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Neha & Bob: An Interfaith Wedding in Durham, NC

Neha and Bob have a passion for surprises. With his birthday approaching and a proposal in mind, Bob ambushed the birthday party he knew Neha would pl

Neha and Bob have a passion for surprises. With his birthday approaching and a proposal in mind, Bob ambushed the birthday party he knew Neha would plan and turned it into an engagement celebration. When the evening arrived, Bob brought Neha to Dupont Mansion and proposed to her in a private salon. The Bride Neha Shah, 28, medical resident The Groom Bob Serrano, 29, analyst The Date April 21 After a celebratory dinner, Neha suggested they meet a few friends, thinking her surprise was still intact. When they arrived, guests greeted them holding “Congratulations” and “Happy Birthday” signs and wearing fake mustaches -- a silly party idea Bob had wanted to plan for months. Everyone was surprised that night, and the couple married in a meaningful Indian ceremony a year later.

All the bouquets featured vibrant bunches of dahlias, orchids, and calla lilies.
For the Hindu ceremony, Neha’s bridesmaids wore orange and red saris with gold embroidery.
The programs, bearing the peacock motif like the invitations, were especially important because they explained the significance of each part of the Hindu ceremony.
The couple kicked off the all-night dance party with “You’re My Best Friend” by Queen.
Various shapes of floral centerpieces featured the same flowers as the bridal bouquets: brightly colored dahlias, orchids, and calla lilies.
The escort cards were made of ivory card stock with magenta and gold borders. Guests’ names were hand-lettered by the bride’s sister, and the cards were arranged on a table sprinkled with flower petals.
Changing backdrops, lighting, and small decor changes helped differentiate between the Hindu and Christian ceremonies. These changes were made while the guests lunched in a neighboring tent between the services.
When Bob arrived at the Shah residence for the ceremonies, he was welcomed in a procession where he rode a horse decorated in the traditional Indian way.
A few days prior to the celebration, Neha hosted a Mehndi party where elaborate decorations were drawn in henna on the hands of the bride and other female guests.
During the cocktail hour in the amphitheater, guests were serenaded by traditional Indian musicians.