Location: Sarasota, Florida, USA
Setting: Ballroom
Wedding season: Spring
The number of guests: 300
How long did the couple plan the event: 1 year
Wedding theme/style: Hindu wedding: vibrant florals, colorful and bright; Western wedding: classic style but modernized.
In the Children’s Hospital Colorado in Denver, Colorado, Tara and Satish unknowingly began a journey that would forever change their lives. Tara, a dedicated behavior analyst managing a specialized unit for children with autism, and Satish, a budding child psychiatrist in the midst of his fellowship, crossed paths in the fall of 2019. Little did they know, their fateful encounter would blossom into a love story for the ages.
After three months of working side by side, Satish mustered the courage to ask Tara out. Their first date ignited a spark that would grow into an enduring flame. In March 2020, just days before the world would be swept into the throes of the pandemic, they moved in together. While they continued to work at the hospital, the world outside their apartment seemed to slow down. Together, they embarked on a journey of resilience, and love. They built intricate Lego models, welcomed a kitten named Chinimini into their lives, indulged in culinary experiments, and explored Netflix.
In October 2020, they returned to Vail, where their love story began. There Satish first confessed his love to Tara to propose. Unbeknownst to Tara, family and friends had secretly gathered to witness this momentous occasion, adding a layer of surprise and joy.
Their engagement in October 2020 in Vail was a testament to Satish’s creativity and love. He surprised Tara with a scavenger hunt through the charming town of Vail, with each clue being delivered by a surprise guest that he had flown in for the occasion (Tara’s friend/cousin Beth, her best friend, and brother Justin, her best friend Alex, and their cat Chini). Both their families witnessed this beautiful chapter in their love story.
When it came to planning their wedding, Tara and Satish sought to honor their diverse backgrounds. They decided to host both a Hindu and a Western ceremony in Sarasota, Florida, near Satish’s hometown.
This is how the couple remembers the moments of preparing for the wedding: “To be frank, we walked in without any preconceived notion of how our wedding would look. We wanted each day of the wedding to have its own feel to it, but we didn’t necessarily want to follow a specific theme. As two busy professionals, and with neither of us being overly creative ourselves, what worked out perfectly for us was giving our vendors a ton of creative bandwidth. We wanted them to show us designs that they wanted to try, or that they had loved doing and actually excited them. Without much restriction, they developed incredible designs and layouts and while we had plenty of discussions about the details, they led the way. We trusted them to do the work they loved doing, and we would not change anything.”
Putting their trust in seasoned professionals like the expert creative team at Jennifer Matteo Event Planning and the skilled florists from Tailored Twig was undoubtedly the right decision, as the outcome far exceeded all expectations!
Hair and makeup for Tara and her bridesmaids were meticulously crafted by Michele Renee, who expertly executed traditional styles chosen with the consultation of family members. At her wedding, Tara radiated in a series of captivating ensembles. Tara found a silk pink saree with elaborate peach and gold accents. It harmoniously blended with Satish’s traditional attire, creating a mesmerizing visual symphony.
The groom prepared for the traditional ceremony with the help of his parents. They assisted him in donning the traditional Indian attire – a sherwani and an exquisite turban called a pheta on his head. He opted for a textured pattern of white and gold. In this outfit, Satish looked very elegant and beautiful.
This big day held at The Westin Hotel, a cozy venue with a splendid view of the bay. Here, a true Eastern fairy tale came to life. The groom’s and bride’s friends were also dressed in traditional attire, which harmonized with the overall style of the ceremony. After all, the entire ceremony was aimed at preserving and upholding Indian wedding customs and showcasing the beauty and vibrancy of such weddings.
As guests arrive, they are divided into two groups: the bride’s side and the groom’s side. The bride’s guests will be guided to a designated gathering area, while the groom’s guests join him for his processional entrance. Here, they are warmly welcomed by the other set of parents, family, and friends, all accompanied by live music and dancing.
As guests arrive, they are divided into two groups: the bride’s side and the groom’s side. The bride’s guests will be guided to a designated gathering area, while the groom’s guests join him for his processional entrance. Here, they are warmly welcomed by the other set of parents, family, and friends, all accompanied by live music and dancing.
The wedding florist Dairin from Tailored Twig played a pivotal role in shaping the aesthetic ambiance for each night of their wedding. As one of the couple’s initial meetings, Dairin helped them define distinct themes for each event.
The mandap, adorned with lush greenery and bright fuchsia and orange roses, left a lasting impression. Its bold and vivid appearance was truly captivating. The floral elements chosen for the ceremony’s passage harmoniously echoed the overall theme curated by Jennifer from Jennifer Matteo Event Planning. Jennifer’s meticulous attention to detail ensured that the wedding ceremony was both cozy and stylish, serving as the perfect complement to the vibrant floral arrangements.
The first wedding ceremony embraced the rich tapestry of Indian culture. From the exquisite decor to the impeccably dressed bride, groom, and guests, it was a symphony of colors and traditions. Women graced the occasion in resplendent saris while men donned elegant sherwanis. The ambiance pulsated with vibrant dances, melodic songs, and an ocean of radiant smiles, encapsulating the vitality of this splendid celebration. A special moment at the wedding is the traditional Hindu Ceremony ritual. These traditions have been sacred for centuries, making this significant event even more sacred and atmospheric. After all, it is during this ceremony that the groom forges an eternal bond with the bride.
Pani Satish, which means ‘holding of hands,’ signifies the sacred ritual where the bride and groom clasp hands and take seven steps together. According to the Vedas, as they complete these seven rounds around the holy fire, the groom and bride are united as husband and wife. With each step, they make promises to each other in the presence of the sacred fire and their family and friends.
After the solemn wedding ritual, Satish and Tara danced their first dance as bride and groom. Their friends were by their side, offering their support, and it was a touching and beautiful moment.
And of course, what wedding would be complete without congratulations and wedding toasts? On this day, the lovebirds received an abundance of warm words and wishes, which was undoubtedly one of the most touching and significant moments for the newlyweds.
Next came the dances, infusing this wedding with a unique atmosphere. Happiness and joy reigned supreme among the guests, casting a vibrant and infectious spell over the celebration.
The Western ceremony began with preparations as well. Tara changed into her wedding gown, but before that, she spent time with her bridesmaids who had prepared thoughtful keepsake gifts for her.
The first look of Satish and Tara was one of the most memorable moments. Tara looked stunning in her dress, accentuating her refined beauty, and, of course, Satish was in awe of how beautiful his bride was!
The second wedding ceremony, designed in a classical style, was just as breathtaking as the first. While the first ceremony burst with vibrant colors, the second was a contrast – classic style but modernized, more subtle tones, so the theme felt completely new compared to the Hindu reception.
Every aspect of this event, from the venue and textiles to the place cards and entertainment, exuded Jennifer Matteo Event Planning‘s sophisticated style. Even if you’re uncertain about your wedding vision, Jennifer and her team can work wonders, seamlessly blending diverse themes into a cohesive and flawless celebration.
The couple’s wedding ceremony brought together all their beloved family and friends, creating a heartwarming gathering of their closest loved ones. Tara’s parents led her to the spot where her beloved awaited, and in that moment, Tara’s joy knew no bounds. Her effervescent smile seemed to illuminate everything in its path, casting a warm, radiant glow on the surroundings.
Upon their arrival at the wedding reception, Tara and Satish danced their first wedding dance, a mesmerizing performance that left no guest indifferent. Everyone was charmed by the beautiful dance and the two lovers gracefully moving on the dance floor to a captivating melody.
Following the congratulatory speeches, there was another touching moment: Tara and Satish danced with their parents – Tara with her father and Satish with his mother.
The wedding cake was exceptionally beautiful, a multi-tiered cake designed in a classic style and adorned with flowers, fitting seamlessly with the overall ambiance of the celebration. And, of course, it was not just a decoration but also a delicious dessert for all to enjoy.
To conclude the wedding evening, live music filled the air, creating a lively and joyful atmosphere.
Advice from the couple:
• Planning a wedding will be time-consuming and stressful, but having a team of wedding planners and vendors who have worked together before is invaluable.
• We think allowing our vendors a lot of creative leeway worked out incredibly well for us, as we would never have seen some of the designs they came up with if we’d stuck to a strict theme.
• Have frequent check-ins with your wedding planner coming up to the date, and make sure your planner can get a hold of a few trusted family members to take care of anything that comes up on the day itself. On the wedding day, that allowed us to focus on the day while everything ran smoothly in the background.
