Sarada and Kaleb, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, US
He proposed to her in his backyard and their wedding was held in her parents' backyard. Peek into Sarada and Kaleb's charming cross-cultural nuptials that was homely and intimate.
They met in school and dated in college before tying the knot. Sarada and Kaleb’s wedding celebrations were all about including those special places that were part of their larger story. Explore this wonderful cross-cultural wedding in Tennessee as bride Sarada shares memories of the special occasion.
How We Met
Sarada Kolli and Kaleb Tilton first met as juniors in high school. They became close friends and eventually began dating, even after Sarada rejected Kaleb the first time he asked her out! The couple dated through college, until June 2015 when Kaleb finally proposed.
Proposal
Kaleb planned his proposal at a place which held great significance to him, which made the gesture even sweeter – his childhood backyard. He brought their families and friends together and in their company asked Sarada to be with him for the rest of their lives. “I couldn’t believe it when he opened the door to the house, and everyone we love poured out!” says the bride.
Wedding Venue
The couple chose Sarada’s parents’ home in Murfreesboro, Tennessee for their wedding. “We have so many wonderful memories, and even carved our initials into a tree near the ceremony site,” shares Sarada. Their wedding combined the bride’s Indian and the groom’s American cultures, along with a green, silver, and peach color palette to bring in a hint of Southern charm. “My parents loved being able to share our heritage with our guests. Having our wedding at their home made it even more special!”
Wedding Functions
Wedding
For the ceremony, Sarada wore a classic fit-and-flare wedding gown with a subtle blush hint and a gold belt, commonly worn by South Indian brides. “Before the wedding, we had a mehndi function. The wedding party and my close relatives came together, and we had our hands and feet adorned with traditional henna designs.” The bridesmaids wore powder blue dresses in a variety of silhouettes. All of the women’s bouquets were a textural combination of roses, ranunculus, anemones, and dahlias in white and peach, accented with eucalyptus. The ceremony took place in Sarada’s parents’ backyard, with string lights hung from the trees. The wooden arch was draped in white fabric and accented with hanging mercury glass. “Kaleb and I wrote our own vows, and also included the traditional Indian seven steps ceremony.”
Reception
For the reception, Sarada changed into a custom bridal blue lehenga and wore traditional headpieces and bracelets; all brought to Tennessee from India. The fusion reception was held under a tent with long family-style tables and hanging star lanterns over the dance floor. The dinner menu combined both their Southern and Indian favorites and the couple along with their friends and family danced the night away.
The Wedding Makers
Wedding Planner Floral Design & Paper Products: Sage Nines Event Production
Bride’s Outfit: The White Room(Wedding)
Groom’s Outfit: Prince Bbogies
Makeup: Stephanie Harrison
Catering: Kristen Winston
Cake: Dessert Designs by Leland
Photography:Kristyn Hogan
