The blending of two cultures in a wedding is a beautiful thing, there is no question about that. It becomes that much more stunning when all the details are carefully planned by Carrie Sartor of Lyndsey Hamilton Events, and we can catch a glimpse of it all through the lens of Kathi Littwin Photography. I am looovvvinnnggg all the vibrant colors brought in with beautiful floral design by Linda Baldwin as a nod to the traditionally Indian ceremonies. The pretty little details and touches made for a very modern, cultural beauty of an affair, and thankfully there is even more in the full gallery of images!
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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