Modern Hindu Wedding - Keeping Tradition but following their own timeline
Sarvesh and Ashika | Shiraz Garden October 29, 2022
Sarvesh and Ashkika were a one-of-a-kind couple! I’ve seen and helped couples walk through their planning process with the unique vantage point of “the venue” (not the planner, mind you), and these two were immediately different. They were playful and felt so perfect together, and that eased into their unique vision for their day. Sarvesh and Ashika flow together and have a chemistry that allows you to see both of them separately and as a love match all at the same time.
Ashika had big dreams for her wedding day that included several design features completely unique to her Indian heritage and a modern mix of styles. Sarvesh had his moments in the spotlight too, and unique elements to create space for his character and personality to be also seen.
A few of my favorite elements for this Hindu but Modern Wedding are the unique First Dance at Sunset Vista and the umbrellas mixed in with their lighting installation for a purely magical focal point for this design-centered wedding day. Read on to see all the details!
HINDU WEDDING AND FUSION HINDU-AMERICAN WEDDING VENDORS in AUSTIN
Savesh and Ashika used a variety of Hindu and South Asian-specific wedding vendors, as well as well-known Austin vendors, to bring their unique day to life! Here are the vendors they ABSOLUTELY LOVED:
Light as Gold (photography) & Blue Shadow Films (video)- Both teams were SO good at capturing the essence of the full venue space, thinking outside of the box, and bringing their own set of creative ideas. They were amazing in the bridal cabin/groomsmen cabin at troubleshooting any issues/delays ..or bridezilla moments - very calming energy & really understood our visions. They kept in mind all of the information we told them throughout the process & reminded us of these if we forgot; SUPER helpful. Also, VERY culturally aware & respectful. Sneak peeks show that they captured our dreams already
Shiraz Staff - The way all Shiraz staff, the day of & during visits, are truly giving 1000000% made us feel so special and well taken care of. I could tell they were all up to date with all the ins and outs of us as a couple and as people. They wanted to make sure we truly had our requests happen.
Byrne Rock - DJ Chuck - so perfectly set the vibes of all events, we didn't want an over-the-top DJ, and Chuck made sure not to make it the DJ's show. He did some MCing here and there but made sure things didn't get too tacky. Also, loved their openness to learning even tho they are the pros. Indrajit Bannerjee - He went ABOVE AND BEYOND of what we wanted. He incorporated my favorite song as I walked down the aisle with classical sitar music. He played music between our rites, which we didn't even think to mention.. and he is very cool and chill.. again, even though he is a professional and international musician.
Creature Coffee - Got the job done; needed minimal direction. They knew what they are doing & executed our instructions without even seeing Sarvesh and me on the wedding day... they just seamlessly made it happen - guests loved having this touch.
RaoFactor - They did a great job of making my rustic/summer/Indian vision come true. Sunflowers, marigolds, and UMBRELLAS. So thankful. I called them two days before the wedding and shared that I did not like the photo of the arrangements they sent... they changed it immediately, and it was a perfect day of.
Altared Lighting - Seamless/never met them - they came in and made my umbrella dreams happen. So thankful.
Suvin Metha - Officiant, helped us put together our nontraditional Hindu ceremony. He was really easy to work with and really wanted to support any of our ideas - great for folks having a Hindu ceremony!
GETTING READY AND FIRST TOUCH
Askika was captured so beautifully getting ready with her mom, and some super fun photos with her best friends toasting to the day at the Bridal Cottage. Our space for brides and their close friends is an entire house-cottage with wrap around porch, large green spaces in every direction, fully kitchen, two bathrooms, getting room and more!
MODERN HINDU MORNING CEREMONY
These two maintained traditions where it honored their day and love but also added their own modern and American wedding traditions along the way. They did elect to add the additional hours and staff to have their morning ceremony at Shiraz and then, later in the evening, have their dinner and reception to close out the night.
Sunset Vista was the perfect place for their ceremony. There were too many detailed personalizations to mention but it can’t go unnoticed how fun it was to see Ashika coming down the aisle with her pup looking adorable! This was, of course, preceded by Sarvash’s grand Baraat entrance starting from the groom’s cabin and ending at the aisle entrance at Sunset vista. Also, those sunglasses for a mid-morning ceremony was PERFECT! These two couldn’t have been any more amazing if you ask us.
BREAK IN THE DAY AND COUPLES PORTRAITS
During this full day of festivities, they choose release their wedding guests to freely rest, lunch, or explore as most stayed at the nearby Lost Pines Hyatt (just a few miles west of Shiraz Garden). During this refresh time for guests before the night’s celebration restarted, Sarvash and Ashika took time to get some photos together on the Colorado River and just relax! It was a magical part of the day, feeling laid back, true to themselves, and not rushed.
FIRST DANCE AT SUNSET VISTA
Once guests arrived back at Shiraz Garden to start the reception, they were lead over to Sunset Vista, and then, to their surprise, the newlyweds drove up to the bluff and started right into their first dance with the sunset at their back! What a fantastic and unusual start to reception and get guests back into the rhythm of the night! After a relaxing break, this was the perfect thing to get everyone on their feet and excited! After a first dance solo, they gestured to their friends and it became a group dance!
RECEPTION AND OCTOBER WEDDING DETAILS
Sarvash and Ashika had a stunning reception with two unique and custom features that transformed the Formal Garden. First, they had Altared Lighting install overhead bistro lights for a gorgeous addition to this space. Then Altared and RAO Factor worked together on the Indian umbrellas Ashika had picked out and shipped to Texas. The added the umbrellas upside down to teh lights and created a focal accent space at the green gates of the Formal Garden. These Indian décor pieces were bright, stunning, and guest favorites!
Not a Professional Photo by Light as Gold / Taken by Shiraz Staff
Not a Professional Photo by Light as Gold / Taken by Shiraz Staff
FUN FACT Sarvesh and Ashika were engaged, but the “ring moment” hadn’t happened yet. The ring was custom and wasn’t ready, or Ashika thought. After the two had toured Shiraz Garden, they came to our winter Open House the following weekend. To Ashika’s surprise, Sarvesh had arranged for the Shiraz Garden staff to take them down to the Hidden Staircase for a “second look,” but really, it was an excuse for Sarvesh to get down on one knee with the ring of Ashika’s dreams and propose at Shiraz Garden. They committed twice at Shiraz, and we feel so lucky.
FULL VENDOR TEAM
Captured by Light as Gold
VideoBlue Shadow Films
DJ Byrne Rock Mobile DJ Services
Coordination Events by Mackenzie
Creature Coffee Mobile Bar
Decor and Florals RAOFACTOR
Altared Events - Lighting Installation
Suvin Metha - Officiant
Ceremony Musician Indrajit Banerjee
Catering Clay Pit
Monarch Event Rentals