Love, Friendship, and Community | Shadow Creek Weddings
Andrew and Riya’s wedding could only be described as lovely tender and absolutely lit!
Joy could be found in every corner and every detail. Guests told Riya and Andrew that even if guests didn’t know them walked away knowing the couple’s hearts and souls.
When choosing their wedding venue, Riya always thought she would get married in Vermont — it’s where she grew up! But we the couple thought about it more, all the big moments of their relationship started in Washington DC. It’s where they met, where their friends are, where they spend their time… and it’s an easy destination because of the international airport! At the end of the day, a Northern Virginia wedding was a no brainer and when they found the white barn on farmland, it felt like the perfect fit.
Typically, the groom makes his entrance at baraat — but this wasn’t something that Riya wanted to miss! They rode in on a bicycle rickshaw with a custom DC license plate that said “4EVER”. Their baraat turned into a surprise flash mod where there was so much joy every second.
Their outdoor ceremony music was played by Riya’s childhood violin teacher, whom played a blend of “Until I Found You” by Stephen Sanchez and Pachelbel’s Canon in D as they all walked in. In the front row was a photo of her grandmother, Baa, who passed away in 2016. After walking down the aisle, she placed her bouquet with the photo to pay her respects. The ceremony was officiated by Riya’s sister who did lots of research bringing in a blend of both cultures, making the script truly feel like their own. As as the walked back, “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire played — which was too perfect for their September 20th wedding!
During the reception, Riya’s sister performed an Indian classical dance, followed by a group dance of their family friends reunited together after 15 years. It started as the small group, and then slowly got bigger until bringing in Riya and Andrew at the end! Even the father-daughter dance had special meaning. They danced to a custom mashup of Fields of Gold” by Sting, which they used to listen to in the car when Riya was little, blended with Arijit Singh’s “Tera Yaar Hoon Main,” which means “I will always be your friend.” — and there wasn’t a dry eye in the building.
With Jewish tradition, the couple was lifted during the Hora. Riya said:
“I was lifted by some of my best friends, that spanned from childhood, college, and adulthood. Seeing all the worlds collide and be lifted by such wonderful humans felt like a special metaphor in that moment”
At the end of the night, Riya and Andrew shared a private last dance. It was a quiet final moment to reflect on their beautiful, love-filled day before giving their final goodbyes at the sparkler exit.
A few other special moments of their day:
- Riya’s henna which included Vermont mountains, DC monuments, and her and Andrew in their wedding outfits on the palm of her hand
- Being sent photos of family and friends unloading a truck full of drinks and decorations! They were so thankful for such a supportive community!
- All the aunts helping the bridesmaids pin up their lehenges and blouses
Their wedding truly showed that it takes a village! Having the support and love from family and friends can be a world of difference and it’s something to be so thankful for.
Other Local Vendors:
Cana Vineyards and Winery of Middleburg, Signature Events, Bhavna's Henna & Arts LLC, Jamie D'Agostino Makeup Artistry, Magnett Ethnic Studio, BeautiArt Jewelry, DC Vibez, Event Envy, Nat Wongsaroj Studios, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Leesburg - Historic District by IHG, Luxio Photo Booth, Events by Khatera, Crumbs & Crumbles, Reston Limousine, Empowder by Amola, All Pro Charter, IndAroma, Shadow Creek Weddings & Events
