A Bright, Elegant Pakistani Wedding at the Fox Hills Golf and Banquet Center in Plymouth, Michigan

Festive floral garlands, string lights and vibrant shades of red, turquoise and gold infused Michelle Gentile (34 and a radiation oncologist) and Asad Usman’s (32 and an anesthesiologist) Pakistani wedding with undeniable flair.

“As funny as it sounds, Asad and I love Mamma Mia,” Michelle explains of their decision to mimick the look and feel of the movie’s well-known wedding scene. “We wanted to re-create that fun, outdoor party surrounded by family and friends.”

Michelle’s mother-in-law traveled to Pakistan to commission a custom lengha and salwar kameez for the bride. “Because of its delicate beadwork, the dress weighed several pounds,” Michelle says. “Getting around quickly wasn’t easy!”

“We wanted the night to feel airy, romantic and relaxed,” Michelle says of hosting their reception on the venue’s outdoor veranda.

Asad arrived to the ceremony on a white horse, and the couple traded garlands, or haars, before exchanging rings. But the groom’s dramatic entrance was nothing compared with the newlyweds’ exit. “We ended the night with fireworks and left in a convertible that Asad had learned how to drive that same day,” Michelle says.