Niketa and Ishan

Posted on: November 30, 2017 by: Deshvidesh

Photographer:
FengLong Photography

When Ishan Patel, 29, product manager, and Niketa Agarwal, 27, a registered nurse, first met for coffee, they felt a connection immediately. Their first date night was nothing short of interesting with them sneaking into Piedmont Park after midnight to talk for hours. It was a moonlit night and the pair danced to Christina Perri’s “A Thousand Years.”

Ishan’s proposal was unique. One day while reading a local newspaper Niketa found her and Ishan’s photograph with the caption: “I’d like to order a lifetime supply of gulab jamun.” He got down on one knee with a ring and popped the question.

After the surprise engagement, the couple started planning for their big day on September 2017. They didn’t hire a wedding planner, but did use a day-of coordinator. Family and friends played a huge role in assisting the couple with wedding event preparations.

With Ishan and Niketa both living in Atlanta, they chose to keep their search in the city. In the end, they chose the Westin Atlanta Perimeter North, which is known for hosting South Asian weddings.

haldi, mehndi, and grahshanti events of Niketa and Ishan

Ishan and Niketa’s wedding was steeped in Hindu traditions like the haldi, mehndi, and grahshanti events held prior to the wedding at their homes. The families organized the sangeet at Westin complete with performances from friends and family. The decoration, backdrop and candle rangoli in the venue was done by Myar Décor.

The grand ballroom of Westin came alive for the wedding with candles and fresh flowers in tall vases. “I wanted the mandap to match the bridal party attire and hence chose white and pink with drapery and fresh flowers.

Chiavari chairs were spread with small pouches of dry fruits for the 330 guests,” said Niketa.

The groom arrived on horseback for the baraat, as the DJ played top 40 Bollywood songs. The bride made a royal entry to a song from Bollywood blockbuster Jodha Akbar.

For the reception, the ballroom resembled a colorful garden with flowers, bouquets, of red and pink roses and green and white hydrangeas. There was a flower wall backdrop with candles and a small couch with flower vases on each side. The guests’ tables had floating candles and flowers — all this with Indian and American music playing in the background. The newlyweds were on cloud nine and danced to “Abhi Toh Party Shuru Hui Hai.”

Ishan and Niketa advise couples to enjoy every minute of the big day as it really does fly by!