“Whatever you do, don’t look at the reflection in the window!”  The groom stood still, hands together, back turned towards his bride.  This was it… the moment they’ve been planning for months, that she’s probably planned since she was a little girl.  She walked up from behind him, put her hand on his shoulder, he turned around, and tears… so many tears.  His bride, her groom.  Shimal and Kayla.  All the excitement leading up to this day, to this moment.  All of the typical wedding commotion of the morning, all of their nerves calmed during their intimate first look.  A moment of quiet, before they walk down the aisle to become husband and wife.

Shimal & Kayla’s gorgeous ceremony took place in the morning, at the beautiful gazebo area of the JW Marriott Las Vegas.  The sun was shining, it was the perfect temperature – not too hot, with a gentle breeze.  The ceremony began with a traditional Hindu baraat, which serves as the grooms processional into the wedding ceremony.  A celebratory parade as both sides of the family joined together as one.  There was dancing, singing, ceremonial traditions, laughter, and so much joy.  I was the happiest little photographer on the planet as I captured all of the amazingness that surrounded me!  It was so surreal, and so cool to be a part of.

As the bride made her way up the aisle, everyone was in awe.  Her dress, her jewelry, all the florals… she was stunning!  Their ceremony was full of beautiful traditions, and lots of happy giggles and tears.  As they walked back down the aisle, as husband and wife, they were showered with rose petals from their family and friends.  It was beautiful!

For the second part of the day, Shimal & Kayla changed into a black suit and white wedding gown.  When I arrived to the hotel the day prior, I scoped out the property and found an amazing roof top area for their evening formal portraits.  The lighting was just right, and they looked amazing.

We continued on into cocktail hour and the wedding reception at the Cascade Room at the JW Marriott Las Vegas.  I love how their family and friends performed a well thought out skit, basically re-enacting a timeline of Shimal & Kayla as kids up through his proposal to her. It was so sweet, and so neat to visually see the story of their love. Elvis even showed up for this party, ya’ll! This wedding was legit!

Congratulations, Shimal & Kayla!  Thank you again for asking me to be a part of such a beautiful and special day!

Tabitha xo

Special thanks to this awesome team who helped to pull off this beautiful day!

Lead photographer: @tbaldwinphoto
Second photographer: @ivettewestphotography
Videography: @dreamdedicatedweddings
Coordinator & DJ: @harryoproductions
Venue, Food & Beverage, Linens: @jwmarriottlvevents
Florals & Decor: @weddingsbydzign
Cake: @thecupcakerysummerlin
Hair & Makeup: @ameliacandco
Henna: @suhenna_creations