I was going through our photography archives and discovered that I haven’t posted any images from the Indian weddings Russell photographed in 2013! I know these are over a year old, but there are too many beautiful images here that I’ve got to share!

The images below are from five different weddings and receptions. In addition to photographing his own events for Russell Gearhart Photography, Russell also covers events for Samson Productions. Samson specializes in Indian, Pakistani, and South Asian wedding events.

Enjoy this jaunt through some of the gorgeous Indian weddings Russell photographed in 2013!

At this event, the ballroom was slated to be opened on both sides after the ceremony to triple its size for the reception. I love this creative image that allows us to see the finished ceremony area, and the in-progress reception area all at once!

I adore the color at an Indian wedding. The red of the bride’s dress is spectacular beside the green and gold of her ladies’ outfits.

Traditionally an Indian bride wears red for the ceremony. Then she’ll pick any color under the sun for the reception. I adore the bright colors of pink, and cobalt, and teal that some of these ladies chose for their receptions. Gorgeous!You’ve gotta love when the guests make mini-mustaches with henna!The design of these receptions are phenomenal! Hundreds of candles, hanging tea lights, plus orchids and crystals! I’m always so impressed by the attention to detail.I get nerdy about cakes. I used to make amateur fondant cakes as a hobby, and one of my favorite things is to find the cake in Russell’s images after a wedding. It always shows off the couple’s individual flair!

The cake from this reception is out-of-sight: six tiers and a spacer makes for lots of drama! Plus, look at all the detail in those patterned decorations.Then, there’s this final image.

At nearly every Indian wedding, the brides’ friends and family gang up on the groom by stealing his shoes earlier in the day. Then, because no groom can leave shoe-less with his bride, they flat-out bribe him to buy his shoes back! Both sides get involved in this game of tug-of-war of sorts, and it becomes a lively round of up-close and personal negotiation. Everyone crowds around the couple and playfully fight to settle the deal.

Usually, the only way to photograph the negotiation is to get right up in there with the group. Luckily, Russell’s pretty tall and has long arms.

Samson Productions specializes in Indian weddings and events in the Los Angeles area and worldwide. Contact Samson Productions and request to have Russell as your photographer!

Want to see more Indian weddings that Russell’s photographed? Try these:

• 2014 Best of Indian Weddings: Part 1
• Orange County Indian Wedding Reception: Saarah and Talha
• Indian Wedding Story: Ami and Prakash