SARANYA PRATHIBHA & NIRANJAN NAIR
September 4, 2021 / Heroncrest, Elm Springs
Saranya and Niranjan started dating after being set up on a blind date by friends in their religious circle. Saranya had her younger sister suggest the perfect ring she had in mind when she knew that Niranjan had started planning a proposal, but she had no idea when he would pop the question. Saranya thought it would be nice to surprise Niranjan with a romantic date night, complete with candles, flowers and rose petals, when he came over one weekend. She unknowingly provided him with the perfect setting to propose, and that night he asked her to marry him.
THE INSPIRATION
They originally planned to get married in 2020, but COVID-19 forced them to cancel everything. Eventually, they decided to travel to India in May 2021 and get married with only their parents present. They still wanted to have a celebration with their family and friends, so they planned a reception for September. Saranya was grateful for her younger sister, Varenya, who helped her plan.
HOW THEY CUSTOMIZED
The theme and décor were a “light, heavenly garden.” They chose Heroncrest as their venue because of the huge windows and large space. Saranya enjoyed working with PIGMINT Floral Studio on the florals and they used blue, white, lavender and pink blooms for a large floral canopy at the front of the venue space and arrangements on either side of the couple’s sofa. Their stationery was white with gold foil writing and featured a picture of the Hindu deity Ganesha to symbolize new and auspicious beginnings.
For her dress, Saranya wore a champagne colored lehenga-style saree from the collection of Panache by Sharmeen. It had intricate beading with a mix of pearls and clear stones and weighed 14 pounds. She completed her look with a silver hairpiece, necklace and earrings from She Said Yes Bridal and matching bangles.
Each of the four tiers in their cake by Rick's Bakery in Fayetteville were a different flavor: german chocolate, pumpkin, vanilla and chocolate. It was adorned with flowers by PIGMINT Floral Studio.
Saranya’s favorite element was her bridal party fashion — pastel blue lehengas with gold accents. Robin’s egg blue is the couple’s favorite color, so Saranya wanted her bridal party to wear it as a symbol of how happy they make her. Both Saranya and her bridal party wore beautiful, traditional Mehndi on their hands. Niranjan’s groomsmen couldn’t make it due to the pandemic, but the bridesmaids are also his friends and were happy to step in and share the couple.
During the celebration, they played popular songs and fun Bollywood music.
“My favorite reception moment was when he surprised me by performing a choreographed dance in front of everyone when he thoroughly convinced me earlier that he could not and would not dance!”
- Saranya
WEDDING VENDORS WE LOVE
Florist
PIGMINT Floral Studio, Fayetteville
Cake
Rick’s Bakery, Fayetteville
Veil, accessories
She Said Yes Bridal, Rogers
MORE VENDORS
Photography: Corrie Childers Photography; Videography: Jessica Whalen Films, Bentonville; Planning, day-of coordinator: Jessica Kersey, JLK Weddings; Furniture rentals: Party Pro Rents, Tulsa; La Tavola Linen and BBJ Linen; Caterer: Curry Point, Bentonville; Drink service: Mint 2 Mix; DJ/band: Mega DJ Company, Bentonville; Invitations: Minted; Wedding dress: Panache by Sharmeen, Houston; Bridesmaid dresses: Lashkaraa; Groom/groomsmen attire: Men’s Wearhouse, Rogers; Jeweler: Benz & Co. Diamonds
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