A Vibrant, Modern Hindu Wedding at the Hyatt Regency in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Bold splashes of coral, gold and purple electrified Neha Shah (31 and a financial consultant) and Yogin Patel’s (30 and an ophthalmologist) grand and colorful Hindu wedding.

“I was born in India, and having a traditional Hindu wedding connected me to my roots,” says Neha, who planned every detail of her day with her sister, Iva. That included customary attire in maroon and deep reds, Indian street-style food at cocktail hour and a separate dessert “room” packed with both Indian and American sweets (think: ice cream served with vermicelli noodles and rose syrup, and bite-sized cheesecakes).

The couple said their vows under a simple wooden mandap illuminated by candlelight. Yogin traveled to the ceremony on a white horse in a procession called barat, a tradition at Hindu weddings. “We picked the Hyatt Regency because its event coordinators are very experienced with hosting Indian weddings,” Neha says.

Ornate swirls and designs were applied to the bride’s hands in a ritual known as mehndi. She accessorized with an elaborate bracelet. After their vows, Neha and Yogin swapped their traditional clothing for more modern looks. Neha’s four bridesmaids sparkled in coral saris and gold-sequined tops.

The reception was minimally decorated with white linens, gold chiavari chairs and tall white hydrangea arrangements, while pink and coral uplighting added a splash of color. The buttercream cake was embellished with coral silk flowers and a single gold-foil tier. Neha and Yogin participated in a special dance with sticks called dandiya, a Hindu wedding ritual.