They met in college a few years back. Mike was enamored by Namrata’s beauty and couldn’t get her out of his mind. He pursued her, talking to her on the phone nearly every night. He needed her. She made him feel alive. After several years of chasing her around the globe in her endless travels, he got down on one knee to ask her to be his.

The marriage rites of the Hindu tradition date back over 5,000 years and are performed in Sanskrit. Sanskrit is the most ancient surviving Indo-European language. A Hindu marriage is not only a union between the bride and groom; it also binds two families for generations. It is a lifetime commitment and the strongest bond between two people.

Namrata and Mike, your love is one of the strongest I know. I believe you will persevere whatever may come your way, because you two are meant to be. Thank you for asking me to be a part of your special day, it was truly an honor. Much Love and Appreciation…Michaela.

The wedding preparation began at the Malibu West Beach Club…

The day was so full of life and color…

Nam meditated quietly as her hair and makeup were done…

She truly shined in all her jewelry…

Her Sehra (headdress) was the last piece to be put on…

Namrata, you looked radiant.

Namrata and Mike opted to do a First Look to calm their nerves and take a few photos before the intricate ceremony began…

Mike beamed at his beautiful bride-to-be…

The Hindu wedding ceremony is performed in a mandate, which is an open enclosure with four pillars, and represents the parents of the bride and groom…

Mike and his family are welcomed by Namrata’s parents, sisters relatives and friends. Mike is sprinkled with rose water as Namrata’s mother puts Kumkum (red vermillion powder) on his forehead and offers some sweets as a sign of welcome…

The wedding ceremony begins with a prayer to Lord Ganesh, the remover of all obstacles, requesting his blessings for this ceremony, the joyous beginning of Namrata and Mike’s new life…

Namrata was escorted into the mandate by her sisters and brothers in-law under a shawl with embellishments representing star.

At the auspicious moment called scuba muhurt, Namrata and Mike exchange garlands signifying their acceptance of each other.

The consent and blessings of the parents are now obtained. Namrata and Mike join hands and acknowledge each other as life partners. They promise to live their lives together in accordance with their shared values.

The priest ignites a flame to invoke Lord Agni, the god of fire and eternity to serve as a witness to the marriage. Namrata’s parents offer prayers to the fire in order to seek blessings for peace and prosperity.

Namrata and Mike encircle the holy fire four times symbolizing four paths of human life -moral life, material prosperity, desire and self actualization. Before each circle, Namrata’s sites will fill her hand with rice symbolizing eternal prosperity and their everlasting support.

One of final rituals is the Saptapadi. Namrata and Mike take seven steps together to the north of Agni. These steps affirm the seven vows that they make to each other. Namrata and Mike pay their respects to the priest, to their parents and to the elders who offer their blessings for the married couple.

After the ceremony, the guests went inside the Malibu West Beach Club to dine on traditional Hindu food. Jamie Cakes did such a wonderful job on the dessert…

I’ll leave you with a few more portraits with Namrata and Mike….they are the cutest!

They spent the rest of the night dancing with their friends and family…enjoying their first day as husband and wife…

Many thanks to the incredible team who helped put this beautiful wedding day together…

Wedding Planner : Michelle Waylon

Caterer : Aroma Catering

DJ : Sandeep

Hair and Makeup : Rachna

Cake : Jamie Cakes

Photographers : Moose Studio and The Brides and The Bees