A Vibrant Fusion Wedding In New Jersey: Shrineeta & Deep

Step into the enchanting tale of Shrineeta and Deep, where love transcended boundaries and cultures, uniting them in a bond that would soon be celebrated with a wedding filled with joy, traditions, and cherished moments. This is the story of two souls who found each other amidst the bustling corridors of college campuses, embarking on a journey that would lead them to their dream wedding. Join us as we delve into the beautiful chapters of their love story, where each moment is a testament to the power of love and the magic of togetherness.

How did they meet?

In the bustling halls of NJIT and Rutgers Newark, destiny orchestrated a union that would intertwine the lives of Deep and myself. With mutual friends and neighboring campuses, they often crossed each other's way. Deep's persistent invitations for a date became a gentle refrain over two years, despite Shrineeta's persistent hesitations. As college days concluded, destiny played its hand, and she finally agreed. Thus began a journey where their stories intertwined into a beautiful tale of love.

Proposal Story

Amidst the challenges of COVID, traveling was difficult. As soon as restrictions eased, the duo went to the Maldives to relax.

A planned photoshoot awaited them, a way to immortalize their moments in paradise. Little did Shrineeta know, Deep had a surprise up his sleeve.

During the photoshoot, against the backdrop of pristine beauty, he dropped to one knee and asked her to be his forever. The vacation served as a clever ruse to catch her off-guard as she always dresses comfortably so the photoshoot and the vacation were a way to make sure she dressed up :D

Engagement Ring

The inspiration for Shrineeta's ring was rooted in her admiration for oval diamonds. She would often share pictures with him, giving him a clear idea of her preference. However, the design journey was a collaborative one. Deep wanted to ensure the ring reflected Shrineeta's style, so they worked on it together to create something that truly resonated with her.

Wedding Shopping

Embarking on a joyful journey, they carved out a precious 2-week break in December to dive into their wedding shopping in India. The destination of choice was Hyderabad, Shrineeta's hometown, where the vibrant energy of the markets matched their excitement. Collaborating with the talented Anushree Reddy, she found a connection with her designs. Additionally, her wedding lehenga, a masterpiece from Shyamal & Bhumika, stole her heart. In Shrineeta's words: "As I look back, I always advise my friends who are stepping into this beautiful phase of life to plan an India trip well in advance. Starting early ensures you cherish every moment and find the perfect pieces to make your dream wedding a reality."

Haldi Ceremony

The simplicity of Shrineeta's look for the Haldi ceremony shone through a yellow Punjabi pant-style outfit with a matching blouse and attached dupatta.

To complement her look, she adorned herself with floral jewelry from Vivek Flowers. A high, flowing braid adorned her hair, harmonizing with her natural and minimalistic makeup.

Sangeet Ceremony

Their Sangeet was a vibrant homage to Gujarati traditions. From the event's color scheme to the rhythmic dance of dandiyas, and even the intricate mehendi designs, every detail reflected the essence of Gujarat. The divine presence of Radha Krishna added a spiritual touch to the occasion.

Dressed in an exquisite Anushree Reddy lehenga in a vibrant yellow-lime green fusion, Shrineeta chose minimal jewelry, donning only a necklace and earrings. With intricate mehendi on her hands, she opted to forego bangles. Her makeup celebrated simplicity and grace, while her hairstyle was a dreamy half-up, half-down arrangement adorned with soft curls.

The groom's ensemble for this lively event was a custom-made coat, vibrant in lime green, complemented by a tan kurta within, creating a striking contrast to the bride's lehenga. The intricate detailing of this outfit echoed the festive mood of the occasion.

Wedding Vision

What made their wedding truly remarkable was that it unfolded in the embrace of my parent's backyard. In Shrineeta's words: "The ample space and the comforting idea of being able to step into our home after each event and simply sleep in our own beds brought a unique charm to the celebrations. With Deep's Gujarati heritage and my South Indian (Telugu) roots, our wedding became a beautiful tapestry of cultures intertwining. Our overarching aspiration was to celebrate and honor both traditions, a guiding light that infused every aspect of our special journey."

Wedding Day

Their wedding mandap exuded a deeply traditional aura, evoking the ambiance of a serene temple. The color palette of rich red and opulent gold adorned this sacred space. 

For the initial part of their wedding, the couple donned traditional Gujarati-style lehenga and sherwani for the baraat. Later, they transformed into South Indian Telugu traditional attire for the ceremony. This dynamic transition echoed their union, merging their diverse backgrounds into a harmonious whole, creating a visual representation of their love story.

Bridal Outfit

For the momentous wedding affair, in the first phase, Shrineeta wore a Shyamal & Bhumika red lehenga paired with vintage-inspired jewelry and a graceful bun updo that mirrored the Gujarati wedding style.

While in the second half of their wedding, Shrineeta was adorned in a traditional South Indian sari adorned with captivating elephant motifs. A custom blouse by Jayantireddy perfectly complemented this ensemble.

Groom Outfit

Deep's wedding attire was a seamless fusion of traditional elegance. In the initial phase, he adorned a classic sherwani, paired with a matching dupatta to resonate with the bride's lehenga.

For the latter part of the ceremony, he transitioned to a simple yet dignified South Indian dhoti. Accompanied by a traditional Telugu headpiece and jewelry, his look celebrated the heritage of both families.

Bridal Entry Song

As Shrineeta graced the mandap with her presence, a soulful Telugu song, "Vachindamma" from Geetha Govindam, resonated in the air. This choice was a heartfelt reflection of my South Indian Telugu heritage. The song's essence beautifully narrates the journey of a girl's arrival at the mandap, embodying the very essence of the moment she was stepping into.

Reception Night

Opting for a touch of uniqueness, the couple embraced a mesmerizing lavender and white color palette for their reception decor. The outcome was truly enchanting. 

The final chapter of their celebration saw the bride donning a custom creation by Anushree Reddy – a lavender lehenga intricately embellished with silver designs. She adorned a diamond necklace and matching earrings, symbolizing the radiance of this special occasion.

Embracing a contemporary aura, the groom embraced a navy suit, refined and stylish. A Yankees diamond chain by Kith & Greg Yuna NY accentuated his outfit, adding a personal touch to the ensemble that exuded sophistication and modern flair.

Throughout all their events, the creative touch of Elegant Affairs from New Jersey transformed their vision into reality, adding a touch of elegance to every detail.

First Dance

In the tender embrace of the couple's first dance, the melodious notes of "Tujhe Kitna Chahne Lage" filled the air. The song, beautifully rendered by their skilled violinist, added an extra layer of enchantment to the moment, making it truly precious and unforgettable.

Top tips from Shrineeta for brides-to-be

1. Begin Planning Early: Don't Wait! Start your wedding planning as soon as possible. Early preparation is the key to avoiding last-minute stress and ensuring that everything falls into place smoothly.

2. Keep Perspective During Disagreements: It's natural to have disagreements and arguments during the planning process. However, always remember the bigger picture – your beautiful journey together. Keep in mind that the wedding is just one day, and your love story is what truly matters.

3. Enjoy Every Step: Cherish the entire wedding planning process. If it becomes overwhelming, it's perfectly okay to take a breather. Treat yourself to a spa day or something you love. This journey is a celebration, so make sure you're enjoying it every step of the way.