In Part I, we featured Payal and Vinod’s wedding ceremony. Now we are featuring her pre-event parties starting with the Mehndi at the Aviano Club, the Vidhi at the bride’s home and Welcome Dinner at the Boojum Tree. Payal continues her wedding story:
MEHNDI PARTY
“The Mehndi evening was the kick-off to our wedding celebration so we wanted to make sure it set the tone for the rest of the weekend. The majority of our family & friends were arriving on this evening so we wanted to make them feel welcome and excited for the rest of their stay. We chose the Aviano Clubhouse at Desert Ridge because we were able to utilize the outdoor patio for 200 guests and it allowed for an intimate décor with candles, soft music and beautiful henna. To keep with the enchanting and airy feeling for the Mehndi evening, I wanted to make sure candles were used throughout the patio along with the vibrant colors such as the purples, oranges, blues and pinks. The decorators did a fantastic job of turning an outdoor patio to something from an Arabian Nights movie!”~ Payal S.
Vidhi – Grah Shanti & Pithi
Going to the bride’s house for the Vidhi ceremony is always a favorite of mine, the reason being that I can meet and get to know the family members for a solid three to four hours. A lot goes on at these events, it keeps me on my toes uncles and aunties are always helpful with what’s going on, I get to know the family members more by name. In all you become a part of the family documenting the flurry of activity all around. I also love seeing the little touches that each family member contributes and I make sure to capture these little details to preserve them forever. But most of all, I love seeing the laughter and the tears that abound in these ceremonies. I especially love how Payal’s dad got emotional as the reality of giving his daughter away sinks in. It’s impossible not to get teary eyed. There is so much love and blessings around these intimate ceremonies and you just can’t help but feel good about life and the beginning of a new family unfolding before your eyes.
“The vidhi, which includes the Grah Shanti and Pithi, is traditionally held at the bride and groom’s own home. The vidhi was at my home and it was emotional and fun all in one. Not only was this the place I grew up but to be surrounded by my closest family and friends who are a part of my life adds a very sentimental touch and it signified the unconditional love that was present in the air through the tears and laughs. To have the vidhi at home was wonderful because everywhere you looked, there was a little creativity contributed by a family or friend. For example, there were beautiful paintings and photographs made by my sister. The lively centerpieces on the lunch tables were created by cousins. The abundance of food which was made so lovingly by my aunt. The fresh flower garlands which were used during the vidhi were hand-made by family members. It was these little touches, which cannot be re-created during any other event, which made the vidhi so personal and memorable..”-Payal S.
WELCOME DINNER
“The welcome dinner was an event meant for our family & friends to come together and enjoy an evening of togetherness. Sometimes, with a traditional Gaarba or Sangeet party, it’s difficult for both sides of the family to come together and enjoy good company; therefore, Vinod and I decided an evening of mingling, scenery and good food would be perfect. And what better venue than The Boojum Tree Hidden Gardens? When I initially visited this location, I could not believe that such a place existed in Phoenix! Set up like a Japanese Zen garden, The Boojum Tree provided the ideal set up for our welcome dinner. The venue provides a set-up for approximately 225 guests complete with tables, chivari chairs, and linens in a multitude of colors. I decided on a jade blue table linen that added a beautiful touch of color against the gold chairs, candles, and string lighting. We decided to have food catered from Macayo’s Mexican Cantina along with a full bar set up that completed the meal with margaritas and sangria. Our guests were in awe! You can imagine, along with some roasts & toasts from family and friends, how fun the evening turned out to be.” ~ Payal S.
Stay tuned for Part III!:-) ~ Lilet
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