Raiza & Darshan | Inverness,Air Force Academy Chapel and Cherokee Ranch Wedding

Raiza and Darshan had an amazing two-day celebration in the Denver area in May. I feel like their wedding was such an amazing display of multiculturalism and families coming together. Each were honored throughout both days even though both families had very different traditions. Day one was focused on the Hindu ceremony and we were lucky to have an amazing day in the courtyard of the Hilton Inverness Denver. Raiza’s family is Catholic and Darshan’s family is Hindu so his parents took the lead on the first day but you wouldn’t know it. Everyone was included and welcomed. Many of their friends had never experienced an Indian wedding before and the atmosphere was so welcoming and filled with love. It doesn’t matter how many times I photograph Hindu weddings I am always humbled by the family atmosphere and astounded as a photographer at vastness of the color and traditions.

Day two was almost like a second wedding altogether and definitely more like a traditional American wedding. We started with getting ready at the Inverness and hit a small bump in the plans as there was a pretty bad accident on the way down to the Air Force Academy Chapel.

Darshan is a Pilot in the United States Air Force and had attended the Academy. The accident threw a bit of a wrench into the day but Raiza and Darshan just went with the flow. Never panicked or upset. It was what it was and they were going to enjoy their day regardless of what happened. We ended up starting almost two hours late by the time Raiza was walking down the isle. Everyone was so accommodating and understanding.

They had a stunning Catholic ceremony, we were able to take photos on the Protestant level (iconic and what the chapel is known for) before jumping back on the road trying to make up time to get to Cherokee Ranch before it became dark. We received a phone call from the wedding planner Isabelle on the way to the castle that is was cold, rainy, and dark at the castle so I made the decision to pull off on the side of the road for a few photos in the sunset light before continuing on at the castle.

Once we got to the Castle all the worry melted away and the real celebration began. Amazing Indian food, amazing decor and floral greeted the guests. Dancing at an Indian wedding always has so much energy. The most enduring moment of the night was when Raiza sang and Darshan played the violin for all their guests. The rainy foggy night made it perfect for a fun night time photo.

All in all I couldn’t have asked for a more gracious and kind couple. I had the honor of flying to Texas last year to do their engagement session on the Dyess Air Force Base and got to ride and get to know Raiza and Darshan’s sister on the way there from Dallas. Honestly it was such an honor. I am constantly just so thankful that God gives me such amazing couples to work with year in and year out and these two were no exception. Thank you Raiza and Darshan for allowing me to be a small part of your event.

XO,

Sarah

Vendors:

Second Photographer: Partner Photographer Erin

Day 1 Wedding Ceremony and Reception: Hilton Denver Inverness

Day 2 Ceremony: Air Force Academy Chapel

Day 2 Reception: Cherokee Ranch and Castle

Planning/Floral/Design: Isabelle Kline Designs

DJ: Novan Entertainment

Videography: Master Media Co

Cake: Elegant Bakery

HMU: Hair Artistry by Hilary and Makeup by Hajer Sasi

Dress: Hayley Paige

Shoes: Ted Baker London

Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal

Stationary: Isabelle Kline Design