Location: New York City, USA
Setting: Hotel
Season: Fall
How long did the couple plan the event: 2 years
The number of guests: 120
Wedding theme/style: Classic, elegant, with modernized multicultural elements.
When a Tory Burch buyer, Linette, was a student at The University of Texas in Austin, she was one table away from Kabir, unknowingly studying for the same class. As fate would have it, the two realized they were looking over the same material and started studying together. From that moment on their journey began, and not a day went by where they didn’t find something else in common. Both had creative minds, a passion for the arts, and a shared vision for the future, drawing them closer. As time passed, they realized they shared more than just academic interests and were a perfect match.
From two vibrant cultures, Mexican and Indian, Linette and Kabir had no issues embracing the warmth and richness of each other’s families. After graduating from university, Linette moved to New York for her career, while Kabir, a fourth-generation real estate developer, carried on the family legacy in Texas. Despite the distance, they maintained their relationship for four long years, traveling back and forth between New York and Texas.
Kabir proposed to Linette in 2021 amid the global pandemic. They were in Paris, and despite Linette feeling slightly unwell on the morning of the proposal, Kabir asked her to marry him in the Musée Rodin. Two days before they were scheduled to return home, they both tested positive for COVID-19 and had to quarantine in Paris for two weeks. Despite the challenges of falling ill abroad, they persevered and deepened their bond during quarantine in the city of love.
After six years of dating, they got engaged in Paris, started new careers, and finally moved together in New York City. This city of new beginnings was really special for them and inspired them a lot. “The essence of our wedding was drawn from our deep affection for New York City,” the bride recalls.
The day began with a ride to the marriage registration office in an iconic yellow New York taxi. As the bride and groom made their way through the bustling streets of Manhattan, the city seemed like the perfect backdrop, with the September weather and a light drizzle adding to the charm.
Linette wore a sleek, satin ivory gown from Michelle Mason with a high halter neckline and a softly draping silhouette. The dress was sleeveless and had an open back, which gave it a modern and elegant look. Her Manolo Blahnik shoes with silver details perfectly paired with the simplicity of the dress. The focus was on her iconic Bottega Veneta sculptural earrings, which made a bold statement against the simplicity of her attire. Her hair was styled in an updo, with a few loose strands framing her face. She wore a simple, translucent veil attached low at the back of her head, subtly highlighting her hairstyle. The look was complemented with a small bouquet of white roses.
Linette and Kabir found each other through their mutual interest in architecture and fashion design. So, the choice of their photographer for the wedding day was obvious: Marion Cougoureux. Marion Co specializes in creating fashion-forward and modern photography with a touch of elegant documentary style for editorial weddings. Her sense of composition and her reading of light are almost innate and create unique and robust images.
The couple received blessings from the priest and dropped off flowers to the Virgin Mary in an intimate ambiance, as per Catholic Mexican tradition. The church’s ornate interior, with high vaulted ceilings, intricate stonework, and stunning stained-glass windows, combined to form a majestic and sacred atmosphere.
The lovebirds aimed to evoke the ambiance of a classic New York soirée, where guests would feel immersed in the city’s timeless glamour, all while set during Fashion Week. Martinis, tuxedos, and elegant gowns set the tone for an intimate candlelit dinner adorned with understated yet refined floral arrangements. Linette and Kabir’s commitment to minimalism guided every aspect of the event, reflecting their design philosophy and lifestyle choices. The couple seamlessly integrated elements of their vibrant cultures into the celebration, maintaining a sense of simplicity and elegance.
Marion Co‘s talent for capturing intimate moments shined, especially in each photo from the bridal morning shoot. Gentle natural light and the city’s skyscrapers enhanced the shots. Linette’s dress flowed softly, and the texture of her veil was delicate, creating a beautiful contrast against the sharp lines of the Manhattan skyline in the background.
Linette shares, “Adding to the norms of the COVID era, I purchased my entire bridal look remotely. I wanted a dress that evoked a simplistic elegance, and Luna Bea was exactly that. Given that the label was based out of the UK, I performed the entire transaction via Zoom. With my fashion background, I took all measurements myself and sent them over to the atelier to handmake my custom gown. Although this may be very unconventional, it wasn’t the only item I purchased virtually. Every piece I wore was purchased online from my Christie Nicolaides earrings down to my Manolos.”
The bridal dress was made of a smooth and flowing fabric that drapes gracefully into a train. The dress featured a deep V-neckline that added a subtle hint of allure while remaining elegantly tasteful. The bishop-style sleeves tapered into fitted cuffs, creating a dramatic yet refined element to the dress’s silhouette. The gown’s back was particularly striking, exposing an elegant swath of the bride’s back. This sensual counterpoint to the more conservative front made the dress stand out.
The groom looked stunning in a modern and elegant white tuxedo, which complements the bride’s sophisticated attire while adding a distinctive flair to their wedding ensemble. Adorned with timeless Mont Blanc cufflinks, the tuxedo jacket had a classic peak lapel, providing a touch of traditional formality. This bold and stylish choice deviates from the more common black or navy tuxedo options.
A special day calls for a signature scent. Kabir chose Le Labo Bergamote 22, which we absolutely love. It’s fresh and uplifting, perfectly matching the dazzling, modern vibe of the day.
Linette and Kabir had a combined ceremony that skillfully blended the customs of both backgrounds. The grand entrance at their wedding reception was spectacular, celebrating their rich cultural tapestry. Kabir led his family in a lively bhangra dance with the beats of the traditional Indian dhol filling the air. Linette entered accompanied by a Mexican mariachi band, which set a festive tone that enthralled the guests. The energy was palpable as she transitioned into a poignant father-daughter dance, with the mariachi band serenading the touching moment.
In a beautiful gesture that mirrored Western traditions, they exchanged vows, promising lifelong commitment to each other. Adding a vibrant touch to Kabir’s heritage, they incorporated the ancient Hindu custom of exchanging flower garlands. This ritual, symbolizing unity and respect, marked their partnership and their lives intertwining.
The celebration of culture extended into the culinary experiences offered at the wedding. Guests were treated to a signature Mexican cocktail, the Cantarito, served in authentic clay vessels specially flown in from Mexico. As the night progressed, the dance floor remained animated with a lively mix of Latino and Indian music, underscoring the union of both cultures. As a parting gesture, the couple presented their guests with gifts that were a nod to their family legacies. Each guest received a packet of the Karnani family’s original Chai blend, a warm reminder of Kabir’s Indian roots, alongside the Montana family’s homemade Mexican wedding cookies, a sweet remembrance of Linette’s heritage.
Linette and Kabir’s wedding was a heartfelt celebration of love and cultural harmony, setting a beautiful precedent for preserving and celebrating traditions in new, inclusive ways.
Advice from the bride:
• Stay true to yourself and include your loved ones as much as possible. When you look back on the day, you will only have memories of the people and how you felt, so make sure your loved ones are included.
PHOTOGRAPHER Marion Co | PLANNER Betts & Co | VENUE, CATERING & CAKE The Times Square EDITION | FLORAL Artsy Flora | MUAH Beautini | BRIDAL GOWNS Court: Michelle Mason Party: Luna Bea Bride | BRIDE’S SHOES Manolo Blahnik | BRIDE’S JEWELRY Christie Nicolaides, Cartier | GROOM’S SHOES To Boot New York, Gucci | CUFFLINKS Montblanc | BAND The NYC Mariachi Inc. | DJ & & DHOL DRUMMER: Desi Junction DJs
