Wedding Date: August 6, 2024
How did you meet and what was your proposal story?
We met at Mayo High School in Rochester and started dating when I asked Laura to prom at the end of our junior year back in 2015. Over the next 7 years, we finished high school, went through college, and ended up living close to each other in the Twin Cities. Finally, in April 2022, I asked Laura to marry me at one of our favorite spots in Minneapolis. On the Mississippi River, just across from the Stone Arch Bridge, we went on a casual afternoon walk. Laura had no idea that at the end of the walk, I had a spot picked out to propose to her. Through tears of joy, we officially celebrated the start of our wedding journey, something we had been thinking about for a long time.
What was the inspiration for the look and feel of your wedding?
We wanted a natural setting with simple but elegant décor. The inspiration was simply the beauty of the venue, which helped guide our vision. We also held a pre-wedding event in Rochester, at the Chateau Theater downtown that took on a more vibrant feel with Indian decorations. The venue for this event, our Sangeet, even featured a marquee sign with our names on it!
What was the significance of your wedding location?
We had never been to our wedding location before we visited for the first time, but it immediately took our breath away. We wanted to have an outdoor ceremony, and the space was beautiful and intimate. The Sangeet was held in Rochester, where we had both grown up and started our relationship. Hosting it at such a stunning venue in downtown Rochester gave us the opportunity to celebrate with a community that is always in our hearts.
What was your favorite moment in your ceremony
and reception?
Our favorite moment of the ceremony was when Laura came down the aisle and we could both take in the moment we had dreamed of for years. Seeing our closest friends and family around us as we celebrated the culmination of our relationship is a memory we will always cherish. Our favorite moment of the reception was at the end of the night when we closed with one of our favorite songs, “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz. The DJ gave me the microphone and our friends formed a circle as we sang and danced together to cap off the best day of our lives.
Would you change anything if you could do it over again? If so, what?
Honestly, no. We had been thinking about our wedding for so many years and had sky high expectations. Both the Sangeet and our wedding shattered these expectations and gave us two days that we will never stop thinking about.
What advice do you have for other couples planning their weddings?
Enjoy every part of the process. Wedding planning is stressful, and there are so many things to think about. Once it’s over though, it feels like it all went by in an instant. Be present and grateful for everything that comes with the wedding because you only get one chance to celebrate like this.
WEDDING TEAM
Wedding Planner:
- Aruna Venkat and Aroona Events
Ceremony/Reception Locations:
- Sangeet – Chateau Theatre, Rochester
- Wedding – Hidden Meadow & Barn
Officiant:
- Laura’s father, Garth Conkright
Cake/Dessert:
- Wedding cake – Hy-Vee
- Ice cream – The Pearl Ice Cream Parlor
Catering and Evening Snacks:
India Spice House of Eden Prairie
Florist:
- – Scarlett & Flora
- – Laura’s parents who grew
- flowers in their garden for the décor.
Invitations:
- Minted
Beauty:
- Makeup – Luminous Beauty
- Hair – Liz Hoh
Bridal Gown:
BHLDN – Anthropologie Weddings
Tuxedos:
- Michael’s tuxedo – Nordstrom
- Groomsmen suits -Men’s Warehouse
Reception Music:
DJ Jeet and DJ Rick
Photographer:
- Alexandra & Bharath Wootla
- (AB-Photography.us)
Videographer:
- Tyler Aug
Rentals:
- Aroona Events
