shaadi - Inspired Intermedia

SHAADI
A JOURNEY INTO
DESI WEDDINGS
THERESE COLE-HUBBS
Exquisite style, world-class service, and flawless execution.
These are the hallmarks of Electric Karma, a leading
coordinator of Desi weddings in Texas and around the globe.
The Electric Karma experience is one where cultures blend
and no wish is impossible. From festive sangeets and garbas
to ceremonies steeped in tradition to modern, on-trend
receptions, Electric Karma president and creative director
Therese Cole-Hubbs knows how to make any dream a reality.
Thirty magnificent weddings are showcased within this
book’s pages, taking you on a journey through time-honored
rituals and exciting new design ideas. As the variety of styles
demonstrates, there are countless ways to rejoice during a
South Asian wedding. Inside, you’ll find examples of some of
the most gorgeous and innovative ways to welcome family
and friends for the most important celebration of your life.
Whether you plan to take your vows on the sandy beaches
of Mexico, with the iconic Golden Gate Bridge as a backdrop,
or in your family’s backyard, Therese and her team can
coordinate it all, down to the tiniest detail. Let Electric Karma
inspire your dream wedding.
SHAADI
A JOURNEY INTO
DESI WEDDINGS
Published by
Signature Publishing Group
1424 Gables Court
Plano, TX 75075
469.246.6060
Fax: 469.246.6062
www.panache.com
Publishers: Brian G. Carabet and Jolie Carpenter
Art Director: Emily A. Kattan
Editor: Lindsey Wilson
Copyright © 2013 by Signature Publishing Group
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted
in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical,
including photocopying, recording, or by any
information storage or retrieval system, except brief
excerpts for the purpose of review, without written
permission of the publisher.
All images in this book have been reproduced with
the knowledge and prior consent of the professionals
concerned and no responsibility is accepted by the
producer, publisher, or printer for any infringement of
copyright or otherwise arising from the contents of this
publication. Every effort has been made to ensure that
credits accurately comply with the information supplied.
Printed in Canada
Distributed by Independent Publishers Group
800.888.4741
PUBLISHER’S DATA
Shaadi A Journey Into Desi Weddings
Library of Congress Control Number: 2013914812
ISBN 13: 978-0-9886140-3-1
ISBN 10: 0988614030
First Printing 2013
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
This publication is intended to showcase the work of
extremely talented people. The publisher does not
require, warrant, endorse, or verify any professional
accreditations, educational backgrounds, or professional
affiliations of the individuals or firms included herein.
All copy and photography published herein has been
reviewed and approved as free of any usage fees or
rights and accurate by the individuals and/or firms
included herein.
Signature Publishing Group is dedicated to the
restoration and conservation of the environment. Our
books are manufactured with strict adherence to an
environmental management system in accordance
with ISO 14001 standards, including the use of paper
from mills certified to derive their products from wellmanaged forests. We are committed to continued
investigation of alternative paper products and
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ensure the preservation of our fragile planet.
VIEW OUR
WEBSITE
For additional information,
please contact:
Electric Karma International
Therese Cole-Hubbs
281.705.9929
1.855.690.2677
[email protected]
SHAADI
A JOURNEY INTO
DESI WEDDINGS
Electric Karma—whose high-spirited leader and founder, Therese Cole-Hubbs, has planned more
than 600 astounding weddings—operates on the most premier level of service, designing weddings
that are exquisite, personal, and above all, unforgettable. The firm is world-renowned for its expertise
in Desi weddings, primarily because of Therese’s close understanding of its treasured culture. Nearly
30 years ago, Therese began her education in Desi weddings and has since combined the traditional
with the extraordinary. She believes that Desi weddings are all about building one incredible
experience on top of another, and treats this as a welcome challenge.
With Electric Karma, the most important aspect of a wedding is hospitality. Guests feel welcomed and
appreciated, and are often lavished with gifts and welcome bags fit for even the most glamorous of
red-carpet affairs. When choosing the right cuisine for the weddings, great care is taken to have the
food and beverages become part of the décor. This oftentimes adds another level of pizzazz to the
event—one wedding orchestrated a dramatic draped reveal to introduce over 60 buffet creations.
Entertainment at an Desi wedding goes far beyond a DJ and dance floor. The ceremonies have a
specific program, which outlines events like skits performed by friends, flying aerialists, and surprise
guest artists, all leading up to the grand entrance of the bride and groom. Be it an eve of Desi magic
or Texas two-stepping—and sometimes a combination of both—Electric Karma designs weddings
that leave guests in awe, all while making sure the bride and groom are having the time of their lives.
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Exhilarating
66
Houston, TX
72
Newport, RI
82
Houston, TX
Beautiful
Houston, TX
Surprising
130
138
146
150
156
New Orleans, LA
Romantic
Dramatic
McAllen, TX
Houston, TX
Fun
Stunning
San Francisco, CA
Beloved
26
Magical
Houston, TX
Rousing
Playful
Houston, TX
Meaningful
Houston, TX
86
Unforgettable
Houston, TX
Exciting
Los Cabos, MX
96
Houston, TX
Ornamental
Houston, TX
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42
48
60
56
Houston, TX
Houston, TX
Chic
Glittering
Memorable
102
Orange County, CA
106
Houston, TX
Luxurious
Houston, TX
Shimmering
116
Houston, TX
124
162
166
172
176
182
Houston, TX
Lavish
Stylish
Houston, TX
Houston, TX
Regal
Lovely
the woodlands, TX
Alfresco
Orlando, FL
Houston, TX
112
Exotic
Houston, TX
Picturesque
Remarkable
San Antonio, TX
Exquisite
Houston, TX
Elegant
West Palm Beach, FL
Louisville, KY
Magical
New Orleans
A wedding in New Orleans has to be the ultimate celebration, heavy on Southern hospitality and
nonstop merriment. In total, 13 events were carried out for the couple’s 800 guests, ranging from
relatively simple breakfasts to a post-reception dinner on the riverbank under the stars. In order to
make every single person feel welcome, we included thoughtful touches like welcoming guests with
beautifully embroidered bags full of goodies related to the wedding’s upcoming events. Food—
especially in a city that’s known for its cuisine like New Orleans is—is another way we showed the
guests how appreciated their presence was. Magnificent buffet stations, glamorous table settings,
tray after tray of passed hors d’oeuvres—we took the phrase “food is love” seriously. Of course, it
wouldn’t be a party in the Crescent City without a second line, so we arranged for a boisterous
procession to lead the newlyweds and their guests through the reception, getting everyone involved
in true New Orleans style. We kept the revelry going with an afterparty that came complete with
beads, feathered and gilded masks, and plenty of great music, courtesy of Desi Junction DJs.
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Creative food displays by Narin's Bombay Brasserie
brought interest to the appetizer station and
eliminated lines for the guests. Mehndi tents with
scarlet peacocks were created around the existing
chandeliers to extend the room's beauty from the
stage to the floor seating to the back of the room.
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Creative Partners
Decor One did an amazing job creating a romantic
ambience, coordinating the bride's outfit to the
décor through texture, candlelight, and soft
pastel florals.
Hilton New Orleans Location
1 Cinema Productions Photography
A&A Video Productions Videography
Decor One Décor & Floral
Desi Junction DJs Lighting & DJ
Narin's Bombay Brasserie Caterer
Wedding
Highlights
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Exhilarating
Soirée
The correct blend of elegance and class is just as important as the balance of tradition and
personalization in an Indian wedding. On the eve of the ceremony, guests gathered for the sangeet
at the Westin Galleria Hotel’s rooftop. The next morning found everyone at Chateau Cocomar
for what turned out to be the first Indian wedding ever hosted there. Prashe Decor arranged an
immaculately decorated ceremony and reception, heightening the excitement. Contemporary fabric
in mango, pink, and red adorned the mandap’s base while traditional flower garlands studded with
tiny bells added a playful twist. Flowers down the aisleway reflected the colors of the mandap, then
were repurposed for the reception. After the nuptials, guests enjoyed cocktails on the lawn before
entering into the soft, amber-colored reception. Multilevel centerpieces laden with roses gave the
room a pop of color while blending into the ambience. Guests received candle teacups as a thank
you for joining in the special day. When it was time for the couple to depart, they left under a shower
of sparklers held aloft by all their family and friends.
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A performance by Texas Bhangra during the
reception kept the energy up. Narin's Bombay
Brasserie cooked up a unique display for spinach
chaat by serving it in champagne glasses.
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Creative Partners
The bride participated in the ritual of vidaai,
throwing rice over her shoulders to signify the end
of the marriage ceremony and to thank her family
for all they had provided for her.
Chateau Cocomar Location
Westin Galleria Houston Location
J. Cogliandro Photography
1 Cinema Productions Videography
Prashe Decor Décor
Yogi-G Lighting & DJ
Narin's Bombay Brasserie Caterer
Wedding
Highlights
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Beloved
Family Celebration
A wedding, the beginning of a new life together, becomes even more poignant when viewed as a
celebration of your loved ones and a reminder to cherish them every day. The bride had previously
suffered a dramatic illness—she was clinically dead at one point—but her amazing recovery prompted
her father to give his little girl the wedding of her dreams. Her fantasy was to be married in an
enchanted forest, so that’s exactly what we created. She glided barefoot down an aisle made of
moss, surrounded by delicate butterflies she had made herself. A custom mandap with floating
crystal raindrops and candle orbs sprinkled throughout lush greenery and flowers waited at the
end of the aisle. A lunch immediately followed the ceremony, then everyone returned that evening
for an incredible reception where the enchanted forest theme was heightened and expanded upon.
Woodgrain placecards directed guests to their seats, where table cards informed them that instead
of a traditional favor, charity donations had been made in their names. This sentiment of giving back
perfectly encapsulated the love and gratefulness that influenced the wedding.
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An organic quality, both in the decorations and
in the pace of the wedding, allowed everyone to
really focus on the miraculous celebration that only
months before had seemed impossible.
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Creative Partners
The joy on the bride’s face when she saw that we
had interpreted her vision down to the tiniest detail
was simply amazing.
Royal Sonesta Hotel Houston Location
Philip Thomas Photography LLC Photography
Blink Films and Images Videography
Mandap Creations Décor
Dhol Beat International Lighting & DJ
Supreme Kakes Cake
Fabulous and Flawless Makeup Hair & Makeup
Wedding
Highlights
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Meaningful
Cultural Blend
Introducing someone to the beautiful customs and traditions of an Indian wedding is even more
special when that someone is the groom. He and his family practiced their steps for a surprise
dance at the reception for three months prior to the event, and their dedication and enthusiasm
was touching to observe. Of course, it was important to incorporate some elements of the groom’s
personality as well, which is why the song “Cotton-Eyed Joe” seemed like exactly the right musical
accompaniment to honor the wedding’s Texas hosts. Showing that the marriage was a blending
of cultures, the country tune transitioned into a Bollywood-inspired song and performance which
resulted in a standing ovation from all attending. Both the sangeet and the ceremony took place in
the bride’s parents’ backyard, which provided a fresh backdrop for both the gilded setting of the
ceremony and the dazzling bright colors of the sangeet. The reception, in contrast, was a swirl of
amber and topaz and studded with crystal accents galore. A cascading crystal canopy encircled with
luxurious white roses held court over the dance floor, punctuating the romantic aura of the room.
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Tangerine and teal, with plenty of gold accents, gave
the backyard sangeet a regal and festive appearance.
Planning
Tips
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Creative Partners
The marrying of cultures can be both sentimental
and chic, as the reception’s décor and subtle cake
topper indicate.
Omni Houston Hotel Westside Location
Weddings by Alefiya Photography
Tall Productions Videography
Decor One Décor
Indo.Raja Entertainment DJ
Made Yummy Cake
Urban Gypsy Belly Dancer
Wedding
Highlights
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Exciting
Los Cabos Adventure
One challenge to planning an extravagant wedding outside of the country is the apparent lack of
planning time. We made only one site inspection and conducted interviews with potential vendors in
a whirlwind three days—an international calling card was my saving grace. The coordination involved
to successfully pull off something like this is staggering, but working with top professionals reduces
the chances of something not going as planned. Both of the mothers, the bride, and her sister came
along for the planning excursion, and having their input and suggestions proved invaluable. Since an
Indian wedding is not as commonplace in Mexico as it might be in the United States, five suitcases
of appropriate décor came with us from Houston—including a statue of Ganesh tucked safely inside
my carry-on. My amazing relationship with Mandap Creations means I could entrust them with the
items it took to enhance the decor. However, we also wanted to incorporate the regional flavor
of the location, so the 250 guests were greeted with a welcome party featuring a mariachi band,
spectacular fire dancers, and authentic Mexican food. The Westin Resort made the entire experience
seamless, from the garba on the terrace to the reception in the elegant ballroom.
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Joining the soothing atmosphere of the beach with
the excitement of a multi-event wedding was a
surprisingly great combination.
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Creative Partners
Lighting and interesting table settings were
extremely important elements used to convey a
sense of intimacy for the large gathering of friends
and family.
Westin Resort & Spa Los Cabos Location
EM Weddings Photography & Videography
Linens, Things and More Décor
Cabo Floral Studio Floral
PSAV Presentation Services Lighting
Indo.Raja Entertainment DJ
Sweet Dreams Special Occasion Cakes Cake
Mariachi Gavilancillo Cabo San Lucas Mariachi
Cabo Entertainment Company Fire Dancers
Madras Pavillion Indian Catering
Suzanne Morel Hair & Makeup
Wedding
Highlights
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Glittering
Gala
When you add all the events of a traditional Indian wedding together, it can make for some very
long days. The flip side is that the guests and wedding party are usually expecting a nonstop party,
so it’s a fun challenge to keep the festivities going. A sangeet right on the marina incorporated its
location into the décor with starfish accents and an aqua and tangerine color scheme. On the heels
of that party was the baraat, which began bright and early with 100 guests having to board the
shuttle buses to the temple starting at 6:00 a.m. You’d think the early hour would dim spirits, but
the crowd was already more than ready to celebrate. Likewise, the reception didn’t seem to want
to stop. We engaged Decor One to design a beautiful and sparkling reception, complete with a
Cinderella carriage for the bride to arrive in. As a memorable final touch, we arranged for a fusion
food truck to greet guests as they departed the reception, offering up late-night nibbles before they
all went to their rooms. The grand finale to the long weekend was a chartered private yacht for a bon
voyage brunch.
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Creative Partners
Horse-drawn carriage? Try coordinator-pushed,
fairytale-inspired transportation. There’s nothing this
coordinator won’t do!
South Shore Harbour Resort & Conference Center Location
Sri Meenakshi Temple Location
Erik Clausen Photography
1 Cinema Productions Videography
Decor One Décor
DJ Rocky Lighting & DJ
Hilda Kershman Hair & Makeup
Wedding
Highlights
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