Jenna had recently moved from Santa Barbara to New York to complete her nursing degree. During this transition, she took a job in the emergency department of the medical center. At the same time, Vikaran had just finished medical school and started his residency. The two first crossed paths at the University of Rochester Medical Center, where Vikaran often did his daily rounds in the ER. Over time, they bonded through conversations and their shared love of spicy food. Eventually, Vikaran invited Jenna over for dinner to showcase his Indian recipes. That evening, Jenna requested he make the meal as spicy as possible – and he delivered. From that night on, they embarked on a shared quest to seek out and savor the spiciest foods they could find. Jenna and Vikaran were engaged in Rochester during a morning run to Cobb Hill Park. Vikaran had carefully planned the surprise during his graduation week and was determined to make the moment special, even despite the rain. At the top of the hill, he knelt down and presented Jenna with her grandmother’s ring.
Jenna and Vikaran’s wedding was brought to life through fabrics and florals, as hand-selected sarees and tapestries from India captivated their farmhouse wedding with vibrant color. During Jenna’s trip to India to purchase wedding attire, she was inspired to embrace bold hues after being inspired by the brightly colored silks on display at local saree shops. After three days of searching, she found her dress – a bright orange and red embroidered ensemble displayed on a mannequin. It stood out from all the others she had seen, and when she tried it on, it fit perfectly – it was the last one available. Her gown featured hand-sewn embroidery and peacock detailing. For her second look, she had a custom outfit made back in the States from a stunning sheet of purple and blue silk she had brought back from that trip. The couple was married at Gilbertsville Farmhouse, a picturesque destination wedding resort with views of the Catskill Mountains. Due to unexpected weather, they made a last-minute decision to move their outdoor ceremony into the Milking Parlour. The intimate, Indian-inspired ceremony, led by a priest, felt warm and magical under the glow of string lights. The reception tables were adorned with silk table runners Jenna had brought back from India, while vibrant fabrics hung inside the barn, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. Garlands of yellow, orange, and pink flowers provided bursts of energy against the rustic wooden interior. Looking back on their wedding, the couple’s favorite moment was the “shot before baraat” table, hosted by the bridesmaids. It served as the perfect icebreaker, energizing guests to join the festivities with dancing, music, and cheers.
