A Colorful Wine Country Indian Engagement Party

Kunal and Shivani’s engagement celebration was one of those days that reminded me why I love what I do so much—colorful, joy-filled, and overflowing with family and tradition. They didn’t just want an engagement session for the two of them; they wanted to throw an engagement party for their families, a day that felt like a big warm hug around this new chapter they were stepping into together.

From the very beginning, they were clear that this wasn’t going to be a simple, quiet portrait session. Their vision was to blend a classic Seattle engagement shoot with the energy of a vibrant family gathering. We started with portraits of just the two of them, then slowly folded in parents, siblings, and extended family until it turned into a full celebration—exactly what they had hoped for.

The first thing anyone would notice that day was the color. Their outfits were a beautiful mix of traditional pieces and modern touches—rich jewel tones, intricate embroidery, flowing fabrics, and thoughtful accessories that reflected their heritage. I loved how intentional they were with what they wore. Shivani’s outfit moved beautifully every time she laughed or spun around, and Kunal’s look complemented hers perfectly. Together, they were this stunning, radiant pair that stood out against the soft Pacific Northwest backdrop in the best way.

As we started their portraits, it was immediately clear how much fun they have together. Kunal and Shivani are one of those couples who can go from laughing and teasing each other to soft, quiet moments in a heartbeat. There were so many little glances, inside jokes, and natural smiles—nothing forced or stiff, just the two of them being completely themselves. Photographing them felt less like posing and more like following them around as they enjoyed their own celebration.

Once we wrapped up their couple photos, it was time for what they were most excited about: the engagement party with their families. They had planned this day as a way to bring everyone together, especially the people who had walked alongside them on their journey to this moment. Aunties in colorful saris, uncles in classic suits, cousins in bright traditional outfits—everywhere I turned, there was another beautiful color story and another smiling face.

The atmosphere felt like a preview of what their wedding would be like: music playing in the background, people chatting in little pockets, kids running around, and food and laughter filling the space. I loved watching their families interact—switching effortlessly between languages, sharing stories, and pulling Kunal and Shivani into hugs and photos every chance they got. It was such a sweet reminder that engagements aren’t just about two people; they’re about two families beginning to weave their stories together.

Throughout the evening, we made sure to capture a mix of portraits and candid moments. We photographed Kunal and Shivani with each side of the family, with parents, siblings, and grandparents—those images that become priceless over time. But some of my favorite photos from the whole day are the unscripted ones: hands adjusting jewelry, aunties laughing together, parents watching from the side with so much pride in their eyes.

The cultural richness of the day was woven into everything. Traditional outfits, warm hospitality, the way elders were honored and included—it all created a sense of depth and meaning far beyond just “engagement pictures.” This was a celebration of heritage, of love, and of community. It felt like a small taste of the kind of beautiful, vibrant wedding I know they’ll have.

By the time the sun started to soften, there was this golden glow that wrapped around the whole gathering. Kunal and Shivani stood together, surrounded by color, family, and so much joy, and it felt like the perfect way to mark the start of this new chapter. We ended the session with a few final portraits of the two of them—now a little more relaxed, a little more settled into the reality of, “Wow, this is really happening.”

Looking back on Kunal and Shivani’s engagement party, what stands out to me most isn’t just how beautiful everything looked (though it truly was a feast for the eyes). It’s the feeling of the day: the way their families showed up so fully, the way tradition and modern life blended so naturally, and the way Kunal and Shivani laughed their way through every part of it.

It wasn’t just an engagement session. It was a celebration—colorful, meaningful, and full of love. And I feel so honored I got to be there, camera in hand, to capture it all.

Cave B Winery