Kimberly Jarman Photography

The Photographers for Kiran & Rory’s wedding:  Kimberly Jarman (Lead Photographer)
Elise (2nd Shooter) // Jenn (2nd Shooter)// Kayla (3rd Shooter) // Assistant (Lauren)

Indian Wedding at the Hyatt Gainey Ranch.

Kiran & Rory had a day full of tradition, beauty, and lots of joy. A couple dreams of their wedding day and each event and detail – the ceremony, the reception, the gown… but Kiran and Rory decided to have that… times TWO!

Kiran is Sikh, and had a traditional Sikh ceremony in the morning to honor her heritage. After that, they went back and did it all over again – with a traditional western ceremony! It was quite a day for the entire team – being able to experience a wedding day in a whole new way was exciting!

Kiran started the getting ready portion of the day by prepping for her Sikh ceremony at her parents home. The traditional garb that she wore was breathtaking – so full of detail! Even though it was heavy and very uncomfortable for her to wear, Kiran seemed quite delighted to wear it all. She kept on saying throughout the day ‘I feel like a queen!’.  Rory came in on a horse, along with his family walking besides him to meet his new family. After everyone embraced, they went inside for a quick brunch with traditional Indian food. The ceremony was next, with everyone seated on the floor, with their heads covered and shoes off. We all photographed the ceremony in our socks – there’s a first time for everything, right?! Then Kiran & Rory continued with tradition in the gift-giving ceremony. Each guest handed the couple money, while they were seated in beautiful, ornate chairs (practically thrones!).

After the Sikh ceremony we hopped in the car and took them to beautiful spots we had scouted before-hand for portraits. Then…. it was time to do it all over again! The couple got ready and married (for the second time!) at the Hyatt at Gainey Ranch.

The ceremony was held by the Gondola Lake, and was beautiful with the bright pops of color they chose for the color scheme. After they were pronounced husband and wife again, it was time to party! The ballroom was GORGEOUS. Amina, with Some Like it Classic, did an amazing job creating an elegant and beautiful space. Their guests were surprised with traditional Indian dancers, who stayed for part of the reception to teach everyone how to dance!

Good times were had by all – it was a memorable day!

 

Venue: (Morning Ceremony) The Phoenix Airport Marriott (Evening Ceremony) The Hyatt at Gainey Ranch// Event Coordinator:  Amina w/ Some Like it Classic // Florist: Petal Pusher // Makeup Artist: Linda Wagner // Hair Stylist: Ruca w/ Hautie Rouge Salon  DJ: In the Mix Entertainment // Officiant: Michael Adinew // Videographer: Hollycal Productions // Rentals: Us to You Rentals // Ceremony Musicians: Sweetwater Strings

 

What are your names?
Michael & Valerie

What is your anniversary date?
April 4, 2009

How long have you now been married?
 Almost 5 years

We’d love to share with everyone how you met, can you tell that story?
I started a book club through myspace for former English majors specifically  to meet Michael after finding his match.com profile and liking him but not a wanting to meet through the website. He took the bait and joined the book club and asked me out. I didn’t tell him the truth until months later.

And of course we have to tell everyone how you got engaged… it’s our favorite part; please share!
It was a real surprise! After just 9 months, we took a trip to Keywest. Following a sunset cruise and long walk on the pier, he got down on one knee. I threw my sun glasses and said of course, put it on!

Please tell us about your wedding? What were some of the details? Where was it? What were your favorite parts? 
It was a true desert wedding! Desert plants everywhere! It was wonderful to show my out of town guests how beautiful it can be out here. We held it at the AZ Historical Society. Recited vows we wrote ourselves and danced the night away to music we hand picked for months–including salsa that poor Michael endured lessons for months before.

What is the best memory you have from your wedding day?
Sitting at the head table taking it all in. I was also so emotional during our vows!

Of course we have to hear about your pictures, since we were your photographers. What was it like having Kimberly photograph your wedding? What do you remember most about your photography?
I love how Kim captured the beauty of the desert in the spring.  She was very professional and knew just what I wanted.

Now that your wedding is over, what is the one thing you look back on and are so thankful that you did?
Hiring you!

How has life changed since your wedding day, please fill us in on all the details (moves, kids, new houses, promotions, etc).
We moved to Miami then back to Phoenix. Michael got his law degree at ASU and is practicing here in Phx. We bought a house in downtown Tempe in December 2010. After three years of infertility, we welcomed our son, Willem Michael this past September. Our lives have never been happier.

If you have kids can you please share with us about them… we LOVE to hear fun kid stories.
Our son is so amazing. The sweetest, most easy going baby, with beautiful blue eyes. I’m so fortunate to be his full time mom.

Do you have any updated pictures? Tell us about this picture that you are sending to us.
Baby’s first Xmas!

When you were newly weds did you picture this would be your life, this many years after your wedding?
We lived in LA at the time we got married and had no plans to leave until we got married. Seeing all my friends and family made me miss everyone so much, so we rooted and moved to my hometown in Miami. We wound up deciding we liked and missed Phoenix and wanted to have a family out west, so Michael applied to ASU law and the rest is history.

If you were to go back in time and tell your newly engaged selves one thing, what would it be?
Be kind to each other. You’ve married the best person you know and there is so much to be thankful for.

Do you have any advice for new bride and grooms?
Marriage gets better and better