1. Real Weddings

Harini & Andrew: An Indian Wedding in Scottsdale, AZ

Andrew and Harini were both attending the University of Pennsylvania when their eyes met across the room at a party. You could call it love at first s

Andrew and Harini were both attending the University of Pennsylvania when their eyes met across the room at a party. You could call it love at first sight because they've been together ever since. The Bride Harini Chundu, 25, graduate student The Groom Andrew Moth, 28, investment manager The Date November 1 Harini wasn't quite dressed for the occasion the night Andrew decided to pop the question. She had just come from the gym for a low-key date night, when she found him waiting with a scrapbook he had put together for her. The pages were filled with photos and funny captions about their relationship so far, and the last page said that the rest of the book depended on her answer. Then he proposed. That evening they celebrated with drinks and a wonderful dinner -- after Harini had some time to change clothes, of course!

A simple red ribbon held the ceremony programs together.
With the desert sun setting behind them, the couple exchanged garlands under an orange mandap (part of the traditional Hindu wedding ceremony).
Following Indian tradition, Harini and some of her female loved ones had a mehndi party the night before the wedding.
Harini playfully poured rice over Andrew as part of a ritual to determine who would wear the pants in the relationship -- whoever finishes first is the winner.
Andrew and Harini chose to dance to Something, by The Beatles, because it was simple and romantic.
Coordinating iron stands with bouquets of orange roses lined the aisle.
The detailed embroidery on Harini's custom-made mermaid gown, which combined Western style and Eastern flair, sparkled during the couple's grand entrance.
On the tables, a variety of white flowers, including calla lilies, lilies, roses, hydrangeas, delphiniums, and dendrobium orchids, picked up shades of magenta from the elegant lighting in the reception hall.
Andrew and Harini's extended family dressed in colorful saris and suits.
The couple's married life started with a bang! Fireworks lit up the sky right as they were pronounced husband and wife.
Harini held a beautifully painted coconut (a symbol of fertility) as her parents escorted her down the aisle.
Red and yellow accents really popped against the greens and browns of the wedding day's desert background.
Topped with fresh roses, white dendrobium orchids, and surrounded by flower petals, Harini and Andrew's cake really added to the reception decor with its intricate mehndi-inspired scrollwork.