From the very beginning, it was written in the stars for Melanie and Dan. The story behind the proposal is one for the books, and we’re going to share with you at the end of this post! But right now, it is Melanie and Dan’s fusion wedding that we simply must share with you! Nepo Productions brought this love story to life beautifully, and set the film to tunes that struck the right chord. The style of the film was distinctive on its own, with a lot of raw clips that added a real and riveting touch. The ceremony was hosted in the amphitheater of The Celebration Farm and coordinator LOLA Event Productions imbued it with never-seen-before elements that had both our hearts and our curiosity! Guests chairs were laid out on the lawn steps, where Adam Covington Signature Studio set up floral elephants that greeted everyone at the beginning of the aisle. “In Hinduism, one of our most revered Gods is Ganesh, who is depicted as an elephant. I asked our decor vendor if they could make decorative elephants for the ceremony entrance and they came through amazingly,” shared Melanie. The distinctive altar featured three cream arches, built of stone, in descending sizes, completed with floral arrangements, saffron and rani pink drapes. Maharani Melanie wanted a traditional South Indian look, so she opted for a red and gold Kanjivaram sari paired with exquisite gold temple jewelry. Chrysalis Fashion, a boutique owned by one of Melanie’s bridesmaids, Mira Bedi, custom made all the bridal outfits. Susie Morales and Eden Salon made for a dream hair and makeup team. We particularly loved Melanie’s hair do that was woven with fresh jasmine flowers. A Touch of Class and Shree Indian Vegetarian Restaurant pleased the palates of the guests with their perfect mix of American and Indian cuisines. Post vows, Melanie and Dan were all set to party at their reception fueled by the DJs from Creative Sounds, indoors at The Double Round barn. From the oval wood ceiling to handmade chandeliers that give the barn a starlit appearance, this was one mesmerizing venue. The custom cake by Deluxe Cakes & Pastries with a custom cake topper was simply adorable! “Dan and I have a common love of dancing and enjoying music and so we wanted that to be a major part of our reception. We brainstormed down to every last detail to make it lively, colorful and most importantly really represent us,” said the beautiful Melanie. Hit play on this gorgeous film to relive this fusion fiesta, and read their written-in-the-stars story below!
Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
I had asked my then-boyfriend, Dan, if he'd like to go with me to a Broadway show in Kennedy Center in DC and he said a casual "Sure!" Since then, though, I had forgotten all about it and started planning other things to do for the summer. Then, out of nowhere, Dan said nonchalantly he had gotten tickets for the show and I was pleasantly surprised and so glad he had remembered. I've always tried to catch celestial happenings when I could and I had heard earlier in the week that the Perseid Meteor shower was going to happen and the East Coast had the perfect skies for it. I had told Dan we should try and see them after the show. As we walked out, Dan said "Hey, want to check out those meteors?" Needless to say, Dan insisted and I agreed thinking it was a good opportunity after all and I really shouldn't miss it. Dan said the National Mall would be a perfect place to see them so we parked and walked towards the Lincoln Memorial. In between each column, we peered out, looking to see if we saw anything until we got to the last column and then my right hand is taken and I'm swiveled around and Dan is on one knee! I gasp and my head is kind of dizzy and I'm processing what is happening. But when I hear "Will you marry me?" I said "Yes!" and it was the most perfect moment. After a few minutes, Dan points out in the dark in front of us and I see one of our friends had been there taking pictures! I thought I had seen a familiar figure but was distracted just in time. I could not stop smiling or laughing and was truly in a daze.
What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
One of my favorite parts of the planning process was settling in with my iPad and noting all the ideas I've had in my head as I've dreamt of my wedding day. I had envisioned so many details such as the floral elephants, the colorful drapery and flowers, the wands adorned with bells to wave as we celebrated our pronouncement of husband and wife. I was very happy I was able to take what I was wishing for and put it together with my great vendors. It was worth all the hours because the day was perfect and so beautiful and exactly how I had pictured it! The photos capture the colors, greenery and whimsy I wanted for the special day.
What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
The most important thing to Dan and I was to make the entire wedding weekend an extension of our personalities. Down to the decor, the ceremony details, the outfits, the food and drink, and the music, we had a big hand in it all to make it as personal as possible. We wanted an explosion of color wherever we and our guests looked which was exactly what the day turned out with the beautiful flowers, lights and amazingly colorful Indian outfits we all wore. Our family and friends told us they loved all the personal touches which made it all the more special for us!
Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
Before our wedding, we held a Mendhi Karaoke night after our rehearsal dinner and our closest friends and family took the "stage" with Dan and I to belt out all of our favorite classics. It was such a memorable way to kick off the wedding festivities and the hilarity that ensued still is one of our favorite things to re-collect and laugh over. Since our wedding was a fusion wedding, I wanted all of our friends and family to have a chance to have mendhi designs on their hands since it is such a beautiful custom of Hindu weddings. My friends running up to show me the fun art they had gotten done is a great memory I have!
Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Always remember that "Where there is Love, there is Life"
We hope that this fusion wedding took away the hump from your day! Return to the blog tomorrow for more such fun weddings!
