Mira and Rohan, Cedar Lakes Estate, New York
A charming lakeside Haldi followed by a wedding ceremony surrounded by the mountains, and a barn reception finale. This couple’s stunning wedding proves that fairytales do come true!
Marketing professional Mira and Rohan Menon’s lakeside wedding in New York in the heart of Hudson Valley was a picture-perfect celebration. Flaunting bookmark-worthy decor and heartwarming moments, their wedding expressed the richness of Indian wedding traditions along with whimsical elements that proudly showcased the couple’s modern tastes.
How They Met
Mira and Rohan first crossed paths in university where the two were introduced by mutual friends. Soon enough, they developed a great camaraderie. Unfortunately, they lost touch for a year and were reunited when they were pitted against each other in the student organization’s presidential elections. As they competed, they bonded once again and hit it off!
The Proposal
After pursuing a long-distance relationship for years with Mira in New York and Rohan in Washington D.C., Rohan planned a surprise proposal for her on their trip to Patagonia. During a picnic that he had planned overlooking the Los Cuernos mountains, he gave Mira an index card that read, ‘Will you marry me?’ accompanied by a bunch of candid pictures of her that he had shot over the years that they’d been together.
Wedding Planning
Originally planned for August 2020, the couple had to postpone their wedding to July 2021 due to the pandemic where they finally tied the knot amongst 270 guests. However, they did get married legally in August. They chose a lakeside estate in the heart of Hudson Valley for their venue.
Orchestrating an Indian wedding on foreign shores is not an easy feat, especially at a venue where Indian weddings are a rarity. But with the right planner – AMV Weddings, and photographer – Scott Clark Photography on their wedding squad, the task proved to be an easy one!
Weddings Functions
Haldi
Hosted by the lake on a wooden platform with an amphitheater-like seating, the open-air Haldi was filled with fun moments where everyone had a gala time slathering the couple with turmeric. Later, the couple dived straight into the lake to wash the turmeric off ramping up the fun several notches higher!
Welcome Dinner
Hosted under the starry sky, the breezy Welcome Dinner witnessed many heartfelt moments. Lit up by the soft, flickering lights of the candles and twinkling fairy lights, this event had the couple making high-spirited toasts while the guests helped themselves to s’mores at the roaring bonfire barbeque.
Field Day
To break the ice and to make sure that both sides got easily acquainted with each other, the couple planned a field day where everyone was at their playful yet competitive best. The games included an egg spoon race, flip cup, football precision passing and a three-legged race! The couple was extremely pleased as both the families had bonded effortlessly.
Wedding
Dreamy, whimsical and gorgeous, the lakeside Wedding was nothing less than a dream with the mountains in the back lending a majestic backdrop to the proceedings. Decorated in pink and white peonies and an aisle scattered with delicate pink petals, the wedding decor was a beautiful contrast against the lush green surroundings. Adding a dash of fun and cuteness to the wedding was their 8-month-old puppy who wore a dog tuxedo as the ring bearer. Running down the aisle to the song ‘Who Let the Dogs Out’, it was an adorable sight to behold as their furry friend had everyone laughing and cheering!
Reception
After the wedding, the couple changed into their reception attire where they were serenaded by a classical tabla and sitar player. As the guests took in their fill of Indian and Italian food, the groom gave a heartfelt speech thanking each guest for their support, and for being present with them despite the highs and lows of the pandemic. A pre-recorded wedding speech from Mira’s late grandfather also led to a few emotional moments. On the decor front, the couple combined the best of rustic and floral decor for their barn reception. Gold and white linens covered the tables while bright pink blooms added a dollop of color. Crystal candelabras, white drapes and delicate cream upholstery further added to the elegance!
For the after-party, the couple shifted the celebration to the venue’s treehouse where they donned ‘just married’ Pittsburgh jerseys.
The Wedding Makers
Venue: Cedar Lakes Estate, US
Wedding Planner: AMV Weddings
Florist: Faye & Renee
Caterers: Cedar Lakes Estate
Groom’s Outfits: Saks Fifth Avenue (Reception)
Bride’s Outfits: Alamour The Label (Rehearsal Dinner), Sabyasachi Mukherjee (Wedding), Manish Malhotra (Reception)
Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Makeup: MakeupbyRada
Hairstyling: Vanessa Pesantez
Mehndi: Color Me Rouge
Entertainment: Raj Daffu, 07 Event Group
DJ: DJ Binda (Reception)
Wedding Invitations: Rohan & Aparna Invitations
Wedding Stationery: Padma Graphic Design by Palav Desai, Ethereal Wedding Gift (Guest Book)
Cake: Cedar Lakes Estate
Rentals: B&B Tent and Party Rentals
Transportation: West Point Tours
Photography: Scott Clark Photography
Videography: Derek Chan Films
