A Vibrant Mexican-Indian Wedding in Austin, Texas Included a Few Surprise Elements
Maggie and Rohan's love story began online, where they soon learned they shared a love for travel, adventure and great food. On their very first date, the foodies shared a cozy dinner of pasta, wine and effortless conversation that continued for hours. "By the end of the night, we both knew we had found something special," Maggie recalls. And when it came time to take the next step in their relationship, Rohan chose Thanksgiving weekend for a dreamy proposal, involving Maggie’s sister, who was visiting from out of town. He planned this unforgettable evening at Luminations at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas. Beneath glowing pathways, twinkling installations and a jaw-dropping neon butterfly display, Maggie turned for a photo and found Rohan down on one knee. After she said yes, the newly engaged couple celebrated with a vegan omakase dinner at their favorite sushi spot.
With wedding planning now ahead of them, the couple envisioned a day that honored both of their heritages while feeling vibrant, modern and unmistakably “them.” Blending Rohan’s Tamil Brahmin traditions with Maggie’s Mexican roots, the couple set out to create an experience rooted in "love, heritage and intentional harmony," they say. Every detail of the day reflected that intention, from classic traditions to surprise elements that kept their guests on their toes. "The day was filled with floral artistry, cultural nods and interactive moments that kept guests delighted. Our vision as a couple centered on connection and community, creating an atmosphere where loved ones felt fully immersed in the story of two cultures coming together as one," says the bride.
As for the ceremony itself? Set at the scenic Prospect House in Dripping Springs outside of Austin, the space mixed a modern aesthetic with the natural beauty of Texas's rolling hills, the perfect blend for the couple seeking something old and something new. Maggie explains: "We hosted a traditional Tamil Brahmin ceremony that felt both timeless and deeply personal to our story as a couple. Guests from both sides were invited to participate in the lively, interactive rituals, guided by custom-made programs and thoughtful voiceovers that explained each tradition and its meaning." The flowers served as a focal point in the theme and decor, with the showstopping mandap draped in vivid fabric and framed by the venue's sweeping country views. "Our floral design was bold, textured and deeply personal, with every arrangement chosen to honor tradition while creating a fresh, modern look," Maggie adds. With marigolds holding cultural significance in both Hindu tradition and Día de los Muertos altars, this "bridge between cultures" was strewn throughout the ceremony and reception, accompanied by fuchsia blooms and greenery.
"We built the look around a lively palette of hot pink, orange and gold layered with modern touches like glossy pedestal accents, sleek lounge furniture and warm candlelight," the bride says of their ceremony and reception. Inside the reception space, crisp linens, colorful napkins and glowing candles transformed the room into a romantic yet playful setting for dinner and dancing. At the center of it all was a striking black-and-white checkered dance floor, crowned by a dramatic hanging installation of mirrored disco balls, cascading greenery and marigold garlands that shimmered with every movement of light. Even the "floral story" shifted to match the vibes, moving from "vibrant ritual to romantic party," according to Maggie. Sculptural bud vases and candlelit arrangements added an intimate glow, while the suspended marigold installation above the dance floor tied the entire design together in a canopy of color and light.
And what would these food-lovers' wedding day be without a custom menu? Another surprise for their close friends and family was with a mangonada cart that served mango sorbet topped with chamoy, tamarind candy, Tajín and fresh fruit, which delighted guests. Maggie says: "It was a playful and nostalgic nod to my Hispanic roots while also reimagining familiar ingredients like mango and tamarind, which are staples in Indian cuisine." During dinner, there was a lavish vegetarian Indian buffet with classic favorites like butter paneer, biryani, dal, naan and gobi manchurian.
As the reception began, Maggie and Rohan invited their guests to join a tequila toast, thanking everyone for traveling near and far to celebrate their union. But the moment when the party truly started? That was when they played a Bhangra remix of “Gasolina." “The energy in the room was electric, and watching our friends and family light up with excitement and rush to the dance floor was one of the best moments," the couple shares.
Fashion was another intentional part of the day. The couple traveled to India for their wedding attire, wanting custom, hand-beaded garments rooted in tradition. For the ceremony, Maggie wore two South Indian silk sarees (or saris) gifted by Rohan’s family, the first in green and gold with intricate temple jewelry, and the second in vibrant purple and gold styled in the sacred Madisar draping. For the reception, she changed into a rani pink lehenga that was adorned with custom beading, metallic embroidery, silk threadwork and shimmering sequins. Heirloom gold bangles completed the look, which were the same ones her mother-in-law wore on her own wedding day. Rohan matched her intention with equal care, wearing a soft pink kurta with a traditional South Indian veshti during the ceremony. And for the reception, he changed into an ivory sherwani with delicate tone-on-tone embroidery that felt "refined and regal" against the day’s bold color palette.
Personalization continued in the smallest details, through custom matchboxes featuring their beloved cat, Monty (branded as “Monty’s Margarita Bar”), monogrammed cups and Mexican candy favors designed just for their loved ones. The bride adds: "These touches helped make the day feel like ours, weaving our personalities and cultures into every moment." There was even a surprise performance from a mariachi band during at the cocktail hour.
Looking back on their eight-month planning journey, Maggie and Rohan’s advice is to start with a clear vision for how you want your day to feel. Communicate that vision openly. Trust your vendors. And above all, they encourage couples to slow down and savor it. To look around, take mental snapshots and truly live in the moment. "On the actual wedding day, let go of most of your expectations and trust that the people you hired can handle it," Maggie says. "Things will happen and the unexpected will pop up, but your guests will almost never notice. They are there to celebrate, enjoy themselves and soak up the love."