Part 2: Stephanie and Sumeeth’s
Indian Fusion Wedding in Nashville
Scarritt Bennett Center – Wightman Chapel and Country Music Hall of Fame
Music City Fairytale Wedding
Stephanie and Sumeeth’s 3 day Indian fusion wedding in Nashville was a Music City fairy tale. Not only did it have a Nashville theme, but the reception at Country Music Hall of Fame’s Event Hall overlooked the downtown Nashville skyline, providing their guests, whom were visiting from all over the globe, the chance to experience the sights and sounds of their beloved adopted city.
Future Vandy Doctors Fall in Love
After completing grueling degrees in biomedical engineering (Stephanie at Duke University and Sumeeth at Northwestern), the couple met as they both began the Medical Science Training Program at Vanderbilt University. As fate would have it, Sumeeth had deferred his acceptance to Vandy for a year to work and publish a paper which ensured that he would meet his future bride! They stuck it out through the stresses of medical school, supporting one another, and falling in love. One rainy afternoon last September, under the now infamous rainbow umbrella, Sumeeth got down on one knee and asked Stephanie for her hand at Centennial Park. We visited that same spot for photos on their wedding day and wouldn’t you know it started to rain…
Wightman Chapel Ceremony
We started the day photographing both Stephanie and Sumeeth getting ready at their respective homes before heading to Scarritt Bennett Center. Wightman Chapel is beautiful already but the fuchsia and white florals from The Enchanted Florist made it even more so. The ceremony was full of sentimental moments, readings and songs from relatives, but nothing topped Sumeeth’s joyous tears as he saw his bride walk down the aisle. After their vows, Sumeeth tied a stunning diamond necklace around Stephanie’s neck in a traditional Hindu Thali ceremony.
Centennial Park Wedding Party Photos
After the ceremony, we boarded a trolly for wedding party photos at the Parthenon – Centennial Park and Cumberland Park before the storms started rolling in. Meanwhile guests headed to the Country Music Hall of Fame for cocktail hour where they enjoyed live music, a photo booth, signature drinks, and games such as giant Jenga and cornhole. Two life sized, jeweled elephants made of flowers guarded the entrance to the reception. Elephants signify good luck in Hindu culture, another nod to this Indian fusion soiree.
Country Music Hall of Fame Reception
Although some were severe, the storms provided an awesome backdrop for the reception in the glass walled Event Hall at Country Music Hall of Fame! I secretly hoped I would catch a bolt of lightning in one of the first dance photos but, alas, no luck. The 10,000 sq. ft. room actually felt cozy with towering glass vases of pink stargazer lilies and blue and white hydrangeas adorning the guests tables. Stephanie and Sumeeth shared a long head table with their immediate families who all sat in the coolest royal blue velvet upholstered chairs – I want one for my house!
I couldn’t help but share too many images of the formal dances. Stephanie and Sumeeth’s first dance was gracefully choreographed and the parent dances were just so emotional. Everyone was crying!
I could write about their perfect wedding all day, but in the end it was just that — perfect. Cheers to the future doctors!
Again, huge thanks to Shayna Mitchell, Tanya France and Krista Allen for shooting and assisting!
Wedding Pros:
Coordinator: Weddings by Rachel.
Florist: The Enchanted Florist.
Videography: With This Ring.
Hair & Makeup: Meghan Lee, Declan + Mae.
Cake: Signature Cakes by Vicki.
Band: Farewell Angelina.
DJ: DJ Connection.
Wedding Dress: Natalie M. Bridal.
Bridesmaid dresses: David’s Bridal.
Jewelry: Sampat Jewelers.
Calligraphy: White Ink Calligraphy.
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See Stephanie’s Bridal Portrait Session HERE.
