Indian Wedding at Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina
CATEGORIES
April 19, 2024
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Avanthi and Nicky, a bookworm and a social butterfly who met in college, founded their happily ever after shortly after spending more time in medical residency together. Once engaged, the couple dreamed of an outdoor destination wedding in the spring. That’s when Avanthi got to work looking for a city where the weather would be pleasant but not too hot in May as Indian brides typically wear heavy outfits and wedding ceremonies can be quite long. Asheville, North Carolina, with its mild May temperatures, stunning scenery, vibrant downtown, and craft brewery scene (perfect for groom Nicky, a beer enthusiast), checked all the boxes!
“We wanted a picturesque ceremony location that was also a fun weekend getaway for our guests,” Avanthi explains.
Searching for their ideal venue led Avanthi and Nicky directly to the Biltmore. Because the property catered to Indian weddings, even offering a separate Indian food menu, the couple didn’t tour any other venues! “We fell in love with the pictures of the grounds, the Estate, and the gorgeous mountain views,” Avanthi says.
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Their wedding was a beautiful blend of Avanthi and Nicky’s separate backgrounds. The morning kicked off with a lively Baraat procession, complete with a horse-riding Nicky, dhol music, and enthusiastic dancing by his family and friends. A Sikh ceremony followed, rich with hymns and traditions.
Avanthi then changed from her stunning Sikh lehenga into a breathtaking sari for the Hindu ceremony. This ceremony was equal parts beautiful and playful, incorporating traditions like the “kasi yathirai” (where Nicky pretends to flee for a pilgrimage) and the “maalai maatral” (a playful garland exchange).
The couple made sure to incorporate personal touches throughout the day through the use of DIY projects. Avanthi’s sister even illustrated the wedding invitations, featuring the couple in traditional outfits standing outside the Biltmore. For the reception, they displayed framed photos of their grandparents and hand-wrote thank you messages on guest escort cards that doubled as wedding favors.
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Looking back, Avanthi says the best part of their destination wedding was the intimacy. “Many of our guests came early to explore Asheville and spend extra time with us,” she says. It was a chance to celebrate their love story with the people who mattered most, surrounded by the beauty of Asheville and the grandeur of the Biltmore Estate.
So, what’s Avanthi’s advice to future brides and grooms? “Enjoy the process, don’t sweat the small stuff, and have fun on your wedding day!” After all, with your favorite people by your side, that’s all that truly matters.
Vendors: Photographer: Michael Freas; Wedding Planner: Ayesha Mian Weddings; Venue/Catering/Cake: Biltmore Estate; Florist: Utopian Events; Invitations: Gus & Ruby Letterpress; Hair: Anna Pham; Makeup: Jenny Le; Bride’s Attire: Sangeet outfit – Aisha Rao, Sikh Wedding Lehenga – Anita Dongre, Hindu Wedding Sari – Kanakavalli, Reception Gown – Pooja Peshoria; Groom’s Attire: Sangeet & Sikh Wedding Outfit – Anita Dongre, Reception Tuxedo: Enzo Custom; Sangeet Caterer: Blue Taj; Videographer: Christian Fernandez; Music: DJ Pawan; Sangeet & Barat Drummer: Arpan Dholi; Mehndi Artist: Isha’s Henna Art
