Real Weddings: Sona & Mihir – A Sacred Celebration
Sona and Mihir joined their lives together in a traditional Indian wedding ceremony at The Sutherland Estate and Gardens. Sona wore a beautiful sari with a red top and a white skirt with a red border – both covered in extensive and elaborate gold designs. The skirt border also featured stripes of emerald for a gorgeous contrast. Her red veil was lined with gold embroidery, and she wore a golden chain in her hair. She wore elaborate gold jewelry and dozens of bracelets in a variety of colors and carried a bouquet of white lilies, yellow sunflowers, a few other blooms, and rich, green foliage. Her hands were covered in traditional henna designs.
Sona’s bridesmaids wore traditional saris in different colors, such as sapphire blue and coral. Mihir wore a traditional coat and tunic over pants. The white coat featured elaborate gold embroidery with navy detailing, and the tunic was a navy with gold borders. He wore a navy shoulder sash and navy head piece with gold detailing throughout.
The altar featured a natural archway of branches and twines interlaced with white and red flowers. Garlands of white flowers hung down from the archway. The bride and groom sat in ivory chairs with gold embellishments, and a low table between them featured foods and drink that the couple exchanged during the ceremony. The parents of the bride and the groom also participated in the ceremony.
After the wedding ceremony, the crowd enjoyed festive dancing outside and even picked up the groom in celebration. A horse-drawn carriage took the bride and groom and other special members of the day to and from events.
The wedding celebration moved under an outdoor tent for the reception, which featured a buffet meal of traditional Indian foods and other favorites and decorated to a tee in part by Themeworks Creative and CE Rentals. Guests enjoyed dining in the open air since the weather was clear and sunny.
The couple changed their attire for an evening celebration. Mihir wore a classic tux, and Sona wore an ivory gown with an elaborate, lace overland and a golden collar and belt. She wore a sheer ivory wrap with elaborate embroidery along the edges.
The evening celebration included a sit-down meal at tables covered in blue and pink linens, and the room was covered in twinkle lights. The wedding cake featured a tree with leaves in blue and pink next to a couple embracing. The word “Always” sat on top of the cake in gold lettering, with the “A” featuring the font from Harry Potter.
Sona and Mihir ended the night by walking down an archway of sprinklers held against the night sky by their guests. It was a magical ending to a magical evening.
Vendor List:
Venue: The Sutherland Estate and Gardens
Planner: Christy Ethridge at The Sutherland
Photographer: Justen Clay Photography, Justen Clay
Videographer: Wrinkled Blanket Media, Billy Orlando
Mandap Design, Florist, Event Designer: Katen Shah, Katen Shah Designs
Horse and Carriage: J&L Carriage, Leslie Massey
Ceremony Music, Reception Entertainment, Specialty Lighting: SPARK Productions, Kevin Esprella and Daleena Abraham
Officiant: Pravin Shukla, Priest
Ice Sculpture: Ice Occasions, Todd Dawson
Cocktail Hour Entertainment / Saxophone: Brandon Vaughan, Multiple Intelligence Band
Baker: Nantucket Grille
Caterer: Nazara Indian Bistro, Satnam Singh
Rentals: CE Rentals
Lighting and Rentals: Themeworks Creative