Happy June, everyone! As you may know, this month is LGBT Pride Month, and what better way to celebrate the rich and diverse weddings than with a same sex feature to kick it all off?
Avinash and Nelvin are two very dashing grooms with an almost equally stunning venue at The Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills, CA. Their wedding featured breathtaking views of Los Angeles, two very decked out horses, and lots of dancing.
The wedding was held outdoors on a beautiful April day in Southern California – but the brightest part of the ceremony was probably the beautiful sherwanis, in white and red, worn by the grooms. I love that it matched the elegant decor and allowed for a terrific mixture of traditional Hindu traditions with individual personality and style.
Avinash shared the details of the big day with us, including the difficulties of planning a wedding across states and across two different immigrant cultures. I’ll let him tell his tale:
What was the inspiration for your wedding?
Being a same sex couple, children of immigrants, growing up in a conservative environment and religious family, it felt so amazing to be having a Hindu wedding. When we were up on the mandap with our family getting married by a Hindu priest, it was so overwhelmingly joyful. Having the support of our family and Indian community was very inspiring for us. I realized people I’ve been hiding from all my life actually are some of my biggest supporters. We want to get the word out, to any South Asian children out there, scared of being themselves, hiding and not living life…it is ok, just let go and be who you are, and you will surprised with the support you get. It may take time for some. Sometimes our fears are over exaggerated in our minds, preventing us to live life but these fears end up being nothing to worry about.
I realized people I’ve been hiding from all my life actually are some of my biggest supporters. We want to get the word out, to any South Asian children out there, scared of being themselves, hiding and not living life…it is ok, just let go and be who you are, and you will surprised with the support you get. It may take time for some. Sometimes our fears are over exaggerated in our minds, preventing us to live life but these fears end up being nothing to worry about.
What was the hardest part about wedding planning?
Being in a different state made it very hard. We made four trips during the preparations and planning.
What was your favorite part about the wedding?
Being on the mandap and having the opportunity of a Hindu wedding. It was difficult to find a Hindu priest to perform a same sex ceremony. Our wedding planner through her efforts found Dr. Shukavak Dasa who did an amazing ceremony.
Tell us about your outfits and how you decided on them.
We had sherwanis and groomsmen/best men outfits designed by Sapna Boutique, and were made to order custom from India. Nelvin wanted us to both wear the same outfits, Avinash said no way and selected his own. I think he said that only to get me (Nelvin) to choose one instead of saying whatever you like is ok.
Did you do any special projects or DIY for the wedding?
Instead of table numbers, we did table names. Each table was of a musical we have attended. We printed mini playbills to be framed on each table identifying the table. We had the Wicked Table, the Lion King Table, The Book of Mormon Table, etc..
What 3 words of advice do you have for future grooms/brides?
Hire a Planner! For real…they have great ideas and contacts They know what they are doing (a good one at least) Down to making sure the table linens drop the appropriate length to the floor and are all even…I never would have thought about that. Michele helped us save money with many vendors too and had ideas to do somethings on our own instead of ordering custom.
Overall, how was the experience of planning a Hindu wedding?
We planned a beautiful and picturesque wedding. But we had unexpected hurdles like a jackhammer and construction at one of the venues, a limo on fire. (The limo vendor is not on our vendor list!) But in the end we surpassed them all and everything was remarkably beautiful. There will be disagreements in the planning with your partner. If you realize this in the beginning, it will make dealing with them less difficult. And all the hard work pays off with a beautiful event.
We wish you all the happiness, Avinash & Nelvin – may your marriage remain as shiny as your jawdropping sherwanis!
{Wedding Vendors}
Photographers: Meredith Carlson and Ricky Guinhawa
Venues: Sangeet/Mehndi – Resonate Music Studio, Burbank, CA; Bharat/Ceremony: The Greystone Mansion, Beverly Hills, CA; Reception: The Beverly Garland Hotel, North Hollywood, CA
Videographer: Video Keepsakes
Wedding Planner and Coordinator: Michele Fox Gott, Center of Attention Events
Invitations & Printings: A Royal Impression
Mandap and Rentals: UTSAV Events
Officiant: Dr. Shukavak Dasa, Sri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, Riverside, CA
Wedding Garments for Grooms & Grooms Party: Sapna Boutique, Houston, TX
Horses: Enchanted Carriages
Mendhi: Karishma Beauty Salon
Catering: Summer Canteen
