This Indian micro wedding came together like a whirlwind. And I’m so glad it did! I originally met this couple when they were planning a larger, DC ballroom bash for late October 2020. The bride and groom are both medical doctors and saw the writing on the wall at the start of COVID. They paused any wedding plans until after quarantine in early 2020. Of course, after a few weeks, we all knew it wasn’t going anywhere any time soon.

After a few months, I was thrilled when Elizabeth and Neil decided to have an intimate wedding after all! When the couple started planning the micro wedding, they called me and asked for my open dates before diving into any details. Love them! We picked a weekend that we were going to be in DC, and the rest is history. The end result was a stunning 11-person ceremony and dinner with their immediate families.

Maintaining some of their original vendor team, Elizabeth and Neil worked with Elizabeth Gopal of East Made Co who helped both craft the design and implement measures to keep everyone safe. Elizabeth and Neil wrote their own vows for a private self-uniting service before a traditional Hindu ceremony. The Hindu ceremony was a bright and vibrant in every way from the florals to Elizabeth’s saree. Elizabeth wore a stunning red and gold saree she bought on a trip to India the year before.

Chic and Small Wedding Dinner

To contrast the vibrant ceremony colors, the dinner design focused on a more traditional wedding aesthetic while still weaving in some bright red and orange colors of a traditional Indian wedding. The reception took place at, La Vie, a chic DC restaurant in the Wharf neighborhood. The couple requested socially distanced tables by family. The tables surrounded an open area where the couple could share their first dance.

Early on in the planning, I learned that Neil’s family is from the same town I am – Kolkatta, India! Not only are we from the same region, but we are also from the same neighborhood. With such a close connection, I was very excited to work with Neil and his family. The bride’s family is from Tennessee and work in hospitality. Naturally, that made them the warmest group I’ve come across at a wedding in a while.

Overall, their wedding may have looked a bit different than originally planned. But spending such a special day with their families made for an unforgettable and meaningful day, merging cultures, traditions, and two wonderful families. 

See more of this wedding featured on Martha Stewart Weddings here.

Indian Micro Wedding Vendors

Styling and Design East Made Co | Florals Sophie Felts Floral Design | Rentals Select Event Group | Catering and Venue La Vie | Ceremony Venue ISKCON of DC | Cake Buttercream Bakeshop | Hair and Makeup Tamar C Makeup | Dress Amsale | Mehendi Henna by Shazia| Bride’s Shoes Manolo Blahnik | Groom’s Attire Brimble & Clark, Christian Louboutin and Louis Vuitton | Mandap Galaxy Event Solutions | Rentals Select Event Group | Linens BBJ Linen