1. Real Weddings

A Vibrant, Glamorous Indian Wedding at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, DC

Although they had both lived abroad in the same place (at the same time!) Sushmitha Narsiah (31 and works at World Bank Group) and Sai Pidatala (32 an

Although they had both lived abroad in the same place (at the same time!) Sushmitha Narsiah (31 and works at World Bank Group) and Sai Pidatala (32 and an attorney) didn't meet until they connected online. After innumerable back and forth emails with breezy banter, they had their first date at Sushmitha's favorite restaurant on the Potomac River. Their real life interactions were as effortless as their online ones, and it wasn't long after that Sai proposed to Sushmitha at a historic French bistro during a getaway to Paris. Their traditional Indian wedding at the opulent Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, DC was playful and glamorous. Both their ceremony and reception were held in the grand ballroom, which was spectacularly illuminated with purple uplighting. For the ceremony, Sushmitha wore a traditional red sari with intricate gold embroidery. Her bridesmaids wore feminine magenta saris. Sai and his bhangra dancing groomsmen wore gold, ivory and red sherwani outfits, and Sai wore a red turban while riding a decorated horse during the Baraat processional. For the reception, Sushmitha wore a breathtaking jeweled champagne gown, and Sai changed into a custom black tuxedo. As an homage to the cities in which the couple had lived, drinks during cocktail hour were themed and included the "Bombay Bellini," which was served with a candied mango, and the "Blue Label Burj," which was served with a camel stirrer as a nod to Dubai. The bar was also decorated with banners of their favorite cities' skylines. This ornate Indian wedding was a blast for all of Sushmitha and Sai's loved ones.

Gold Jimmy Choo Heels as Bridal Footwear
Sushmitha wore a traditional red sari to her wedding, which featured intricate gold embroidery. She wore her hair up to show off its keyhole back.
Sushmitha wore gold Indian jewelry from Notandas Jewelers, including a gold choker, gold chandelier earrings and red and gold bangles. Her hands were hennaed for her wedding day.
The groom, who was wearing a red and ivory Indian sherwani and turban, came in on a white horse that was decorated with red and gold fabric. His groomsmen followed him during the baraat processional.
Groomsmen Bhangra Dancing During Baraat Processional
The bridesmaids wore romantic ivory and magenta saris. Sushmitha carried a simple bouquet of white peonies, which was tied with a gold ribbon.
Sushmitha and Sai had a Hindu ceremony in the ballroom at Andrew Mellon Auditorium. The ceremony was held under a pink mandap, and the aisles were decorated with tall floral arrangements that included blue, pink and purple delphiniums and white roses.
Bride and Groom in Traditional Indian Outfits for Ceremony
At cocktail hour, drinks were themed based on cities that Sushmitha and Sai have lived in. These included "Blue Label Burj," which included a camel stirrer as a nod to Dubai, and "Bombay Bellini," which was served with a candied mango.
Sushmitha wore a gorgeous jeweled champagne gown designed by Bharti's at White Solitaire in Mumbai, India. Sai looked dapper in a traditional black tuxedo that was custom designed by Ascot & Chapels in London.
The reception was illuminated with purple and pink uplighting, and the newlyweds' names were shined on the ballroom walls as well. The bar at the reception featured banners of the cities that Sushmitha and Sai had lived in.
The sweetheart table at the reception had gold dinnerware and flatware and pink napkins on a metallic blue tablecloth. It also had a bright flower arrangement of pink and red roses, purple orchids, and pink hydrangeas.
Dining tables at the reception featured tall vases filled with blue and pink delphiniums, white hydrangeas and white tulips. The flower arrangements were surrounded by candles on a bed of blue and pink hydrangeas.
First Dance at Ornate Ballroom Reception