It’s party time for our newlyweds: Ashita and John! Their big night started with an amazing entry from the sweethearts at the lavish hall of the Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles. The exceptional service of this exclusive venue combined with the renowned IndAroma’s catering service made the night easy, breezy and as successful as possible. A sophisticated fusion multicultural style was reflected through the amazing pink blush and gold décor theme that Shagun Weddings designed for the bash, while also vibrant pops of red embellished each table. DJ Binda from Elite Entertainment got the party started with a serious dance floor action for the newlyweds to enjoy the start of their happily ever after looking their best in the best Indian style! Maharani Ashita prepared her reception look layering an ecstatic traditional Indian look by the super exclusive Sabyasachi and her beau John was beaming in a fabulous gray three-piece suit he paired with brown shoes! Peruse this heart-warming affair in our full gallery by Erika Lynn Photography!
How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
We met through a mutual friend- Steph Guerrero! My husband was in Pilot Training in Texas and my best friend and her husband attended the same Bible study as him! One time when I was chatting with her, she mentioned an eligible Christ loving bachelor in the bible study! She said he's even lived in India- I was immediately hooked!!! I remember getting down on my knees that day and praying that if it is God's will - He would be the one for me. I saw his picture in a flight suit and I was smitten. She introduced us- and a week later he wanted to talk to me on the phone after just a few facebook messages! A call that was supposed to be 10 minutes turned to be almost an hour. I couldn't help but start to get slightly excited - everything he mentioned was what I always wanted. He loved Jesus & his family and might I add- truly handsome. The following week started the journey of essay long texts, hourly phone calls, facetime dates, visits along while always keeping Christ first in our relationship. We prayed the first time we ever met and had our first date at Chickfila - I knew he was the one. If you know me- you know my love for Christ and Chickfila!! It was truly a blessing that our families were supportive throughout the journey :) Months later, here we are - happily married! Excited for the journey ahead!
Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
It was a fine Saturday morning as we were returning from Jersey from another friends wedding! We got home and he told me we should spend the day in DC since he hadn't seen a lot of the monuments. We got ready and he suggested we go to lunch at the first brunch spot we visited in Arlington - named Bus Boys & Poets. We go there and he is getting slightly tensed and eats his food quickly and suggests we hurry up so we don't get stuck in too much traffic. I asked if I should brush my teeth- he said why yes of course!! Usually, we drive to dc but that day he said let's take an uber to avoid parking struggles in the rush hour. We get into the uber and that is when I knew. He turned to me and embraced me and said- enjoy the last 20 minutes being my girlfriend. For the rest of the car ride- we spent time reminiscing on our journey and how God brought us together and cherished every bit. We walked to the Thomas Jefferson Memorial and he walked me to the back where you can see the Washington and got down on his knees and popped the best question ever.
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.
Venues:
Church Ceremony: Providence Presbyterian Church
Reception: Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles
Hair & Makeup: MOD Girl- Jasmina Mann
Wedding Outfit: The Bridal Room, McLean, VA
Reception Outfit- Sabyasaachi Mukherjee, BridesofSabyasachi
Decor & Flowers - Shagun Weddings
DJ- Elite Ent.
How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
Always wanted a ball gown for the wedding ceremony with a reception outfit from Sabyasaachi - obsessed with that designer. For the traditional gown - it's always been white but for the reception outfit - wanted some pale pink shade color and to my surprise- it was the first outfit I laid my eyes on when I walked into the store in Mumbai.
What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
Sharing our love story with all the vendors!! PIcking my outfits for the big day - most magical moment.
What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
The blend of both American and Indian traditions in the fusion wedding! My husband, John-Mark sang me a song- that he serenaded me with when we first started dating!
Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
Walking down the aisle once it was announced- We were married!
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.
Decorations - Shagun Weddings - Royal Pink - regal look
Dances - DC Bhangra Crew Performance - I was previously the captain of this premier all-girls team in Washington DC and led them to numerous placings over the years
Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Spend time with your family and truly enjoy the process, it happens once and before you know it- the process is over!! Capture every part of your wedding day in your head- take a moment to let it sink through.
Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
Reception jewelry- Mumbai
Wedding Jewelry- Tysons Corner 2
Cake- Amphora Bakery, Vienna Va
Flowers- Shagun Weddings
Videographer- Charles Hurley Films
I will see you next time with more romantic Indian weddings!
