1. Real Weddings

An Alpine, Fusion Wedding at a Private Residence in Aspen, Colorado

Emma Gardner (31 and works in marketing) and Nish Mani (31 and works in finance) let their love of the outdoors and their cultural backgrounds inspire

Emma Gardner (31 and works in marketing) and Nish Mani (31 and works in finance) let their love of the outdoors and their cultural backgrounds inspired their mountainside, Indian-Southern fusion celebration at Emma's father's home in Aspen, Colorado. Orange marigolds hung from Aspen trees, Colorado wildflowers popped from hammered gold bowls, and a sitar player strummed during the sunset cocktail hour. The couple even served Emma's beloved fried chicken alongside lentils and naan. "We didn't want to follow a script or any set tradition, but it was important to acknowledge our different backgrounds," Emma says. "We wanted to infuse these elements into a personal and unique event." —Stephanie Cain

Instead of overly adorning their ceremony space, the couple let the natural Alpine beauty shine. "The real decoration was the view of the mountains in the background," Emma says.
"Our invitations and programs incorporated the gold from traditional Indian weddings and really set the tone for the day," Emma says. "We wanted to prepare our guests for a hybrid Indian-Western event.
Emma and Nish included Indian touches in their wedding styles. Emma's two-piece dress had a gold sequin top, which she accented with a gold tikka (headpiece) and gold bangles. Nish added a crimson red silk dupatta (scarf) and pocket square to his black Nehru-collar suit.
Emma and Nish included Indian touches in their wedding styles. Emma's two-piece dress had a gold sequin top, which she accented with a gold tikka (headpiece) and gold bangles. Nish added a crimson red silk dupatta (scarf) and pocket square to his black Nehru-collar suit.
Orange marigolds hung from Aspen trees, Colorado wildflowers popped from hammered gold bowls, and a sitar player strummed during the sunset cocktail hour.
A chai tea station topped a table covered in sari fabrics, while fresh Aspen blooms filled gold bowls and Asian-inspired vases.
With the help of a planner, landscaper and multiple florists, Emma and Nish worked to highlight the natural beauty of their mountainside locale. "The Aspen wildflowers were in bloom and popped against the green trees nearby," Emma says. "But the real decoration was the view of the mountains in the background. It doesn't get much better than that."
Since Emma and Nish had wed in a traditional Hindu ceremony the week before, the couple wrote their own vows for their Western wedding, adding a thank-you to their parents. But to honor the religious aspect, a close friend read aloud the Seven Steps (Hindu marriage vows). "We loved being able to share those more broadly with our family and friends," Emma says.
Since Emma and Nish had wed in a traditional Hindu ceremony the week before, the couple wrote their own vows for their Western wedding, adding a thank-you to their parents. But to honor the religious aspect, a close friend read aloud the Seven Steps (Hindu marriage vows). "We loved being able to share those more broadly with our family and friends," Emma says.
Cocktail hour took place immediately after the ceremony in the front yard, where guests were served two signature cocktails, Indian Spice and Everything Sweet. "We love the happy hour as a transition between the ceremony and the reception," Emma says. "The sun was setting and everyone was starting to get a little rowdy waiting for the reception to start."
Cocktail hour took place immediately after the ceremony in the front yard, where guests were served two signature cocktails, Indian Spice and Everything Sweet. "We love the happy hour as a transition between the ceremony and the reception," Emma says. "The sun was setting and everyone was starting to get a little rowdy waiting for the reception to start."
Escort cards dangled on marigold garlands. "It was a work of art," Emma says. "No one wanted to take their card."
The couple performed a Bollywood-style first dance in the lantern-filled tent. "Your wedding night is a really great opportunity to get over your fears, come out of your shell and do a crazy dance to show your love for each other," Emma says.
The couple performed a Bollywood-style first dance in the lantern-filled tent. "Your wedding night is a really great opportunity to get over your fears, come out of your shell and do a crazy dance to show your love for each other," Emma says.
Orange marigolds hung from Aspen trees, Colorado wildflowers popped from hammered gold bowls, and a sitar player strummed during the sunset cocktail hour.
Gilded accents ranged from gold, embroidered lace table linens and flatware to metallic chiavari chairs.
The couple performed a Bollywood-style first dance in the lantern-filled tent. "Your wedding night is a really great opportunity to get over your fears, come out of your shell and do a crazy dance to show your love for one another," Emma says.