Colorful Indian Wedding at Castaway Portland | Alacia & Rohit — Mylyn Wood Photography Colorful and Cultural Wedding Film Photographer

Colorful Castaway Portland wedding ceremony with newlyweds beneath pink and yellow floral garlands.

By the time a bagpiper led Alacia and Rohit into their reception, we’d already had dogs in tutus, flower girls with bubble guns, and a groom who needed to physically brace himself when he saw his bride. Their Castaway Portland wedding was very her in color, very him in culture. Alacia’s love of hot pink showed up alongside Rohit’s Indian traditions and her Irish roots, so my inner self was basically giddy from the get-go. Their multi-day celebration moved from Hillsboro to downtown Portland before landing at Castaway Portland for the wedding ceremony and reception.

First, the Haldi

Close-up of henna-covered hands surrounded by bright yellow flowers during the Haldi ceremony.

Double-exposure portrait of Alacia and Rohit standing in a meadow filled with yellow wildflowers.

The haldi at Alacia’s parents’ house had the three main ingredients for a good time. Food, flowers, and family were nestled together in a giant sea of smiles and yellow. The arch was built especially for them, and their names were carefully carved into the wood as an added surprise detail. Kids played in the grass, the scent of sandalwood and rose water was waftable, and the trademark Oregon trees lined the horizon. Happy tears and turmeric turned out to be a surprisingly great pairing.

Welcome sign for Alacia and Rohit’s Haldi ceremony decorated with yellow marigolds and illustrated wedding details.

Detail of a bright yellow embroidered outfit worn for the Haldi celebration.

Older guest in a yellow floral sari seated outdoors during the Haldi ceremony.

Children and guests in colorful traditional clothing gather on the lawn during the Haldi celebration.

Couple in yellow Haldi attire walking outdoors with their small white dog.

Guest in a yellow floral sari laughing while holding a decorative bowl at the Haldi ceremony.

Guest in a yellow embroidered outfit taking part in the outdoor Haldi ritual.

Family and friends mingle around yellow tables during the backyard Haldi celebration.

Bride in yellow and white Haldi attire smiling outdoors while holding a drink.

Black-and-white candid of Alacia hugging a guest during the outdoor Haldi celebration.

Guests pass a decorative bowl during the Haldi ceremony with the welcome sign visible behind them.

Guest with henna-covered hands applies turmeric paste to the bride’s arm during the Haldi ceremony.

Close-up of turmeric paste with flower petals and leaves in an ornate silver bowl during the Haldi ceremony.

Guest applies Haldi paste to the bride’s cheek as the groom watches beside her.

Guests gather as a child looks through a camera during an outdoor Haldi celebration.

Couple seated on a flower-decorated wooden swing with family gathered behind them during Haldi.

Close-up of the couple holding hands while wearing yellow and white flower garlands during Haldi.

Close-up of the couple holding hands with flower garlands and turmeric paste during Haldi.

Alacia and Rohit seated together beneath a flower-decorated wooden pergola during their outdoor Haldi ceremony.

Guest applies Haldi paste to the bride while the couple sits beneath a yellow floral pergola.

Henna-decorated hands petting a small white dog during Alacia and Rohit’s Haldi celebration.

Close-up of Alacia’s white and gold Haldi skirt beside small yellow wildflowers in the grass.

Artistic double-exposure portrait of Alacia and Rohit surrounded by yellow flowers during their Haldi celebration.

Alacia and Rohit posing together in yellow Haldi attire in a field of wildflowers.

Pink, Henna, and Very Convenient Air Traffic

Alacia twirling outdoors in a bright pink lehenga during the Mehndi celebration.

Alacia and Rohit posing outdoors in pink and beige traditional attire as an airplane passes overhead.

I can’t be convinced that Hidden Creek Community Center in Hillsboro wasn’t the perfect setting for the mehndi. Modern lines and textures blended with vibrant colors in every direction. I was in double exposure heaven.

Alacia was in pink, obviously. While on a short henna break, I stole her away to take a few portraits next to the lavender bushes that were full of sweet little bumblebees. I kept a safe distance because I trust zero bees with my life, but our blushing bride happily gushed over them, so I don’t think they were offended.

Just after adding Rohit to the mix, I was settling them in for a snapshot when an airplane flew overhead. Rohit is a pilot. I can’t take credit for that level of coordination, but I’d like you to imagine me with a walkie-talkie, directing air traffic for their portraits. Very Top Gun. Extremely outside my qualifications.

My favorite moment, though, came during the performances by the family. Rohit and Alacia sat front and center and enthusiastically cheered as family members danced, sang, and gave speeches. With Alacia’s henna still wet, Rohit took it upon himself to gently wipe away her happy tears because by then, they were full-on flowing, and her self-proclaimed “Barbie arms” weren’t very helpful. It was small, sweet, and quiet in a room full of noise and laughter, but I noticed. Not even the glorious colors around me could pull me from catching that moment.

Welcome sign for Rohit and Alacia’s Mehndi ceremony decorated with yellow draping, greenery, and floral details.

Gold decorative bowl filled with bright pink flowers and colorful tassels for the Mehndi celebration.

Close-up of yellow fabric, greenery, and pink-orange tassels decorating the Mehndi ceremony entrance.

Colorful embroidered fabric in pink, red, and gold prepared as part of the Mehndi celebration decor.

Mehndi activity sign listing henna, food, photos, dancing, and music beneath gold floral decorations.

Guests in colorful traditional attire gathering inside the venue before the Mehndi ceremony.

Two guests walking through the venue beside a large green and blue wall mural.

Decorative silver peacock lamp surrounded by vivid pink flowers at the Mehndi celebration.

Gold bowl filled with white and pink floral garlands as part of the Mehndi ceremony decor.

Colorful Mehndi backdrop covered in hanging red, yellow, white, and green floral garlands.

Mehndi decor with gold lanterns, white flower garlands, colorful textiles, and a patterned umbrella.

Alacia displaying fresh henna designs on her hands and arms while wearing a bright pink outfit.

Artistic double-exposure portrait of Alacia showing her henna against red and pink patterned fabric.

Henna artist applying an intricate floral design to a guest’s forearm during the Mehndi ceremony.

Older guest in a pink traditional outfit receiving henna on her hand during the Mehndi celebration.

Artistic double-exposure portrait of Alacia in pink layered with close-up details of her Mehndi designs.

Close-up of intricate floral Mehndi designs covering both hands against a bright pink outfit.

Detailed henna pattern with flowers and paisley covering Alacia’s hand against her pink skirt.

Older guest smiling while showing fresh henna on her hand at the Mehndi ceremony.

Guests display floral henna designs, colorful bangles, and rings during the Mehndi ceremony.

Women in coordinated red patterned traditional outfits gathering together during the Mehndi event.

Black-and-white candid of two young girls peeking over a chair during the Mehndi reception.

Close-up of Alacia’s pink embroidered outfit and detailed henna-covered hands.

Guest holding a baby while family and friends gather indoors during the Mehndi celebration.

Alacia greeting a guest while showing the detailed henna covering her hands and forearms.

Plate of Indian food and sauces served during Alacia and Rohit’s Mehndi celebration.

Black-and-white candid of two young boys seated at a table during the Mehndi celebration.

Two young girls dance in matching colorful outfits in front of the floral Mehndi stage.

Two young girls perform a colorful dance as guests watch during the Mehndi celebration.

Young dancer in a mirrored top and colorful skirt performs during the Mehndi ceremony.

Women in vibrant red traditional outfits dance together during the Mehndi festivities.

Alacia, Rohit, and guests exchange hugs after a group dance at the Mehndi celebration.

Alacia and Rohit stand together facing guests during their indoor Mehndi celebration.

Black-and-white candid of Rohit gently wiping Alacia’s face as her detailed henna is visible.

Alacia and Rohit seated together in front of a colorful floral Mehndi backdrop with arms outstretched.

Getting Ready at the Sentinel

Alacia and Rohit pose together beneath the ornate columns and arched entrance of Portland’s Sentinel Hotel.

The Sentinel in downtown Portland can really deliver when you want to play during getting-ready photos. The cityscape view, open French doors, and a bright yellow wall were all at my disposal for adding layers to candid shots. The uncontested favorite guest there? The couple’s dog, Herbert. Something about waking up in a cozy bed and snuggling your pup on the morning of your wedding is just so simple and homey, the exact vibes you’d want when you’re about to make a huge life decision. It’s grounding, comforting, and frankly, cute as hell.

I wasn’t the only one reacting to the majesty that was Alacia as a bride that day. During their first look, Rohit quite literally went hands to knees when he first laid eyes on her, and the giddiness was so apparent on his face that even passersby were shouting their congratulations.

His reaction to seeing her and her reaction to his reaction, plus the unexpected moments that came after, are exactly why I had a camera essentially glued to my face for 15 consecutive minutes.

Alacia relaxing on the bed with her small white dog while getting ready at the Sentinel Hotel in Portland.

Getting-ready moment reflected through floral curtains inside a Sentinel Hotel room in Portland.

Alacia’s white wedding dress hanging in the doorway of a Sentinel Hotel room overlooking downtown Portland.

Black-and-white bridal portrait of Alacia adjusting her hair while getting ready at the Sentinel Hotel.

Black-and-white portrait of Alacia in her wedding dress beside a window at the Sentinel Hotel.

Wedding morning details with pink flowers, takeout boxes, and accessories arranged in the Sentinel Hotel room.

Alacia posing on the bed with friends in pink dresses and her small white dog at the Sentinel Hotel.

Alacia and her wedding party gathered on the bed before the ceremony at Portland’s Sentinel Hotel.

Alacia and friends posing together on the bed during wedding morning preparations at the Sentinel Hotel.

Alacia standing in her wedding dress between open balcony doors at the Sentinel Hotel in Portland.

Alacia wearing sunglasses and a wedding dress while seated beneath black-and-white artwork at the Sentinel Hotel.

Alacia posing in the hallway at the Sentinel Hotel in Portland

Wedding party members sit together in a dimly lit lounge at the Sentinel Hotel before the ceremony.

Black-and-white detail of the groom adjusting the cuff of his embroidered wedding jacket at the Sentinel Hotel.

Groom and friends help with final wedding-day details beside a bright window at the Sentinel Hotel in Portland.

Bride waits near the ornate entrance of the Sentinel Hotel as the groom bends forward during their first look.

Bride and groom share their first-look moment outside the Sentinel Hotel’s historic stone entrance in Portland.

Bride and groom kiss outside the hotel after their first look.

Bride and groom embrace outside the Sentinel Hotel before their Portland wedding celebration.

Close-up of the bride smiling while hugging the groom during their first look.

Bride and groom see each other for the first time outside the Sentinel Hotel entrance.

Bride and groom sit with their small white dog before heading to their wedding celebration.

Castaway Portland, With a Very Strong Supporting Cast

Bride and groom laugh together beneath pink and yellow floral garlands during their ceremony.

Close-up of the couple holding hands, surrounded by pink rose garlands and floral leis.

Once the party moved to Castaway Portland, the industrial space became a very willing backdrop for all that hot pink. The enormous windows brought soft light into the ceremony while the open interior gave the florals and colorful details plenty of room to take over without fighting the architecture. Then it was time for the baraat. Since Rohit and Alacia aren’t “keep the spotlight on me” kind of people, they decided to keep it small. Rohit and his guys had two or three songs to walk in, strut their stuff, and get the heck out of there. But then Rohit shocked us all by having the time of his life at his baraat. He was dancing his heart out, his family was cheering him on, and I was trying to catch both sides because every reaction was just as good as the power dance moves.

And then came the dogs in tutus. Alacia’s brothers walked them down the aisle, followed by Rohit’s nieces with bubble guns. Please take a second to picture that procession. Their sweet little Herbert also sat with them through half the ceremony, so if you’re wondering whether there are a disproportionate number of dog photos in this gallery, yes. Yes, there are.

But one of my favorite things happened before Alacia even walked in. She and her parents were peeking out of the doorway, Alacia visibly excited, her mom looking like she was trying to keep it together, and her dad, true to form, just happy to be there. As they made their way to the aisle, the flower girls at the other end were eagerly trying to peek up the aisle to see her. I love those photographs together. Everyone waiting for the same person, but from two completely different perspectives. Both carry so much weight.

Alacia came down the aisle with tears in her eyes. After watching Rohit practically fold at the knees when he first saw her earlier, I was very invested in what his face was doing, too.

There was so much affection happening around them. Rohit’s sister carefully fixing Alacia’s dress during the ceremony absolutely got me. You’re watching these two get married, and then you notice his sister making sure she’s comfortable and everything falls just right. And then the light coming through Castaway Portland’s windows hit the layers of tulle. As if his sister carefully tending to her dress wasn’t already enough for me.

By the time they were walking their circles, they were grinning so hard. Their face muscles were likely on fire, but coming down the aisle as an officially married couple, they couldn’t halt the smiles if they tried. I know the hot pink florals are gorgeous, and we will absolutely give them their moment, but LOOK at these deliriously happy people completely adoring each other.

The People They Were So Glad Were There

Bride and groom kiss surrounded by their wedding party outside Castaway Portland after the

Elderly wedding guest smiles from a wheelchair as the couple greets him after the ceremony.

Rohit’s grandfather had been in hospice throughout their engagement, so naturally they were so happy he was able to make it to the wedding.

After the ceremony, they went over to talk to him, and his smile was enormous. Their gratitude for that time with him was obvious. Seeing his grandfather’s eyes light up as they approached him pulled at every heartstring I had left.

I’m so glad they have those photographs. There’s a lot you can plan for a wedding, but getting that time with someone you love means something entirely different.

Nearby, the kids were gathering the leftover rose petals and throwing them into the air. The ceremony was over, and they had identified a recreational opportunity. Just more data to further prove that anything is a toy if you play with it.

Then a live bagpiper played Alacia and Rohit into their reception, bringing her Irish roots right into the party. You haven’t seen a grand entrance until you’ve seen these two, still grinning, following a man in a kilt.

By the wedding day, I knew who to watch, who made them laugh, and who was probably about to cry. That gave me room to play with portraits, color, and double exposures while catching the tiny interactions I’d never have put on a shot list. Three events with this family, and I had enough emotional investment to qualify for a seat at Thanksgiving. Check your mail, guys. My Christmas card is already on its way.