Haikoo and Kaushik, Ohio
This backyard wedding was a romantic affair with DIY decor, virtual merrymaking & a blend of Gujarati & Telugu customs.
Medical professionals Haikoo Shah and Kaushik Chagarlamudi college friendship evolved into something deeper over time, and they decided to take things to the next level. Their charming Telugu-Gujarati home wedding saw a mix of real life and virtual festivities, and here, you can take a peek into the celebrations.
How They Met
The bride shares, “Kaushik and I met at our college orientation in 2012. Being part of a small college group, we met as classmates and eventually became friends. As our friendship developed over time through college and medical school, his patience, kindness and wit made me fall in love with him.”
The Proposal
Haikoo recalls, “On a day off, my younger sister Aastha and I went to an exhibit at the Cleveland Art Museum that we had been looking forward to for a long time. After the exhibit, we went to the gift shop where a card with my name on it inside a glass display case caught my eye. The card led me to Kaushik waiting in the gallery with the rest of my family. Seeing him ask me to become a part of his family, we were overjoyed!”
Wedding Planning
The original plans of a grand wedding were scrapped in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, and instead, the couple tied the knot at a quaint backyard wedding in the bride’s home. For their wedding wardrobe, they turned to local designers in Ahmedabad, Baroda and Hyderabad. Haikoo found her dream wedding lehenga in Asopalav, Ahmedabad and her Reception lehenga at Gowri, Baroda.
Planned in the span of just three weeks, the festivities included all functions but on a smaller scale, charming DIY decor, well rehearsed dances and a whole lot of fun.
Wedding Functions
Sangeet
The festivities started with a small haldi and mehndi ceremony with just family members in attendance. The musical sangeet was transformed into a virtual experience with a wider participation and memorable moments of joy. The bride and her family spent the evening watching videos of their relatives from India doing garba, singing songs, and more.
Wedding
The romantic backyard nuptials saw soft, pastel decor elements arranged by the bride and her cousins, while the floral gazebo mandap was conceptualized by Events 2NV. The bride shares, “Some of my best memories are of my cousins and I staying up all night before the wedding cutting flowers, making bouquets and garlands, and waking up before sunrise to set up the tables, chairs, and decor items.” Kaushik arrived in a convertible car with his baraat dancing alongside and showering him with rose petals. Haikoo was resplendent in a rich red lehenga, while the groom complemented her in a beige and red sherwani. The wedding was a beautiful blend of Telugu and Gujarati customs.
Reception
The wedding was followed by a small reception at which Kaushik looked dapper in a tuxedo, and Haikoo glowed under the sun in her stunning ivory and gold lehenga. The function was full of emotional moments, heartfelt speeches and fun games, and ended with the couple cutting a vegan wedding cake.
Advice for Couples
“I strongly believe in sustainability and ethical human labor practices, and always try to support shops and brands that uphold these values. Unfortunately, due to time constraints and circumstances, I could not give much thought to it during my wedding shopping, but I intend to do so for all future shopping, and would urge others to do the same”.
The Wedding Makers
Decor: Events 2NV
Bride’s Outfit: Aso Palav (Wedding), Gowri (Reception)
Hair: L.A. Salon
Catering: Cuisine of India
Cake: Nanak Bakery
Entertainment: Entertaining Ed’s
Photography: Makayla Lynn Photography, Shelby Miller Photography
Videography: Chaptr Films
