Sep 5, 2025

A Three-Day Wedding Celebration | South Carolina Indian Wedding Photographer
Heartfelt Indian wedding celebration at 701 Whaley in Columbia, South Carolina

When Shivani and Jay chose Columbia, South Carolina, for their wedding, they knew they wanted to create a celebration that honored their Indian heritage while embracing modern luxury. Their three-day wedding at 701 Whaley was more than just an event—it was a heartfelt tribute to family, tradition, and timeless love. For our team at Jessica Hunt Photography, being part of this journey as a South Carolina Indian wedding photographer was an honor we will always cherish.

Bride and groom at their Indian wedding ceremony at 701 Whaley in Columbia, South Carolina. Shivani wears a red and gold lehenga with layered jewelry, and Jay wears a white sherwani with red details. Captured by Jessica Hunt Photography, South Carolina Indian wedding photographer.

Shivani and Jay glowing with joy during their Indian wedding ceremony at 701 Whaley in Columbia, SC.

The Venues: 701 Whaley in Columbia, South Carolina

Every moment of this wedding unfolded at 701 Whaley, one of Columbia’s most beloved venues. From the serene poolside setting of Jay’s Satak ceremony to the vibrant Sangeet in The Market, and finally the grand reception in The Grand Hall, the venue provided the perfect backdrop for each unique part of the weekend. The architecture’s historic charm paired beautifully with bold décor, making 701 Whaley weddings in Columbia SC ideal for couples who want both character and versatility.

Four-tier Indian wedding cake decorated with gold paisley details and cascading colorful flowers, designed by Bonnie Brunt Cakes for a luxury Indian wedding at 701 Whaley in Columbia, SC. Captured by Jessica Hunt Photography, South Carolina Indian wedding photographer.

A stunning floral and gold-detailed wedding cake by Bonnie Brunt Cakes for Shivani and Jay’s celebration at 701 Whaley.

A Three-Day Celebration of Culture and Color

The Satak Ceremony

The weekend began with Jay’s Satak ceremony at the 701 Whaley Pool, draped in deep blues and flowing linens. This sacred ritual, filled with offerings and blessings, marked the official start of the festivities. Family members participated in prayers, and a memorial tribute honored Jay’s grandfather, weaving legacy into every detail.

Satak ceremony at 701 Whaley in Columbia, SC with navy and white draped backdrop, gold seating, and reflective glass aisle. Guests in colorful attire surround the stage. Captured by Jessica Hunt Photography, South Carolina Indian wedding photographer.

Shivani and Jay’s Satak ceremony at 701 Whaley, featuring elegant navy and white décor with gold accents.

The Sangeet Reception

The following evening, Shivani and Jay hosted their Sangeet in The Market at 701 Whaley. The ceiling was transformed with colorful umbrellas, while friends and family performed choreographed dances, sang, and celebrated the couple’s love. Shivani looked radiant in bold Indian attire with intricate henna, while Jay’s classic look paired seamlessly with the vibrancy of the evening. The atmosphere embodied joy, laughter, and cultural tradition.

 

Shivani and Jay walking hand in hand outside 701 Whaley in Columbia, SC during their Sangeet celebration. Shivani wears a bright pink blouse with a multicolored lehenga, and Jay wears a powder blue sherwani with gold embroidery. Captured by Jessica Hunt Photography, South Carolina Indian wedding photographer.

Shivani and Jay during their Sangeet celebration outside 701 Whaley, wearing vibrant Indian wedding attire.

Colorful Indian wedding reception décor at 701 Whaley in Columbia, SC. Tall floral centerpiece with roses, dahlias, and greenery by Florist on Main, surrounded by draped ceilings, string lights, and bold table linens. Captured by Jessica Hunt Photography, South Carolina Indian wedding photographer.

Bold floral centerpieces and colorful reception décor transformed 701 Whaley for Shivani and Jay’s wedding celebration.

The Wedding Day

On the morning of their wedding day, Jay arrived on a white horse from Camden Carriage Company, leading a Baraat procession accompanied by energetic drumming from Dholi Singh and live music by Men of Distinction. Guests danced through the streets in celebration as the couple prepared for their traditional ceremony in The Market at 701 Whaley. Under a beautifully adorned mandap designed by The Haathi Chai Decor and filled with florals by Florist on Main, Shivani and Jay exchanged vows and honored sacred traditions. Clay pots of ice cream were shared with guests—a sweet and unique touch.

 

 

Close-up bridal portrait of Shivani in a red and gold lehenga with green jewelry, detailed henna, and sheer embroidered dupatta during her Indian wedding at 701 Whaley in Columbia, SC. Captured by Jessica Hunt Photography, South Carolina Indian wedding photographer.

Shivani in her red and gold bridal lehenga with green jewelry and henna before her wedding ceremony at 701 Whaley.

 

Groom Jay arrives on a white horse during his Baraat procession at 701 Whaley in Columbia, South Carolina, wearing a white sherwani and turban with red garlands. Surrounded by family and guests dancing in celebration. Captured by Jessica Hunt Photography, South Carolina Indian wedding photographer.

Jay’s Baraat procession at 701 Whaley, arriving in style on a white horse surrounded by family and friends.

Shivani and Jay exchange floral garlands during their Indian wedding ceremony at 701 Whaley in Columbia, SC. The couple stands beneath a mandap with draped fabric and floral arrangements, surrounded by family and guests applauding. Captured by Jessica Hunt Photography, South Carolina Indian wedding photographer.

Shivani and Jay exchanging garlands during their wedding ceremony at 701 Whaley, surrounded by family and loved ones.

The Grand Reception

That evening, the couple welcomed more than 300 guests to their grand reception in The Grand Hall at 701 Whaley. The décor reflected Shivani’s late mother’s love of peacocks, with jewel-toned florals, tassel installations, and a show-stopping cake by Bonnie Brunt Cakes. Shivani stunned in a white and gold ensemble paired with custom Nike dunks, while Jay wore a navy tuxedo. Guests enjoyed catering by City Grit Catering, live entertainment from East Coast Entertainment’s Men of Distinction, and unforgettable moments under the vibrant lighting of Ambient Media SC.

 

Wedding reception at 701 Whaley in Columbia, SC featuring colorful hanging tassel installations, vibrant florals, and a white tiered cake with floral accents. Guests mingle in elegant and bright attire. Captured by Jessica Hunt Photography, South Carolina Indian wedding photographer.

Colorful tassel installations and bold décor filled Shivani and Jay’s wedding reception at 701 Whaley.

Shivani and Jay embrace on the glass floor of 701 Whaley in Columbia, SC. Shivani wears a white and gold lehenga with statement earrings, while Jay wears a navy tuxedo with velvet loafers. Captured by Jessica Hunt Photography, South Carolina Indian wedding photographer.

An intimate embrace between Shivani and Jay at 701 Whaley, blending modern style with timeless romance.

Emotional Moments and Timeless Memories

One of the most moving elements of the weekend was how Shivani honored her late mother. She carried a charm featuring her mother’s photo during the ceremony and incorporated peacock-inspired colors throughout the décor to reflect her mom’s favorite motif. These personal touches made the entire event both joyful and deeply heartfelt.

Peacock-inspired wedding floral installation at 701 Whaley in Columbia, SC. Bright roses, hydrangeas, and peacock feathers cascade from a white pedestal with a decorative peacock sculpture, designed for Shivani and Jay’s Indian wedding reception. Captured by Jessica Hunt Photography, South Carolina Indian wedding photographer.

A peacock-inspired floral installation honoring Shivani’s late mother at the couple’s wedding reception at 701 Whaley.

For us at Jessica Hunt Photography, capturing these intimate moments—whether it was the joyful dances of the Sangeet, the reverence of the ceremony, or Shivani and Jay’s editorial portraits at sunset outside 701 Whaley—was an incredible privilege. Weddings like this are a reminder of why we love what we do as a South Carolina Indian wedding photographer.

Editorial wedding portrait of Shivani and Jay at 701 Whaley in Columbia, SC. Shivani wears a white and gold lehenga with gold jewelry and bangles, while Jay wears a navy tuxedo with a bow tie. Captured by Jessica Hunt Photography, South Carolina Indian wedding photographer.

Shivani and Jay’s editorial wedding portraits at 701 Whaley in Columbia, South Carolina.

South Carolina Indian Wedding Photographer

Shivani and Jay’s three-day Indian wedding at 701 Whaley in Columbia, South Carolina was a breathtaking blend of tradition, culture, and modern luxury. From the sacred rituals of the Satak and ceremony to the joyful dancing of the Sangeet and the vibrant reception, every moment reflected their love story and honored their families.

If you are planning your own celebration and searching for a South Carolina Indian wedding photographer, our team at Jessica Hunt Photography would be honored to capture your story. Reach out today to begin planning your timeless, editorial wedding portraits.

Shivani and Jay kiss during their bubble exit at 701 Whaley in Columbia, SC. Shivani wears a white and gold lehenga with gold bangles, and Jay wears a navy tuxedo paired with custom blue Nike sneakers. Guests cheer and capture the moment on their phones. Captured by Jessica Hunt Photography, South Carolina Indian wedding photographer.

Shivani and Jay’s bubble exit at 701 Whaley, celebrating their wedding night in style.

South Carolina Indian Wedding Creative Team:

Design & Planning: Melanie Murphy of By Invitation Only

Venue: 701 Whaley

Photography: Jessica Hunt Photography

Florals: Florist on Main

Cake Artist: Bonnie Brunt Cakes

Lighting: Ambient Media SC

Makeup Artist: Jamie Tran Beauty

Hair Artist: Houston of Metropolis Salon SC

Rentals: Crisp Event Rentals

Cinematography: 326 Films

Catering: City Grit Catering

Satak Décor: The Haathi Chai Decor

Barrat Horse: Camden Carriage Company

DJ: Raman Singh ATL

Dhol Player: Dholi Singh

Band: Men of Distinction via East Coast Entertainment

Jewelry: Ala Couture by Ruma

Attire: Designer Vastra

Jess

cheers

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