After spending many semesters planning campus-wide events at Case Western Reserve University, Mena and Stephen’s romance blossomed thanks to an ugly Christmas sweater bar crawl. Since that memorable night, the couple has continued with a “global bar crawl,” savoring the finest libations from Napa Valley, California, to Porto, Portugal. They also spend their weekends exploring their New England neighborhood with their Goldendoodle, Emma.
Mena and Stephen beautifully blended the essence of an Indian wedding with their love for Vermont. Held in the stunning fall season, their wedding at The Wilburton featured vibrant hillsides and a full weekend of celebrations for guests. Their welcome party set a more casual tone for the Mehndi and Sangeet, where they served Indian food and hosted henna artists. The outdoor ceremony was held at a picturesque hilltop vantage point, with a stunning altar adorned with greenery and red buds suspended on clear string, creating a breathtaking backdrop against the colorful fall foliage. A Hindu priest led an abridged ceremony, followed by a very non-traditional kiss and a champagne tower toast. Mena wore her grandmother’s anklets and her mother’s golden tikka headpiece – both treasured heirlooms from their own weddings – along with a traditional handmade Indian red ceremony outfit. Stephen wore heirloom cufflinks passed down from Mena’s family and opted for a classic black tuxedo. The couple reflected that the weekend centered on the feeling of togetherness, allowing them to focus on family and connection rather than getting caught up in the fine details.
