If there’s one thing that we haven’t seen in a South Asian wedding, is a really awesome Harlem Shake. So when Archana Patel of One Events Management contacted me about a traditional Gujarati with a Harlem Shake dance at the reception, I squealed for joy!
Before I get to the video, yes, there is a video, there is a whole lot more amazingness to know about the couple.
Archana told us, “Tina is so very desi at heart and Raj is our house music loving groom, made such a fun duo! It made for a wonderful wedding and reception. Their reception centerpieces were the epitome of elegance; beautiful silver candelabras; crystal votive holders and candlelight oozed through the room. In lieu of favors, Tina & Raj chose to make a donation to The American Diabetes Association. Tina took the time to print thank you/donation cards for each guest.”
What a fantastic idea for thank you favors. This is a lovely way to give to others, while still involving your guests.
Oh, an another highlight of the night: an ice cream sundae bar and a smores making station! Who doesn’t love a great dessert at the end of a night of celebrations?! Yum!
And for what you have been waiting for, a Harlem Shake! After the entrance by their bridal party at the reception, Raj dipped Tina and time just stopped. His best man made his way out to the dance floor and started a full on Harlem Shake where guests ran up from the crowds to join in the fun!
Tina + Raj – Feat. in “FOREVER YOU” – ROSE from EBM Studios on Vimeo.
Aren’t you in love with fun, energetic couple?! And of course now for our interview with them.
How did you choose your wedding clothes?
I wanted something no one else had ever seen. My planners pointed me to ClicBySiddhi, and she helped me design my both outfits from start to finish. I decided to go more traditional for the ceremony in classic red and white. My skirt had a very small train to add a little bit of drama. My reception lengha was my “wow” factor. A bright fuchsia lengha and a stunning navy stole, it had embroidery and stones from top to bottom! I like the idea of knowing no one else has or ever will own my wedding and reception outfits.
Tell us about the wedding theme.
Even though we were both born and raised in America, we decided to get married in a traditional Guajarati/Hindu ceremony. It was a battle balancing our Indian heritage and our American upbringing but with the help of our planners we found a healthy balance. Our ceremony had all of the Hindu elements, everything from my mom’s brothers walking me down the isle, the Ganesh Puja, mangalsutra, sindhur to the vidaai (the farewell).
We knew the ceremony was important to both of our families and knew we could add our touch at the reception and in decor. We both love modern décor, which is where we brought in our personalities. Our mandap was all white draping with navy blue accents and a beautiful chandelier hanging in the center. The bridesmaids all wore hot pink saree’s and the groomsmen in traditional kurtas in a lighter shade of blue.
We heard the reception was glorious, what was the inspiration behind it?
Our inner divas came out in full force in our music choices, décor and untraditional entrance at the reception. After our bridal party, parents and Raj and I made our grand entrances, Raj dipped me in the middle of the dance floor and froze. The DJ started a Harlem Shake frenzy! Our bridal party began, and guests ran up to join in.
We opted to go bold with our color theme, fuchsia and navy blue. We had silver and crystal candelabra centerpieces accented the navy blue pin tuck linens and fuchsia napkins. We made sure to throw candlelight everywhere to add a hint of romance.
Was there anything you did to honor your family?
Instead of traditional favors that we know everyone leaves behind or throws away, we opted to make a donation to the American Diabetes Association since this is a disease that has affected both of our mom’s in life changing ways. We hope that our donation will help, even in some small way, help save lives and educate America on a disease that is becoming all too common across the board.
All in all, it was a crazy day but it was a dream come true!
Thank you so much for sharing your wedding with us. Do lots of Harlem Shakes in life! Photos courtesy of EBM Photography.
{Wedding Suppliers}
Event Planning: One Events Management
Venue: Excelsior
Entertainment/Lighting: Raaz Entertainment
Decor: Wedding Design
Catering: Excelsior
Photography/Videography: EBM Photography
Bride’s Clothing: ClicBySiddhi
Baraat Horse: Echo Lake Stables
Cake: Palermo Bakery
Makeup: Makeup by Suheli
