Amee & Ryan

Writing this blurb about Amee and Ryan’s wedding and reception proved harder than I thought, because it is not easy to capture just how I feel about them in a few paragraphs. But here I go:

Shortly after Amee and I met, Amee met Ryan. The timeline was so tight, somehow I ended up on their second date, and I wasn’t sure how I got there (I’m sure Ryan was thinking the same thing). A few weeks before that, at our first dinner date, Amee definitively informed me she was done with Atlanta and ready to move on a new city; preferably somewhere on the west coast. Selfishly I was sad to see someone I had clicked with leave. But in a serendipitous meeting, Amee and Ryan found one another and suddenly all talk of leaving had subsided.

Over the years, Amee and Ryan became part of our Atlanta community. They weren’t just the fun friends you knew would show up and bring the party—sometimes by walking straight into your screen door. They were the kind of people you could truly rely on when you needed it; the people you would have on speed dial, if that were still a thing. And although I never really knew them as anything but “Amee & Ryan,” (or “Rimee” as no one calls them), I still saw them grow together as a couple over the years, complementing and completing each other; ultimately making one another better.

Fast forward 7 years later, to a home, two dogs, new jobs, a backyard ceremony and so much more. It was a really special event to see them commemorate one year of marriage by getting married all over again! Amee & Ryan created such a fun three days of events that had their family and friends come together and celebrate. Somewhere out there is an epic photo of the afterparty in which almost all of their friends showed up in an adult costume onesie and partied into the wee hours of the night—college style.

Amee worked tirelessly on each detail, and somehow managed to look so beautiful despite not sleeping for days leading up to the wedding. Everything was thoughtfully planned and highlighted elements that were meaningful to each of them. I was so excited to be at an Indian wedding and eating Italian food for dinner!

Cheers to Amee and Ryan, our friends, our family. Wishing you all the best in your life together!

Amee & Ryan: Garba Night

On night two of Amee and Ryan’s wedding celebration, the guests were treated to an event that can be best described as enchanting. The venue provided a unique backdrop as the vibrant Indian décor contrasted so well with the beautiful brick walls and industrial space. Each guest was immediately greeted by the smell of savory street food and spirited music from Jashn. Walking in from the streets of downtown Atlanta, it felt like being transported to another place and time. It was one of those nights where you could say in all sincerity, you had to be there.

Amee and Ryan brought so many special touches to the event, as Ryan had his own brewed beer served to guests and their fun Bollywood dancing instruction sign made even the neophytes feel welcomed. The event was really the lift in spirits everyone needed and provided another night of merriment in anticipation of the big day. And it could not be missed that Ryan was side by side with his wife for garba and raas the whole night!

Can’t say enough good things about the vendors for this one! It was flawless!

Venue: Terminus 330

Coordination: Amina Events

Photography: Boone Studios; Michelle Scott Photography

Videography: Wages Films

Décor: Utopian Events

Catering: Thali/Art of Flavors

Hair & Makeup: A Blushing Bride

Mehndi: Beauty You Deserve

Transportation: Urbana Transportation

Amee’s attire: Kalki

Amee & Ryan: Grah Shanti, Mehndi & Pithi

When it comes to Indian weddings, often there is so much more than just the wedding and reception. Amee’s family held a Grah Shanti Puja, a pre-wedding ritual to invite Lord Ganesha into the home, in New Jersey.

Two days before the wedding, family and friends gathered for the Mehndi event, complete with Indian and Mexican cuisine and Bollywood movies.

The events were the perfect precursor to the wedding as family and friends gathered, after much anticipation, to celebrate the couple.

Grah Shanti Photos: VChauhan Photography

Mehndi/ Pithi Photos: Keyur Shah

Mehndi: Beauty U Deserve by Nikki Karimi

Honored traditions and fun additions: Aarti & Jitesh

When we first got involved with Aarti & Jitesh’s wedding, what we learned in a short amount of time is that it was important to them as a couple to not only incorporate traditions that were important to their families but to also add so many new, fun elements to their wedding that would really make the experience their own.

It seemed like a daunting task coordinating all the details on this one. There was a planned rickshaw entrance, a “Coke” game, a snow cone machine, a choreographed dance during the baraat, the bridal party dancing down the aisle, and so much more. Timing was going to be everything!

Seeing it all come to life during their three day celebration was such a joy. You could tell that everyone present was having a blast and enjoying all the special touches of Aarti & Jitesh’s vision. We found it amazing that even the hotel staff had joined the party by the end of the night, because it was just that much fun! And beyond that, the couple’s appreciation and enjoyment in their own festivities made us feel that the efforts were beyond worth it.

Thanks to all the vendors who worked so hard to ensure that everything went off without a hitch.

A wedding vacation: Namita & Raj

We coordinated Namita & Raj’s wedding back in August. They selected a beautiful resort venue that lent so much character to their events and allowed their guests to party all weekend, together. We love that this couple let go of all the planning details and were able to focus on enjoying the festivities as they happened.

It is always a pleasure to work with a couple who is so appreciate of their vendors; it speaks volume to their character. We hope you are enjoying married life Namita & Raj. Cheers to your life together!

Massive thanks to the vendors who overcame any obstacles the day presented like true pros and ensured that everyone had a wonderful time!

VENUE: FOX HALL RESORT

COORDINATION: CAKES & ROSÉ EVENTS

PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEOGRAPHY: SAROJ STUDIOS

DECORATOR: 5TH SEASON DECOR

CATERING: CAFÉ BOMBAY CATERING

DJ : DJ JAZ

DHOL PLAYER: DHOLI SINGH

Makeup: Bogart Beauty

Hair: VIGILANTE COSMESTICS

Sophisticated soirée: Nisha & Mohit

When Nisha & Mohit approached us in 2020, we were thrilled to find out they had chosen the Atlanta History Center for their wedding venue. It had always been high up on our list! But when the pandemic hit, they reevaluated the original plans and decided to marry one another in a beautiful private ceremony with (most of) their immediate families present.

To our delight, they decided to still go forward in 2021 with their original plans, except that it would be a one-year anniversary party. The party felt true to who Nisha and Mohit are: gracious and classy. From the band that played at their welcome dinner, to their joint baraat, to succulents passed out as favors, each detail was thoughtfully planned and beautifully executed.

You also got the sense of how important their families were, as Nisha and Mohit incorporated them into so many aspects of the events. We found ourselves tearing up at the speeches and dancing in our chairs to the performances.

Huge thanks to the very talented group of vendors who so wonderfully executed the vision.

One year down and many more to go, we wish you all the best NiMo!

Bring in the fun: Shital & Sanjay’s wedding extravaganza

If we had one word to describe these festivities it would be energy. From days before we arrived to the final moments of the reception, there was so much fun and positive energy present. The best part was that we felt so welcomed by that energy, at the end of the weekend, we were slightly hoping to be invited into their circle.

Anyone present during the festivities, (especially during the lively reception program), could feel a level of comfort and familiarity between their families and friends that came from this couple’s history together. It felt seamless. And everyone involved pitched in to ensure the wedding was a success.

With everything going on, Shital and Sanjay remained as kind and thoughtful to everyone who was there, including one another. There was an undeniable excitement between the two of them that their wedding day had arrived. Sanjay’s reaction at the first look said it all.

Oh, and the outfits and décor! We really had a hard time narrowing down the photos for this one, so keep scrolling! A huge thank you to this all-star team of vendors who really rolled with it.

Wishing you all the best S & S…and maybe we will see you around ;)

Silver Jubilee: A Vow Renewal After 25 Years

Until May of 2021, our clients had been predominantly young couples looking for guidance in planning their weddings. It’s always wonderful seeing the excitement and anticipation of couples ready to embark on a journey full of love and adventure. But when Devi and Ram reached out to us about planning their intimate wedding anniversary, we found a refreshing opportunity to support a couple who wanted to honor their love and adventures after 25 years of marriage. Having researched our work, Devi and Ram trusted us to execute their vision for their a vow renewal; an evening of dinner, drinks, and dancing to celebrate the life they had led together thus far.

With COVID-19 restrictions in mind, we started planning quickly as we only had three months to plan the entire event. From the very beginning, Devi and Ram were welcoming, eager to plan, and fun to be around. They were the perfect combination of a couple who brought specific ideas to the table while being open to our expertise.  We were able to explore new concepts such as the bartending service Temperance Trailer, a European café style seated dinner area; and a beautifully presented pre-plated Indian dinner.

During the planning process, we learned more about Devi and Ram as a couple. As we do with all our clients, we asked how the two of them met. What they shared sounded like a thrilling Bollywood film! There was a moment in time in India 25 years ago in which this couple chose to be together. They risked their lives, eloped, and could never look back. After telling the story, they paused for a moment to reflect and said, “We are laughing now, but it was so scary at that time. We were on the run with no money, protection, or plan.”

On the day of the vow renewal as we watched the couple exchange their vows, it was clear that the experience had created a strong bond between the two; they became each other’s family, best friend, and partner. The life they have built on their own, the friends who have turned into family, and the love and respect they share made this such a unique and special event for us. We wish them another 25 years of safe and exciting adventures together!

Special thanks to the amazing vendors who brought this party to life!

Going to the Courthouse and they’re Gonna Get Married : Christina & Havin

Christina & Havin contacted us to assist in planning their 2020 wedding. Like so many couples in 2020, plans changed and we weren’t certain whether we would hear from them. Much to our delight, Christina and Havin decided to reschedule their wedding in 2021 with an elegant bash at the DeKalb County Courthouse. Christina proved to easily be one of the most laid back brides we had the pleasure of working with; taking any obstacles that came along in the planning process in stride. The event was beautiful and meaningful from start to finish and it was such a joy to see people reuniting after so long to celebrate. Congratulations to the happy couple!

Shoutout to all the vendors who made this special day happen!

The Modern Bride: A Celebration

One of the items on our bucket list was planning a styled shoot. So when Krupa, stylist and creative consultant, and Yasmin hair and makeup artist. reached out to us, the perfect opportunity presented itself! The vibe we discussed creating was a look for the more pared down bride. We felt that it was not only a more modern approach but directly applicable to the smaller, more intimate gatherings brides were dressing for in 2020. We also think these versatile looks would be beautiful for a sangeet or bridal party.

It all came together last October when we found some incredibly talented vendors who were lovely to work with and were generous with their time. Thanks to Summerour Studio for allowing us to shoot there, a hidden gem of a venue, right in midtown Atlanta. And a thank you to our gorgeous models!

Venue: Summerour Studio

Photography: Michelle Davina Photography

Stylist: Krupa Bhatia

Hair & Makeup: A Blushing Bride and Monika Yadav

Attire and Jewelry: Sushma Patel

Bangles: Riana Jewelry and Blossom Box Jewelry

Planning/Creative Direction: Cakes & Rose Events

Models: Prova Maha & Jinal Khamar

Columbus in the time of Covid: Kosha & Palak

When 2020 started, we looked at our calendar with excitement. We had booked some really wonderful clients who were getting married in unique locations throughout Georgia. Of course, as 2020 progressed, things changed. Weddings were being postponed, cancelled or left on TBD status. We really felt for all our couples who wanted to be excited over this momentous occasion in their lives but had to consider the very real, and very scary Covid-19. It didn’t help that information on the virus was changing rapidly.

Enter Kosha & Palak. What had initially been a multiple-day extravaganza of hundreds of people, was pared down to an intimate ceremony of immediate family and very close friends. Planning this wedding was a new experience for us as there was a new level of scrutiny needed to ensure that everyone was safe. It really helped to have such a detail-oriented couple planning along with us, taking into consideration the health and safety of their guests when it came to every aspect of their ceremony. They also relied on one another, while long-distance, throughout the process of planning. It was a testament to the wonderful partners they will be in their married life together.

The result was a beautiful and meaningful ceremony. Before the wedding, the bride spent her time calling close family and friends who could not make it to the ceremony. It was emotional and spoke to the very sacrifice many couples were having to make in 2020. It also shined a light on what was most important in all this: marrying the love of your life with the blessing of your loved ones, whether they were near or far.

We also have to give a big thanks to the wonderful team of vendors who were easygoing and adjusting with us to the constantly changing circumstances. They truly delivered!

Wishing Kosha & Palak all the best!

Venue: Columbus Trade and Convention Center

Photography: Wild Colors by Abi

Décor: Sterling Decor

Bridal Hair & Makeup: Beauty by Ami

Family Hair & Makeup : Blush Beauty by Nadia

DJ: DJ Jaz

Catering: Thali Atlanta

Attention Please: Tips on Delivering a Wedding Speech

If you are preparing to speak at a wedding soon and the first line of your speech is “Webster’s Dictionary defines ‘love’ as”, delete immediately and read this post, because I’m talking to you! (Bonus points to anyone for catching this Friends reference).

Disclaimer: I am not contending to be a professional speech writer. And despite having to speak in public on a regular basis for my day job, it is not necessarily one of my fortes. However, as someone who is a good listener yet impatient and a frequent wedding planner and attendee, here’s some of my advice:

* Keep it Brief. Pro tip: do not include a line about how you are going to keep it brief. You’ve already wasted time, and in my experience, that’s a surefire indicator that you will be anything but brief. Speak to the bride or groom beforehand and find out just how many speeches will be part of the program. The sweet spot for a wedding speech is between two to three minutes. If you’re only one of two people speaking, then you may have a little more time. However, if you are one of eight (yes, I’ve witnessed this many speeches in one night) then keep it to a minute or ninety seconds. You would be surprised with just how much you can say in that amount of time.  And if you’re jokes are tanking, you’ve already sat down before people can judge too much.

Jamila-Julius-Wedding-1828.jpg

* Practice! Write something down ahead of time. Depending on your level of comfort, you do not have to write it out verbatim, but having at least two to three bullet points will ensure that you deliver the important messages. Remember that emotions can be running high on the day of, as can the alcohol, and you will thank yourself when you can rely on roadmap in your head. It’s also good to practice for finding out whether you will stand in one place, pace around , whether you will be emotional and what to do with your hands. If you are writing out your speech word for word, then memorize it! Having notes as a crutch can be a good idea, but squinting and reading each and every word will instantly make you less interesting.

Photo Credit: Tara Sharma Photography

Photo Credit: Tara Sharma Photography

*No inside jokes. Speaking of interesting, these are are not.  There’s a reason they call it an inside joke, only two of you get it and no one else cares. Don’t just shout a list of buzzwords or say “remember the time?” followed by some nonsensical story that’s only funny to you and the subject of your speech. If you want to share an endearing memory, keep it appropriate, provide context and make sure there’s a punch line or something that connects the story to this momentous occasion.  

*Toast not roast. While teasing, or telling a funny anecdote can provide some humor to your speech, make sure you always end on a positive note. Relentlessly making fun of the person who asked you to speak for the sake of some laughs can make you come across as mean-spirted or jealous. One would think it’s common sense, but this is not the time to bring up any exes or failed accomplishments. You should also end by including the person to whom your friend or family member is marrying. If you don’t know their significant other well, don’t put that on the record, simply wish them well in their marriage and call it a day.

All the great speeches I can remember from weddings are from the heart. Whether they are emotional, humorous, or both, a good speech lets the audience know just how much the speaker cares about their friend and family member. Putting some thought and attention to what you will say on their big day will speak volumes and will provide a lasting memory for years to come. Cheers!

Planning a Wedding in the Time of COVID-19 - Part II

Today I’m going through the questions that we had during our planning process as well as some tips on how to handle the hurdles that arise in the planning process.

How large of a guest list is considered safe?

The answer to this question is that any number of guests is a risk right now. The higher the guest count, the higher the risk. We decided to keep our guest count at 25 which included the two of us, the photographer, and the officiant who was also a very close friend of ours. We also chose to not invite older adults including our parents which was a tough decision but this was the only way to ensure that they would be safe.

Tip: Review the CDC guidelines for events and gatherings when you are planning your event. They will be the most up-to-date recommendations for the current environment and help you assess the risk. There is also a COVID-19 Event Risk Assessment Planning Tool that shows the risk level of attending an event, given the event size and location.

IMG_1121.jpg

Will we invite guests who have to travel? 

We invited 5 guests who had to travel to attend the wedding. This was not ideal but they were essential to my big day. The guests were young, not high risk, and they took every precaution possible while traveling. If they flew, they flew Delta airlines which have been following strict COVID-19 guidelines according to the media and the traveling guests’ experiences. 

Tip: Guests who have to travel increase the risk at any event. Disclose this information to the other guests attending so they can make the most informed decision when they RSVP. 

IMG_1053.jpg

Do we want to open the wedding up on zoom?

We wanted to keep this wedding intimate, and since we had kept our big wedding plans the same for 2021, we decided to only have our parents and a few extremely close family members on zoom. 

TIP: Zoom is a great option and it allows people to feel like they are still attending the wedding in the comfort and safety of their own homes. We even had my Sister-in-law do a reading via zoom so she could participate in the ceremony. If there are a limited number of people on zoom, you are able to connect with them after the ceremony and they’re able to share their thoughts with you

IMG_1240.jpg

How was information distributed to guests?

Since we wanted to include very detailed information about the event ten days before the event, we sent the invitation via email and requested RSVP via email and text. 

TIP: If you already have a website created for your wedding and you want to send a message to all your invited guests, use the website to send the messages and also create another tab for COVID-19 information. However, if you are sending the message to a limited number of guests, email works great. 

What is considered essential information for guests to learn from the invitation? 

We wanted guests to know as many details as possible to make the most informed decision possible of whether to attend or not. We made it very clear that there was no pressure and everyone should do what was best for their families, co-workers, social bubbles, etc. The ceremony set up, guest count, information about traveling guests and the food and beverage details, and photography details were sent to guests in addition to the regular details such as time of event and location. 

TIP: The more information, the better. It helps the guests see that the bride and groom are also concerned about COVID-19 and understand how the safety and health of their guests have been taken into consideration. 

Will it be ceremony only or will we keep it open for people to stay for a reception?  

Since we had the guests from out of town staying at our home, the seven of us were going to stay out on the deck for the remainder of the evening. We decided to offer the option of leaving after the ceremony and pictures, or to stay for drinks, food, and some mingling in which case everyone’s masks would be removed. 

TIP: Receptions are always fun! But keep in mind that this increases risk as masks come off and people become comfortable. Make sure there is a reasonable amount of time between the ceremony and reception where guests who would like to leave can greet the bride and groom after the ceremony and leave before the reception begins. 

Should we serve food and beverages? 

We love food and drinks so this was something we definitely wanted to offer. For the least amount of cross-contamination possible, we reached out to both Naanstop and Chai Pani Decatur for pre-boxed meals. Both restaurants were accommodating, reliable, and their menu items were delicious! Naanstop even offered to pre-bottle their cocktails for us which allowed us to serve 2 signature cocktails that guests could have with an appetizer as they were waiting for the ceremony to begin! This made it easy for the guests who chose to leave after the ceremony to take their food and drinks with them. We did not want to serve a cake. Instead, we ordered Sublime Doughnuts and boxed each one separately for everyone to take home as a favor. 

We only served beverages in closed containers. For the toast, we passed out individual champagne bottles. We had Tip Top cocktails and the rest of the alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in cans. 

TIP: Pre-boxed meals and closed containers are the safest method of serving food and beverages. Many restaurants are willing to work with you for your event. If possible, support local your businesses! 

IMG_1098.jpg

What is our contingency plan if it rains?

If it rained at the time of the ceremony, we were willing to move the ceremony time the morning of the wedding. If it was raining all day, our plan was to allow the invited guests to zoom into the wedding and have the ceremony in our sunroom with just us and the guests who were staying at the house. The guests would be able to drive by and pick up their food, champagne, and favors from us (while we were masked of course). Luckily, we had perfect weather the day of the wedding! 

TIP: Have a backup plan and communicate it well. You do not want guests to arrive and be grouped together uncomfortably in an enclosed space or have to turn them away because you feel uncomfortable inviting them inside. 

How to approach hair and makeup services? 

I reached out to a vendor, Bristle and Bride, with whom we have worked with before and trust. Hair and makeup can be scary services since you can’t wear a mask and the artists are in close proximity to you for an extended period of time. However, I discussed my expectations, the COVID-19 measures being taken, and also provided them with details about the environment they will be working in. I had guests at the house and I let the artists know this before they arrived in case they were uncomfortable with the situation. 

TIP: Hair and makeup are scary services during COVID-19 times. However, there are measures being taken by hair and makeup artists for their clients’ safety and their own safety. Choose a hair and makeup artist you are comfortable with and discuss expectations on both sides before the day of the services. If this will be too stressful for the bride the day of the wedding, I would suggest forgoing these services. 

IMG_1004.jpg


What are some other precautions that can be taken at events?

Have extra disposable masks for anyone who may not have one, plenty of hand sanitizer, keep chairs properly distanced and ask guests not to move them. We had a restroom available for guests that was near the entrance to the house. There were plenty of sanitizing wipes, hand sanitizer, and soap available for the guests. 

TIP: Have someone guiding guests as they arrive and enforcing the safety guidelines throughout the event. This is where coordinators can be very helpful at small events! 

IMG_1099.jpg

The planning phase is stressful and nerve-wracking. The environment is constantly changing day-to-day, there are so many more details to think about related to COVID-19 in addition to planning a non-COVID era wedding. But with proper foresight and planning in keeping your guests safe, creating a fun and memorable experience is more than possible!

IMG_1321.jpg

Planning a Wedding in the Time of COVID-19 - Part I

As a wedding planner, a bride, and a public health professional, I wanted to provide a unique perspective on having to change plans in the midst of a pandemic. My now husband and I were engaged in October 2019 and had discussed getting married in Fall 2020. By March 2020, we already had a date, venue, all of my vendors, and I had already made a trip to India to buy all of our wedding outfits. My original wedding plan included a welcome event, a wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception for 275 guests. I thought being a wedding planner was going to help me get through the year since I have had plenty of experience with planning details, staying organized, and anticipating wedding planning related issues. We were feeling great until all of the uncertainty about COVID-19 began to overwhelm us.   

From the public health standpoint, we felt responsible for our guests’ health. We knew almost immediately that we would be uncomfortable putting all of our loved ones in a room together exposed to potential harm so we decided to move the wedding to Spring 2021. I had never really had an ideal wedding planned but I loved the idea of a Fall wedding and I just wanted a day where everyone we loved could be in a room together having an amazing. I had to let go of those notions pretty quickly. There were many times I would feel annoyed, disappointed, and even irritated about the difficulty and frustrating of all of the changes I was being ‘forced’ to make, but as our clients were going through the same frustrations and fears, it was pacifying knowing that this was not just happening to me; it was happening to the entire world. 

The process of rescheduling the wedding was intense. I first spoke with my venues to find a new 2021 weekend that was available. Then I was able to get in contact with each of my vendors to discuss their availability for the new date. I had decided to keep the event details exactly the same so luckily, I did not have to renegotiate the contracts. 

As we entered August 2020, I was beginning to feel uncertain about my new Spring 2021 date. Georgia is technically open and there have been events successfully executed with social distancing and other COVID-19 regulations in place. However from a public health perspective, I knew flu season was upon us, some schools and colleges were planning on opening up, and there were discussions about a second wave of cases.

For many years, I had said I wanted to secretly get legally married before the big wedding day (Jim and Pam style for my The Office loving readers) so I threw out the idea of getting legally married in our backyard on our six year anniversary which happened to be the third weekend of September. We decided to keep our guest count at 25 which included the two of us, the photographer, and the officiant who was also a very close friend of ours. We also chose to not invite older adults including our parents which was a tough decision but this was the only way to ensure that they would be safe.


Knowing that we communicated as much information as possible to our guests and took all of the precautionary measures that we could think of, we were able to relax enough the day of the wedding. We also followed up with guests the day after the wedding to request that they send us a message if they had COVID-19 symptoms or tested positive within 14 days of the event. It is now safe to say we successfully executed a COVID-19 wedding!

It felt like the most magical day and the best thing that has happened to us in 2020; I would do it all over again.

Next week I’ll be going into the specifics of planning by answering (with firsthand experience) some of the questions that we are frequently asked!

A Legal Affair: Jamila & Julius

I had known Jamila for a couple of years through work (doing the lawyer thing) when she got engaged. Never have I ever met someone who was so over the moon about her engagement! I remember her sauntering in the courtroom beaming with pride as she shared her news. Her energy was infectious. Everyone around her could feel the excitement and anticipation of the wedding.

So when Jamila asked if we could assist with wedding planning, I was thrilled. I knew how special this wedding was going to be. Jamila and Julius had known each other for years and had gone through the ups and downs life had thrown their way. And for that I knew their foundation would be stronger than most.

And they were nothing but themselves on their big day: Jamila glowing, enthusiastic and poised; Julius, dapper, playing it cool but clearly very excited to be married. Their first look was one of the sweetest moments of any wedding we have been a part of.

Jamila and Julius were also fortunate to be surrounded by their friends—a wedding party that was keeping us on our toes —and their very loving families. There was laughter, tears and some awesome dance moves.

All the behind-the-scenes running around was made so much easier with a great team of vendors. It also didn’t hurt that this brunch wedding (we’re talking red velvet chicken and waffles) has been one of the most beautiful events we have done to date. So don’t mind us if we keep posting about this wedding for a long time to come.

Congratulations to Jamila & Julius, a legal power couple in the making, and two really great people!

Jamila-Julius-Wedding-0063.jpg
Jamila-Julius-Wedding-0047.jpg
0F2A0129.jpg
Jamila-Julius-Wedding-8293.jpg
Jamila-Julius-Wedding-0371.jpg
Jamila-Julius-Wedding-0017.jpg
Jamila-Julius-Wedding-8676.jpg
Jamila-Julius-Wedding-0713.jpg
Jamila-Julius-Wedding-8630.jpg
Jamila-Julius-Wedding-0790.jpg
Jamila-Julius-Wedding-0827.jpg
Jamila-Julius-Wedding-8842.jpg
Jamila-Julius-Wedding-1016.jpg
Jamila-Julius-Wedding-0597.jpg
0F2A1190.jpg
Jamila-Julius-Wedding-9112.jpg
Jamila-Julius-Wedding-2310.jpg
Jamila-Julius-Wedding-1308.jpg
IMG_0643.jpg
Jamila-Julius-Wedding-1828.jpg
Jamila-Julius-Wedding-0625.jpg
Jamila-Julius-Wedding-3515.jpg
0F2A1355.jpg
Jamila-Julius-Wedding-0687.jpg
Jamila-Julius-Wedding-1541.jpg
0F2A1400.jpg

Everyone, Outside!

There's no disputing it, outdoor weddings are beautiful. You just can't beat that natural light. So when couples see those images on Instagram and Pinterest, they easily attach themselves to the idea that an outdoor wedding is the natural choice. Of course there are obvious benefits: beautiful pictures, needing far less décor, having a causal feel, etc. But there are also so many complicating factors we think couples forget to consider. Below are some tips and tricks to plan a successful outdoor soiree.  

  • Pick a realistic time of year. Sure, if you are in Southern California, there's probably very few months that are off limits for a wedding. But for the rest of the 49 states, there are definitely some months that are better than others. I don't care who I offend with this next statement: please don't get married outside in Atlanta, during the day, in July. Even if your ceremony is only 15 minutes, you have to count the time guests will likely be spending outside before and after the ceremony. We've seen some pretty gnarly sunburns that have been incurred within 20 minutes of standing in direct sunlight.

Photo: Gemini & The Bear

Photo: Gemini & The Bear

  • Have a GOOD plan B. Generally a venue that has an outdoor space will provide you with a suitable option whether that's an indoor space or a tent of some sort. Make sure it's an option you would actually be happy with and one that actually has the capacity to seat all of your guests! Often times, we see couples extremely disappointed to be using their plan B space because they had only pictured themselves getting married outdoors. If you plan on doing an outdoor wedding that does not have a suitable indoor option, we suggest putting some money aside in an emergency fund (aka the "Oh Sh!t fund") for a tent or creative seating/décor if it's being held inside.

  • Plan for the cold too! There are those iffy months, April, May…well these days…it really could be any month… (sidestepping that global warming convo for now) where it can be unseasonably cold. If that's the case, going with that aforementioned tent is a great idea. Venues generally allow you to add heaters (or air conditioning) 24-48 hours in advance, allowing you to make a game-time decision.

Photo by: Perez Photography

Photo by: Perez Photography


  • Hydration stations. Giving guests access to water (and other drinks if you're feeling fancy), fans, umbrellas, sunglasses etc. is really important. And make sure that your bridal party, family, officiant, etc. are well hydrated before the ceremony starts! Remember, even if it's a nice 75-80 degrees out, everyone will be standing/sitting in one place anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour! Eventually the heat can catch up with you and have disastrous consequences. Plus, adding thoughtful touches, not only make for a great guest experience but also good for pictures too!


  • Check your attire. Avoid dark colors or heavy materials like velvet, for you as the couple or anyone else who may be standing up there with you. Opt for lighter weight, breathable materials if possible. For a South Asian wedding, keep in mind the added weight, resulting in added heat, that comes along with duputtas, large malas, turbans, heavy jewelry, etc. Paring down your attire will not only look outdoor appropriate, but also keep you cool, resulting in better pictures and a happier couple!

Photo: Vitor Lindo

Photo: Vitor Lindo


F.A.Q.

Today we're bringing you some answers to some questions that we've actually been asked by both prospective and current clients as well as family and friends, all while shamelessly plugging our services! Hey, if you can't advertise on your own blog…

 What is it that you do?

 I'm starting with the hardest question first. The truth is, even through our best efforts to itemize what services we will offer in our proposal to clients, it is hard to explain because there is no way to anticipate all the things that come up during the planning process and the wedding itself. But once we are on the job, we are ON IT. Our goal is always to produce a finished product that is what the clients envisioned and something we can be proud of. So whether we are there from the time you're searching for venues or step in on the day of, we are looking at every single aspect.

The hardest thing is to itemize is what happens on the wedding day. There have been weddings, where we vetoed the lighting scheme as it was being set up, created additional seating because the couple did not account for all of their guests, directed the decorator to add a runner in aisle so the bride wouldn't be in the mud, set up the ceremony space as the procession was arriving, calmed down the property manager after he found out there was illegal alcohol on the property, and the list goes on… Essentially we are project managers and we micro-manage in the best way possible. Often times our couples don’t know what we’re doing behind the scenes and that’s just how we like it.

 What would you do differently than if I planned my wedding myself?

 The biggest difference between a couple planning their own wedding and us stepping in, is that we have experience on our side. We can anticipate a lot of different scenarios because we've lived it!

 We also plan weddings with the guest experience in mind. What couples may not often realize is that the rhythm of each event is so IMPORTANT to the overall feel of the wedding. When we create our down-to-the-minute timelines, we are making sure that things run on time and that they make sense. When things run smoothly, guests can really bring the fun and energy, which after all, is what this celebration is all about!

 And finally, we also take a lot off your plate. Planning a wedding can be overwhelming to say the least. But we want the journey to be fun, too! And while stress is inevitable, having a fun friend (yes, we become your friends- or so we like to think) on your side, advocating for you and getting you what you want, the process seems a little less daunting. The common thread between all our clients thus far is they’ve all told us they were not stressed on their wedding day. That alone, makes us feel worthwhile.

 Where do you store your inventory?

Here's the thing, we aren't decorators. And although we do provide design services, we don't actually provide any florals or décor. What we do is find you the best possible team to execute y[our] vision.

Photo by: Jamie Howell

Photo by: Jamie Howell

 Why should I hire you guys?

That was the first tough question we faced during our first client meeting. At the time, we scrambled to get our elevator pitch together in a pinch, but our message really has not changed over time. We take on a limited amount of clients a year and we really focus on you. We care just as much about the experience as the finished product. Our vibe (as the kids are calling it these days) is to provide the feel that you're working with a friend. We are approachable, reliable and responsive. And maybe putting this energy out into the universe has made us lucky enough to work with couples who are down to earth and understand what is important, thus making it an enjoyable process for all of us.

Do you have a preferred vendor list?

 While we are constantly creating lists of vendors who we like, based on our experience working with them and/or their aesthetic, we don't have a "preferred vendor list." That means we want to get you know you as a couple and what you like and build an event based on that, instead of pushing our own agenda and re-creating the same wedding repeatedly..

Image by: Vitor Lindo

Image by: Vitor Lindo

 You have full-time jobs, families, dogs, etc. When do you have the time to do this?!

Good question. The truth is, we find the time, with the help of very supportive partners, because we love it. We both have jobs that can be a pretty serious and real at times. For us, it's a great escape to be working on something that should be bringing joy! My husband always jokes, "you're stressed so you decided to take on weddings?!" But meeting new people, being creative, making lists and problem solving is fun for us. We're also great friends, so working together is the best excuse for us to hang out!

 What does it cost to…

Let me stop you right there. The range on weddings is incredibly expansive which makes it hard to answer that question. So I promise, we're not just copping out when we say: let's talk. We don't have a minimum spend and are willing to work with a variety of vendors, so will try to find you someone in your price range or tell you your vision and budget don’t match. But in a super nice way.  We can help you put together a comprehensive budget based on your priorities and go from there.

 But first, you have to hire us. (Shameless, right?)

Charleston Beach Wedding: Priyanka & Amogh

Planning this destination wedding was a labor of love. We spent countless hours sending emails, making calls, and creating spreadsheets for the better part of a year without ever having met the bride and groom in person. But it was such an adventure to plan this wedding from scratch and meet such amazing people along the way. As soon as we made it on to the property, surrounded by palm trees, breathtaking beach homes and views of the beach, we felt a sense of excitement and energy that made all the moments leading up to this one So. Worth. It.

We met Amogh & Priyanka in person just a few hours before the first event started. It was readily apparent that they were incredibly relaxed and ready to enjoy the festivities just as much as their guests. From all our long distance interactions, we knew they were funny, warm and laid back. So it was such a pleasure to see that same attitude spill over to their own wedding weekend.

This was one of the most fun weddings we have been to as a planner or a guest (evidenced by the fact that we found ourselves on the dance floor at the end of the night)! Their guests seriously brought the energy from the commencement of the sangeet, to the early-morning baraat, and all the way to the last song of the night at the reception. At one point we noticed there were multiple dance parties going!

Their guests had traveled from far and wide to celebrate this wonderful couple and they were making the most of it. The evenings were filled with dances, speeches and videos that were all filled with warmth, humor and love. It was clear how important Priyanka and Amogh were to the people in their lives. And even more clear how important Priyanka and Amogh were to one another; their sense of compatibility and adventure was a common theme throughout the festivities.  

We were so lucky to work with a wonderful team of vendors who put their hearts (and sweat—-boy was it HOT) into putting together a magical weekend.

Congratulations you two! Hope your first few months of marriage have been filled with fun and adventure!


Vendors:

Venue: Wild Dunes Resort

Planners: Cakes & Rosé Events

Photographer/Videographer: Vitor Lindo

Decorator: Loluma Events

DJ: Other Brother Entertainment

Bridal Hair/Makeup: Tooba Gaya

Horse & Carriage: Camden Carriage Company

A Park Tavern Wedding: Kim & ZaK

One month ago, we had the privilege of working with Kim and Zak, a couple who put in a great deal of thought when it came to the small details on their wedding day. From our first meeting, it was clear that they wanted to incorporate things for which they shared a common love: particularly paying homage to their dogs and Game of Thrones. During the ceremony, they incorporated a beautiful wine box ceremony, enclosing a box of wine in a time capsule, to be opened on a future anniversary. As much thought as they put into the details of their big day, it was readily apparent to us that they were not going to stress over the little things and really try to enjoy their day. Because above all, the most important thing was that the wedding was a mark of the start of their lives with one another.

It was a beautiful wedding from start to finish and they picked an amazing team that was able to execute their vision. Congratulations Kim and Zak, we wish you all the best in your married life!  And we pass along a cheers for when you open that bottle of wine!

Kim+Zachary-Wedding-18 copy.jpg
Kim+Zachary-Wedding-192 copy.jpg
Kim+Zachary-Wedding-177 copy.jpg
Kim+Zachary-Wedding-587 copy 2.jpg
Kim+Zachary-Preview-3.jpg
Kim+Zachary-Wedding-149 copy.jpg
Kim+Zachary-Preview-12 copy.jpg
Kim+Zachary-Wedding-696 copy.jpg
Kim+Zachary-Wedding-559 copy.jpg

Vendors:

Venue: Park Tavern

Months of coordination: Cakes & Rosé Events

Photographer: Gemini & The Bear

Florist: Stylish Stems

DJ: Amp’d Entertainment

Hair/make-up: Formal Faces

Officiant: Sensational Ceremonies

Bakery: Fete and Figs

Event rentals: Miss Milly’s

Neon sign rental: Neon Company

Perfect Playlist

Recently, during the last dance at a good friend’s wedding, a close friend was visibly unhappy by the ballad blaring to close out the night. I asked what the problem was, thinking it was a perfectly sweet way to end the festivities, he said, “do you remember what your last song was?” Even though it was more than four years ago, I did: Safe and Sound by Capital Cities. I remember because I specifically made sure that was the last song of the night. But I did not expect anyone to notice, let alone remember years later. He told me he loved it because it kept everyone’s energy up; energy that poured into multiple after parties.

The goal for any wedding (or any event) is that you pick a great team of vendors who don’t need a lot of management. But don’t overlook the music which is a integral part of your event from start to finish. Below are some tips on making the dance floor the place to be!

Don’t Skip Over the DJ/Band Questionnaire. Usually before your event, even if you don’t have an in-person meeting with your band or DJ, they will send over a questionnaire or schedule a call to discuss your preferences and find out what you do not want. Take this seriously. If you are beyond tired of the Cupid Shuffle or do not want to Get Low with Lil Jon, then make sure they are on your “do-not-play list”. On the flip side (see what I did there?), send over a list of songs you do want. When you hear them sprinkled throughout the night, you and your partner will find yourselves mid-conversation jetting on to the dance floor.

BidishaSamirWedding-3253.jpg

Mix Up the Playlist! I’ve been to some Indian weddings where they played Indian music Lionel Ritchie Style: All. Night. Long. It may just be my personal preference, but if you have a mixed crowd, make sure you include some songs to please everyone. And if you insist on sticking to one particular genre, at least mix up the decades, and play some older songs. This will ensure that the older folks will get out of their seats, who are typically known to defect after the cake has been cut. I made sure to include some Bee Gees, Elton John and vintage Hindi songs from the 70s that had our parents partying right there with us.

BidishaSamirWedding-4017.jpg

Pay Attention to the Flow. On that note (sorry, I can’t stop) make sure you talk to your music provider about creating a flow to the evening. Bands and DJs know to play more family friendly (or older songs, as mentioned above) early in the night while saving the down and dirty songs for late night. I, personally, also love some ballads sprinkled in so that I can sneak in a slow dance here and there, or take a break to get some cake and coffee.

BidishaSamirWedding-2988.jpg

Schedule Enough Party Time, but Not Too Much. If you have speeches and choreographed dances planned, make sure you allot enough time for your guests to actually get up and party themselves. But don’t go overboard, and have four hours of dancing and forget to create a time where people can eat in peace. Events are all about balance and timing, and too much of a good thing is…too much.

Music is deeply personal and taste is extremely subjective. Stay true to yourselves, keep all your guests in mind (at least for a song or two) and communicate on the front-end about your preferences so you can dance the night away carefree.

BidishaSamirWedding-3169.jpg