A Colorful Micro Wedding in the Couple’s Backyard | Tampa Wedding Photographer

I have so much love for Lauranne & Shinod. I met Lauranne the summer after I graduated high school, 16 years ago. She was attending a high school summer party that my friends were throwing and she was the new girl in our group. I remember being shocked at how excited she was with life. I had never met anyone with as much joy as Lauranne has. It wasn’t the kind of excitement that was for show, it was the genuine kind that remains long after the crowd leaves. I realized that her joy was genuinely the joy of the Lord that I wanted to be near her more, so we spent a lot of our freshman year of college together. I even devoted my life to Christ with her right by my side.

These two have had far from a “normal” love story. As a believer, I have seen that the stories God pens are far from ordinary or normal. Their story is beautifully unique and marked by the faithfulness of a loving God to bring them together.

Lauranne met Shinod in Chennai, India through mutual friends. Lauranne worked for a nonprofit and they sent her to India to work for a year. They had been together for 6 months when COVID sent Lauranne back to her home in the US. A year later, after a lot of prayers, they were reunited. Shinod flew to meet Lauranne’s parents and propose in front of Lauranne’s closest friends and family during her zoom bridal shower (they planned their entire wedding before Shinod could formally propose. Classic #2020!).

It was important to them that they create a meaningful wedding experience that blended both of their unique cultures and honored the new family they are building together. It was important that every detail felt true to them and authentic to the story God had written for them.

While their wedding didn’t unfold how they originally planned, thankfully, they were still able to host an intimate and colorful backyard celebration that was COVID safe. Their ceremony took place in Lauranne’s parents’ backyard. The couple and their pastor stood in front of a brightly colored floral arch which was inspired by Lauranne’s love for fresh flowers and how integral they are to celebrations in India. Her parents were their witnesses along with the many friends and family members that joined them through zoom. One of her friends even led them in a couple of worship songs virtually. Thankful for technology allowed their people to celebrate alongside them as they united as one under God.

After the ceremony, a delicious lunch was served poolside. Their dear friend, John, cooked a feast of their favorite Indian dishes including Biryani, Chicken Curry, and Idly. It was DELICIOUS and looked beautiful. The pastor and I toasted the couple and then we all enjoyed a chai buttercream cake which was an ode to their love for Indian tea. They exited their celebration on a motorcycle as a nod to the mode of transportation that is common in India.

Lauranne & Shinod, I love you both dearly. I am thrilled that God has brought you together. What a gift to be a part of your intimate wedding celebration. Excited to see the glory of God revealed through your union.