Today’s Indian fusion wedding feature is brimming with romantic bliss. We can feel the chemistry between Nikita and Joseph positively jump off the screen! This adorable duo met when Nikita was in medical school, and Joseph pursued this gorgeous Maharani thereafter. Nikita told us, “We continued to hang out, and I realized what a truly incredible man he was. The rest was history. I knew he was the one for me because I always told myself I would marry the man who loved me as much or even more than my parents did. He treats my family with so much respect and his kindness never ends. More than anything, his motivation to always grow, learn, and become a better human being is what makes falling in love with him so easy.” So sweet! The duo brought on Events by C to help curate and plan the perfect wedding weekend. For the venue location, the George Washington Masonic Museum was secured due to it’s uniqueness and magnificence. On the morning of their Indian and Christian wedding ceremonies, Mahwish Ali Beauty was brought on to bedazzle the bride in bombshell makeup and shiny locks. She was the epitome of a breathtaking Maharani! As the bride made her way to her Hindu ceremony, it was decked out in hues of gold and marigold by the talents at Imperial Decor. Total decadence! Next up was their pristine Christian ceremony, featuring the lighting of a unity candle to signify their everlasting devotion to one another. Photographick Studios has captured a plethora of magical images from the event that you can find brimming in our full gallery. Up next is the dazzling reception, featuring mouth watering bites by Indaroma Catering and a towering cake by Classic Bakery. And make sure to scroll below for our exclusive interview with Nikita!
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How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
Joe and I met when I was in medical school. A few of my friends had met him the day before and told me he was the perfect guy for me. I was hesitant at first, but then agreed to be set up on this kinda sorta blind date (I knew but he didn't). It was July 4th, and my friend texted Joe so that we could all hang out. He responded that he would be at a food truck festival at the Hard Rock Cafe in Fort Lauderdale. We made our way over. It wasn't love at first site but Joe was persistent (in a good way). We continued to hang out, and I realized what a truly incredible man he was. The rest was history. I knew he was the one for me because I always told myself I would marry the man who loved me as much or even more than my parents did. He treats my family with so much respect and his kindness never ends. He has supported me throughout medical school and residency. More than anything, his motivation to always grow, learn, and become a better human being is what makes falling in love with him so easy.
Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Joe and I had a long distance relationship for part of the time we dated. I was in Maryland, and he lived in Florida. One night, he flew up without my known. I was already asleep when my mom told me to go look outside the house. I followed a trail through my backyard full of old movie tickets from out dates, love letters, pictures, and other special memories. The last surprise led me back into my house, where Joe was waiting on one knee and my parents with huge smiles on their faces. That was the moment he proposed.
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.
Rule number one, hire a wedding planner. Planning a wedding in the midst of residency was tough. It felt like doctor by day, bride to be by night. Chandani was our wedding planner, and there simply aren’t enough good things to say about her. She helped us coordinate all our meetings and facilitate all the wedding tasks. When the wedding finally came, she and her team (Events by C) made the day flow smoothly so that Joe and I had nothing worry about.
The venue was a challenge to find. I wanted something unconventional, because Joe and I were unconventional. Every Indian wedding I had been to was always at a hotel. I was looking for something a little different. When I came across the GW Masonic Memorial, I simply fell in love. The roman columns were a stunning backdrop and the view of city from way up high was breathtaking. I instantly knew that the Christian ceremony outdoors with the scenery would be an unforgettable experience to remember. The inside of the building also had a beautiful ballroom that could be used for the hindu ceremony as well as the reception.
Imperial Decor was the perfect vendor to transform the venue into a fairytale setting fit for a bride and groom. Saba and her team helped us to create our vision when we had very little experience with decor. They had a wide variety and selection that we could choose from to create the space that was right for us, elegant and modern.
The next step was hiring a photographer. I had been stalking Sunny's work for months before I was even proposed to. Photographick Studios always delivered high quality photos with vibrant colors and captured those precious moments that make you want to tear up. Sunny's eye for photography made for some stunning photographs that all the guests were impressed by.
No wedding is complete without food. I had heard raving reviews about Indaroma Catering in Virginia and their website was very eye-catching. Joe and I say till this day that food tasting was the best part of wedding plan. On that day, our hearts and our stomachs were full. Every bite was truly delicious and the presentation was appealing.
When it came to getting ready for the big day, Mahwish Ali Beauty was there to make me feel like a princess. Time was of the essence since I had two ceremonies and a reception all in one day. She was very professional and quick with each look, making sure I looked my best and was always on time for the next event.
Last but not least, Elite Entertainment brought our wedding to life. Binda was an experienced DJ who was able to create a fusion between American and Indian music that had the guests dancing all night long. I have never been to a south indian wedding where the dance floor had that much action. His team really brought a very enthusiastic energy to the baraat as well as the rest of the day that had the crowd pumped. For the baraat, we wanted a luxury car like everyone else. It's the one moment that you feel like true reality. Since I was to marry Mr. King, we needed a car fit for a king. Lusso Dream Cars gave us just that. When other plans fell through, we were left scrambling for a luxury car the day before the wedding. Chris worked with us all day to make sure we had our dream tesla for the baraat the next morning. He went out of his way to make this happen on such short notice. We were also very lucky to have great Hindu and Catholic priests (Sri Shiva Vishnu Temple & Progressive Catholic & Interfaith Weddings) who united us in front of God. We could not be more blessed for how our special day turned out.
How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
Selecting the bridal outfits were a lot of fun! We went to India so my mom, a group of her friends, as well as my best friend growing up, all came along for a day of shopping. We strolled the streets of Bangalore in the hot muggy weather. We finally came across a designer boutique that I fell in love with. I tried on dress after dress until I saw my mom and everyone else's jaw drop. When I had on that bright pink lengha, I felt like a princess and knew that was it. The next step was finding the white gown. I spent months finding pictures in magazines, on Pinterest, etc. I showed a few to my husband and he gave me an idea of what he liked. When I finally went dress shopping, I took my future sister in law with me. She is a fashion designer so I knew I could trust her expertise. Growing up, I never thought I would get the chance to even try on a white dress, being Indian and all. I have to say that for me, that was a truly magical moment. I tried on dress after dress until I found the one. I can't really describe what about it made it the one, but I was able to see my husband's reaction in my mind and I just knew.
What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The food tasting! Definitely the food tasting! There's nothing more that Joe and I love than to eat. We did meet at a food-truck festival after all.
What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
The venue was a hit for the reasons mentioned previously, but our guests especially loved the coming together of cultures at our wedding. Normally the groom’s side and the bride’s side sit on different sides. At the Christian ceremony, not only was the view of the entire city of Alexandria truly breathtaking, but the mixture of Indian sarees and western dresses all interacting with one another was just special. To see all of Joe's groomsmen (only 1 of who was Indian - my brother) so energetic at the baraat and trying to learn bhangra moves was heartwarming. Even at the reception, every person on the dance floor was dancing whether an American song was playing or an Indian song was playing, everyone was embracing the company of one another, laughing, and having a great time.
Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
Yes. During the Christian ceremony, Joe and I walked up to light the unity candle. For those that aren't familiar, the unity candle represents the joining together of two souls, and two families. We were so high above the ground, and it was so windy that the flames on our individual candles kept going out before we were able to light the unity candle. After a few attempts, all our bridesmaids and groomsmen broke formation and ran to our side to hold their hands around the candle and shield the wind. The flame stayed and we were able to light the unity candle. This moment was truly symbolic, showing us that the support of our family and friends is essential to our marriage. It showed that when Joe and I were facing a difficulty, our friends were right there by our side. We were so lucky to have such an amazing bridal party.
Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Brides to be --- wedding planning is hard! The year of planning is usually filled with stress, arguments, tears, unhappy family members and friends, and people always not getting what they want. It's important to push all this to the side and remember who this day was really meant for, the bride and the groom. You will not please everyone, so don't waste time trying. Those who are truly supportive will be there for you and not make it about themselves. Try to enjoy the special moments like the look on your mom's face when you try on the perfect dress, your grandparents blessings who flew all the way from across the world, or the countless hours of laughter with your girls at the bachelorette party. Be thankful to those who are on this journey with you, never take anyone for granted. Last but not least, on your wedding day when all is said and done, remember the meaning behind the day. Sure you spent hours planning the day, but it’s really not about the cake or the color of the table cloths, or that one extra guest who wasn't invited but showed up anyways. It's about marrying the love of your life and starting a journey together. It about being surrounded by those who love you and by the people you love. It a celebration. So let it be just that.
So lovely! We'll be back with the dazzling reception next!
