Magnificent Mosaic
The best of North and South Indian
wedding customs were brought together seemlessly in the October nuptials of Rekha Muddaraj and Neil Badlani at the Four Seasons Resort and Spa.
“The wedding was very traditional—I wanted it to be as authentic as my parents’ wedding 28 years ago, in India. On the flip side, I wanted the reception to be modern and fun! The Four Seasons was the perfect venue--it had the beautiful desert backdrop for a colorful wedding,” recalls the bride.
And what a colorful wedding. “My dress was so ornate, it weighed 30 lbs!” Rekha wore her hair braided and adorned with fresh jasmine and a pure gold hair ornament passed down through four generations.
True to the North Indian custom, the groom’s side danced their way to the wedding site. A dhol (Indian drum) player lead the way, followed by Neil’s family and friends . . . and then Neil rode in on a white horse. The mandap (ceremonial canopy) of copper-colored raw silk was custom designed for the celebration, dripping with crystals and floral pomanders.
During the ceremony, the couple exchanged garlands, and walked around a fire; Neil tied a mangalsutra (wedding necklace) on Rekha, signifying their union.
Guests helped themselves to Indian sweets and refreshments after the ceremony. Family on both sides offered blessings to the couple, and they offered blessings in return to their parents.
The reception was decorated with lime-green linens, gold napkins, and fragrant floral centerpieces of roses, lilies and lavender. “A mini-manzanita tree decorated with crystals was the centerpiece for large, round table in the lobby where the nearly 400 guests could pick up their place cards,” recalls Rekha.
During the cocktail hour, the signature drink was a prickly pear margarita. Appetizers and dinner were catered by a well-known Indian restaurant which prepared many of the traditional entrees, including six different desserts. The elaborate design of the wedding cake mirrored the bride’s dress.
Indian customs defined the wedding, but the bride was sure to honor her husband’s Pittsburgh roots during the reception. “As my surprise to him, Amy Mancuso had a gobo with the Steelers symbol made for the dance floor. Neil was thrilled when we stepped out for our first dance! We both love to dance, so instead of a slow song . . . we choreographed a piece to ‘September’ by Earth Wind & Fire.” Neil’s surprise for his lovely bride was a video montage of photographs from their courtship.
Location:
Four Seasons Resort
Event Coordinator:
Amy Mancuso
Florist:
Absolutely Fabulous Flowers,
Tylers Custom Designs
Photographer:
bq Photography
Videographer:
MGX Weddings
Cake:
Four Seasons Resort |
