Steeped in Tradition
A destination wedding celebrated under the majestic palms at JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort provided the ideal blend of festive atmosphere and luxury accommodations desired by Chicago banker Anish Sheth and his bride, Iowa dermatology student Seema Sahai.
“We chose Phoenix for multiple reasons,” Seema explains. “We wanted to have a destination wedding that would serve as a vacation for our family and friends, and we wanted it to be somewhere warm since I had always dreamed of an outdoor wedding.”
The couple’s “intimate” wedding included two days of festivities for 275 family and friends, beginning with the Sangeet music party. “It was a typical Indian wedding with lots of music, bright colors, jewelry, food, and of course, the groom riding in on a horse—but it was modern and unique as well,” says the bride.
The Friday-night Sangeet was marked by celebratory dances performed by family and friends in honor of the bride and groom, as well as a multicultural feast featuring Indian, Mexican and Chinese cuisine. Two “welcome tables” bearing jars of candy and photographs of the couple throughout their lives flanked the entrance to the party. Seema’s table focused on her flair for fashion, while Anish’s table highlighted his devotion to the Chicago Cubs.
On Saturday afternoon, the couple was married under a ceremonial mandap canopy composed of hand-strung fresh flowers and red and white crystals which glistened in the sun. The bridal party donned elegant custom-made outfits from India. Following the wedding ceremony, which included seven sacred steps and four circles around a religious fire, the couple touched their parents’ feet, expressing gratitude and respect. In turn, they received their blessings and good wishes for their lives ahead.
The reception began with a magnificent Italian buffet. By sunset, guests were enjoying an extended cocktail hour with a lounge feel and butler-passed delicacies. The indoor ballroom had been transformed into a magical forest with willow branches and floral displays and flickering candles. The night ended with music and dancing, and newlywed games—which the bride is reported to have won.
Wedding Coordinator:
Sonal J. Shah Event Consultants, LLC
Location:
JW Marriott Desert Ridge
Photographer:
BQ Photography
Videographer:
Memories in Motion
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