Each food station was meticulously organized and decorated, and our Indian caterer, Rasoi Caterers, had complete access to Birchwood Manor for setting up. Food stations offered freshly made dosa, north-Indian street food, and Indo-Chinese dishes. The space was large enough for 20 dancers, live drummers, food stations, a Henna bar, a grand piano, and our 150 guests.
On our wedding day, we rented a horse for the groom’s procession. Frantz mounted for the full regal effect and a live DJ van, live drummer, and the groom’s party danced through the cobblestone parking lot. In full tradition, my mother welcomed Frantz and his mother with Pooja Thali, a silver plate holding a small clay oil lamp, a vermillion paste to apply on their forehead, as well as a sweet Ladoo rice for auspicious, sweet beginnings. When Frantz arrived on the white horse, it was a fairy tale come true!
Our guests walked to their seats on the spacious green lawn where our Hindi and Christian ceremonies took place. The Mandap looked celestial flanked with statues of elephant gods covered with flowers. The setting was inspiring with clear blue skies above our heads and love around us. The cocktail hour proceeded alongside a live singer who serenaded our guests with our favorite songs. The reception ballroom was adorned with six-foot centerpieces of flowers cascading down in pink, white, and cream. We used lanterns around the room and two elephants at the entrance.
