• Real Weddings

This wedding was born out of the beauty of the landscape of Nepal, and the elements you can find within it. When you are planning a destination wedding, it's important to pull in elements that you can find in the surrounding areas, to create the beauty of your wedding day. Copper, brass and pottery are all readily available in Nepal, and you can see these elements throughout this beautiful session.
The venue is the incredibly stunning Fort Resort where the Himalayan Mountains greet you daily from its little spot in Nagarkot, Nepal. Keep reading to learn more about the workshop that produced this shoot and for ways to help with earthquake relief. See more gems of Nepal wedding ideas in the full gallery here, captured by Nina & Wes Photography.

Help rebuild the beauty of Nepal

The earthquake that occurred on April 25th in Nepal has shaken all of us. So many of the beautiful places we visited, and historical landmarks that we marveled at, are now piles of rubble. The earthquake also caused the main building (which you can see in the photos of the bride on the steps) of the Fort Resort to collapse. Through sharing images of this beautiful inspirational wedding, we hope to remind people of the beauty of Nepal, not the poverty. Nepal is a country rich in history, and the people of Nepal are full of warmth and kindness.

If you are interested in helping the relief efforts that are occurring on the ground in Nepal, there are many amazing organizations that work tirelessly with the people there, not only providing aid right now, but long-term care after many other relief groups have returned back home: Tiny Hands International & 3 Seams.

The Beyond Workshop

The Beyond Workshop focuses not only on encouraging photographers to be successful in their businesses, but to take their success and give back to those in need. We are asking the question...What is the meaning of success? Is it more money, bookings, and bigger houses? Or is it doing your absolute best in what you do, and taking that and giving back to the world that has given so much to you. 100% of the profits from this workshop go to orphan care and human trafficking interception in Nepal. None of the vendors take any pay, and this year we were able to give almost $8,000 to those in need in Nepal!Experience the beauty of Nepal's people and land in the stunning video below, filmed by Colletta Films.

https://vimeo.com/126288379

Just before Wes and I married, I lived in Kathmandu, Nepal for four months, doing volunteer work with street children and elderly women. I grew to love Nepal greatly, and have ached to return ever since. As a wedding photographer, it is easy to get swept away into all the pretty details and amazing people we meet as we capture one of the most special days of their lives on film. But my heart has always been happiest when working to make a difference in the lives of others, which always seems to do the same in my own life when I work towards that goal.
About 20 months ago, I woke up with an idea about a special kind of photography workshop. I wanted to do something more with our business. I wanted to go beyond business, and do something more in the world...something that would have lasting impact. Most photography workshops focus mainly on building your portfolio and growing your business, which is great and needed. We have attended some of the most amazing workshops out there in years past. But sometimes it can get competitive, and can cause you to lose focus on what is really important in this world...loving others, and giving back what we have been given.
The first half of the workshop is spent in classroom sessions revolving around business, and the second half of the workshop is spent doing volunteer work in Nepal. We had an amazing group of people this year, that gave everything they could to help this workshop succeed. Each attendee had their own part to play, and as the days unfolded, it was a joy to see each one of them fall in love with the country of Nepal.
Some of the industry vendors that donated time or goods to help make our not-for-profit workshop succeed: Magnolia Rouge, Jose Villa, Wildgrace Workshop, Paper Birch Designs, Julie Song Ink, Brown Linen Design, Kraft & Jute, Mrs. Box, Frou Frou Chic, Type A Society, Richard Photo Lab, State Film Lab, Goodman Film Lab, Carol Hannah, Gossamer Vintage, and Jacob Cecil.
A special thanks to Gautam Rai, our Nepali brother who made this workshop truly possible by arranging all of our lodging, meals, and volunteer opportunities. He was our translator throughout our time there, and he also helped our attendees see the importance of documenting the joy and warmth of the people of Nepal, over the poverty of Nepal. He and his wife, Rekha, along with 3 biological children, have adopted 11 beautiful girls, and have devoted their lives to orphan care, and are daily meeting the needs of others with what little they have. Since the earthquake, Gautam has been out in the streets from morning til night helping others. He and his family are a beautiful example of love in action.
If you are interested in helping the relief efforts that are occurring on the ground in Nepal, there are many amazing organizations that work tirelessly with the people there, not only providing aid right now, but long-term care after many other relief groups have returned back home: Tiny Hands International, 3 Seams, Waypoint Omaha (Select "Nepal" in the dropdown menu, and 100% of the funds will be given to the Rai Family to further their ability to care for children and the community around them).

• Cinematography: Colletta Films
• Event Design & Stylist: Abany Bauer
• Flowers: Type A Society
• Hair & Makeup: Heather Leigh Artistry
• Jewelry: Mickey Lynn
• Paper Goods & Calligraphy: Julie Song Ink
• Photography: Nina & Wes Photography
• Silk Ribbon: Frou Frou Chic
• Venue: The Fort Resort
• Wedding Dresses: Carol Hannah