PriyaDarshini and Jitin’s Traditional Tamil Wedding in Carmel

Priya was reffered to us by a friend who noticed us in action and our work at her friends wedding. This I consider a huge honor.

Priya and Jitin’s wedding at Wedgewood Carmel-by-the-Sea was a stunning blend of tradition, adventure, and the raw beauty of the California coast.

The day began before the sun had even fully climbed over the horizon. To take advantage of the ethereal, soft glow of dawn, we started with an early morning couple’s session on the beach. There is a quiet magic to Carmel at that hour—just the sound of the waves and the two of them.

Following our sunrise session, we headed to the bridal suite at Wedgewood. Having photographed at several Wedgewood properties, I’m always impressed by their elegance, and the Carmel location is no exception. It provided the perfect, sophisticated backdrop for Priya’s bridal portraits as she prepared for the ceremony.

The heart of the day was a beautiful Tamil traditional ceremony. The vibrant colors of the rituals looked striking against the coastal scenery. One of my favorite parts of South Indian weddings is the transition from the solemnity of the vows to the lightheartedness of the traditional games. It brought such a wonderful energy to the morning, filled with laughter from their families.

Priya and Jitin are truly an adventurous duo. After the ceremony, despite the notorious chill of the Pacific waters, they were more than willing to head down to the shoreline. Capturing them against the pristine white sands and turquoise water of Carmel Beach was a photographer’s dream. Their willingness to get a little wet and sandy resulted in some of the most authentic, breathtaking shots of the day.

After a joyful lunch filled with more games and dancing, we wasn't finished yet. As the sun began to dip lower, we made our way to a nearby beach in Monterey for post-reception portraits. The "Golden Hour" lived up to its name, casting a warm, amber glow over the couple—a perfect, serene end to a high-energy day.

"Working with couples like Priya and Jitin reminds us why we love what we do. They embraced every moment—from the early morning chill to the splashing waves—with nothing but smiles."

Are you planning a coastal wedding? I’d love to help you capture the magical moments against the backdrop California coast.