The Couple
It's not unusual for married couples to single out the day they said "I do" as the best of their lives. But for Sejal Bhima and Narayana Gowda, that best day actually spanned three. Over a whirlwind 72 hours, the bride and groom celebrated with no fewer than three ceremonies, two parties, and five wardrobe changes. "There's so much involved in Hindu weddings!" explains Sejal.
The happy occasions were set in motion in 2004, when the two crossed paths and became friends at the University of Georgia. A few years following graduation and a stint in New York City for Sejal, a freelance writer, they reconnected after she returned to Atlanta. Narayana, now a medical resident, was completing his med-school rotations there, and their relationship shifted gears into romance.
When they threw their wedding two years later, the pair set out to honor their families' traditions but with a modern twist. "Indian weddings are typically an explosion of color, but ours was more serene, with creams and blush pinks," says Sejal, who wore a white bridal lehenga instead of the customary red and slipped into a lace Claire Pettibone gown for the reception.
The festivities kicked off Thursday with a haldi ritual where female relatives "prettified" the bride by covering her in turmeric paste, and next, a mehndi party with henna artists decorating women's hands. On day two, Sejal and her family attended a grah shanti, a service that asks for the couple's happiness and prosperity; later, Narayana and his family were welcomed with sweets, games, and presents.
Early the next morning, 300 people watched them exchange floral garlands to officially become husband and wife, and then parted ways until the evening reception at The Foundry at Puritan Mill. After Champagne, an Indian buffet with tikka masala and naan, and an elaborate dessert bar piled high with cupcakes and cheesecake, dancing lasted until 2 a.m. "We spent more than a year planning, and it was over in the blink of an eye," says Sejal. But the prep work paid off. "When I look back at our photos and video," she says, "all I see are smiles."
A Good Beginning
Guests entering the venue were greeted by a brass statue of the Hindu deity Ganesha, known as the remover of obstacles and the god of beginnings.
A Traditional Structure
The pair married in a ceremonial mandap structure beneath garlands of carnations, orchids, and brass bells.
The Fashions
Narayana and Sejal, carrying a soft-white rose bouquet, posed in traditional dress, designed by Binari Art, for the ceremony.
Ladies in Gray
"I knew I wanted them to wear gray," says Sejal of her bridesmaids. She customized the India-sourced gowns with bronze beading.
A Good Read
A verse from Pablo Neruda's "100 Love Sonnets," printed on an oversize canvas, hung above the gift table. Sejal had given Narayana a book of the poet's work earlier that day.
The Reception
Tall vases of baby's breath topped tables along with smaller displays of hydrangeas, roses, and lilies.
A Change of Clothes
Newlyweds Narayana, in a Bar III suit, and Sejal, in Claire Pettibone, sat in front of eucalyptus-adorned drapes at The Foundry to take in the speeches and dances offered in their honor.
Twice As Nice
Sejal traded in her all-rose ceremony bouquet to clutch a cloud of baby's breath for her bridal portraits.
Kid-Friendly Crafts
Coloring books with illustrations of Indian brides and grooms, commissioned from Unhinged Designs, kept the pair's 30 youngest guests happy and occupied.
Sweet Treats
Guests could choose from four flavors of mini cupcakes: strawberry, coconut-lemon, red velvet, and Guinness.
Topping It Off
Syrups for the serve-yourself cheesecake bar included chocolate, pineapple, and raspberry.
Sources
Location: The Foundry at Puritan Mill
Event Design and Flowers: Weddings InStyle
Day-of Coordination and Dessert-Bar Styling: Simply Charming Socials
Catering: Sage Catering
Photography: Kat Braman
Videography: Pure Motion Films
Stationery: IndianWeddingCard.com
Calligraphy: Chelsea Petaja, of Oh My Deer
Cake and Cupcakes: Miss Mamie's
Music: Sketch Sound Productions
Rentals: Collection Event Furniture Rentals
Additional Rentals and Lighting: Luxury Lounge & Lighting
Bride's Attire: Binari Art [ceremony]; Claire Pettibone [reception]
Bride's Accessories [worn with traditional attire]: Kelly's Closet hair clips and finger bracelet; Magic Mirror jewelry; Bhldn earrings; Badgley Mischka shoes
Hair: Max Sanchez of White Salon and Spa
Makeup: Claudia Mejerle Rogers
Groom's Attire: Binari Art [ceremony]; Bar III [reception]
Groom's Accessories: Johnston & Murphy shoes; Nordstrom tie, pocket square, and tie clip
Transportation: Special Day Limos
Henna Artist: Manisha's Mehendi Designs, 678-900-7846