A match made in Heaven. There is no better way to describe Maureen and Rahul’s relationship and journey to the alter. Maureen and Rahul met last year with the help of their families. Their faith is the most important thing in their lives and when they found out that each other shared that same passion, they knew the Lord had brought them together. With the love and support of their families, they decided to get married at their home church in Berrien Springs. This is Maureen and Rahul’s wedding story. ❤️

Maureen and Rahul’s magical day started at their home church, Pioneer Memorial Church, on Andrew University’s campus. Grace and I arrived to find Maureen and the gals getting their hair and makeup done. Grace stayed with Maureen while I started on capturing all the gorgeous details.

Maureen and Rahul had several sets of rings that meant a lot to them so of course we captured all of them together. I absolutely love the green stone. 😊

Maureen’s tiara was quite the show-stopper. She looked like a princess marrying her prince. 👑

I wanted to give Maureen a unique portrait but the room was filled with people and clutter so I had to figure out a way to remove all that. I started to look around the room for some type of element to frame her in the shot. Luckily there were plastic snowflakes hanging from the ceiling. I took about 6 of them down and started to build the shot. I used a blue gel to light the snowflakes as Grace and Janet held them in front of the camera. I used one additional light to illuminate Maureen and ta-da, magic! Doesn’t she look radiant! 🤩❄️

The ladies helped Maureen get into her dress and then it was time to walk down the aisle.

Meanwhile, Rahul and the boys were doing their final touches on the other side of the church. Rahul practiced his song for the ceremony and then his groomsmen made sure he looked his best. 😎🎹

Ceremony time! The sanctuary was decorated beautifully with white roses and a flower arch. 🌸

That moment when you see each other for the first time. ❤️ Maureen’s uncle Joy walked her half way down the aisle and then her mom and Godmother walked her the rest of the way.

Dr. Nelson gave the opening blessing and then Maureen’s aunt Lally sang the first song.

Dr. Ortiz gave a beautiful homily about how the Lord brought Maureen and Rahul together.

Maureen and Rahul then performed a song together, a medley of 3 languages.

Maureen and Rahul exchange vows.

They lite the unity candle and then Dr. Nelson said the final dedicatory prayer.

Mr and Mrs Pakalapati! 🥳

The amazing wedding party!

The newlyweds! ❤️

Everyone jumped into the limo and headed off for South Bend. We arrived first to capture the reception details while guests enjoyed some appetizers.

Every detail was personalized and covered in gold. The centerpieces added beautiful pops of color to each table.

As guest started to fill in, we walked over to the Morris Performing Arts Center’s lobby for some gorgeous portraits. That light is heavenly. 🥰

Maureen and Rahul danced through the lobby with the biggest smiles on their faces. 😍

… and plenty of giggles too! 😊

Love! ❤️

Reception time! Maureen and Rahul entered the the ballroom in style from the 3rd floor balcony. 🤩

We kicked off the reception with speeches from some of the most important people in Maureen and Rahul’s life.

Cake time! 🎂

Maureen and Rahul shared their first dance as husband and wife. ❤️

After a very yummy dinner, Maureen and Rahul changed into their second outfits and signed their marriage license.

Rahul placed the gold chain around Maureen’s neck and then they both exchanged garlands.

The festivities continued with two special songs and then a very hilarious shoe game. 👠

More heartfelt songs and speeches continued throughout the evening.

Then things got a little silly as Seyan and Sayon danced for Maureen and Rahul.

Maureen and Rahul then played a modern version of the Newlywed Game and tested their knowledge of one another.

Party time! 🥳

At the end of the night, all the guests jumped in for a final photo before heading downstairs to see Maureen and Rahul off.

Sparkler exit fun! 🤩

Maureen, Rahul and their immediate families met back at their home for the final ceremony of the day. Their mothers placed garlands around their necks and prayed for their marriage.

Maureen and Rahul stepping into their nuptial home together.

Uncle Joy gave Rahul a special gift; the key to their room.

Such an amazing family! ❤️

Good night Mr and Mrs Pakalapati and congratulations! 🎉 ❤️😊

To Maureen and Rahul – Thank you for letting us be apart of this incredible day. It’s easy to see how much you truly care for one another and how dedicated you are to the Lord. I wish you both all the love and happiness in the world and may the Lord bless you and keep you all the days your lives. ❤️ – S

To see their full day, click here.

VENDORS

Photography: Sarah Sage Photography LLC

Church: Pioneer Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church

Hair: Tiaras and Veils Hair Artistry

Makeup: Makeup by Kayla Maree

Videographer: JV Weddings

Venue: Palais Royale

Catering: Navarre Hospitality Group

Cake: Macri’s Italian Bakery

Floral: Crystal Springs Florist