Swetha + Nikhil's Lexington Wedding

Growing up, I had always been one of those girls who dreamed of her "perfect" wedding day, knowing from the start that I wanted a traditional Indian wedding, and a Hindu ceremony. The colors, the dancing, the customs - all of it was something that I could imagine from a young age. Luckily, Nikhil was on board with everything and also shared similar interests which felt very special to both of us. Being able to incorporate our family’s culture and traditions into our ceremony and overall wedding weekend was important to us as well. I grew up with a South Indian background and Nikhil grew up with a North Indian background. We wanted to blend the two regions and were able to do so while sharing it with those who are special to us.

We were able to kickstart the wedding festivities with a small intimate mehndi/henna at my childhood home in Lexington where Nikhil’s family joined us. Following this, we had a special event called a Haldi at the house where close family and friends spread turmeric on our faces and bodies. This symbolizes a cleansing, warding off the evil and bringing good luck. The evening before the ceremony, we held a traditional sangeet at the venue, which is a night full of dancing, drinks, and vibrant colors! This was special to us as we were able to incorporate several dance performances including our wedding party, family, and friends. Come ceremony day, Nikhil and I decided on having an intimate first look in Triangle Park. This was a very special moment, being able to share quality time for the biggest day of our lives and that in my hometown! Nikhil then had his baraat, where he rode in on a white horse surrounded by friends and family, dancing in the streets. Another important part of the Indian ceremony is something called the Milni, where the bride’s side and groom’s side welcome each other into the family before heading in to the mandap, placing garlands upon one other, which serves as the altar in Hindu weddings. The mandap is covered in elaborate florals and drapes and Nikhil and I were able to pick and choose the colors and how we wanted to design it, which ended up turning out gorgeous. One of my favorite unique traditions is the garland exchange, where Nikhil and I place garlands on each other once entering the stage, signifying that we choose and accept each other. Throughout the ceremony, we celebrated both South Indian and North Indian customs and “tied the knot” quite literally as the cloth on my bridal wear was attached to him while we walked around the sacred fire. The mangalsutra (a necklace with black beads that symbolizes wedding rings) was placed upon me and rings were exchanged - and we became husband and wife! Each of the traditions have beautiful meanings and we couldn’t have been happier.

Now on to our reception, where we were able to incorporate our mandap into the centerpieces as well as our stage backdrop. The florals and design were really important to us as we wanted to keep each event connected in a sense. Cue the lights, sparklers, and dance floor wrap and it turned out to be a special reception filled with drinking, dancing, and unforgettable memories! We danced our first dance to “Freeze” by Kygo. In fact, we have our florals pressed and framed as a beautiful reminder of our wedding. Having an Indian wedding in Kentucky was the best decision we had ever made, and we would choose it over and over if we had the choice!

Bride’s Advice: No matter what happens you are marrying your best friend at the end of the day - that is all that matters and to keep that in mind throughout the entire process as it can get overwhelming!

Photography Raja Singh, Gursher Gill Videography Raja Singh, Sahil Location Lexington Venue Hilton Lexington/Downtown Florals + Rentals Red Umbrella Event Wedding Planner Epic Everlasting Events Caterer Hyderabad House Lexington Music Crown Entertainment (Samir) Stationery + Paper Goods Zola Hair + Makeup Manvir Singh Bride’s Attire (Sangeet) Studio East 6 - Vvani Vats) (Wedding) Kalighata - Pernia's Pop Up Shop (Reception) AVE - Seema Gujral Groom’s Attire Indochino Jewelry Bridal Choker - Totaram Credits (Bridal Mehndi Artist) Kimberly at White Lotus (Groom Mehndi Artist) Anna Rose (Horse for Baraat) American Melody Carriages (Priest) Bharatiya Temple