If there’s one recurring theme on our blog, it’s that we love to showcase how each of our couples chooses to make their wedding day unique and meaningful to them. For some couples, like Katherine and Jamison, it means building a day around a series of small, meaningful ceremonies that allow them to reflect; in addition to the main wedding ceremony. For Ashley and Manav, it meant finding a way to blend their Western and Eastern wedding traditions into a seamless and heartfelt celebration. Manav’s family lineage is from Gujarat, a state in western India, with its own dialect called Gujarati.
What we love about Ashley and Manav’s wedding is that they didn’t simply each dress in their own culture’s attire. Instead, the entire wedding was a blend of Indian and American cultural traditions. Ashley wore the western traditional white gown, but she also chose Eastern-inspired shoes, a bold lip color, and bridal mehndi (henna) on her feet.
Manav opted for a western-style tuxedo, but we absolutely LOVE his tie clip that serves as a subtle homage to his heritage!
Ashley and Manav chose to do a private First Look, or Reveal, to enjoy a sweet moment together before the hustle and bustle of the ceremony began. A First Look allows for the couple to really experience the emotions of seeing each other on their wedding day, without the stage fright of walking down the aisle in front of hundreds of guests. The moment is so rich and emotional, and our clients always tell us it was their favorite part of the day! Of course, it makes for some pretty great pictures as well.
Ashley and Manav’s choice of the Wilmington Convention Center for the venue was also guided by their wish for a blended multicultural wedding celebration. It was important to them that the venue be colorful, and the Convention Center’s color-changing ceiling was a perfect fit! Of course, the gorgeous sunset over the river is an added bonus. They carried the theme throughout with brightly colored linens, a mehndi-inspired cake by Imaginary Cakes, and even a satchel of garam masala at every place setting! Table numbers were written in both English and Gujarati for an added touch. The couple re-entered the reception with their first dance, choreographed by Babs McDance to Lana del Rey’s “Young and Beautiful”. DJ Eric Thompson with Atlantic Premier Entertainment kept the dance floor going with popular western songs (Whip/Nae Nae or The Wobble, anyone?) as well as some Eastern chart toppers! The evening was sealed with a kiss under a romantic sparkler exit.
What are some ways you plan to personalize your wedding? Let us know in the comments below!
The wedding of Ashley and Manav, starring:
Bride: Ashley Steiner
Groom: Manav Patel
Bride and Groom prep and reveal location: Hilton Wilmington Riverside
Gown: Traditions by Anna
Suit: Banana Republic
Hair: Faith Lara-Savoca, Saks Hair Salon
Mehndi: Emily Lee, Coastal Henna
Florist: Julia’s Florist
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Wilmington Convention Center
Event Coordination: Mave Claire, Wilmington Convention Center
Music: Eric Thompson, Atlantic Premier Entertainment
Choreography: Babs McDance
Hors D’oeuvres: Tandoori Bites
Catering & Bar: Wilmington Convention Center
Bakery: Imaginary Cakes
