How we fused tradition, culture, and 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 the very first meeting, it was clear they wanted to honor deep-rooted Indian traditions and their love of clean, modern design. So we leaned into both, creating a wedding that felt vibrant, intentional, and totally them—traditional baraat meets industrial-chic elegance.
Q: How did the day begin?
With energy. Pure, unapologetic energy. The groom arrived in a full-blown baraat down Franklin Street—on a horse, of course—surrounded by his loved ones dancing to the beat of drums. The blue doors of the Rialto Theatre became the impromptu backdrop for what can only be described as a block-party-meets-wedding-procession, before he was welcomed by the bride’s family at the venue.
Q: The mandap was stunning. What inspired it?
They wanted something lush and earthy that still had an elevated, contemporary feel. We went all in on greenery—layered, trailing, and textural—with Moroccan lanterns woven throughout for warmth and ambiance. The ceremony felt sacred, emotional, and grounded in tradition, yet completely reimagined in a space you wouldn’t expect. That’s the magic.
Q: What happened next?
Before heading to the reception, the groom had to negotiate with the bridesmaids in a playful nod to tradition—lots of laughter, a little bargaining, and the perfect moment of levity between events.
Then came the wardrobe change. The newlyweds switched from traditional Indian attire into sleek Western formalwear, setting the tone for a more industrial, modern reception vibe.
Q: Tell us about the reception design at Armature Works.
We leaned into the venue’s raw, urban beauty and elevated it with mixed textures—wood, glass, and metal. Centerpieces varied in height and material, giving depth and dimension to the space. One of our favorite elements? A 12-foot suspended greenery ring over the dance floor, dotted with Edison bulbs, casting a soft golden glow. It framed the custom neon sign + lush hedgewall photo backdrop like a dream.
Q: Were there cultural elements at the reception too?
Absolutely. The menu was a feast of Indian cuisine—spicy, colorful, and deeply meaningful to the families. Performances from the groom’s side had the whole room clapping and cheering, and sparkler fountains erupted during the couple’s first dance, adding just the right amount of drama.
Q: Any challenges? Favorite moment?
The logistics of combining two very different design aesthetics and ceremonial traditions meant that timing and setup had to be tight. But honestly? That’s where we thrive.
Favorite moment: standing back and watching the dance floor fill up—saris twirling alongside tuxedos, Bollywood beats mixing with Top 40—and realizing we hadn’t just planned a wedding. We created a fusion celebration where every guest felt like they belonged.
rialto theatre + armature works wedding