Multicultural Durham Wedding Photographed by Kivus & Camera
A spark ignited between Sarah and Anirudh when they met through a dating app in 2016. Their bond grew from their first date at Durham’s Ponysaurus Brewing Co. Anirudh later popped the question in 2018 while on a ski trip to Banff, Canada. Although Sarah had come down with a fever and a blizzard blew through, neither thwarted his plans to pop the question. The pair toasted to their future with Champagne in the snow. They celebrated their union in Hindu and Christian wedding ceremonies.
Like many couples that planned to wed in 2020, Sarah and Anirudh decided to postpone the event they’d originally planned for October of that year. They eventually decided to host a big celebration in 2022 that would allow them to include all their family and friends without restrictions. Still, the pair formally got married in an intimate Christian ceremony at Arrowhead Inn in 2021 with just their wedding party and immediate family. Sarah and Anirudh exchanged vows and enjoyed a casual oyster roast with just their loved ones.
Sarah wore a lace dress that her grandmother and mother also tied the knot in. Sarah’s sister officiated and the couple completed their vows with a toast with Ponysaurus Beer, a nod to the brewery where they’d met.
Traditional Hindu Ceremony at The Cookery’s Outdoor Patio
The couple then hosted a traditional Hindu ceremony at The Cookery on Oct. 22, 2022. The venue, which doubles as a culinary incubator, was where Ponysaurus Brewing Co. got its start, sealing the deal for Sarah and Anirudh as another nod to their first date. “The Cookery was absolutely fabulous and easy to communicate with,” Sarah says.
The Cookery is conveniently located close to downtown Durham. The couple made use of murals and Durham’s cityscape as a unique backdrop for their first look and wedding portraits. They then headed back to the venue for the baraat – the traditional entrance of the groom in Indian weddings – and ceremony.
Colorful, Fun Wedding Photography by Kivus & Camera
Elyssa Kivus of Kivus & Camera captured both ceremonies on camera. Elyssa is “a photography goddess” Sarah says. “She was the best part of our wedding and captured photos we will love forever.”
American Party Rentals and florist Color Fields Farm decorated the space with red, a traditional Indian wedding color, as well as orange and yellow. Guests enjoyed a mix of Southern and Indian dishes.
Elyssa snapped candid moments of guests grooving to band Eight Past Midnight.
“I think everyone at the wedding danced the entire time,” Sarah says. “There are so many great photos of us getting down on the dance floor.”
