Sanjyot and Michael’s first big decision in their wedding planning was whether to have their wedding in India or America. After visiting India with Sanjyot to see her roots, Mike instantly fell in love with the traditions, festivals family and friends. But with Mike born and raised in the U.S. and most of the couples’ families and friends now settled here, they chose to have their wedding in gorgeous, scenic New Hampshire.
Loving this pink and white lengha with red trim – plus a twirl in a flowy lengha is so romantic!
We talked to bride Sanjyot about her beautiful day.
Tell us about the wedding!
Our wedding was planned to be a small one, with only 95 people. We wanted to make sure that we met each and everyone of our guests, some of whom traveled from all corners of the U.S. as well as from India. Intimacy and nature was our inspiration. We had so much fun talking to everyone and not rushing through, it really made the bonds stronger I feel. We had rented a farmhouse in Alyson’s Orchard which hosted my entire family as well as most of the wedding party.
It was as if everyone had come home and was catching up together, after a long time. The scenery of apple trees, far stretched meadows, rustic homes, made for a perfect setting for our rehearsal dinner, the night before.
Did you do any of the DIY/special projects for the wedding?
I did all the calligraphy by myself. I wrote all the invitation addresses, the place cards and the centerpiece cards by hand. Calligraphy is my therapy. It really engulfs me and calms me down. Thanks to the Laura Hooper calligraphy set for beginners, I had the best tools and ink to work with.
I got so many kind compliments on those. To save some money and some trees, I used the backs of the extra RSVP cards as place cards. Since both of us are art directors, we also designed the invitations, RSVPs, ceremony programs, our website and centerpieces by ourselves. Occupational hazard!
For centerpieces, instead of using flowers and then watching them wilt, I placed round river stones in glass jars and asked the guests to write us wedding advice and messages on them. Like a guest book but something we can read and enjoy later on when we need a mood booster. Some of those messages are hilarious! One stone said: “Mike: Remember, from now on whatever she says, just nod and say yes. Then hide in the bathroom and cry!” 🙂
What was your favorite part of the wedding?
All the dancing! Everybody knows that Indians love to dance, and Americans love to party! Seeing everyone bust their moves on the dance floor was amazing. Mike and I had been working on our Bollywood—Hollywood fusion first dance for six months and when we finally performed, the experience was exhilarating. From the kids, to my bridesmaids and my eldest uncle, everyone was in the spirit that night and that was definitely a moment worth cherishing for a lifetime.
And we love the bridesmaids white and red saris to match Sanjyot’s mango yellow and red lengha.
Least we forget, you have to check out this ruffled cake from Jaques Pastries. Gorgeous no? Reminds me of the purple ombre ruffled cake from A Monique Affair’s styled shoot.
Thank you First Mate Photography for sharing these gorgeous pictures with us and all our love to the beautiful couple! Be sure to check out the rest of the pictures in the gallery below.
Wedding Vendors
Venue: Alyson’s Orchard, Walpole, NH // Groom’s Suit: Kamaal Kadri // Bride’s Outfits: Malle of Oak Tree, NJ and Kalki Fashions, India // Mandap: Naturally Elegant Designs // DJ: Jay Thakrar, Boston Sound and Lighting // Cake: Jaques Pastries // Caterer: Luca’s Mediterranean Cafe // Henna: Henna Cafe // Jam Favors: Side Hill Farm, VT // Dholi: Dholee Entertainment, MA
