A Vibrant Fusion of Indian and American Wedding Customs at Amaterra Winery in Portland, Oregon
Haarika Reddy and Chris Bender first laid eyes on one another during their senior year at the University of Oklahoma; in those hallowed halls, they formed a connection that would withstand the test of time and physical separation. After college, they navigated the challenges of a long-distance relationship, their relationship remaining a constant in the changing landscapes of their lives until they finally settled together in Portland. It was during a trip to Costa Rica, near the quaint town of La Fortuna, that they took that next step. With the “gorgeous Arenal Volcano in the background,” as Haarika fondly recalls, Chris had crafted the perfect proposal, “exchanging a series of WhatsApp messages (in Spanish with the help of Google Translate!) with a restaurant to set up a surprise lunch.”
As they journeyed through the Costa Rican countryside, Haarika was “so mesmerized by the expanse of Costa Rican countryside that I didn’t even realize Chris had been driving for 45 minutes up some random one-lane, pothole-filled country road.” The destination was a quaint restaurant, a hidden gem nestled among nature. It was here, in this picture-perfect setting, that Chris popped the question.
As they began planning their special day, the bride wanted to include “some religious aspects as well as combine them with my husband’s Western cultural background.” This desire was the cornerstone of their wedding theme, a Western-Indian fusion that presented a modern look with traditional elements. The couple envisioned a celebration encompassing both cultures, creating a beautiful mosaic of their shared life.
Choosing the perfect venue was a pivotal decision. The couple found their dream location at one of Portland’s premier wedding venues, a stunning estate overlooking the Willamette Valley. The venue, known for its contemporary elegance, required “minimal effort from our families so we could enjoy the day without having to do any cleanup.” The natural beauty of the winery provided a breathtaking backdrop, while the vibrant and colorful decor transformed the space into a wedding wonderland, complete with marigold garlands and colorful drapes.
Fashion played a central role in their fusion wedding. The pair embraced the bride’s background for their ceremony attire, adorning themselves in traditional wear they had purchased during a trip to India. Haarika’s Lehenga and Chris’ Sherwani, both in a matching palette of white, cream and gold accents, were a sight to behold. “We wore this for the ceremony and cocktail hour,” Haarika recalls. They transitioned into a classic Western look for dinner and dancing as the evening progressed. Haarika changed into an all-white, off-the-shoulder reception dress while Chris donned a clean, three-piece black suit.
The day of the wedding was a kaleidoscope of color and emotion. Guests began to gather, feeling the love in the air like the delicate florals that festooned the aisle. “The colors for the wedding were neutral white with bright florals which included marigolds, a traditional flower in Indian culture,” notes the bride. The ceremony, held under the open sky, was a harmonious blend of Western and Indian traditions. At one poignant moment, Chris tied a mangalsutra around Haarika’s neck, symbolizing eternal commitment “similar to the exchange of wedding rings, which we also did towards the end of the ceremony.”
Following the ceremony, guests were treated to a cocktail hour, where they sampled custom signature cocktails and indulged in late-night snack bites, including “three different varieties of grilled cheeses.” The newlyweds’ first move as husband and wife was to steal a moment to share a private champagne toast and reflect on their journey. “With the chaotic nature of a busy wedding day, we wanted to make sure that we got to share a few moments alone with each other to savor our special day,” Haarika remembers.
As day turned to evening, the reception began in the venue’s skyline ballroom, which had been transformed into a modern affair with hints of India’s colorful decorations. Dinner included a host of bold and delicious flavors. The chef had crafted a custom chicken dish, ensuring every guest could enjoy the family-style meals, regardless of their dietary restrictions. The DJ played a perfect remix of Bollywood and modern hits, creating a dance floor alive with energy and movement.
In the afterglow of their wedding, Haarika and Chris had some wisdom to impart to other couples embarking on their own planning journeys. “Patience and communication! The planning process takes a long time, and many decisions must be made,” Haarika advises.