True Love & Traditions
September 28, 2023
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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