A huge thank you again to Sonia and Andy and their generous families, we were so happy to be a part of your special day!!