Oh lovelies do we have a wedding in store for you! Nikeeta and Abhishek got married at Sunset Crest Manor in Chantilly, VA.
Full of bright ruby reds with accents of pink and gold, their outdoor wedding was lush against the rolling hills. The gorgeous decor was created by our lovely BF Red Book member Events by C with Chandani. And we are just smitten with the design: the floating flowers and candles, hanging garlands from the mandap.
Tell us about the wedding!
We had a traditional North Indian Hindu wedding, complete with Sangeet, Baraat, hindu ceremony, and reception. We also had pre-wedding rituals like Haldi, Baath, etc. but these weren’t covered by our photographer/videographer. The events took place in Chantilly, VA – at the Westfields Marriott and Sunset Crest Manor (unfortunately now closed).
We wanted the traditional events, but also a modern/elegant decor – full of color, vibrancy, and our style. One of the main things we wanted was an outdoor ceremony, with the landscape lending a natural aesthetic rather than heavy decor everywhere.
Nikeeta & Abhishek-Cinematic Highlight from Russell John Films on Vimeo.
What was the inspiration for your wedding?
Perhaps the biggest consideration/inspiration for our wedding was our desire to have lots of fun in each event – lots of music, dancing, and to let our personalities shine through. It was critical for us that it reflected our personalities, rather than a buttoned-up affair with too much formality (e.g., we avoided the typical bride/groom sitting on a stage with a line of guests waiting to say hello. instead we wanted to mingle with everyone and more importantly, dance with everyone!)
What was the hardest part about wedding planning?
The hardest part about wedding planning was dealing with the finer details with some of the vendors from a distance.
Could you tell us about any special wedding customs/clothing you had?
I had each of my three lehengas custom designed and created for my style – I wanted to feel like a princess on my wedding day, wearing traditional outfits, but with Western influences in the design. They were still very heavy (it’s still our wedding after all!) but turned out exactly how I wanted.
The best was that my designer created a matching outfit for my groom to wear for the Sangeet – so our outfits fit in a quite complementary style.
Did you do any DIY (do it yourself) or special projects/things at the wedding?
We had out guestbook be a poster that was designed by hand by a very talented artist friend of ours – that was a fantastic memento that we have framed in our bedroom now!
What was your favorite part of the wedding?
The sangeet, hands down – doing our skit/dance was so much fun!
What 3 words of advice do you have for future brides/grooms-to-be?
More than three words but (be) patient, (remember you) love (each other), and compromise (with each other and your in-laws to be!)
Our wedding was a chance for us to celebrate our love with our families and dear friends and we were so blessed to have their support, love, and attendance during the weekend. Though the planning stages were tough, Abhishek and I still had fun with it and came out of it happier than ever 🙂
{Wedding Professionals}
Wedding Planner – Events by C Photographer – Rahul Rana Photography // Videographer – Russell John Films
Sangeet Venue – Westfields Marriott – Chantilly, VA // Wedding and Reception Venue – Sunset Crest Manor // Henna – Blushing and Beautiful //Decor and Florals – Yaadein Weddings // Tent and Rentals – Sugar Plum Tents // Hair and Makeup – TC Beauty // DJ – Lost Sounds Entertainment // Catering – Bombay Tandoor // Cake – Indaroma
