How We Fused Tradition, Culture & a Whole Lotta Style Into One Epic Celebration

Q: What made this wedding unique from the start?
This couple wasn’t just blending families - they were blending entire worlds. From our first meeting, it was clear they wanted to honor deep-rooted Indian wedding traditions while rocking a clean, modern design. We said challenge accepted and created a day that was vibrant, intentional and totally them...think traditional baraat meets industrial-chic elegance.

Q: How did the day kick off?
With pure, unapologetic energy. The groom arrived in a full-blown baraat down Franklin Street - on a horse, obviously, surrounded by loved ones dancing to the beat of dhol drums. The blue doors of the Rialto Theatre became the backdrop for a block-party-meets-wedding-procession before the bride’s family officially welcomed him inside.

Q: The mandap was stunning. What inspired it?
They wanted something lush and earthy yet sleek and contemporary. We layered trailing greenery and wove in Moroccan lanterns for warmth and a soft glow. The ceremony felt sacred and emotional, but completely reimagined in a venue you’d never expect for a traditional mandap.

Q: What happened between ceremony and reception?
First came a playful nod to tradition: the groom negotiating with the bridesmaids in a lighthearted exchange of jokes and bargaining. Then, an outfit change! The newlyweds swapped traditional Indian attire for sleek Western formalwear, setting the stage for an Armature Works wedding reception that was all modern, all night.

Q: Tell us about the reception design.
We leaned into Armature Works’ raw industrial vibe and elevated it with layers of texture - wood, glass and metal. Centerpieces mixed heights and materials for serious visual dimension. Over the dance floor, a twelve-foot suspended greenery ring dotted with Edison bulbs cast a golden glow and framed the custom neon sign and lush hedgewall photo backdrop like a dream.

Q: Were there cultural touches at the reception too?
Absolutely! Dinner was a feast of vibrant Indian cuisine, and the groom’s family brought the house down with live performances. When sparkler fountains shot up during the couple’s first dance, the crowd lost it...in the best way.

Q: Any challenges or favorite moments?
Blending two very different aesthetics and ceremonial traditions meant a tight timeline and complex logistics, but that’s where we thrive. My personal favorite? Watching the dance floor explode - saris twirling alongside tuxedos, Bollywood beats mixing with Top 40 - knowing we hadn’t just planned a wedding. We created an Indian-fusion celebration where every guest felt like they belonged.