For Kamana Sharma, the fashion blogger behind Social and Style, and Shivanth Bhaskaran, who works in medical technology, it was important that their multi-day celebration incorporated both of their cultural backgrounds and their shared love of fun. Their bright and beautiful wedding was captured in the photos below by Photographick Studios.
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Kamana and Shivanth originally met online, but when they met up in DC in person, their first meeting was magical. “Suddenly I see this beautiful girl walking towards me from one end of a really long hallway,” says Shivanth of their first meeting. “I couldn’t see who clearly but her smile, presence and grace captivated me in that instant. I had to pinch myself to make sure I was not dreaming.” A ten-hour first date that started with brunch and continued through dinner kicked off their romance. Seven months later, Shivanth proposed to Kamana at a chateau in California that he’d rented out for the occasion.
When it came to planning their Hindu wedding, Kamana and Shivanth wanted to make it traditional, memorable, and fun. The celebrations began the night before the wedding at the couple’s sangeet at Silk Restaurant & Banquet Services, who set up floral photo backdrop for guests to pose in front of before the celebration. To combine Kamana’s North India and Shivanth’s South Indian heritage, Kamana’s friend, who happens to be managing director of the Indian dance school Rhythmaya, started the dancing that reflected multiple cultures.
For the wedding ceremony the following day, Kamana and her bridesmaids wore coral and mint saris, her favorite colors. The groom’s family participated in the baraat–a processional that included Shivanth riding horseback as a deejay and dhol player set the celebratory mood. Meanwhile, the bride’s side participated in the jutti chupai, stealing the groom’s shoes and hiding them. “Our jutti chupai lasted over half an hour with intense negotiations from the groom’s side on how to get the shoes back!” Following these traditions, the couple wed under a mint and gold mandap.
When it came to the reception, the happy couple wanted the focus to be having fun, limiting the number of formalities so that they could spend the time on the dance floor. Kamana’s friend from the dance school led a flashmob dance for the newlyweds, and guests had the chance to pose in a DIY picture frame photo booth made by the bride. Before the end of the night, Kamana and Shivanth cut into their five-tier wedding cake and shared an Indian dessert buffet with their guests. The following morning, the partying continued with a “Best-Day-Ever-After” brunch.
VENDORS
Sangeet Venue and Decor: Silk Restaurant & Banquet Services | Ceremony and Reception Venue: Westfields Marriott | Photographer & Videographer: Photographick Studios | Event Coordinator: Sagina Wahi | Bride’s Attire: Sabyasachi | Groom’s Attire: Tom Ford | Caterers: Silk Restaurant & Banquet Services | Decor: L’Ambiance | Hair, Makeup, and Henna: Bridal Elegance by Suman Khosla | Cake: Fluffy Thoughts Cake | Transportation: BBC Express | Table Numbers: Made by Badal | Performances: Rhythmaya | Deejay: DJ Ravi of Dynasty Entertainment | Lighting: Dynasty Entertainment
Looking for a great local hotel to host your wedding? Here’s our list of the area’s best.
Caroline Cunningham joined Washingtonian in 2014 after moving to the DC area from Cincinnati, where she interned and freelanced for Cincinnati Magazine and worked in content marketing. She currently resides in College Park.
