Colleen + Shanil // Let's Heat It Up

If there was a wedding for Mint To Be Events to end the year 2021, Shanil and Colleen would be the way we had wanted to do it. Before we get to this couple's storyline, lets just start with how fortunate we are at Mint To Be Events to work with absolutely gorgeous couples. Colleen and Shanil have to be right up there for us to win the best looking Mint To Be couple award, if we ever had such an award. Shanil originally reached out to our sister company, Boston Sound and Light Company emphasizing the priority of the celebration to be about music. Shanil, who himself is a musician (pictures below playing the Indian drum), along with his cousins who also play the Dhol is no stranger to the Indian wedding scene. And while his path had never crossed ours, it was only a matter of time, and of all things for his wedding.

There was a heavy emphasis to ensure that both the bride's American side was equally represented to the Indian Gujarati side of the celebration. While we learned this requirement early on from a music perspective, the same was required from a planning perspective.

You can watch the highlights of this wedding created masterfully by our friends at @filmswithheart

Or enjoy Colleen and Shanil's story via these wonderful images produced by Emilie Photography.

The story begins at the Boston Park Plaza on a chilly December morning. The bride and groom sneak a few shots before the baraat in front of the venue's signature sign.

The baraat horse and his conductor were ready for the groom.

The groom and his entourage make their way to the street. Mint To Be Events worked closely with the Boston Police department to shut down Colombus St to ensure we took over the streets of Boston for the Groom's arrival.

And once on the horse, everybody's hands went up!

Typically, the Groom's procession called the baraat is for the Groom's family, but in fusion weddings we encourage guests from both sides to participate such that our culture and excitement is not missed.

Once the baraat ends, the bride side welcomes the groom in a small ceremony outside of the temple or in most cases where the mandap is setup. In some Indian customs this is called the "milni", however in Gujarati traditions, this ceremony is called the "pokhvanu". There are several non-religious customs, such as the mother of the bride pinching the nose of the groom, indicating that she has the power in the relationship in case he doesn't treat his daughter right.

While the Pokhvanu ceremony was happening outside, OLuxe Designs was putting on the finishing touches to this gorgeous mandap upstairs in the ballroom.

And off they got married.

After the ceremony, the bride and groom wished for some fresh air as they had to prep again for yet another ceremony.

Back in the room, the bridesmaids were ready to help the bride for the next ceremony (wink wink).

Just how cute are these photos.

White dress...

And the start of the American ceremony...

And they are married (again) .....

Boston Sound and Light Company and OLuxe Designs created the most romantic atmosphere for the reception.

And while the bridal party were introduced from downstairs, DJ Yogz directed the crowd up to the balcony for a surprise balcony entry for the bride and groom.