Islandwood on Bainbridge Island is a beautiful location for a wedding, and Sarah and Japees’ two-day celebration of love was nothing short of magical. I had the pleasure of capturing their traditional Sikh wedding on the first day, followed by a western-style wedding on the second day, while associate shooting for my friend Cameron Zegers!

The first day of the celebration was a traditional Sikh wedding ceremony. Sarah got ready in a cozy cabin at the venue surrounded by her bridesmaids. Japees's mother and her mother helped her get dressed in her traditional red Lehenga. Her brother and Japees’s family helped her put on all of her jewelry.

The jewelry that Sarah wore was an important part of the traditional Sikh wedding attire. She had large gold tassels on her wrists, which are called Kaliras and are a symbol of good luck and prosperity. These are typically worn by the bride during the wedding ceremony and are tied to her bangles by the bride's sisters, friends, or female relatives in a ceremony called a choora ceremony. In Sarah's case, Japees's family helped her with the kaleerein, which is a special honor reserved for close family members.

It was so fun photographing such bright, elegant, and intricate details in such a woodsy rustic space!

Japees wore a traditional Sikh outfit called a Sherwani in a chic shade of grey. Japees carried a sword called a kirpan, which is a symbol of his commitment to protecting the weak and upholding justice. In addition, he wore a special piece of feather jewelry called a kalgi in his turban, which symbolizes royalty and honor. The wedding party also wore traditional outfits that added to the colorful and festive atmosphere.

We captured their first look in the woods, which was a beautiful moment. We then took their portraits at the suspension bridge at the venue, which provided a breathtaking backdrop for their photos!

Before the ceremony we photographed S&J’s family and friends in their traditional outfits before heading to the ceremony. This was such a fun group! And while the shot list was long, we had so much fun snapping away and getting to know everyone!

The traditional Sikh wedding ceremony was held indoors in one of the meeting spaces at the venue, beautifully transformed for the occasion. It was a beautiful and emotional affair. The ceremony included several rituals, such as the four Laavan, the Anand Karaj, and the recitation of prayers and hymns. The Ragis, or Sikh musicians, played beautifully. At the end of the ceremony, everyone partook in a communal meal known as langar, which is a Sikh tradition of serving food to everyone present as a symbol of equality and community.

The dinner that followed the ceremony took place in the Dining Hall and was a feast of amazing Indian food served family-style! We were seated at the vendor table, and The Ragis said it was the best Indian food they had had in the PNW! The flowers were colorful and added to the festive atmosphere.

Later in the evening after dinner, the couple and their guests gathered around a fire pit at the Friendship Circle for karaoke and s'mores, which was a fun and memorable way to end the first day of the celebration. Karaoke is one of S&J’s favorite things to do with their friends! I love when couples include personal touches into their wedding weekend!

The second day of the wedding was a traditional western wedding. Sarah got ready with her bridesmaids at her childhood home on the island, while the groom got ready with his groomsmen at a cabin at the venue.

Sarah looked breathtaking in a white wedding dress, while Japees looked dapper in a black suit for their first look in the forest. We took photos at the Suspension Bridge and the Treehouse!

The ceremony was held outdoors at the Creaky Tree Meadow, and the florals were white and green, with babies breath lining the aisle and white anemones, pink roses, and peonies in the bride's bouquet. Bridesmaids wore mix matched shades of blush and lilac while groomsmen wore shades of navy with sage green ties and brown shoes.

Cocktail hour was held outside on the Back Patio, with passed apps and wine flowing. The reception was held indoors in the Dining Hall again, this time with white and green flowers. The dinner was served plated, and bottles of wine were placed on the tables for guests to share.

We snuck outside after dinner and before speeches to take some golden hour portraits! I always recommend taking this time to step away from the action, and enjoy some “alone” time.

The emotional speeches were a testament to the love that Sarah and Japees share, for each other and their community. Then cake cutting and dancing in the Great Hall - a perfect ending to their two-day celebration of love!

Islandwood was the perfect backdrop for S&J’s exciting celebrations and is an excellent choice for anyone looking to tie the knot with a multi day event in the Pacific Northwest. All of the guests were able to stay at the venue in the Lodges, which made this destination wedding convenient and intimate. IslandWood on Bainbridge Island is a truly stunning wedding venue. Nestled in the heart of a 255-acre forest, it offers an enchanting and magical setting for a wedding celebration. The venue has a range of different spaces that can be used for weddings, each with its own unique charm. For example, the Great Hall is a spacious and elegant indoor space, perfect for dancing or a backup ceremony space. It features floor-to-ceiling windows that offer panoramic views of the forest, as well as a cozy fireplace that provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The Dining Hall is a dynamic and cozy space for your reception, and there are a variety of meeting spaces throughout the venue that can be utlizied. The Treehouse and the suspension bridge are great spots for the adventurous couple to take portraits. The Garden and the Back Patio are great outdoor spaces to utilize for welcome parties and cocktail hours. Finally, the Meadow is a picturesque outdoor space that is perfect for a wedding ceremony. It features a beautifully manicured lawn, surrounded by towering trees. No matter which space you choose at IslandWood, you're sure to have a magical and unforgettable wedding celebration.

If you're planning to get married at Islandwood, we highly recommend it. The venue provides a stunning backdrop for your wedding, and the team is professional and accommodating. Get in Touch to discuss how we can capture your wedding and make it a memorable affair, just like Sarah and Japees’!

And a big thank you for having me associate shoot, Cameron! @cameronzegersphotography

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