Emily & Pankaj in Charleston, SC

Emily and Pankaj decided to throw a wedding with this rule in mind: equal parts Indian culture and Southern hospitality. Once they got engaged (and returned from their surprise trip to Paris!), this New York City couple set their sights on Charleston, in the bride’s home state of South Carolina, and hired a local event planner to help coordinate not one, but two ceremonies and a reception for 300 guests. The Bride Emily Cannon, 28, jewelry business owner The Groom Pankaj Gupta, 32, works in private equity The Date April 21 The day began with a Hindu ceremony in honor of the groom’s heritage, which was complete with live, traditional Indian music. Afterward, Emily and Pankaj exchanged vows in a Christian ceremony beneath a hundred-year-old magnolia tree. What followed was a sophisticated party awash in a palette of red and gold accents.