Preetha Nooyi and Rem Aiken Myers, Blue Hill at Stone Barns, New York
Magical themes, farm-to-table fusion fare and lush blooms punctuated this stunning fusion wedding.
Daughter of former Pepsi Co. Chairman and CEO Indra Nooyi and Raj K. Nooyi, Preetha Nooyi married beau Rem Aiken Myers in a series of close-knit wedding celebrations that paid ode to both their cultures. Hosted at multiple venues, including, the bride’s home, this wedding flaunted a variety of magical themes inspired by the couple’s love for Shakespeare and their respective cultures.
How They Met
The couple first crossed paths on a double date. However, sparks didn’t fly till two years later when Rem Matched with Preetha on a dating app in New York. And, once the conversations began, they were endless. Soon, the couple was dating!
The Proposal
After three years together, Rem decided to pop the question to Preetha in a surprise proposal in Maine. And, during an enchanting sunset, Rem led Preetha to the dock where he got down on one knee and proposed with their puppy Aja in tow!
Wedding Planning
For their cross-cultural wedding celebrations, Preetha combined the best of east and west to gather a wardrobe that fit her style persona. A Tam Brahm girl at heart, she hosted a traditional Hindu wedding earlier wearing a traditional red and gold Kanchipuram silk sari sourced by her mom. As for the other bigger wedding ceremony, they chose ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ theme which looked right at home amidst the July blooms and heat. Their three wedding events were hosted at the bride’s family home in Greenwich, Connecticut, the Hyatt Greenwich, and Blue Hill at Stone Barns.
Wedding Functions
Hindu Wedding
For her Hindu wedding, Preetha touched upon her roots as she donned a zari-woven silk saree. A moment filled with nostalgia for Preetha, the Hindu wedding brought in a flood of childhood memories that included summer days in Madras, delicious meals cooked by her grandmom, and of course, playful moments with her mom! Embracing Preetha’s culture, Rem also donned a traditional veshti during the ceremony.
Mehndi
A women-only event at the bride’s home, the source of inspiration for the mehndi decor was the bride’s family homes back in Madras. Taking a cue from her early childhood memories, Preetha included brass pots, jasmine, marigolds, and dark green foliage that brought a small slice of India to Greenwich. For gastronomical pleasures, South Indian finger food and other vegetarian delicacies were spread out for the guests.
Sangeet
Next in line was the sangeet, where the indoor venue was transformed into a forest clearing with a backdrop of mist, moss, fireflies, flowers, and carnivorous plants. The guests felt like they’d stepped into a fantasy with dreamy elements in the middle of a forest!
Wedding
Hosted indoors, Preetha took this opportunity to honour her husband’s family with the bridesmaids and groomsmen donning French blue. On the other hand, the couple wore Indian garbs in white. Post the Hindu and Episcopalian fusion ceremony, the open bar kept the guests entertained with cocktails named after the family pets and a delicious array of farm-to-table appetizers had everyone reaching for second helpings. And, as a nod to the couple’s roots, the American Cuisine was accentuated by South Indian elements.
Reception and After Party
Preetha changed into a custom-made gown featuring the plants and birds her parents and in-laws loved for the reception garden inspired by the couple’s beloved play- Midsummer Night’s Dream. On the other hand, Rem donned a dapper tuxedo. Rem danced with his mom while Preeth shook a leg with her dad to nostalgic songs. This was followed by a high-octane after-party where the bride changed into a glamorous ensemble and danced the night away till the wee hours of the morning!
The Wedding Makers
Venues: Hyatt Regency Greenwich (Sangeet), Blue Hill at Stone Barns (Wedding)
Wedding Planner: Vaishali Deshpande (Sangeet)
Florist: Ivie Joy Floral Arts + Events (Sangeet, Wedding)
Bride’s Outfits: Angadi Silks (Hindu Wedding), Nalli Chinnasami Chetty (Hindu Wedding), JJ Valaya (Mehndi), Falguni Shane Peacock (Sangeet), Tarun Tahilani (Wedding), Reem Acra (Reception), Manish Malhotra (After party)
Bride’s Shoes: Christian Louboutin (Sangeet, Reception), Chanel (Wedding), Sophia Webster (After Party)
Jewellery: JJ Valaya (Mehndi), Sabyasachi Mukherjee (Sangeet)
Accessories: Judith Leiber (Bag – Sangeet)
Makeup: Susmita Patel
Entertainment: Akshara Music Ensemble (Mehndi), Jordan Kahn Orchestra (Reception)
Wedding Priest: Rev. Mark Robinson (Wedding), Pandit Dinesh Paliwal (Wedding)
DJ: DJ KTF (After Party)
Wedding Invitations: Manali Patil
Wedding Stationery: Emma Garfield (Wedding), Tharangini Studio (Reception)
Cake: Elizabeth Mayhew (Mehndi)
Bride’s Stylist: Prerana Srikantappa
Photography: Vinuthna Garidipuri
