Ishita

Over five days of South Asian Hindu celebrations honoring both Gujarati and Uttar Pradesh traditions, each gathering carried intention and artistry. From Haldi and Mehndi to a Lucknowi Night Market–inspired Garba Sangeet, Samir’s spirited Baraat, and a cinematic Bollywood-style reception, the weekend unfolded as a layered tapestry of heritage and family.⁠ ⁠ Ishita shared, “Ellie approached every moment with such positivity and radiated pure joy. She made our guests feel at ease and captured our wedding in a way that felt authentic, colorful, and full of love.”⁠ ⁠ Known for her artistry in weddings, @elliemckinneyphotography brought a luxury, editorial lens to the celebration, documenting not just events, but the connection and culture. If you’re seeking a photography experience that is refined, intentional, and deeply personal, Ellie is the one to trust. 💛⁠ •⁠ •⁠ Wed Society | Greater Raleigh Area FEATURED Vendors:⁠ Photographer: @elliemckinneyphotography ⁠ •⁠ •⁠ // Photo: @elliemckinneyphotography ⁠ // Video: @mckinneyfilms ⁠ •⁠ •⁠ Other Vendors: @capefearbg @jaanam_events @cindyaliicia @capefearbg @ishanievents @colorfieldsflowers @mehndibysophia @siddkel @fivestarfaync @taazabistro @calcuttaregalia @arunvastrabhandar @rajjewelsofnc @reignbeautync @perniaspopupshop @korabynm @andiasicecream @thepoetryfox @curlyrootsbyritu @withatwistcarolinas ⁠ #wedsociety #wedsocietyraleigh #raleighweddings #wswedding

It's only been a few weeks, but all I can think is what a privilege. When I first built Rangeen, my goal was to create conversational pieces that people could wear and celebrate their identities. Never did I think it would become a platform to meet and foster the most beautiful friendships. 6 years ago, I made a friend at work, and her name is @lexi_sischo . She was a great work friend who soon became my work wife, best friend, and one of my biggest supporters with Rangeen and now Ishani. A few weeks ago, I had the biggest privilege of being not only her Matron of Honor but also her jewelry designer (with the help of the fabulous @_grais ) and her stationery designer through @ishanievents . To think, what started as an innocent work friendship has evolved into one of my most cherished memories.🧡 I may not be selling/designing jewelry at Rangeen like I did before, but now I have the ability to make bespoke one of a kind pieces for my couples, which they can cherish life. It's small, but I am ao glad I get to continue creating and bringing the essence of Rangeen wherever I go. Couple: @lexi_weidman & @nicksischo Photography: @megangielow Planner: @marybellevents Venue: @longleaf_vineyard Decorator & Signage: @ishanievents Catering & Cake: @cateringbycorey & @sweetelegancecakes_ MUA: @anariebeauty Vintage Rentals: @eastwestvintagerentals Cinematographer: @artificefilms Jeweler: @labijouteriesf and @shop.rangeen DJ: @brightlightdj Bridal Outfit: @savvybrideboutique Candles: @janierdcandleco

*** Finally sharing our preview film a year later*** A year of me and you ❤️ thank you @tinder for introducing me to my person in a time I was least expecting it and @swaatisrinivasan for making sure I went on that date 5 years ago on a cold Monday night. When I moved to NC, I was in a weird mental place and definitely not looking to meet my person. But after months of prioritizing me and going on too many not so great weekday dates (weekends are earned not given!), I somehow met Samir. Since that first date, I knew I met my person. Someone who doesn't judge easily, is rational, and honestly is the kindest and softest person I know. Fast forward 4 years, we threw the biggest party to celebrate us, our families, and the wonderful community we have built over our lives. Not only was it the start of spring, the start of something new, but it was also the start of our lives together. Looking back, on this year, I wouldn't change anything we have done. It's been an adventure, and I can't imagine doing anything different. I mean, they say, time moves fast when you're having fun - and we'll we've had a lot of fun this last year! Happy Anniversary, @herpadurka ,I love you the most🫶 Venue: @capefearbg Photo/video: @elliemckinneyphotography / @mckinneyfilms Partial planning: @jaanam_events Event Staffing: @cindyaliicia Venue: @capefearbg Decor: @ishanievents Florist: @colorfieldsflowers Mendhi: @mehndibysophia DJ: @siddkel Lighting: @fivestarfaync Catering: @taazabistro Brides clothing: @calcuttaregalia (sangeet and bridal) @arunvastrabhandar (reception) Bridal jewelry: @rajjewelsofnc Makeup: @reignbeautync Grooms clothing: @perniaspopupshop (sangeet) and @korabynm (ceremony) Other Sangeet vendors: @andiasicecream @thepoetryfox @curlyrootsbyritu Bartending: @withatwistcarolinas #indianwedding #weddingpreviewfilm #firstanniversary #desiwedding #super8 #desibride

One year ago today, my Mendhi function was everything I dreamed of—and more! What was supposed to be a cozy, relaxed evening inspired by a rustic Indian home vibe turned into the most epic dance party, filled with endless energy and love! It helped that there was torrential downpour, so we all were in one space together. I wore a bold, hot pink sharara while my family and friends kept it chic in shades of green. The vibe? Live Indo-Chinese food, custom drinks that perfectly matched the theme, and dancing that didn’t stop (it went from a low-key evening to rave very quickly in my parents' living roo.!) For my Mendhi, I wanted to make it super personal. I included paw prints for the doggos, Momo and Maggi, the @shop.rangeen logo, a Rx Pharmacy bottle to represent where Samir and I had our first date (@pharmbottlebev in Cary, NC!), and the @tinder logo for how we met. I told my artist, @mehndibysophia , to just have fun, and she brought her creativity to life in the most beautiful way! It was an intimate gathering with my closest people with Samir surpriing us all by joining the party before heading back to his own event. The event was everything I ever dreamed - intimate, family centric, food filled with all my favorite people in one space! Photograhy:@elliemckinneyphotography @artbycourtwinter Outfit: @meenabazaar Decor: @ishanievents Mendhi Planning: @ishanievents Catering: @taazabistro Mendhi: @mehndibysophia DJ: DJ Goel @mahakgoe Bartening:@aditya__singh28 @utkarsh_psg #mendhi #bridalmendhi#mendhinight #mendhidecor #indianwedding #desiwedding

Reflecting on one of the most beautiful celebrations from last year – my Phoolon Wali + Holi Haldi!🌈💛🌻 As we geared up for our big week, I wanted it to be a true reflection of fresh beginnings, a celebration of the changing seasons, and the start of a new chapter. And what better time than the first week of Spring? It was a perfect fit! My Haldi was intimate, bursting with light, love, and vibrant colors – truly everything I had dreamed of. We started the day with a peaceful Ganesh Pooja/Grah Shanti, before stepping outdoors for the larger-than-life Phoolon Wali Haldi, where fresh flowers filled the air, surrounded by sunflowers and the perfect vibes. The food? Absolutely unforgettable – I insisted on live chicken/paneer tikka tacos, churros, homemade gujjiyas and all the fix ins you'd expect for an Indo-Mexican lunch! Of course, no celebration would be complete without the magic of Holi! The festival of colors, love, and good over evil perfectly set the tone for the entire week. With my Haldi being the day after Holi, I was blessed to be surrounded by my closest family and friends. We danced, laughed, and soaked in the essence of what this season represents. It was the perfect way to kick off the wedding week and embrace all the joy, love, and new beginnings Spring brings! Decor: @ishanievents Photographer: @elliemckinneyphotography Haldi Planning: @ishanievents Bartending: my amazing brothers- the Turmeric infused gin was 🔝! Music: DJ @mahakgoel Jewelry: @shop.rangeen Marigold Lahenghat: @arunvastrabhandar Catering: Tazza Bistro Burlington #weddinginspo #wedsociety #haldi #haldiceremony #haldidecoration #raleighweddings #desiweddings #indianweddinginspo #ncweddings

To my husband, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! It has been an honor being able to celebrate you these last 5 years, and I truly can't wait to keep celebrating you for years to come. Those who really know you know how special you are and the impact you have on everyone around you. For 31 years, those around you have been blessed by the way you show up for them and others. And today we have the honor of being able to celebrate you! I hope today is full of Momo cuddles, rice, and beans and going to bed at 10:30 so you have a good run tomorrow❤️ i can't wait to see you soon and properly celebrate. Love you!

Our first Karwa-Chauth❤️ We decided to start some new traditions mixed with the original ones. * Started the day at 5:30 with a race * Caught up on Culinary Class Wars together *Target to look at Legos *Wrapped my first Sari * Continued into the evening with some of my favorite women,games,and fun conversations * and ended the night with a wonderful meal with our partners. Wouldn't trade it back for anything else @herpadurka

From our bride era to our wives era, I wouldn't want to do this life with anyone else🤍🤍🤍 (We might not have posted our wedding photos yet, but y'all deserve this gem) #friendshipgoals #desibridesmaids #wifematerial #yedostihumnahitodenge #femalefriendship #panipurihoes

To the best Maa there is....HAPPY BIRTHDAY Maa! Every day with you is such a blessing to have known you my entire life, and I truly am the luckiest daughter in the world to be blessed with such a regal, funny, loving, caring, and care free mother like you. LOVE YOU THE MOST @alka_gangwar23 ❤️ Anyway, here are some of my favorite moments from one of my favorite weeks with you! 📷: @elliemckinneyphotography 👗: @calcuttaregalia Venue: @capefearbg Decor: @ishanievents

And just like that, it's been 3 months of us❤️ I couldn't imagine a more perfect weekend full of laughter, love, and community. Here's to continuing to celebrate each other every single day surrounded by the people we love most! Bridal Sari: @calcuttaregalia Draping: @curlyrootsbyritu Sherwani: @korabynm Bridal Jewlery: @rajjewelsofnc Groom's Necklace: @shop.rangeen Decor: @ishanievents Florals: @colorfieldsflowers Photography: @elliemckinneyphotography Videography: @mckinneyfilms How we met: @tinder Venue: @capefearbg Coordination: @jaanam_events #indiancouple #indianweddinginspiration #indianbride #2024bride #romanticwedding #weddinginspo #zardozi #diybride #desibride #jaimal #desiweddingideas #whimsicalwedding #springwedding #floralinspo

Indian weddings are elaborate and colorful 🎨. Ishita shared throughout the wedding planning process that she was most excited for her Sangeet! Ishita’s vision was a grand family affair with vibrant colors and a lot of dancing. March 29th, 2024 was exactly that! Ishita & Samir and their family and friends danced the night away and had an absolute blast celebrating the beginning of an incredible wedding weekend. Enjoy this 30 second sneak peek from their Sangeet! 💛🧡💚 More vids coming soon‼️👀🎥 All videos 🎥 by @vinaysadhwani_ Video edited ✍️ by @hirengihwala

the adoration I have for these two is much like me and @_ish.singh ’s love for ice cream…. which is saying a lot 🫶🏽 . . . venue @oxbowestate hosts @elliemckinneyeducation @harmonyweddingsnc @aneesa.harmonyweddings glam @reignbeautync @shop.rangeen car @djrang