An Opulent Affair

Winter 2024

An Opulent Affair: A lavish soirée rich with color and cultural significance on the grounds of the famed Biltmore Estate

WRITER:

Kristin Trummer

PHOTOGRAPHER:

Mozingo Photography

A colorful bridal party in lavender and gold with traditional men’s kurtas.

The bride and groom in traditional attire in front of the estate grounds.

Known as Jai Mala, the couple greet each other with flower garlands, signifying their acceptancre of each other as lifelong partners.

The bride adorns herself with jewels, showcasing her hands with intricate henna.

A fun-filled procession with the groom’s wedding brigade.

A painter captures the colorful wedding day live.

Florals drip from the tented ceremony site to welcome the bride and groom down the aisle

Family Members of the couple participate in a Kanyadaan ceremony to bless their new union.

The washing of feet in milk and honey honors their new life ahead.

Playing a fun, traditional coin game to lightheartedly see who will rule the house.

Open-air seating against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge await guests at the reception.

Pops of blue roses line the length of each table.

Two young bridesmaids scatter petals for the bride.

Margi and Vishal in reception attire, ready to party.

PHOTOGRAPHER:

Mozingo Photography

Vishal Patel & Margi Patel
September 2, 2023 • Biltmore Estate • Asheville

Completed in 1895, the Biltmore Estate and its sprawling grounds in Asheville have since hosted countless high-style events and fanciful soirées—the wedding of Vishal and Margi Patel was no exception.

After a short courtship, and a proposal near one of the best views in North Cascades National Park in Seattle, WA, the couple and their families began planning this show-stopping event filled with the rich colors, textures, and traditions of India, all set against the dramatic backdrop of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains.

“We were looking for something outdoors and full of nature and mountainous views. We couldn’t be happier with how things have fallen into place for us and Asheville becoming the place that holds our most favorite memory,” gushes Margi.

The weekend was filled with the traditional wedding elements of Gujarat in Western India, like dancing Garba, a popular dance in the region, weaving a tapestry of sounds and color. “The Gujarati ceremony itself has to be the most memorable,” she explains, “because apart from connecting us, it also connected our families. We also felt the power of the positive energy of the ceremony, which we did not expect to feel so strongly!”

“We had the absolute best wedding we could ever hope for with the most amazing friends and family around. We still cannot stop thinking about our wedding weekend!” exclaims Margi.

Details
Wedding Planner: Christine Gire, I Do Asheville Weddings
Photographer: Mozingo Photography
Live Painter: Sahar Fakhoury Paintings
Videographer: Asheville Wedding Video
Hair & Makeup: Harpreet Singh, Pretty by Preet, Bhavna Shah, Femme Beauty
Henna: Maitri Creations Henna
Florist & Decor: Vivian Kwabia, Vikwabs Decor
DJ: Pavan Madaan
Transportation: Elite Limo
Ice Sculpture: Patrick O’Brian, Ice Mill Sculptures

KEYWORD TAGS:

asheville