patel pre-wedding event.

When I first met Ankit and Priya, I could tell from the get-go that they are a relaxed couple who love life and sharing it with each other. When Bryan and I met up with them at the Westin Atlanta Perimeter North the day before their wedding, they were just as calm and compassionate. It is my wish for every bride and groom that they would find this place of peace and excitement leading into their marriage. This night was spent in beautiful Indian traditions and joyous moments with family and friends and we were so happy to be there to document this time!

I was even happier when we arrived at the venue early and there was still a little light left in the sky to grab a few shots of the bride and groom together before they were surrounded by guests. What a wonderful few moments together spent in excitement for what's to come.

So start with the photos already, right? The juxtaposition to follow is a good way to lead off; it begins to explain the mix of old traditions and contemporary celebrations all surrounded by great amounts of love and smiles. 

After these brief moments outside, we walked into a room filled with bright colors, beautiful people and an atmosphere of complete merriment. We were more than excited to learn about, and photograph, the ceremonial art form of mehndi. The intricate henna work applied to the hands of the women was exquisite and inspiring. There were times I wished I was a guest myself!

I had to chuckle a little bit when I saw some of the younger kids chowing down on chicken nuggets and French fries! I suppose some things are cross-cultural! As for Bryan and I, we used bread to pinch up a little taste of the delicious Indian spread offered and I would choose that goodness over fast food any day, hands down! Getting to try new foods definitely goes down as a perk of photographing different cultures (and we REALLY love when it includes us traveling abroad as well!).

I'd like to think both the bride and groom were receiving just a few tips about marriage from their friends here:

Again, really loved all the color!

What a night! After all the stunning henna work, delectable dishes and talk of anticipation of the day to come, the evening came to a close. 

Priya, you're beautiful and I know you were a radiant bride. And Ankit, you're a handsome gentleman. The chance to spend the evening documenting this special time in your lives was truly a pleasure for us!