Ashwin + Lauren, a Hindu-Catholic Wedding in Santa Fe

September 2, 2019 Alicia Padilla and Jaclyn Younger

When sweet Lauren and Ashwin first reached out to us last summer about capturing their two day Catholic-Hindu wedding, we knew it would be like nothing we’ve ever been a part of before. This past Labor Day weekend, these kind souls tied the knot and celebrated the melding of two very different, but very beautiful cultures.

Lauren and Ashwin met, and eventually fell in love, while on call in a hospital while both working on their medical residency at Harvard in Boston, MA. Even though Ashwin, who was two years ahead of Lauren, went to Philadelphia, PA for his cardiology fellowship, these two not only made a long distance relationship work for three years (!), but their relationship became that much stronger. Ashwin surprised Lauren by proposing in his apartment right before dinner and the rest is history. In Lauren’s words, “We are truly best friends and love that we constantly make each other laugh and inspire each other to be the best versions of ourselves” We adore how much these two love and care for each other, something that was so tangible and beautiful throughout their weekend in Santa Fe.

Day one of Ashwin and Lauren’s wedding consisted of a traditional Catholic wedding at the historic Cathedral Basilica of St Francis of Assisi, right in the heart of Santa Fe. Lauren blended super classic and gorgeous bridal details like her pastel bouquet and dreamy Pnina Tornai gown with stunning Henna on both her hands and feet. After their beautiful church wedding, Lauren + Ashwin and their guests were led to The Inn and Spa at Loretto by Mariachis (because what Santa Fe is complete without them?!). We got to spend an entire hour (!) with these lovers just strolling around the plaza and taking more gorgeous romantics than we ever could have asked for. With a whole lot of wedding day beauty, from Floriography’s stunning floral elephant (named Gus btw) and Maggie’s Wedding Cake’s bright and colorful Indian themed cake, along with the always stunning planning of Just Lovely Weddings, their reception was out of this world. They kicked it off with traditional speeches, cake cutting (Lauren cut the cake with a sword!), and a first dance, before changing into beautiful, traditional Hindu attire to party the rest of the night away! Lauren surprised Ashwin with a speech in his native Indian language and performed an Indian dance with her friends. Their reception included the best mix of Indian, American, and Latino music we’ve ever heard.

The first day of this incredible weekend was one that our team will never forget, we were so honored to capture such a tender, compassionate, and thoroughly genuine love story. Ashwin + Lauren, we love you and how much your love inspires us!!!

To see day two of this incredible wedding weekend click here.
This special weekend was also featured on Carats and Cake.