Michelle and Paraag chose the most festive time of the year to host their Indian fusion wedding soiree! We’re swooning over the twinkling lights and evergreen trees that studded this whimsical event. After watching the romantic film by Spinning Leaf Films we’re dreaming of wintery crisp air and gingerbread lattes in the midst of this heatwave! With the planning aid of Yellow Umbrella Events and decor by Austin Rainbow Bouquet, the celebrations were a picture perfect soiree filled with sparkle and shine. For her Indian ceremony, Michelle wore a ruby red sari covered in golden embroidery. Makeup by Lip Service XO and hair by Garbo Salon pulled out all the stops to create Michelle’s beauty look, and she resembled an Indian Queen. Meanwhile, Paraag led a dynamic baraat on his trusty steed courtesy of Fantasia Carriage. The lovebirds were married under a pastel mandap, and blooms were arranged by Austin Rainbow Bouquet as the perfect finishing touch to the fairy tale proceedings. For the newlyweds’ reception at the AT&T Hotel & Conference Center, Michelle slipped into an angelic white gown, and the duo danced the night away to the spirited Bollywood beats of Nachle DJ Entertainment. You can bask in the beauty of this Christmastime shindig in the gallery by Studio Uma or scroll below to read out interview with Michelle. And make sure to grab a cup of cocoa and watch the breathtaking wedding film by Spinning Leaf Films.
How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
We are both physicians and met during our family medicine residency. He was my senior and I was a new intern. He says the first time we met I did not give him the time of day; that quickly changed! I knew he was the one for me when I could be my honest quirky self with him and feel complete with him by my side.
Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
He proposed to me at Vino Vino which is the restaurant he took me to for our first date. He waited until after dinner and as they brought out dessert, he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him.
Tell us how you went about planning your wedding, and your overall experience with the Venues, Hair & Makeup, Outfits, Decor Theme, and all of the other important details.
My husband's aunt, sister, and father were very instrumental in helping plan the Hindu ceremony and sangeet/mehendi. My mother and aunt helped as well to round out the Christian ceremony and reception. Together we were able to make great decisions that made our days beautiful.
How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I was fortunate to have my husband's family help me when we visited India. I love pink and so that was definitely a consideration. We found both my wedding sari and sangeet lengha in Lucknow.
What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
Seeing it all come together during our wedding weekend.
What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
They loved the blending of our 2 cultures, the food, and the music.
Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
Our Christian wedding vows were very special to us, as well as having his maternal aunt sing during my entrance for the Hindu ceremony. We were so blessed with our loving families support and presence.
For events other than your ceremony, please tell us as much as you would like about the decor, style, dances, and all the special details.
Our weddings were both fabulous. We drew on both of our cultures to try and blend our 2 families. We started with the traditional Christian ceremony (which was supposed to be outside) but nature had other plans. It turned out absolutely beautiful inside with rain drops running down the windows, winter-inspired decorative Christmas trees in the corner, and our deep fuchsia with light pink and teal color scheme highlighted with beautiful bouquets on the ends of the rows. Following our Christian ceremony was the traditional sangeet and mehendi. It was full of bright colors, food and drinks, singing and dancing, and henna. The next day we had a traditional Hindu ceremony preceded by the baraat. That evening was our traditional reception incorporating our Mandap as the center of the room that housed our sweetheart table.
Yara was absolutely fabulous and our 4 events would not have been as beautiful was it not for her. She was the brains behind the décor. We had wanted to have the Christian ceremony outside with nature as the main décor; at the last minute it was changed inside and Yara with her team made the inside space absolutely stunning with ivory draping behind the stage. Our sangeet and mehendi was popping with colors, beautiful lanterns on the tables and henna stations. Our Hindu ceremony mandap was absolutely beautiful - highlighting some of our favorite colors - gold, teal, fuschia. Our reception incorporated a little from each event preceding it with the mandap in the center and beautiful floral centerpieces and candelabras.
Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Always take time for each other. Try not to get caught up in the tiny details - no one will notice but you. Enjoy each other and don't sweat the small stuff. Give in on the guest list ;)
Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
We had great food for each event that highlighted each of our backgrounds. The indian cuisine was fantastic. We also had Michelle make paisley cookies to serve after the Hindu ceremony which were decorated in a henna design. In addition our wedding cake and groom's cake were fabulous. Our groom's cake was modeled after the bottle of wine he proposed over and our wedding cake had an ombre of teal fading to pink with a gold henna design.
We'll see you all bright and early tomorrow for another lovely wedding film!
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