There are many Maharanis whose dream is to get married in the most over the top venue. Other Maharanis prefer to keep things simple but strikingly elegant for their nuptials. But there are some that decide to go big and get married in India with all the flair and color of the motherland. That was the case of Shruti & Kayur, who decided to tie the knot in the land of the Ganges and what a ceremony that was! Today, and thanks to Lightyear Studio, we are going to witness their celebration back in the US, starting with a lovely photoshoot and then a reception for the ages. The Hyatt Regency Princeton hosted both events and as you probably imagine, glam and elegance were everywhere. I am so smitten by the style of these two, especially Maharani Shruti's gorgeous sky blue and teal reception lengha. So dazzling! Want to experience something even grander? Head to our gallery of today for more!
How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
Met my husband when we both were still in our medical training, at the hospital, and although it isn't the most romantic place, we kept crossing paths. He asked me out on a date which turned into many and really "courted" me. I immediately knew he was the one and after that, everything fell into place!
Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
He proposed to me in the most romantic and grandeur way at a prestigious library. He got my coworkers involved and everything was planned to the T. I walked into the library and was serenaded with music and his Bhangra dancing skills! He had our closest friends and family who flew from all across the country as part of the surprise as well and of course, I said yes!
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 Wedding was in Bangalore, India. Our Haldi and Sangeet were at my aunt's victorian style bungalow. I wanted everything to be a blend of both our backgrounds of the South and the North. With the help of my mom, we picked traditional South Indian flowers and focused on Lotus as my theme for the wedding and kept the colors more vibrant. My Haldi saree is close to me as it was a vintage heirloom Kanjeevaram saree of my aunt's that she wore on her wedding day. I also wore a traditional Kanjeevaram saree with lotus hand embroidery work on my wedding day along with vintage temple jewelry that remains a part of my family's collection. My mandap was set with shades of pink and purple along with a rose-petaled entrance. We kept the reception classy as the venue in Shangri-La was beautiful to begin with. I had a rose flowered backdrop for my reception and wore a beige lehenga. My wedding was at the ITC Gardenia, Bengaluru and reception were at the Shangri-La. We decided to have another reception in New Jersey, our home town, at the Hyatt in Princeton, NJ. The theme there was to really keep everything on light pastel colors with a starry night theme. Our Decor was done by Abhishek Decorators and reception planning was done by eventsbyshrishti.
How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I knew I had to wear a traditional kanjeevaram saree and my mom went to Kanchi to select the saree. The colors were traditional white with pink tones. The color was cool tones of pink and purple to reflect the Lotus flower.
What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
Bringing both sides of the family together, especially to my hometown in Bangalore, India was a different experience.
What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
That it was a destination wedding and such a colorful experience with an abundance of beautiful flowers and traditional South Indian flair.
Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
Seeing my parents and my family put in so much effort during this process and having those late nights planning and organizing the event.
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 Sangeet theme was shades of green and took place at my Uncle and Aunt's home in Bangalore, the yard was adorned with lights and flowers and we had games and performances and then danced the night away, sipping on custom India drinks called "Turban Bourbon", "Shru-Tai" and "Whis-Kay". The Reception in the US was travel themed, and based on our entrance song, "Sky Full of Stars", with a starlit backdrop. We had a postcard like pictures from our wedding and travels and set them atop each gold charger plate, with an area for guests to write us a note, give some travel recommendations, or a few words of marital advice. In addition, our party favors were leather luggage tags adorned with the quote "And so the adventure begins...".
Stay for the lavish reception! We count on you!
