Raksha Soora & Brad Petkovich
Aug. 31, 2014 • Little Rock Marriott
Photography by Lori Sparkman Photography
Despite growing up in Little Rock, Raksha had never climbed up “the hard side” of Pinnacle Mountain just outside the city. She and Brad Petkovich from Mountain Home met in medical school and dated throughout a matched residency program in Rochester, New York.
It was on a trip home to visit family in Arkansas that the couple went for a hike, and Brad suggested climbing “the hard side.” Just before they reached the top, he proposed. When they summitted the mountain, Raksha found her parents waiting to surprise her and a perfectly gorgeous backdrop!
The Inspiration
Raksha and Brad’s festivities were something she likes to call an “Indian fusion wedding.” Everything during the weekend revolved around the merging of traditions, from the henna ceremony and the peacock and paisley-covered sangeet (a dance celebration for the couple’s families the night before the wedding) to the red and gold nuptials to the bright purple reception. It was all about being bold, using vibrant colors and enjoying the company of loved ones.
How They Customized
The couple incorporated traditions like having a bridal party and exchanging rings, but also used Hindu traditions like placing jaggery (a coarse dark brown sugar made in India) and cumin on each other’s heads to form the sacred bond between man and wife, the groom tying a necklace around the bride (the Indian wedding band), placing garlands around each other’s necks and taking seven steps together symbolizing seven steps in life.
Blending Cultures
After the ceremony, they used the cocktail hour to completely flip the venue, turning it into a traditional American-style reception with more vivid colors, more music and way more dancing!
The Professionals
| Photographer: | Lori Sparkman Photography, Little Rock | |
| Event designer & florist: | Elegant Affairs, Dallas, Texas | |
| ♥ | DJ and lighting: | Central Arkansas Entertainment, Little Rock |
| ♥ | Chairs: | Party Time Rental & Events, Little Rock |
| ♥ | Cake & cupcakes: | Cupcakes on Kavanaugh, Little Rock |
| Caterer: | Desi Den Indian Cuisine, Bryant | |
| ♥ | Drinks: | Little Rock Marriott |
| Catering for the Sangeet: | Curry Pointe Indian Cuisine, Bentonville | |
| ♥ | Wedding Vendor We Love | 3 |
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