Trumps's nominee Tulsi Gabbard had Hawaiian-style Hindu wedding with traditional Vedic rituals. Watch video

Tulsi Gabbard, the first-ever Hindu member of the U.S. House of Representatives, married cinematographer Abraham Williams in a beautiful and deeply spiritual Vedic ceremony on the Hawaiian island of Oahu in 2015. The outdoor event, set against the backdrop of mountains and palm trees, was described by the bride as “literally just perfect.”

Gabbard, known for her strong support of Hindu causes and her outspoken advocacy for India, tied the knot with Williams in an intimate ceremony that celebrated both her cultural heritage and the couple’s love. The wedding was attended by nearly 300 guests, including notable political figures such as Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Massachusetts Representative Joe Kennedy.

A Hawaiian-Style Hindu Ceremony

The couple’s wedding ceremony, which took place at the Kahaluu Fishpond, blended traditional Hindu rituals with the scenic beauty of Hawaii. Gabbard, a former Democratic Congresswoman, had opted for a Lacha-style wedding dress, featuring a royal blue silk jacket paired with a gold skirt. However, the dress, which arrived only two days before the event, was not without its challenges. Gabbard recalled the stress of tracking the delivery, but was ultimately pleased with how it fit after last-minute alterations.


A Brahmin priest officiated the traditional Vedic rituals, which included walking around the sacred fire seven times while reciting prayers, an act that symbolizes the couple’s union. The ceremony ended with a vibrant yoga kirtan, where guests circled the newlyweds, singing and dancing in joy.

The ceremony included several symbolic rituals, such as Gabbard’s father walking her down the aisle and her mother tying a flower lei around the couple's hands, a gesture representing their bond. During the vows, Gabbard and Williams exchanged personal words they wrote themselves, adding an intimate touch to the ritual. Gabbard described being moved to tears by Williams' heartfelt vows, which were a surprise to her.


Gabbard has always been vocal about her Hindu faith, and her wedding was no different. She chose to honor her heritage while blending it with the serene spirit of her Hawaiian home. “It was a Hawaiian-style Hindu wedding,” Gabbard said, referencing the palm trees, the birds of paradise flowers, and the peaceful ambiance of the island.

The Reception and Celebration

After the ceremony, guests were treated to a traditional Indian-style feast, which included dishes like paneer tikka masala, samosas, and saffron rice, lovingly prepared by Gabbard’s family. The wedding cake, a rose cardamom cheesecake, was decorated with henna-inspired designs, adding a touch of cultural flair to the celebration.

Despite the whirlwind nature of her congressional responsibilities, Gabbard was pleased with the wedding, calling it "far beyond what I dreamed of." However, she and Williams, both private individuals, did not have time for a honeymoon, as Gabbard had to return to Washington, D.C. to continue her work in Congress.

A Glimpse Into Gabbard’s Political Journey

Gabbard’s wedding was not only a personal milestone but also a reflection of her political identity. Known for her strong views on foreign policy, particularly her support for India and her criticism of U.S. foreign interventions, Gabbard's political career continued to evolve after the wedding. She gained recognition for her defense of Hindu causes and her vocal support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, even going so far as to call the U.S. government’s decision to ban Modi’s visa a “great blunder.”

Her work in Congress and her military service as a Major in the Hawaii National Guard further cemented her reputation as a strong and principled leader. In 2022, she left the Democratic Party and became an independent, and later endorsed Donald Trump in the 2024 election. Her vocal support for Trump led to her being nominated to be the next Director of National Intelligence in his second term, a role that would have seen her overseeing 17 U.S. intelligence agencies.