A Peek Into a Traditional Indian Wedding
A Beautiful Indian Wedding in Ann Arbor, Michigan
Ameya & Mehdi’s Joyful Celebration at the Ann Arbor City Club and Nichols Arboretum
If you're planning a wedding in Michigan and looking for inspiration filled with vibrant culture, heartfelt moments, and meaningful traditions, Ameya and Mehdi’s Indian wedding is a beautiful example of how to blend tradition with personal style. Held in the heart of Ann Arbor, their wedding was rich with color, joyful rituals, and family celebration—everything that makes an Indian wedding truly unforgettable.
Ann Arbor Wedding Venue: The Historic Ann Arbor City Club
This beautiful couple chose the Ann Arbor City Club, a charming and historic wedding venue in Michigan, as the location for their ceremony and celebration. With its timeless architecture, lush grounds, and central location, it served as the perfect backdrop for their vibrant Indian wedding.
For portraits, we ventured to Nichols Arboretum, one of Ann Arbor’s most picturesque photo locations. With its winding paths, open meadows, and blooming summer florals, the Arboretum offered a peaceful setting for romantic and timeless wedding portraits.
Traditional Indian wedding ceremony at Ann Arbor City Club in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Baraat: The Groom’s Grand Entrance on Horseback
One of the most iconic Indian wedding traditions is the Baraat, the groom’s lively entrance to the wedding. In true traditional fashion, Mehdi arrived on a white horse surrounded by music, dancing guests, and family members full of energy and celebration.
This part of the wedding day is full of joy and movement, and it's one of the most exciting moments to capture as a Michigan wedding photographer. The Baraat represents the groom’s journey to his bride and is often one of the most unforgettable highlights for both the couple and their guests.
Indian groom’s entrance on a white horse.
Detail photo to capture Indian tradition of groom riding in on a horse.
The Ceremony: A Sacred and Cultural Celebration
The wedding ceremony took place under a beautifully decorated mandap, a sacred structure central to Hindu weddings. The rituals performed here—like the Saptapadi (Seven Steps) and the Mangalsutra exchange—symbolize the couple’s lifelong commitment and spiritual union.
Ann Arbor weddings that incorporate traditional South Asian elements like these bring such a deep sense of meaning and beauty to the day. Every detail of the ceremony, from the colorful garments to the spoken vows, was a reflection of Ameya and Mehdi’s cultural heritage.
Exchanging of rings during traditional outdoor Indian wedding ceremony.
The groom holds the bride's right big toe and helps her tread and place her right foot on the grindstone. As the bride mounts the stone, it symbolises how she and the marriage should be rock firm, and undisturbed by difficulties of life.
With each of the seven sacred steps, Ameya and Mehdi vowed to walk through life together—promising love, strength, and unity for every chapter ahead. The Saptapadi is the heart of the Hindu wedding ceremony, symbolizing a lifelong journey built on trust, friendship, and shared purpose.
Joota Chupai: A Fun and Playful Wedding Tradition
If you’re considering adding cultural wedding games to your Michigan wedding, Joota Chupai is a must! This lighthearted Indian tradition involves the bride’s family stealing the groom’s shoes when he removes them for the ceremony. They later “negotiate” with him (usually with lots of laughter and playful teasing) to return them.
It’s a fun way to get both families involved and add a burst of laughter to the day—and it creates great photo opportunities, too!
The money earned during the hiding of the shoes game, known as “Joota Chupai,” is held near the groom’s shoe for a fun photo!
Why You Should Plan for One Hour of Wedding Portraits
As a professional wedding photographer in Michigan, one of the best pieces of advice I give all my couples is to allow at least one hour for couples’ portraits on your wedding day. Amidst the schedule of rituals, family photos, and receptions, this quiet time together becomes one of the most cherished parts of the day.
At Nichols Arboretum, Ameya and Mehdi had time to pause, reflect, and just be with each other. The result? Natural, emotional, and timeless images that tell their love story beyond the wedding traditions.
Ameya and Mehdi allowed a full hour for couple’s portraits at Nichols Arboretum during golden hour and the result was a full gallery of romantic photos of the two of them on their most special day.
Planning Your Indian Wedding in Michigan
From traditional ceremonies to modern celebrations, Michigan offers an incredible variety of venues, vendors, and locations to bring your wedding vision to life. Whether you’re planning a cultural wedding in Ann Arbor, a summer ceremony in Detroit, or an elegant celebration in West Michigan, the key is in the details—and in giving yourself the time and space to enjoy every part of it.
Looking for a Wedding Photographer in Michigan?
I am experienced in capturing multicultural weddings across Michigan, including Indian weddings, fusion ceremonies, and traditional celebrations. My approach is focused on storytelling, authenticity, and honoring the beauty of each couple’s background and traditions.
If you’re engaged and planning your wedding in Michigan, I’d love to hear about your day. Let’s create something unforgettable together. Get in touch!
Photographs from a traditional Indian wedding in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
