1. Real Weddings

A Glamorous Multicultural Wedding at Taj Boston in Boston, Massachusetts

California-based couple Gabriel Willey (39 and a compliance manager) and Pavana Tiriveedhi (38 and a family physician) headed to Taj Boston in Boston,

California-based couple Gabriel Willey (39 and a compliance manager) and Pavana Tiriveedhi (38 and a family physician) headed to Taj Boston in Boston, Massachusetts, for a glamorous, formal fete that paid tribute to Gabriel’s New England Roots and Pavana’s Indian heritage. The pair combined Hindu and Western traditions to infuse their wedding with personal flair, starting with a ceremony they wrote themselves. “The traditional ceremony takes at least half a day and has rigid gender roles, so we worked with our priest to pare it down to just the elements that we thought were essential and would blend well with the necessary Western elements, like exchanging rings and a procession,” Gabriel says. After saying “I do,” the couple kicked the festivities into high gear with a cocktail reception complete with a live jazz band and Indian street food, followed by a sit-down dinner featuring Taj’s decadent modern Indian cuisine. A classic southern Indian dancer entertained guests between courses and a Taj Mahal-inspired wedding cake put an artful twist on dessert. To honor the storied and traditional spaces at the Taj Boston, Pavana and Gabriel opted for an elegant gold and ivory palette with subtle pops of red throughout. Terrariums filled with moss, ferns and varied foliage served as the focal point for the tablescapes, an unexpected alternative to traditional marigolds that put an earthy, masculine twist on the decor. As a nod to their love of travel, the newlyweds gave their guests luggage tags embellished with a vintage map of India. A tip from Gabriel: “Hire an experienced planner who you get along with, then trust them.” —Libby MacCarthy

For their save-the-dates, Pavana and Gabriel gave guests a taste of the celebration to come with postcard-style cards bearing illustrations of the Taj Boston in Boston, Massachusetts. Calligraphy-inspired lettering gave the save-the-dates a touch of modern flair.
When it came to their wedding day attire, Pavana and Gabriel took the traditional route. Pavana’s father surprised the pair with gold necklaces he had handmade in India for the occasion. “He had the goldsmith create matching pendants to go with them that have a G on one side and a P on the other, so that when we wear them, our own initial faces outward and the other’s initial lies against our heart,” Gabriel says.
Pavana and Gabriel worked with their Hindu priest to create a ceremony that reflected both Indian and Western traditions. “The traditional ceremony takes at least all day and has rigid gender roles, so we worked with the priest to pare it down to just the elements that we thought were essential and would blend well with the necessary Western elements,” Gabriel says. Though not customary, Indian classical music played during the interludes, giving the proceedings a personal flair.
The ceremony incorporated a number of essential Indian customs, including a traditional puja thali. Each of the items arranged on the metal platter, including turmeric, rice, thread and flower petals held symbolic significance, from prosperity to divine protection and good blessings.
In addition to the handmade manglasutras given to them by Pavana’s father, the couple donned traditional marigold garlands in a rich shade of fuchsia for the ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, Pavana and Gabriel worked with Dogwood Floral to create botanical decor that reflected the masculine vibe they were after. Moss, ferns and foliage arranged in cubic glass terrariums were woven throughout, the warm light of votive candles softening their modern edge.
An elegant gold and ivory palette with subtle pops paid tribute to the opulent, historic interiors of the Taj Boston, while infusing the decor with a decidedly glamorous feel. Terrariums filled with moss, ferns and varied foliage served as the centerpieces, an unexpected alternative to traditional marigolds that put an earthy, masculine twist on the tablescapes.
Gilded carriage lanterns bearing ivory pillar candles brought an air of ambiance and intimacy to the lavish interiors of the Taj Boston in Boston, Massachusetts. Lush ferns, greenery and vines took the place of traditional flowers, establishing a sense of wild romance.
After dinner, Pavana and Gabriel did a quick costume change, suiting up in custom black tuxedos for dancing. The tuxedos were custom-made in India and featured classic black-tie details, such as satin stripes, as well as traditional Indian elements such as a Nehru collar.
Pavana and Gabriel’s wedding cake was the star of the reception. Featuring white chocolate buttercream and vanilla cake with lemon and fresh Maine blueberries, the colossal confection was designed in the likeness of a northern Indian palace. “We wanted a wedding cake that was both a conversation piece and 100 percent edible—so no fondant—while also using our palette and elements that represented both of us,” Gabriel says.