I first met with Isha and Kartik in January 2023, just 4 months before their planned wedding date.

Wanting to get married in Edmonton but planning from Boston Massachusetts, where they currently reside, they originally started their wedding planning journey with another wedding planning firm. Unfortunately at just four months before the day, there was much left to complete.

Once I took over, the first step was to complete an assessment of the work that had been done, then cross-reference it against outstanding items, both from a basic logistics perspective of a wedding, and from the couple’s wish list for their day.  I identified where the gaps were, came up with a strategic workflow using our phased planning approach and got to work! 

Their ultimate goal was an elegant, glamorous wedding day where their Indian roots were honoured in a modern way. Going against tradition of a two-day affair, the couple’s wish was to combine a traditional Hindu wedding ceremony, and the reception into one day.  

Other wishes included a different, but complimentary, aesthetic design for ceremony and reception, breakfast, lunch and dinner for their guests and an epic party! 

The Morning: 

Starting at 4 AM, Isha’s transformation began in a suite at the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald where the rest of the wedding festivities would later commence. Isha opted for a quiet morning to focus and get beautified by a travelling hair and make-up team. Like many grooms, Kartik was able to hit the snooze button a few more times before it was his turn to begin the getting ready process, also at the hotel, but separate from his bride-to-be. 

The Baraat: 

Arriving in style via a classic, vintage 1965 red mustang, Kartik’s Baraat signified the official kick-off to the wedding day festivities. While the dhol player drummed traditional beats, the groom’s family surrounded him with a happy, loud and proud welcome, dancing in front of the Hotel Fairmont Macdonald in honour of what’s to come for the wedding day.

The Ceremony:

The morning wedding ceremony took place on the majestic Empire Ballroom Terrace, overlooking Edmonton’s stunning river valley. Guests gathered as the couple sealed their union with a traditional Hindu ceremony beneath a romantic, floral adorned, Mundap. 

The Formal Photos: 

After the ceremony, guests were invited to a lunch buffet in the Wedgwood Ballroom, while the couple and their wedding photographer used this time to take formal photos. Utilizing all the beauty of the property, the couple visited many areas of the Edmonton Fairmont Hotel grounds for their wedding photos – from the famous stairwell, to the gardens and, of course, in front of the hotel. The end result was pure, beautiful magic for every photo.

The Look Change: 

Following the photos, the couple retreated to their suite for a full look change which included new outfits and hair / make-up for the bride. I even got to help a little as you can see in one of the photos… hey, it’s not always glam over here!

More formal photos around the property, in their second outfits, followed prior to the evening festivities.

The Reception: 

And finally – the wedding reception! Keeping the couple’s request of a timeless, glamorous and elegant wedding in mind, we focused on quality material selection and a crisp, refined, but simplistic look. Crystal candelabras, high-end satin linens, gold accents and lush white and green florals, were intentionally combined for an elevated and timeless aesthetic. We opted to remove the traditional staged seating in favour of a king’s table for the couple and their immediate families; while the custom vinyl wrapped dance floor in front of it was surrounded by guests at mixed seating which added visual interest to the overall design. 

The final day was 21 hours of memories featuring a high-end, perfect combo of Hindu tradition, timeless elegance and a nod to contemporary.

Until next time.

Sandra 

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Dream Team

• Planning & Design: Sandra Bettina Weddings & Events
• Photography: Michaelangelo
• Ceremony & Reception Venue: The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald
• Catering: The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald
• Florist: Cory Christopher
• Rentals & Decor: Special Event Rentals
• Stationery: RSVP by SBWE & Engravables Design
• DJ: Urban Beats Entertainment
• Musician: Jeff Ramsey
• Photobooth: Urban Beats Entertainment
• Dance Floor Wrap: Talent Productions
• Makeup & Hair: Vanity Box & Glam by Simran
• Transportation: Sherwood Ford
• Welcome Bags: XO & Mane