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From the Bride…Vignesh and I met through a friend at a Fourth of July party in 2007.  The party was actually at Vignesh’s apartment, which had roof deck, and I thought he was very handsome the minute I saw him.  He didn’t ask me out until 2 weeks later and even that was just an invitation to another party.  Our first real date was at a bar in Union Square and we had an incredible conversation there that ranged from light topics to philosophy and religion.  Within 3 months, we knew we both wanted to spend the rest of our lives together.  Neither one of us was in a rush to get married so Vignesh didn’t propose until New Year’s Eve 2010.  We were on St. John in USVI and he proposed on the most beautiful, remote beach during the day.

We wanted the wedding to represent us and our two cultures so being transcendentalists of sorts, we got married outside by a beautiful lake with Indian musicians playing sitar, tabla and an Indian flute.  We created our ceremony from scratch and my father’s best friend, who we’re both close to, was our Officiant.  We incorporated the Indian tradition of the exchange of garlands (to symbolize our acceptance of each other and eternal bond) and readings that are meaningful to us (Joseph Campbell).  The ceremony flowers were a mixture of hot pink, purple, green and orange… mostly Indian colors. The reception – held in a beautiful Sperry Tent – was more American.  We had an incredible DJ, DJ Johnny Stuart, who made the night for us.  We were dancing until the very end, when a friend surprised us with fireworks he had set up by the lake.  It felt like a fairytale come true.

I can’t say there was one moment during the day that was my favorite; all of it was special.  Getting ready with my sister, cousin and bridesmaids (my four best friends) was so wonderful.  And the only word that comes to mind when I think about the ceremony and the reception is magical.  My advice to other couples would be to stay true to yourself and make sure every moment of your day should be about you, your family and friends.

Venue: Mashomack Preserve Club / Event Planning: Carrie Sartor of Lyndsey Hamilton Events / Wedding Gown: Reem Acra / Bridesmaid Dresses: Amsale / Groom + Groomsmen Attire: J.Crew / Floral Design: Linda Baldwin / Wedding Cake: Alternative Baker / DJ: DJ Johnny Stuart / Tent: Sperry Tent / Wedding Photography: Kathi Littwin Photography

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 14 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Alternative Baker, Amsale, Cultural Beauty, DJ Johnny Stuart, Indian Wedding, JCrew, Linda Baldwin Flowers, Lyndsey Hamilton Events, Mashomack Preserve Club, New York Weddings, Reem Acra, Sperry Tent
Post categories: Cultural Beauty, New York Weddings

Carla Ten Eyck is just that … amazing …

When you hire a photographer for your wedding, you’re not just hiring a picture-taker. You’re gaining a friend. You’re hiring someone who will be by your side on one of THE most important days of your life. That person will bring out the sheer beauty, the raw emotion … the awe in you. That’s what you get with Carla Ten Eyck.

Carla Ten Eyck captured Samar and Shane’s exquisite multi-cultural wedding that spanned three glorious days.  There is no way that we can do this incredible celebration justice. We simply want to show you, brag to you, how great Carla and her incredible team are.

Samar and Shane’s wedding weekend …

The wedding took place in Hudson, NY. It was a three day Pakistani and Irish wedding celebration. Friday night the family held a Mehndi ceremony in the beautiful barn at Oak Hill Estate in the Hudson River Valley. These celebrations are traditionally women only, but Shane and Samar invited the men to participate as well. During the ceremony they sat together in a swing while guests came up to offer them blessings. After the blessings there were traditional dances upstairs in the barn. Saturday was the formal wedding ceremony. Samar’s father officiated the ceremony, and the bridesmaids carried wooden bowls full of rose petals instead of bouquets. Floral decor was by Little Black Book member, Linda Baldwin Flowers.

Shane and Samar’s incredible celebration proves without a doubt that if you are lucky enough to have Carla and her team ~ Mike Romano, Katie Slater and Graham Scobey ~ you will have memories … and a friend who will last a lifetime!

Congratulations Samar & Shane on an absolutely phenomenal wedding! And Carla, well as we’ve said before … sheer beauty!!

For the rest of Samar & Shane’s story, take a trip to Carla Ten Eyck’s blog site. It … she … is totally awesome.

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 12 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Barn, Carla Ten Eyck, Charmed Places, Graham Scobey, Hindu, Hudson River Valley, Hudson Valley, Katie Slater, Lily Of The Valley, Linda Baldwin Flowers, Mehndi, Mike Romano, New York Weddings, Pakistani, Rose Petals, Traditions
Post categories: Cultural Beauty, Little Black Book Blog, Real Weddings, Wedding Photography

And speaking of modern, fresh designs, I am also loving the oh-so-now purple hues in this next set of flowers. The purple undertones add a bit of depth and dimension, so the end effect isn’t quite as girly as your standard pink style…

Top Left Photo by Linda Baldwin Flowers, shot by China Jorrin / Top Right Photo by All Things Beautiful shot by KMPhotography / Bottom Photo by Waterlily Pond shot by Erin Beach

Pinks tend to go in one direction or another…either a bit red/orange or a bit blue/purple. The purple hues are perfect for a bit more edgy, modern affair. I love the sleek sophistication of the bottom photo…a more architectural approach to floral design.

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 6 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: All Things Beautiful, China Jorrin, Color Palette Pink Black, Dallas, Installation Floral, Linda Baldwin Flowers, New York Weddings, Pink Week, Sleek Florals, Texas Weddings, Tri State Area
Post categories: Wedding Flowers