Nikita and Mayur

Posted on: December 4, 2017

Photographer:
Peter Togel Photography

Nikita Patel, 27, a pharmacist and Mayur Patel, 28, a graphic designer, took their vows in Birmingham, Alabama, on August 26.

The duo met through a mutual friend. Mayur was once chatting with his friend on Facebook when he was then asked some awkward questions. He later came to find out it was Niki using his friend’s messenger. He found it hilarious, and sent Niki a friend request. They began talking, and planned a first date at the Georgia Aquarium that actually never happened!

To come full circle, Mayur wanted the proposal to be romantic for Niki. He asked her to go to the Georgia Aquarium, where he had arranged everything. She was taken on a private tour and at the end she was asked to open a seashell that had ‘will you marry me’ written inside. Niki thought it was for someone else, but once she saw Mayur, she understood that it was for her. The couple celebrated by finally taking a tour of the Aquarium together!

The couple hired Nilima from Crimson Bleu Events to help with wedding planning. Niki recommends a wedding planner as it is de-stressing and allows the couple to enjoy their big day.

Niki wanted to have her wedding in Birmingham where she grew up. “I wanted an indoor wedding, as the weather is unpredictable in Alabama,” she said. Embassy Suites by Hilton was the venue and accommodated 600 guests.

Niki and Mayur had a traditional Indian wedding complete with a mehendi, vidhi, garba, and more. Their close friends and family helped them with decorations, brought from India, all DIY! Niki’s maternal Uncle took care of decorations, while the catering was taken care of by friends. All the ceremonies were planned meticulously, months ahead.

The Bollywood-themed mehndi included games and a live food counter. The vidhi was done in according to Swaminarayan rituals. The mandap decoration for the indoor afternoon wedding was done by Mandap World, while the floral garlands were customized by Suman Patel, a local vendor.

The bride’s side welcomed the baraat with a garba the day before the wedding. Gujarati and Rajasthani cultures were the theme, while the Indian band, Jashn belted Bollywood fusion and traditional music. The couple didn’t have a reception, so the welcome ceremony included performances from family and friends. Niki and Mayur also set up a photo booth for guests to have fun.

The color theme for the wedding was gold, maroon, and lavender, while the wedding outfits were in traditional red and gold. The newlyweds left in a Bentley after the vidaai.

Niki’s advice to couples is to start planning early, stay calm, and get family and friends involved in planning and execution. She reminisces how Mayur ripped his dhoti before the wedding shoot, but luckily his groomsman pinned it up!