The heart of Karishma and Arselan's Indian wedding was family. With every clip of this cinematic highlight, I could just feel the love that radiated within the group of family and friends that attended the auspicious ceremony and reception events planned by the sought after planning firm Red and Gold Events. No Indian bride would be complete without fulfilling the role of being stunning and show-stopping, and Beauty by Ami Patel was the bridal makeup and hair expert that ensured Karishma looked her very best. Not only the bride’s multiple saris were on point; hair and makeup were kept at stunningly simple chic. The ceremony was just amazing, so full of glam! The grand reception took place at the prestigious Atlanta Evergreen Marriott Conference Resort and the place was of course completely vibrant thanks to DJ Jaz- GTB Productions' pump up playlist. Hit play below and relieve with us what went on during Karishma & Arselan's wedding spree, thanks to the amazing Brandon Andrews Photography!
How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
We've known each other since high school but never saw the other in that light...till we did. He was so sweet to me at one of my friend's party and I saw he had qualities that could make for a good boyfriend. I didn't know it then, but I started to realize over time that he would make an even better husband.
Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
We started off the night with dinner at a restaurant that overlooks the Skyline of Atlanta. The restaurant rotates to provide different views of the city. After an amazing dinner, he was ready to start his speech when we hear, YES YES!!! The woman next to us got proposed to. A few moments later, their family and friends surrounded them and we were forced to switch tables. "Wish that was me," I thought to myself. Little did I know, when he started his speech...again...and confessed his love for me, it was my moment too. Though awkward with the turn of events, he totally nailed it and I said yes!! Afterward, we took the elevator downstairs where our family and friends surprised me. It is quite the story...lol
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.
We needed to figure out the major vendors first. Venue and photography were most crucial and we wanted to do our due diligence in weighing out all the options. Our photographer also provided a videography bundle which was exactly what we were looking for. I took a two week trip to India to find all my outfits and his Indian outfits. My dad and brother also went with me and provided amazing support throughout the trip. I asked for some recommendations from my friends who also got married in Atlanta, GA and I was able to find an awesome makeup artist. My groom and I shared a Pinterest board as well as other inspirations we found on social media. He provided great feedback and helped me make decisions that were in line with our budget. Overall, we were looking for aspiring artists that had passion for their work. This means that they enjoyed what they did and would keep us engaged. We got just that! All the vendors put their heart in their work and impressed us immensely. We are so proud of our wedding because of them.
How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
From the beginning, I was in love with the idea of a navy blue gown as my outfit for the wedding reception. Long, trailing, and metal thread work is what I had in mind and got just that. Once I tried it on, my dad and brother's reaction pretty much confirmed that it was the one. For Sangeet, I wanted to do a Jaipur style mirror lengha. I really liked the color emerald green and was able to find something for myself and an accent shawl for him in that color. For Nikah, I coordinated with my designer to customize a delicate lace sari with full sleeves. I knew the Nikah saris were traditionally white and I wanted to keep in tradition with an American twist. I think we did a good job in achieving that vision.
What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
I had the pleasure of having a groom who was always 100% involved. I enjoyed the moments where we sat down and bounced ideas off each other. We knew this process is a once in a lifetime and we wanted to soak in every moment. We were even more creative when we worked together.
What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
What do most guests look forward to at weddings? The food!! They couldn't stop raving about how exquisite the food tasted. They also appreciated the creativity of each menu.
Our guests also complimented on the variance of emotions throughout the wedding weekend. Our Sangeet was all about Laughing, Singing, and Dancing. From Antakshari to the Dance Performances, the event was full of competitive energy. Groom side vs Bride side was the theme of the night and our sides came to show out!! The following day, we had a sentimental walk into the Nikah hall as we took vows of marriage in the eyes of God. And when it came to Reception, our families got a chance to share their thoughts and stories about us that left no dry eye in the Hall.
Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
The moment when I officially took him to be my husband. I will never forget the way he looked at me and the tears falling down my face (it was caught on camera).
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.
The decor was based on the vibe of the night. Sangeet was themed as a cultural "dhamaka." We had everything from dhol, matkis, vibrant colors, and unique arrangements. The stage was set for entertainment. For the reception, we aimed for an elegant but grand appearance. Other than the drapes, we added frames, chandeliers and other elements of grandeur. The navy wedding gown needed a contrast color of blush pink that brought the room together with hints of champagne gold. The creativity in the details was the most fun part of planning. For example, we came up with love-themed signs for the food dishes. For chicken tikka masala, we used "tikka part of my heart" for Gulab Jamoon, we used "to jamoon and back". We did this for all of the dishes at Sangeet. At the Reception cocktail hour, we used personalized jenga pieces and playing cards for our guests to sign. We now reminisce on the weekend whenever we play with them.
Our Sangeet was filled with performances by family and friends. Everyone from age 4 to 80 touched the dance floor to show off their dance skills. Our DJ lit up the party and our families never let it stop. The night started with an intense game of Antakshari and ended with aching heels.
Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Take it one step at a time and remember to enjoy the planning process as well as the events. Never be afraid to trust others especially your groom. You know he has good taste because he picked you ;)
Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
Cake: We had a unique Cake designed with different thicknesses and textures for the tiers. The bottom tier was Chocolate cake with heat bar and moose filling. The cake that was served was Tres Leches. Our cake was made an aspiring pastry artist.
Bridal Henna: I shared my vision with my henna artist and she took it so much further than I expected. She used a picture of us that I really loved and created characters of us in the traditional Indian style bride and groom. She even got his beard right!! All the elements within my bridal henna had the finest detail that brought it to life. I could not have imagined anyone else doing my henna.
Our Vendors were amazing and we could not have asked for any better people to handle our wedding:
Wedding Coordination: Red and Gold Events, Atlanta, GA
Venue for Reception: Marriott Evergreen Hotel, Stone Mountain, GA
Venue for Sangeet: 5th Ave Crown Hall, Buford, GA
Photography & Videography: Brandon Andrews Photography, Atlanta, GA
Wedding Catering: Asma's Cuisine, Duluth, GA
DJ Services: DJ Jaz, (GTB Productions) Atlanta, GA
Wedding Decorations: Royal Dekors, Atlanta, GA
Bridal Henna: Kiran Meghani (KM Artistry), Dallas, TX
Bridal Make up: Ami Patel, Atlanta, GA
Wedding Cake: Reshma Patel (RP Special Cakes) Atlanta, GA
Bridesmaid Make up: Kratika Jain, Atlanta, GA
How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
From the beginning, I was in love with the idea of a navy blue gown as my outfit for the wedding reception. Long, trailing, metal thread work with a cape-like ‘Koti’ vest/jacket is what I had in mind and got just that. Once I tried it on, my dad and brother's reaction pretty much confirmed that it was the one. For Sangeet, I wanted to do a Jaipur style mirror lengha. I really liked the color emerald green and was able to find something for myself and an accent shawl for him in that color. For Nikah, I coordinated with my designer to customize a delicate lace sari with full sleeves. I knew the Nikah saris were traditionally white and I wanted to keep in tradition with an American twist. I think we did a good job in achieving that vision.
