Melissa Chen & Tarang Vakharia
5.6.2023
photographs by Click Away Photography

Melissa and Tarang wanted their wedding to be a night of celebration, one that balanced their two traditions and gave their guests a fun evening. For them, the bar and the playlist were priorities, along with plenty of time allotted for the dance floor.

That’s where they could show off their fun-loving side, along with a few new steps. The couple — who met in South End and both grew up in New York — took six classes at Midtown Ballroom to master their choreographed, traditional first dance to John Legend’s “U Move, I Move.” After dinner, they showed off some more moves with a Bollywood-style dance, choreographed by Melissa’s sister-in-law.

“The couple truly wanted to show their friends and family a good time,” says planner Melanie Wall of Events by Summer Joy. “They were excited to be married but also wanted to get to the fun parts to celebrate with their loved ones.”

The celebration kicked off with a private Indian ceremony at Melissa and Tarang’s home the day before the wedding. A Mehndi night at Midnight Mulligan welcomed guests to town, with a henna artist and Indian snacks. On the day of the wedding, the couple held a Chinese tea ceremony with family, and a Baraat, a joyous procession of song and dance that ushers the groom to the wedding. The fusion of cultures called for several outfits: Melissa wore four.

“It was not stressful,” says Melissa, who had dog Scooter by her side as she came down the aisle (he squeezed between the couple for the ceremony). “Only do what you and your partner believe in.”

The Details:

Photographer | Click Away Photography

Venue | The Ruth

Planner | Events by Summer Joy

Floral Design | Nectar

Dress | Made With Love Bridal, Lovely Bride Charlotte

Wedding Accessories | Chanel (shoes);
veil made by Melissa’s mom and aunt

Beauty | Blushing Hair and Makeup

Bridesmaids Dresses | Show Me Your Mumu

Groomsmen Attire | Jos. A. Bank

Caterer | Roots Catering

Dessert | Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

DJ | Split Second Sound

Stationery | Created by the bride

Henna | Henna4Happiness by Minaz

Photo Booth | Carolinas PhotoBooths

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