It took only two weeks for Vimala Varghese to realize that Jay Devassy was the man she wanted to marry. The two had met two years earlier at a cultural retreat for young-adult Catholics, but didn't connect until Jay approached Vimala at a networking party in New York City. They talked for three hours that night, and two weeks later Vimala told her best friend that she'd met her future husband. Just six months later, Jay proposed in Malayalam (their native language) on a sailboat on Lake Ontario.
The Date November 20
Ceremony Site Vimala and Jay's families are both from Kerala, India, where there is a large Catholic population. Their families have been Catholic for hundreds of years, so they married in a Catholic mass, with a nuptial ceremony that incorporated aspects of their Indian Catholic tradition. Sacred Heart Church (404) 522-6800, Atlanta
Reception Site The couple entertained 330 guests at the Ritz-Carlton in downtown Atlanta. Guests enjoyed a cocktail hour in an atrium before entering the hotel's formal ballroom for dinner and dancing. Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta (404) 659-0400
Photography "We spent countless hours viewing the portfolios of nearly every wedding photographer in the Atlanta area," Vimala says. "We selected Art Pinney because his immense talent simply emanated from his portfolio." Art Pinney Photography, ArtPinney.com, Snellville
Videography Enchanted Video (678) 393-8033
Officiant Father Thomas J. Meehan, Sacred Heart Church
Gown Vimala had her heart set on a gown that would reflect the culture of Kerala, India, where brides typically wear ornate white and gold saris. She finally selected a satin organza strapless gown with gold embroidery from Demetrios' Young Sophisticates collection. For the reception, she changed into a traditional Indian sari in deep purple, embedded with Swarovski crystals. According to Kerala tradition, the garment, a gift from the groom's family, was blessed during the wedding ceremony. Pearl’s Place (504) 885-9213, Metairie, LA
Veil Vimala wore a tiara and veil by Bel Aire. Glam Gal Designs Bridal (800) 217-3783
Hair Natural Identity (404) 292-6230
Bridesmaid Dresses Vimala's five bridesmaids wore Tiffany blue and aqua saris with gold embroidery. Maharani Fashions (732) 283-2774, Edison, NJ
Formalwear Jay and his groomsmen wore formal tuxes with tails for the ceremony. For the reception, he changed into traditional Indian attire—a deep blue sherwani.
Invitations The couple summoned their guests with embroidered red and gold invitations from India. IndianWeddingCard.com
Flowers Carrie Stutts, Daisy & Lilies Floral Designs (404) 202-6319
Rental Equipment Seat covers from Cover Ups Specialty Linens (770) 777-7886, Roswell
Catering Maharaja Caterers (770) 414-1010, Tucker
Reception Music "Our DJ was terrific," Vimala says. "He played the right music, at the right time, at the right volume." DJ Bally (800) 243-3352
Transportation Jay, his attendants, and family were whisked to and from the wedding in a white 10-passenger limo, while Vimala and her party had a white 16-passenger limo. The couple also rented at 55-passenger motor coach to transport guests from the hotel to the church. "We were delighted with our limo company," Vimala says. "They were so reliable and efficient." North Point Transportation (678) 935-5000
Accommodations Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta
Honeymoon The day after the wedding, the couple spent ten days in Hawaii, dividing their trip between Maui and the Big Island. Hotel Hana-Maui and Honua Spa (808) 248-8211, Maui; Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea (808) 874-8000; Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel (866) 774-6236, Kohala Coast, Big Island
--Cristina Black
Photography © Art Pinney Photography
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