Nine years after first connecting via an app, Ashish led his girlfriend, Rekha, down a hidden path in Washington to a gazebo, filled with photos from their travels. “As I took it all in, our closest family and friends stepped out to surround us,” she recalls. “Ashish dropped to one knee, promising to stand by me for a lifetime of adventure and fun.”
When it came to planning, the couple looked everywhere from Bali to Carmel-by-the-Sea before choosing Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island. “We are at our best in nature, and we wanted to share that feeling with our guests,” Rekha explained. With the help of Over The Moon Directory Planner Valley & Company Events, who also led the floral design, the 140-acre property became a full weekend experience that blended Indian and American traditions seamlessly. From a tree-lined path for the baraat to a willow tree framing their ceremony at Swan Pond and a custom-built coastal cabana overlooking the water for the reception, every space felt intentional. “The idea that our celebration could support such an incredible non-profit made us incredibly happy.”
Fashion was a defining part of the weekend. The morning of the baraat, Rekha wore a traditional red lehenga with bright floral embroidery, designed to stand out against the deep green surroundings, while Ashish chose a cream and gold sherwani with matching pink malas to symbolize their union.
For the aisle, Rekha spent months searching before finding her Berta Heritage Couture dress. “It felt like I was walking on a cloud,” she says of her look. “It was the perfect floral, feminine vibe but also grand like the venue.” Bridesmaids complemented her in floral pastel dresses, curated by Over The Moon Styling.
Rekha later changed into a fitted Calla Blanche dress for cocktail hour before ending the night in a Nadine Merabi mini dress with pearlescent fringe, styled with Jennifer Behr earrings and Amina Muaddi shoes. Hair and makeup were done by Shelby Bartrug, with tailoring by Lani’s Tailor ensuring each look fit perfectly.
The wedding weekend unfolded across multiple events, beginning with a Haldi and henna celebration and a Sangeet filled with dance performances, all leading into August 16, 2025. “My in-laws had the sweetest idea to host a Baarat Bazaar on the morning of the wedding day,” Rekha explains. “At the welcome garden, guests could select gifts of brightly colored bangles, dupattas, and flowers to go in their hair.”
The actual baraat followed with a high-energy procession, led by dhol drummers and DJs and beautifully captured by Sarah Anne Thompson.“It felt momentous and grand,” Rekha says of the moment she met Ashish and exchanged garlands while guests cheered and threw flowers.
After a lunch catered by Table Catering Co.—including a custom dosa experience—the American ceremony took place by the Swan Pond. Guests in summer florals lined the aisle, shaded by parasols, as Rekha walked down the curved path with her father while a live string quartet from Puget Sound Strings played. Officiant Frank Harlan led a personal ceremony, sharing reflections about each guest and the couple’s journey. “We both felt so much love from our community in those moments,” Rekha says.
The reception transformed the chateau’s backyard into a coastal cabana overlooking the water, where guests arrived to a custom seating installation and watercolor details by Fresh Squeezed Design. After a grand entrance, Rekha and Ashish went into a choreographed first dance to “Stand By Me” by Florence & The Machine. “That was definitely one of my favorite moments,” she shares.
From then, the dance floor stayed full all night—so much so that the newlyweds almost forgot to cut their cake by Honey Crumb Cake Studio. Late-night bites included gelato from Nutty Squirrel and Seattle favorites like Beecher’s mac and cheese.
After it all, the couple set off on a month-long honeymoon across the Mediterranean, beginning in Venice at the Gritti Palace, continuing through Florence, and ending with beach days in Tenerife.
