Sireesha also noted the freshness of the flowers stating, “The floral arrangements were spectacular and amazingly fresh during the entire event; they were so fresh, we used the centerpieces the next day for the brunch celebration.”
EVENT DESIGN ACCENTS & APPETITES:
Audio Visual:
Given the massive size of the venue and immense number of guests attending the celebration, a unique audio visual operation was consigned by the couple through the InterContinental. Live image magnification of the event during the reception was projected upon two jumbo screens that came down from the ballroom ceiling on either side of the ballroom.
The goal was for the image magnification to provide intimacy and immediacy to the large-scale event. This would allow the guests to share the intricacies of both ceremonies and enjoy the spontaneity of the reception as it unfolded. Connected by two live on-floor cameras and one sixteen foot video crane, photos from the day’s events were also interspersed with the image magnification on the projected screens.
In addition to this unique visual stimulus package, a band was on hand to perform modern American music, intermixed with a CD of select Indian musical selections− thus appealing to the ears of all in attendance to bring the reception to full, cross-cultural party mode.
Menu:
Accentuating the dual-culture theme, the menu was an amalgamation of American and traditional Indian cuisine. Priya Restaurant (Shaumurg, IL) was flown in to cater the Indian dishes and the Intercontinental provided the American fare.
The cornucopia of Indian delights included buffet appetizers of kheema balls, mixed vegetable pokada, and gobi manchurian. The main course featured vegetable biriyani, dondakaya vepudu, guthivankaya, along with bowls of mushroom cashew curry, chicken curry, shirmp fry, sambar, curd, and white rice.
Highlights of the American offerings included: roasted chicken breast filled with vegetable mousse, basil, and arugula. A fish entrée was also offered which included seared sea bass with crispy prosciutto and capers, truffle oil peruvian potatoes, and fire roasted asparagus.
Finally, although the wedding cake is not a vital focal point in Hindu custom, an understated yet elegant four-tiered cake was on hand to satisfy all attending guests. The cake, made by Wild Flour Bakery (Rocky River, OH), was an elegant ivory design with a rosebud vine pattern; adorned with fresh flowers by HeatherLily. Each tier of the cake had its own separate flavor (carrot/almond/chocolate/vanilla) to satisfy all attendee’s palates.
BRIDE’S PERSPECTIVE/CONCLUSION:
All weddings are an exercise in timing, planning, and execution. Ultimately, event design for the multi-cultural union of Sireesha and Shane came down to understanding the complexities of each heritage and the passion of the desired aura behind it.
According to Sireesha, “The typical Hindu wedding is a three-day affair, so finding an ideal balance in mixing of the two religions’ ceremonies within a one day platform was essential in creating a unified and bonding experience for everyone involved.” The bride pointed out that bringing all elements of event design together was no small task, “Pressure was on all parties involved to make this an unforgettable experience. It was truly a unified effort from the floral, lighting, Mandapan, menu, and music to pull off what appeared to be a free-flowing celebration that everyone will remember.”
Sireesha also noted the pressure she alone faced in changing her wardrobe four times that day including; two sarees during the Hindu ceremony, a Christian wedding gown, and an Indian ghagra for the reception. Assisting in this effort was a key family friend who coordinated all of the Indian rituals.
According to HeatherLily owner/designer Thomas, “Whether it is big or small, on short notice, or involving dual religions, planning and the design of a wedding is complex. The goal is to exchange ideas and visions with our clients so we can be as passionate about the event as they are. Once Sireesha expressed her vision, we were able to present and select the perfect floral styles, colors, and themes. From this point, we worked with her to secure the appropriate budget that allowed them to achieve the unique experience of bridging a multi-cultural aura for this visually unforgettable event.”
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