Within the first 20 minutes of meeting Smitha and Miraj they bought me a Red Velvet cupcake. Not just any Red Velvet cupcake- the best one I’ve ever had! From observing these two on their wedding day with their friends and family, that just seems to be how they operate, fully enjoying life and celebrating it with others! Cupcakes included!
Let’s take a second to move away from cupcakes and talk about this incredibly beautiful wedding! The Mountain Winery has endless views that were the perfect backdrop for this Mandap brilliantly created by Water Lily Pond. This Mandap was extraordinary!!
The events of this wedding day were incredibly orchestrated by Avant Planners. I cannot rave enough about them!
Smitha and Miraj’s wedding day was packed full of events that started early in the day. They decided to have a first look in the part of Mt. Winery called The Meadow. Here Miraj is waiting patiently as we get Smitha into place. 
Smitha, looking so lovely, is in place and ready to go!
The best- those moments right before you are about to see each other on your wedding day!
Those smiles! That view! 
After taking a minute to enjoy the views, Miraj left for his Baraat and Smitha returned to the bridal suite. 
Miraj’s Baraat started at the bottom of the hill. He was greeted by his Mom with a huge hug to start off the celebration!
With a DJ on wheels and dhal players keeping the beat- all the groom’s family and friends, they made their way joyously up the hill!
As they approached the top of the hill, Smitha’s family was waiting for them!
The Milni took place next, a ceremony where both families exchange well wishes on meeting each other.
The guests involved in the Baraat then found their seats. Sweets were provided as well as umbrellas and fans to stay cool from the midday sun.
An abundance of adorableness!!! Smitha’s sister with her 3 daughters and Smitha’s sister in law with her daughter, came down the aisle first and spread some happiness!
Smitha’s entrance was so dramatic! She was carried in by family members on a Dholi, which tradition says is to treat her like a Princess. 
Smitha was then escorted down the aisle by her parents. 
Miraj’s view of Smitha was concealed by a veil held by his family members. 
Waiting patiently!
The veil was lowered in an exciting moment where Smitha and Miraj got to see each other. 
They then exchanged garlands, called Jaimala, signifying accepting each other and respecting each other as partners.
The wedding was conducted in Hindu and consisted of many small ceremonies. What I love most about Indian weddings is the involvement of both sets of families in the ceremonies.
Smitha’s sister carries out a tray of fruit into the audience for blessings.
Miraj ties a Mangalsutra necklace around Smitha to symbolize marriage. 
During Kanyadanam, the father of the bride places her hand in the groom’s hand requesting him to accept her as an equal partner.
Miraj and Smitha then spoke beautiful, touching and funny words to each other!
During the Havan ceremony, the couple invokes Agni, the god of Fire, to witness their commitment to each other. Crushed sandalwood, herbs, sugar, rice and oil are offered to the ceremonial fire.
During Hasth Melap, the bride and groom offer the rice as a sacrifice into the fire.
Smitha and Miraj take seven steps together representing the vows and promises they are making to each other. Here are what each of the 7 steps represents.
First step: To respect and honor each other
Second step: To share each other’s joy and sorrow
Third step: To trust and be loyal to each other
Fourth step: To cultivate appreciation for knowledge, values, sacrifice and service
Fifth step: To reconfirm their vow of purity, love family duties and spiritual growth
Sixth step: To follow principles of Dharma (righteousness)
Seventh step: To nurture an eternal bond of friendship and love
Smitha and Miraj are then asked to smear a paste made from cumin seeds and jaggery on each other while taking a vow to face the future together. The jaggery represents the sweetness life may have and the cumin represents the bittiness it may have as well. Having smeared this on each other it symbolizes that their relationship is unbreakable and inseparable.
Aashirvad, a parental blessing, the parents of the bride and groom give their blessings to the couple. The couple touches the feet of their parents as a sign of respect.
A fun moment that everyone enjoyed was when Smitha and Miraj went back and forth pouring and dumping the rice on each other’s heads! This ritual is called Talambraalu and this signifies joy and happiness in marriage, along with prosperity 
Miraj places a ring on Smitha’s toe and finger.
The wedding ceremony has come to an end!
The newlyweds!
Miraj sweeps Smitha up and carries her away!!!
Click here for part 2 of this wedding day story!
Love!!