Four years ago this week, Nikhil and I said “hell yeah” to forever. Our wedding weekend was a joyful blur of color, culture, and connection that still feels larger than life. Every October, we find ourselves reminiscing about our weekend at One Eleven East, the colors spilling from every corner, and the simple truth that it all felt so perfectly us.

We always knew we wanted our wedding to reflect both of our heritages, celebrating Nikhil’s Indian roots and my love for color, storytelling, and community. The result was a three-day celebration that started with a family-hosted mehndi on Thursday, continued with our Hindu ceremony on Friday, and wrapped with a vibrant Western wedding on Sunday.

Four Years Later: Our Colorful Hindu and Western Wedding at One Eleven East

Date: October 8–10, 2021
Venue: One Eleven East | Hutto, Texas
Featured on: BRIDES
Photography: Katelyn James Photography
Mehndi + Bridal Portraits: Ruet Photo

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Thursday: The Mehndi

The festivities began on Thursday evening with the sweetest family celebration, a mehndi hosted by my incredible in-laws. The night was full of laughter, dancing, and a few early tears as family and friends gathered to kick off the weekend.

Ruet Photo, who also photographed my bridal portraits, captured the spirit of the evening perfectly. From the sound of bangles clinking to the scent of fresh henna, every image radiated joy. It was the most heartfelt way to begin a weekend that would only grow more meaningful with each passing day.

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Friday: A Modern Hindu Ceremony in Pink and Red

Friday marked the beginning of our wedding weekend in true, intentional fashion. We held a modern Hindu ceremony that honored Nikhil’s Indian heritage and the joining of our two families.

I wore a pink and red lengha chosen by my mother-in-law, a stunning mix of tradition and style that felt completely like me. I paired it with glam waves, a center part, and a bridal bindi that shimmered in the soft Texas light.

We created a deconstructed mandap to give the ceremony a more modern aesthetic and intentionally shortened the traditional rituals to focus on what mattered most: our vows, our families, and the shared joy that filled the room.

Friday Vendors:
Planner – Much Ado Austin
Florist – Blumen Floral
Venue – One Eleven East
Styling – The Venue Studio
Catering – Soho Catering
DJ – DJ Gatsby
Attire – VAMA Designs
HMUA – Luna Beauty & Bridal
Photography – Katelyn James Photography

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Sunday: A Retro-Inspired Western Celebration

On Sunday, we returned to One Eleven East for our Western ceremony and reception, a retro-inspired explosion of color and joy.

Working with Much Ado Austin and The Venue Studio, we brought a bold palette of peach, mustard, teal, and orange to life. Jen Krause Paper Co. designed a playful stationery suite that reflected our personalities perfectly.

I wore a Milla Nova gown from Melange Bridal, a sheer-bodiced tulle dream with delicate dotted details. My hair was styled into a braided crown with pearl accents and a hidden “something blue.” Nikhil wore a muted rose tux that was every bit as fun and stylish as he is.

The evening was filled with laughter, sparkle, and nonstop dancing. Guests lined the street as we danced our way out of the venue while Sparkle Faerie covered everyone in glitter. It was the perfect ending to the most meaningful weekend of our lives.

Sunday Vendors:
Planner – Much Ado Austin
Florist – Blumen Floral
Venue – One Eleven East
Stylist – The Venue Studio
Photography – Katelyn James Photography
Videography – Two Fish Weddings
HMUA – Luna Beauty & Bridal
Stationery – Jen Krause Paper Co.
Streamers – Pop & Drop
Rentals – Loot Rentals
Cake – Glace Cakes
DJ – DJ Gatsby
Catering – Soho Catering
VW Bus – Vannagram ATX
Linens – BBJ & La Tavola and @latavolalinen
Wedding Bands – Austin Private Jeweler
Engagement Ring – Brilliant Earth
Reception Glitter Artist – Sparkle Faerie

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Four Years Later

It feels surreal to think it has been four years since that weekend. Every time we visit Hutto, we find ourselves standing outside One Eleven East, remembering what it felt like to marry surrounded by everyone who made us who we are.

That weekend will always be the foundation of our story, full of color, culture, and unfiltered joy.

As both a bride and a wedding photographer, I can say with complete certainty that your wedding should look and feel like you. Whether that means wearing a pink and red lengha, blending traditions, or starting the party on Thursday night, joy will always be the best theme.

Here’s to four years of love, partnership, and saying “hell yeah” to forever.