Preethi and Johnathon, The Tamarind Tree, Bangalore
Blending Tamil, Taiwanese, and American influences, this elegant celebration was rooted in love, family, and togetherness.
Some weddings stand out for their scale, while others are remembered for how they make people feel. Preethi and Johnathon’s wedding was one such celebration. Planned by WeddingSutra Favorite – Oh Yes Events, the three-day affair brought together cultures, traditions, and families in a way that felt genuine and effortless. The wedding reflected the couple’s vision of creating a celebration where every part of their heritage was equally represented. For Preethi, who grew up immersed in Tamil culture, and Johnathon, who comes from a Taiwanese American background, the wedding was never about choosing one identity over another. Instead, it was about celebrating both with equal importance.
Wedding Planning
“Having been born in two cultures, we never wanted this to become a choice of one or the other,” shares Preethi. “We wanted everyone who attended to feel like they were equally important in our story.” Johnathon adds, “To us, love has never been bound by labels. Our wedding couldn’t either.”
Over three days, the couple’s vision came to life through celebrations that honoured every aspect of their journey. Tamil traditions were given as much prominence as Taiwanese and American influences, creating a wedding that felt personal, balanced, and true to who they are.
For Oh Yes Events, the brief was clear. The wedding needed to celebrate both cultures without one overshadowing the other. “Every wedding that we plan is an untold story,” shares Saravannan Saran, Founder of Oh Yes Events. “With Preethi and Johnathon, what stood out was their desire to represent both sides equally. That honesty and trust helped us create an experience that felt authentic to them and their families.”
Wedding Functions
Mehendi and Haldi
The celebrations began with an intimate gathering of close friends and family. As intricate mehendi designs adorned Preethi’s hands, guests enjoyed lively conversations, colourful bangle stations, and a thoughtfully curated menu. The event felt less like a formal function and more like a gathering of loved ones coming together ahead of the wedding festivities. “I remember suddenly realising that this was really happening,” recalls Preethi. “It was no longer about planning. It became an emotional experience.”
The Haldi ceremony was followed by plenty of laughter and playful moments. Surrounded by marigolds and turmeric, family and friends enthusiastically joined in, making the ceremony one of the most spirited events of the wedding. “Both sides are very dramatic,” laughs Johnathon. “The other side is equally dramatic. During Haldi, nobody knew who belonged to which side.”
Vratham and Engagement
The next day began with the traditional Vratham ceremonies held in the presence of close family. Dressed in a green Pattu saree, Preethi embraced the significance of the occasion. “My grandmother always wanted to see me wearing a traditional saree during my wedding rituals,” she shares. As the day progressed, the mood became more celebratory. Johnathon’s arrival on horseback, accompanied by music and dancing, brought energy and excitement to the festivities.
“Until I heard the music, I was feeling very nervous,” admits Johnathon. “But once I saw everyone dancing and celebrating, I simply enjoyed every moment.” The engagement ceremony that followed included games, laughter, and plenty of interaction between both families, creating a relaxed and joyful atmosphere.
Wedding
Next was a lively Janavasam procession, followed by the traditional Unjal ceremony, which symbolises balance and harmony in marriage. “Rituals like these remind you that marriage isn’t just passion, but also stability,” says Preethi. The wedding ceremony unfolded beneath a floral mandap dressed in soft ivory and pastel blooms, creating an elegant setting for the sacred rituals. Surrounded by nearly three hundred guests, Preethi and Johnathon exchanged vows amidst prayers and blessings.
Tamil wedding traditions were observed with sincerity, while the ceremony itself felt deeply personal. As the couple exchanged garlands and completed the sacred rituals, emotions ran high among family and friends. “There are times when you can tell that what you’re experiencing will never leave your memory,” says Johnathon. “Today was one such moment.”
“It felt like everything paused for a second,” adds Preethi. “All I could hear was everybody else, but all I could see was him.”
Reception
The reception brought a shift in mood as family and friends gathered for an evening of celebration. Contemporary floral arrangements, warm lighting, and elegant décor created a sophisticated setting for the final event of the wedding. The couple’s entrance was met with enthusiastic cheers before everyone made their way to the dance floor. One of the highlights of the evening was a live artist who painted the couple during the reception.
“I thought it was such a wonderful idea,” shares Johnathon. “Photographs capture a moment, but a painting captures the emotion behind it.” As dinner gave way to conversations, music, and dancing, guests lingered long into the night. It was the perfect ending to a wedding that celebrated not just two people, but the coming together of families, cultures, and shared memories.
The Wedding Makers
Venue: The Tamarind Tree, Bangalore
Wedding Planner: Oh Yes Events
Photography: The Celebrant
