A Modern Hindu Fusion Wedding at Hilton Minneapolis in Minneapolis, Minnesota

It was a memorable fusion wedding with two celebrations—and two different looks—for Priyanka Sharma (26 and a lawyer) and Stephen Premo (29 and a lawyer). The couple met at the University of Minnesota Law School but grew up with different cultural traditions, so they wanted their wedding to reflect both. On the first day, they had a traditional Hindu wedding with rich tones of red, silver and white, the incorporation of ancient Hindu customs and authentic Indian cuisine; the second day featured a traditional American reception with a palette of cream, blush and white and soft purple lighting, a plated dinner and dancing. The venue for both days was Hilton Hotel in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which was not only convenient for guests (close to the airport) but also accommodating to the needs of a Hindu ceremony, including an open fire in a gazebo-like mandap structure. The ceremony—particularly exchanging personalized vows—was the most memorable and meaningful part of the wedding, Priya says. "I was surprised at how emotional I was," she says. “No one makes me laugh harder than Stephen does. Because of him, I am more patient, I am better at communicating, and I am open and honest with my feelings and thoughts. I think we push each other to be better people.” —Chrissy Sorenson