This jet-setting duo were engaged in the Highland region of Scotland, where they celebrated afterwards in a field of cows with champagne and a view of a historic castle. While it seems impossible to top this epic proposal, Michelle & Michael managed to do so with the planning and design help of Joie de Vivre Events, and pulled off an incredible wedding celebration filled with color and beauty. The bride was draped in a vibrant pink lehenga embellished with gold embroidery, and looked like complete royalty in the photos by Christa Kimble Fine Art Photography. Michelle's soft makeup look created by Hey Pretty! Beauty paired perfectly with her bridal glow to create a stunning effect. Meanwhile, the crazy baraat, complete with a horse from Willow Wind & Carriage, was in full swing outside, with handsome Michael embodying the part of the excited, soon-to-be-married Raja. Weddings Instyle created such unique, clean decor designs for the couple's ceremony, and we felt refreshed gazing upon the pristine white mandap with bold red pops of color. You won't want to miss our next post on the couple's stunning reception event at the Sheraton Columbus, so check back soon! You can hear more fascinating details from the bride below, and can take a peek at the full gallery!
How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
My husband and I met on an app called "Coffee Meets Bagel," a maybe slightly classier version of Tinder. I had been on for just a couple days when I matched with Michael. I initiated a conversation about traveling (his profile photo was one from a trip to Greece). We talked frequently; first about the basics like what types of residents we are, places we wanted to travel, etc. We then moved on to the weightier topics of Justin Bieber's hair and chocolate milk. He came to visit and we had a wonderful first day that consisted of brunch, a competition at an arcade bar, an ugly Christmas sweater party at a friend's house, and falling asleep standing up at the bar. After that day, I knew he was the one.
Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
We made a goal to travel internationally each year. We decided to make a trip to Scotland in 2015 with one of his best friends from medical school and his girlfriend. We were in the beautiful Highland region. We went up a muddy hill to where a very old castle could be spotted. It had rained the night before and the ground was muddy so we couldn't take the car all the way up; we left it by a pasture of cows. The rest of the mini hike was well worth the view at the top. Michael proposed atop this hill under the bluest of skies. Chris was standing by and had captured it all on camera and had stashed a bottle of champagne in the car. We accidentally popped the cork into the cow pasture and consumed the bottle in the field. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect day.
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.
My parents took on most of the planning with the help of our wedding planner, Priscah. My parents are very organized, to say the least. They did a lot of research into venues and pricing and Michael and I had the much easier job of visiting the places and selecting the final venues. My mom and aunt selected clothes in India and FaceTimed me at home since I couldn't leave work long enough to make the trip.
How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I knew I wanted a bright color. My aunt has great taste so I trust her to pick some beautiful lenghas to choose from. I thought about a sari but I'm just not graceful enough to move around in it so opted for a lengha. The one we chose was just beautiful. I knew I wanted a royal blue lengha for the reception. My mom spent so long working on the detailing and tailoring (the tailor in India had mixed up mine and my sister's sizes so the reception outfit didn't fit initially)!
What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
FOOD AND CAKE TASTING!
What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
The DJ, bar, food, Michael's dad address during our Western ceremony. Our wedding was on the smaller side for an Indian wedding (about 250) and at least half of the guests had never attended an Indian wedding. Our two sides had so much fun together and became fast friends, as evidenced by our photos!
Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
The speeches from our fathers, our first dance, and the guests dancing on the mandap at the end of the reception
Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Do not sweat the little details. Pick a few things that are really important to you (for us, it was hotel room prices, good food, open bar and a good DJ) and put most of your energy there. Remember that no one will remember if something doesn't go entirely as planned, so relax a little.
Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
We loved our photographer!!!! My mom made our bouquets and Michael's mom and cousin made the arrangements for our Western ceremony.
Check back in a bit to see more from Michelle & Michael'a reception!