Unique Indian and Catholic Two-Day Wedding in Sioux Falls, SD
Bethany & Manan | Sioux Falls Wedding | St. Lambert’s Catholic Church | Sioux Falls Convention Center | July 31st & August 1st, 2020
Bethany & Manan’s summer wedding was an absolutely beautiful celebration and one of the most unique weddings I’ve ever had the honor of filming. It was an extra special day as well, as my sister, Kelsey of Natural Escape Photography, was the photographer for this wedding. I don’t often get the opportunity to work two-day weddings, but I’m so thankful I was able to be apart of Bethany & Manan’s memorable days. Manan & Bethany grew up nearly 9,000 miles apart - Manan in India and Bethany in South Dakota. As time went on, the closer they would get, the smaller the odds became, and eventually, their lives would converge in Omaha, Nebraska. During the toasts, Bethany’s father talked about the unlikelihood of these two finding each other, but it is clear that fate and their strong faith is what brought them together.
Because of Manan’s Indian roots, the two of them had a stunning Indian celebration the Friday before their actual wedding. This Indian celebration consisted of a Baraat, which is where the groom rides to the venue on a horse alongside his family, and a Sangeet, which is a musical celebration that unites the two families of the couple. Each member of both families was dressed head to toe in traditional Indian attire and the night was exceptionally extravagant. I truly had a blast watching the celebration unfold and learning all about the Indian traditions (I also really enjoyed the food).
The next day, Bethany and Manan had a lovely traditional Catholic wedding at St. Lambert’s Catholic Church in Sioux Falls, SD. I got to spend the entire day with the couple and their family and friends, and I was so welcomed by them all. It was inspiring to see how rooted Bethany and Manan are in their faith and how deeply important it is to their relationship and lives. After the ceremony, we ventured to downtown Sioux Falls for photos at the Washington Pavillion courtyard and then made a quick stop at the Japanese Gardens before heading back to the Sioux Falls Convention Center for their reception. At the reception, the bridal party made a grand entrance with the party bus actually driving into the venue. After dinner, the dances, toasts, and the cake cutting, the couple and their guests danced the night away.
I loved spending two days with this couple and their families. I felt like I really got to know everybody and experience the deep love that Bethany & Manan share. What an honor it was to capture their day for them to relive over and over again. Congrats to the Dhingras!