Mia and Marshall, Pasadena, USA
This duo’s wedding celebration was alive with Gatsbyesque glamour and hosted in locations from famous videos and films!
Had we been invited to Mia and Marshall’s wedding we would go there expecting a lot M&M’s. Whether or not, the couple made this brightly colored crunchy chocolate the prime dessert of the evening, we’re not sure. However, what we do know is that their love story was just as sweet and their wedding packed the same flavor! The bride shares with us the highlight of her big day.
How We Met
In the winter of 2007, Marshall made a trip out to Los Angeles from Texas, with his cousins, to visit his uncle and aunt. At a Christmas Eve service we’d coincidentally attended, his aunt introduced him to me. A few days later, we became friends on Facebook and Marshall asked for my number. Two years later, Marshall flew out to California to meet my parents and this was the beginning of a beautiful long-distance relationship. Eight years later, Marshall decided that it was time to pop the big question and asked me to marry him.
Wedding Venue
Since we met in the Los Angeles County, we decided to get married there as well. Marshall lives in Texas with his family and I live in California so it was a destination wedding for his side of the family. Our wedding ceremony was at the First Baptist Church in Pasadena, CA (the same place where the music video of Pharrell Williams’ song ‘Happy’ was shot!). Our reception took place at Palladio Banquet Hall in Glendale, CA. Our photos were taken at Pasadena City Hall, also the location of many Hollywood movies and TV shows such as Parks and Recreation.
Wedding Planning
Wedding shopping wasn’t too hectic because I only had to shop for one gown. I bought my gown from the Bridal & Special Times boutique in Pasadena, CA and it was designed by Allure Couture. Marshall’s tuxedo was from the Men’s Warehouse in Glendale, CA. My diamond earrings were a gift from my brother from Jared’s Jewellery store and my diamond necklace was a gift to me from Marshall’s family. My engagement shoot outfit was from Frontier Heritage in Los Angeles.
Fortunately, I did not face any challenges organizing an ethnic Indian wedding in the USA as it is a very common occurrence these days. I had a lot of help from my friends, families, the bridal party and my amazing vendors.
Wedding Functions
Wedding
We had a typical American wedding. Our ceremony was held under the non-denominational Christian belief and lasted 2 hours. To symbolize our unity, we lit the unity candle which signifies our personalities becoming one on this journey. Lastly, we exchanged vows and sealed our marriage with a kiss. Since the church was so beautiful, we did not need a lot of additional elements to deck up the interiors. A few floral arrangements and lots of candles did the trick.
Reception
The reception immediately followed the ceremony and the decor was inspired by the classy glamor of 20s’ America, evocative of the set of The Great Gatsby. Our wedding colors were black and gold and we requested our guests dress up in attire suited to a black-tie event.
Wedding Makers
Venues: First Baptist Church in Pasadena, CA (Wedding), Palladio Banquet Hall in Glendale, CA (Reception)
Bride’s Outfit: Allure Couture
Groom’s Outfit: Men’s Warehouse, Glendale, CA
Jewellery: Jared’s Jewellery store
Makeup Artist: Faces by Maribel Robles, LA
Florist: Bellissimos Flowers
Invitation: Valavi & Co.
Cake: Karina’s Cake House, Glendale CA
DJ: DJ Sukh with Digital Style Productions
Photography: Getdrea Photography
Videography: Joshua Kurikeshu media
