Planning a large, multicultural wedding, during a pandemic is not for the faint of heart. Not to mention that in Virginia, the guidelines were changing by the day. We were restricted by guest count the whole time we were planning this wedding, however the allowances were changing frequently. We weren’t sure how many things to order, how many invitations to send out, if we were going to have to cut the guest list, etc. It was a tough season to be planning weddings in. However, the couple pushed on, they made the proper adjustments, and we had a wedding.
With many South Asian weddings, it was a multi day affair. The family hosted several of the festivities in their home state, Pennsylvania and then hosted the Sangeet at The Omni Hotel in Richmond VA the night before the wedding.
Baraat:
We started the wedding day festivities off with a baraat down Monument Avenue. Now with any city road closures, or large event, you do need to get permits. We pulled parade permits and hired two police officers to keep the guests, and the horse safe, while the baraat made it’s way down the road. The DJ played music out of her truck, the Dohl drummer played, and many of the local residents came out to watch and cheer on the groom. The bride even snuck a few sneak peaks from a window on the second floor of the venue.
Ceremony:
The ceremony was hosted at The Branch Museum in Richmond VA. The Branch museum is such a beautiful venue with gorgeous architecture and a very pretty courtyard. Due to the state restrictions and the guest count, we tented the grassy area for ceremony. Having the tent up allowed the decorator to come out the day before and set up the Mandap. This is something to think about when you are hosting at venues that are not 24/7 like a hotel. Had we not gotten the tent, which provided shelter days earlier, there would not have been enough time in the morning for her to set up such an intricate structure. The guests were served beverages, mango lassi, and lunch while traditional music played in the background.
Once the ceremony was over, the guests went back to the hotel to rest and get ready for the evening festivities. The couple had an outfit change and spent their afternoon taking photographs around the city.
Reception:
The reception and after party was hosted at Kabanas, a rooftop nightclub in Richmond VA. Dolly, with Gulmohar weddings decorated the space, DJ Geeta played great party and dance music, Lehja catered, and the guests really enjoyed their evening on the roof. The LOVE sign looked great lit up against the Richmond skyline. All of the festivities and celebrations were captured by Studio Nine Photography.
Venue: The Branch Museum
Photo/Video: Studio Nine Photography
Decorator: Gulmohar Weddings
DJ: Dj Geeta
Catering: Lehja
Reception: Kabana Rooftop
Makeup: Regan Wolfrey
Hair: Salon Tas
As always I’d love to chat.
