Real Wedding: Sumana and Neil at Crowne Plaza Executive Park Hotel

July 14, 2016

Hannah Chronis,

DECEMBER 26, 2015

Photographs by Discover Love Studios

Most brides spend months searching for the perfect wedding dress. Sumana needed seven. The Indian bride knew she wanted a traditional wedding, which meant three days of nonstop celebrations. Festivities kicked off on Wednesday, when Sumana’s beauty ritual began with henna and the couple’s families exchanged symbolic gifts later that afternoon. On Thursday, about 150 of Sumana and Neil’s closest friends and family celebrated the night away at the Sangeet—a traditional party complete with food, drinks, a DJ, and lots of dancing. The day before the wedding, Sumana hosted a henna party for around 100 guests, including the bridesmaids and the couple’s family and friends, while Neil attended a religious ceremony held at his house. When the big day rolled around, an overwhelmingly excited Sumana walked down the aisle at Crowne Plaza Executive Park Hotel in a customized gown from Hyderabad, India to greet her groom.

Photobooth: ShutterBooth Charlotte

Beauty: Meliha Custovic of The Beauty Fairy

Cake: Cheesecake Etc.

Florals: Carmel Florist

Stationery: custom from India

Entertainment: Mohit Nigam of Masala DJs Entertainment

Caterer: Chola’s Indian Grill for lunch; Bombay Grille for dinner

Rentals: Natasha Decor for mandap, Carolina’s Luxury Event Rentals for chairs

Planner: Ayesha Mian