Oregon Golf Club Indian Wedding

Oregon Golf Club Wedding, portland, oregon

The day before a traditional Indian wedding ceremony, friends and family gather for a night of singing and dancing during the sangeet. As friends performed songs for Nithya and Shiraz, the rain outside also performed a thunderous chorus. At one point, it was hard to hear anything happening underneath the tent at The Oregon Golf Club because the rain was so heavy. But, it seemed meant to be. It seemed like the crescendos of the storm flowed with the evening’s performances, and the rain welcomed everyone to a true Portland, Oregon experience.

On the day of their wedding, Nithya and Shiraz got ready with their closest friends and family, and I immediately recognized that their wedding celebration would be dotted with laughter and underlying humor. Nithya communicates with a beautiful laugh that sings above everything else, and Shiraz is the one who subtly brings it out of her. Shiraz has a way of coupling humor with kindness, and he truly makes everyone in his presence feel welcomed and comfortable. These two laugh a lot together, and the way in which they communicate is a dance that I felt incredibly grateful to witness for their two-day celebration.

Before the ceremony, Shiraz arrived and danced with his family during the baraat. The dancing went on for almost an hour, and DJ Prashant with Bollywood Dreams gave some quick dance lessons. Such an energetic way to spend time before the ceremony!

The traditional wedding ceremony was an almost otherworldly experience. The officiant offered blessings under the mandap while, at the same time, explaining the different rituals to people who were new to an Indian wedding experience. He did an amazing job at welcoming everyone. Nithya and Shiraz completed the beautiful traditions: the mangala sutra is when the groom places a necklace on the bride, and the jai mala is the exchange of the flower garlands. My favorite part of the ceremony was the saptapadi. Nithya and Shiraz’s garments were tied together, and they walked seven circles under the mandap. This ritual establishes friendship, which, I learned, is the basis of a Hindu marriage. As Nithya and Shiraz walked those seven circles, they smiled at their relatives, whispered words to one another, and, of course, giggled under their breaths. The ritual of friendship displayed their friendship perfectly.

After their wedding ceremony, Nithya and Shiraz greeted family members with kisses on the hands, bows of respect, and teary-eyed hugs. Afterward, everyone shared lunch and rested before the second half of the celebration.

As Nithya got into her white wedding dress for the evening’s celebration, Shiraz snuck upstairs in his tux and told me that the day was actually Nithya and Shiraz’s one-year anniversary (they were legally married in a small 2021 celebration amidst covid). My absolute favorite moment of the day was Shiraz telling Nithya “happy anniversary!” during a fleeting, private moment as their bridal party waited outside for them to join.

The rest of the day was filled with toasts, dancing, and amazing food. Nithya and Shiraz were able to spend intentional time with each one of their guests. The Oregon Golf Club housed the vibrant sounds and colors of the reception, and Nithya and Shiraz spent their anniversary with the people they love the most.

Thank you so much for allowing me into this space to witness and capture these memories.

venue: Oregon Golf Club
DJ: Bollywood Dreams Entertainment
catering: Chennai Masala
coordination: Daydream Events and Design
florals: Revel Petals
shuttle: Northwest Navigator
henna: Roving Horse Henna
mandap: Bowerbird Events
hair: Modele Salon
mua: VAMP beauty
video: Atelier Pictures
cake: Jaciva’s Bakery
rentals: The Party Place
signage: Letters and Dust