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Love has a way of bringing together worlds, cultures, and traditions in ways that feel both magical and intentional. For Laura and Amit, their fall wedding was more than a celebration of two people. It was a beautiful fusion of Hindu and Christian traditions, an ode to art, and a reflection of their shared values of equality, feminism, and joy.
A Wedding Rooted in Art & Equality
From their first date at the National Portrait Gallery, art has been a constant in Laura and Amit’s relationship. When it came time to plan their wedding, they knew they wanted something that would reflect their creativity and passion for culture. The Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria, VA, a vibrant gallery space filled with working artists, dwas the perfect backdrop. With sculptures, canvases, and even a historic torpedo as part of the décor, the venue gave their wedding an artsy, modern edge.
But beyond the aesthetic, Laura and Amit were deeply committed to weaving their values into the day. Their ceremony was both Christian and Hindu, incorporating blessings from Ganesh and the exchange of garlands alongside personal vows and a bell hooks reading. In a bold feminist move, they even created a brand-new last name together, symbolizing their equal partnership.
Bright Florals & Cultural Fusion
The florals, designed by Bell Flowers, brought a burst of color to the already lively venue. From vibrant garlands of red and white carnations to a custom flower arch for their ceremony, the blooms carried both cultural symbolism and personal significance. The garlands, in particular, honored Amit’s Hindu heritage and mirrored the symbolism of wedding rings.
Their fashion choices also reflected their fusion of traditions. Laura stunned in a custom NEWHITE bridal ensemble with a high-slit skirt and avant-garde top—an outfit she can continue wearing on anniversaries. Amit embraced his Indian roots with a navy kurta, gold sherwani vest, and traditional juttis, while the wedding party dazzled in lehengas and kurtas in jewel tones. Guests were invited to wear Indian or American formalwear, creating a kaleidoscope of color and style.
Unique Moments & Personal Touches
Laura and Amit’s wedding was filled with personalized touches that made the day uniquely theirs. Months before the big celebration, they had privately exchanged vows in the place of their first date, making their second ceremony even more joyful and pressure-free.
One of the most unforgettable moments came with their reimagined baraat. Rather than Amit making a grand entrance alone, the couple emerged together while their wedding party danced around them, an equalized and joy-filled take on the tradition.
And then came the dance floor. Not only did Laura and Amit perfect a first dance that blended ballroom with Bollywood, but they also surprised guests with a Bollywood flash mob alongside their friends. With music ranging from Bollywood hits to hip-hop to Prince (Laura’s favorite), the dance floor was alive all night.
A Love Story With Two Proposals
Their engagement story is as special as their wedding. Both Laura and Amit had secretly planned to propose on the very same day at the Spanish Steps in Washington, D.C., a place full of history and personal meaning. Amit’s proposal included a hidden guitar player performing Prince’s “Kiss”, while Laura shocked him by pulling out her own speech and getting down on one knee too. It was a double “yes” that perfectly captured their equality-driven love.
Advice from the Couple
For couples planning their own day, Laura and Amit shared a few gems:
- Stock the dance floor with flip flops for tired feet, it was a lifesaver for their guests! So many aunties and uncles specifically said they’d never seen this before but loved it!
- Communicate with your partner, always. Support each other through the process. We really tried to be present with each other and make sure the other was supported throughout the wedding planning process. We also found the book The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John Gottman to be great, particularly for how to talk through tough situations that arise.
- Choose vendors who share your values. The right team makes the whole experience joyful. We are so happy that all the folks we chose for our special day were both as fun and as dedicated to social justice as we are. With so many people who put together a successful day, you want to feel good about who you’re surrounding yourself with. We felt like we were hanging out with friends and people who really got us as a couple.
- And yes, bring Tupperware for those late-night wedding leftovers. (We received this tip and are so sad we didn’t implement it)
