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Mrs. Margarita, Boston/Los Angeles Age and Occupation: 26, Healthcare Consultant Fiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Doctor Engagement Date: March 21, 2007 Wedding Date: August, 2008 Blogging Since: June 18, 2008 Venue: Saddlerock Ranch About Me: I grew up in Southern California, moved to Boston for college, New York for grad school, back to Boston and now I travel the northeast every week for work. When I'm not on the go, I love to read, draw, shop, sleep and spend quality time with my fiancé, family and friends. We're long-distance planning for our "big fat brown wedding" in California and are excited to unite our Sri Lankan and Indian cultures and Buddhist and Hindu religions in a unique and modern way.
About Mrs. Margarita

I left you way back in November with some of our wedding details promising to tackle accessories and outfits.

I had two outfits for our day - a sari for the ceremony and a lengha for the reception. The sari for the wedding was a ivory/cream color, keeping with Sri Lankan tradition. I had it custom made in LA by Mehr Design Studio (described here) along with my veil.

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Charmi_01

I bought my reception outfit in Mumbai at Kala Niketan. The top was just a piece of fabric so I had it made by Mehr. I knew I didn’t want to show off my not-so-toned abs all night so I had her make a corset top with a sweetheart neckline. I absolutely loved my reception outfit and felt completely comfortable dancing my heart out all night.

Charmi_02

Both outfits were really heavy with all the beading, etc., but I can say that I honestly didn’t notice it since I was just so full of nerves and excitement.

Here are my gorgeous shoes. I added Foot Petals on recommendation from the hive and they worked wonders.

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Charmi_04

I had a LOT of jewelry to wear in addition to the outfits. My grandmother gifted me with almost all my wedding ceremony jewelry and my mother in law gave me my reception necklace as a gift. I know I’m a very lucky girl.

My grandmother bought this diamond and white gold necklace, bracelet, and earring set in Sri Lanka.

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My mother in law bought my reception necklace in Toronto.

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As a symbol of marriage, Mr. Margarita had to put my necklace on me during the wedding ceremony, so I was just going to walk down the aisle bare necked. Both my grandmother and my mom wore pearl necklaces on their wedding days, so my parents surprised me with a pearl necklace to wear as I was walking down the aisle.

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I wore my grandmother’s engagement ring, which was custom designed by my grandfather in Sri Lanka way back when.

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A long time ago, my mom had my grandmother’s wedding jewelry made into a pendant. We took the pendant and had it made into my tikka (forehead jewelry) at “Little India” in Artesia, CA by attaching a long silver clasp. It very easily converted back into a pendant after the wedding. To top it all off, I wore some of the bindis above my eyebrows.

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I had a ton of bangles to wear on both hands, which are were also bought in Mumbai at Kala Niketan.

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My bridesmaids also were decked out in some serious bling. I bought them all these jewelry sets in Mumbai. I can’t believe they made it the entire day/night wearing them, because they were heavy!

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I had their plum bridesmaids saris made in Sri Lanka. All the fabric and borders are the same except for my MOH’s, whose had a slightly thicker and more beaded design.

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My adorable little flower girls wore outfits from the same fabric and borders. I thought they looked SO cute in their little halter tops. :)

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Mr. Margarita bought our groomsmen cream outfits and red shawls in New Delhi. I thought they all looked very handsome…

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And our adorable ring bearer wore an orange outfit bought in Toronto..

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And last, but definitely not least, Mr. Margarita wore a custom made ivory and orange outfit from New Delhi. His turban was made with some pearls to match my bling. ;) The pin he wore on his left shoulder was from his grandfather.

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Charmi_019

All of this doesn’t even cover all the gorgeous outfits our guests wore at the wedding. There was so much color at our wedding from all the beautiful saris; it was a really stunning view to look out into the sea of our guests during the ceremony. Even our elephant was decked out!

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Charmi_021

Wearing all my grandmother’s jewelry was really special and served as my something borrowed and something old. Did anyone else wear family jewelry pieces on their wedding day?

All photos are credited to our incredibly fantastic photographer Dina, of Andrena Photography.

She sent me all 3000+ images recently, so there is more to come soon…

Tags: , , |   Link for this post | Share this post: Our Big Fat Brown Wedding: Fashion Show      
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62 Responses to “Our Big Fat Brown Wedding: Fashion Show”

1.
Bee Icon
Bee
Miss Swan (message)  386 posts, Helper bee

WOW!!! I’ve always wanted to go to a South Asian wedding and never had the chance. I think you and the clothes are stunning.

 
2.
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Bee
Mrs. Sushi (message)  968 posts, Busy bee

Wow!! Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!!

 
3.
Melissabegins
Member
Melissabegins (message)  843 posts, Busy bee

I cannot wait to see more photos from your wedding. My favorites so far have been the pictures of your tikka and bangles, and your bridesmaids’ dresses and bling!

 
4.
pvaulter718
Member
pvaulter718 (message)  1,593 posts, Bumble bee

Weddings are such a special time to be able to wear family heirlooms! Yours are absolutely gorgeous.

 
5.
Miss Gloss
Bee
Miss Gloss (message)  1,053 posts, Bumble bee

Gorgeous! CANNOT wait for more!!
and love that elephant bling :)

 
6.
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Guest
krissycake

how gorgeous! i loved hearing about all the meanings behind the pieces and attire…and the elephant! wow!! =D

 
7.
Gilneas
Member
Gilneas (message)  1,029 posts, Bumble bee

The only word for this is stunning. Wow - the richness, elegance, the colors, the jewelry, that beautiful, beautiful sari in the first photo - it’s incredibly. I can’t WAIT to see more photos!

Your grandmother’s engagement ring is just spectacular too. How special.

 
8.
Mrs. Bee
Bee
Mrs. Bee (message)  3,261 posts, Sugar bee

you have us droooooling for more! Stunning, stunning, stunning!

 
9.
Bunny83
Member
Bunny83 (message)  123 posts, Blushing bee

I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything as absolutely beautiful and stunning as this, I can’t wait to see more

 
10.
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Bee
Mrs. Taffy (message)  2,598 posts, Sugar bee

Wow!!!! The clothing and jewelry are just amazing!!!!! I’m so excited to see more!

 
11.
september wedding
Member
september wedding (message)  113 posts, Blushing bee

Incredible. You looked gorgeous!

 
12.
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Member
ES123 (message)  1,024 posts, Bumble bee

Oh my goodness! I was not yet reading Weddingbee when you were planning, and to look at all these pictures is crazy! I cannot wait to see more..what a wedding!

 
13.
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Member
skibobrown (message)  260 posts, Helper bee

Wow! Everyone (including the elephant) looks gorgeous! I loooove the bridesmaids’ saris. Now I feel inadequate with the sari that I’m going to be wearing to my friend’s Indian sangeet next month.

 
14.
Hobochic
Member
Hobochic (message)  180 posts, Blushing bee

Beautiful! It’s wonderful that you have so many gorgeous pieces of jewerly to wear for the rest of your life - and pass down to your daughters. The way you incorporated your family’s jewerly into a tikka! Brilliant!

 
15.
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Bee
Mrs. Peep Toe (message)  1,636 posts, Bumble bee

Freakin gorgeous. So beautiful. Love everything. Please keep the pictures coming- loved your wedding.

 
16.
GretaB
Member
GretaB (message)  171 posts, Blushing bee

Swoon! So beautiful!!

 
17.
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Guest
the introitus

Beautiful!!!!!! These pictures really took my breath away!

 
18.
chaikac
Member
chaikac (message)  128 posts, Blushing bee

You let us hanging with the photos of your reception site….it was unbelieveable….and so are these.. keep them coming Mrs. ‘rita!

 
19.
Natakie16
Member
Natakie16 (message)  493 posts, Helper bee

There’s not an adjective strong enough to express the beauty of everyone’s outfits! Just breathtaking!

 
20.
purpleHaze79
Member
purpleHaze79 (message)  875 posts, Busy bee

Holy moly!! Your wedding pictures are incredible!! And that’s just the outfits!! And any wedding with an elephant is awesome!! lol :)

 
21.
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Bee
Mrs. Cookie (message)  784 posts, Busy bee

Holy cow! Your details are gorgeous. I love that even the elephant got decked out in jewels. More pictures, please! :)

 
22.
SweetSalz21
Member
SweetSalz21 (message)  43 posts, Newbee

What an amazing gorgeous wedding, made even better by how happy you all look!

 
23.
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Member
ms boardwalk (message)  349 posts, Helper bee

i am in love with your wedding!

 
24.
PeachandPearl
Member
PeachandPearl (message)  187 posts, Blushing bee

You look absolutely beautiful, Mrs. M! Can’t wait to see more.

 
25.
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Bee
Miss Spaniel (message)  2,594 posts, Sugar bee

GORGEOUS! I’ve been to a lot of South Asian weddings, but none have looked this awesome! (Sorry, cousins!)

 
26.
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Bee
Mrs. Perfume (message)  1,632 posts, Bumble bee

SO. GORGEOUS!!! Everythng looks so vibrant and the magnificent details…sigh!!!! You look beautiful!

 
27.
MexicanGirl
Member
MexicanGirl (message)  642 posts, Busy bee

so gorgeous! i specially love your veil! and that diamond set your grandmother bought is stunning!

 
28.
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Bee
Mrs. Quiche (message)  2,175 posts, Buzzing bee

Every last detail is stunning. Absolutely stunning. You are insanely gorgeous!

 
29.
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Bee
Miss Bruschetta (message)  5,553 posts, Bee Keeper

Um, wow. Amazing jewelry, outfits — and I love your veil!

 
30.
Golden139
Member
Golden139 (message)  340 posts, Helper bee

Words cannot explain how gorgeous everything looks! You make a beautiful bride! I seriously cannot wait to see more of your fabulous wedding!

 
31.
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Bee
Mrs. Lovebird (message)  693 posts, Busy bee

Can’t wait to see more!

 
32.
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Member
dddd89 (message)  116 posts, Blushing bee

I am so fascinated by henna on your hands…..what is the significance of your right pointer finger not being filled in like all the other fingers?

 
33.
MissCamera
Member
MissCamera (message)  671 posts, Busy bee

Wow you are so gorgeous! The fabric, the jewelry, the colors are breaktaking!! I can’t wait to see more. The girls little bellies and their halters are sooo adorable!

 
34.
Mrs. DG
Hostess
Mrs. DG (message)  4,226 posts, Honey bee

I love your grandmother’s ring!!! I can’t wait to see the rest of your wedding!

 
35.
Vic004
Member
Vic004 (message)  784 posts, Busy bee

Wow, your jewelry and all the stories that go with it are amazing. The custom designed engagement ring too my breath away, seriously amazing. I love the elephant!!

 
36.
Mrs. Penguin
Bee
Mrs. Penguin (message)  2,148 posts, Buzzing bee

OMG! Gorgeous! Your bridesmaids’ dresses are such a beautiful color! I can’t even imagine how gorgeous the rest of your pictures are!

 
37.
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Bee
Mrs. Emerald (message)  901 posts, Busy bee

omg, I was HOPING you would come back for a recap!!!

more more more! hurry hurry hurry!

 
38.
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Guest
Lina

Is it weird that I teared up when I saw the picture of your bridesmaids? That color is just so rich and vibrant.

 
39.
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Bee
Mrs. Hot Cocoa (message)  1,715 posts, Bumble bee

*Whistle* You guys are hot.

 
40.
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Bee
Miss Duckling (message)  1,349 posts, Bumble bee

Gasp…gorgeous! I can’t wait to see more!

 
41.
Miss Burgundy
Hostess
Miss Burgundy (message)  907 posts, Busy bee

Wow! Your outfits, jewelry and EVERYTHING are so beautiful!!

 
42.
Miss French Bulldog
Bee
Miss French Bulldog (message)  6,063 posts, Bee Keeper

Your Grandmother’s engagement ring is to DIE for! Everything looks to beautiful and you looked STUNNING! I can’t wait to see more :)

 
43.
joyce
Member
joyce (message)  201 posts, Helper bee

Oh my goodness this is awesome! All the gorgeous textures and colors are to die for :) the details are beautiful and even the elephant looked good. I can’t wait to see more!

 
44.
melodicsighs1
Member
melodicsighs1 (message)  804 posts, Busy bee

i LOVE those shoes!

you looked so beautiful, miss margarita. :)

 
45.
mariahjane20
Member
mariahjane20 (message)  59 posts, Worker bee

AH-MAZ-ING…everything….stunning. No words!! You are so lucky to have so many family heirlooms and special pieces for your wedding day. Your flower girls were just too precious and I’m IN LOVE with your veil shown in the second pic. LOVE!!

 
46.
Ruby Slippers
Member
Ruby Slippers (message)  482 posts, Helper bee

I don’t know if I said this before, but WOW you looked beautiful! That shot showing your tikka off is just gorgeous. I’m impressed that you made it through the night with all that jewellery, but I love seeing it all…it’s so dressed-up! People don’t dress up enough anymore…I’d have liked a bit more bling from my guests at my wedding.

I’d have loved to be at your wedding - so sumptuous! I have one Hindu friend, which is probably the closest I’m getting to any kind of Asian wedding, so I hope she gets engaged soon :-)

 
47.
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Bee
Miss Mouse (message)  3,285 posts, Sugar bee

Gorgeous! I love the little flower girl outfits.

 
48.
Keladry
Member
Keladry (message)  184 posts, Blushing bee

I cannot get over how beautiful everything you wore was!! Your shoes were phenomenal! And don’t get me started on your grandmother’s ring! AND the veil? Are you kidding me? So pretty! Congrats on a beautiful and classy wedding.

 
49.
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Bee
Mrs. Margarita (message)  369 posts, Helper bee

Thank you all SO much! :) I had a rough day at work and all your comments made the day so much better.

I promise I’ll get another post up soon.

@skibobrown: I’m sure the sari you are going to wear is gorgeous! its all about the jewelry too so just dress it up that way

@dddd89: there isn’t actually a significance for my one fingertip not being colored in. i think the mendhi artist just wanted to draw the design that way. this article explains mendhi really well: http://niralimagazine.com/2007/06/meaning-mehndi/

 
50.
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Bee
Mrs. Sea Breeze (message)  912 posts, Busy bee

Definitely at the top of my list of favorite wedding details ever.

 
51.
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Member
slicey19 (message)  802 posts, Busy bee

You are really beautiful an all of the clothes and jewelry is amazing. Did I miss a past post about the elephant? If you haven’t posted could you share a bit about what the elephant’s role was, the logistics involved with an elephant, etc. I would be blown away by an elephant at a wedding!

 
52.
ramosianchica
Member
ramosianchica (message)  61 posts, Worker bee

Definitely beautiful!

 
53.
D.Marie
Member
D.Marie (message)  1,372 posts, Bumble bee

What a beautiful and colorful wedding. You look amazing. I love the veil…I love everything. How cute are the flower girls…esp the little one!! And you had an elephant at your wedding…I LOVE ELEPHANTS! congrats!

 
54.
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Bee
Mrs. Plumeria (message)  250 posts, Helper bee

You are stunning! Every detail is just amazing. I can’t wait to see more!

 
55.
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Guest
fashion

Exclusive life your own fashion world.

 
56.
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Bee
Miss Labrador (message)  1,324 posts, Bumble bee

Hands down most awesome wedding EVER. I would have killed to be a guest (or better yet, a BM so I could wear the stunning clothing). You look SO beautiful! Like, makes-me-kinda-hate-you-cause-you’re-so-gorgeous beautiful! lol

 
57.
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Member
dddd89 (message)  116 posts, Blushing bee

Thanks Margarita!!!!

 
58.
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Bee
Miss D'orsay (message)  1,293 posts, Bumble bee

Your post just made me so extra excited to get married. While all your details are amazing (seriously, amazing) the look of happiness on Mr. Margarita’s face is heartwarming. Congrats!

 
59.
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Guest
Stacy Nguyen

Hi, Charmi–

One of my reporters referred to your blog in a story about incorporating tradition and culture into a wedding. I was wondering if I could use one of your photos to accompany the story, particularly the one of bangles?

Please let me know when you can. My deadline is Wednesday, July 8.

 
60.
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Guest
The Thing About Indian Weddings » Weddingbee » The Wedding Blog

[...] Margarita following Sri Lankan tradition by wearing a white sari with a veil, photo by Andrena [...]

 
61.
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Guest
Our Big Fat Brown Wedding: Here Comes the Groom » Weddingbee » The Wedding Blog

[...] Mendhi Wedding Details Our Fashion Show Getting Pretty Portrait [...]

 
62.
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Bee
Mrs. Onion (message)  657 posts, Busy bee

you look A-Mazing! the colors are stunning. what a feast for the eyes :) thanks for sharing the details.

 


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Mrs. Margarita Mrs. Margarita, Boston/Los Angeles Age and Occupation: 26, Healthcare Consultant Fiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Doctor Engagement Date: March 21, 2007 Wedding Date: August, 2008 Blogging Since: June 18, 2008 Venue: Saddlerock Ranch About Me: I grew up in Southern California, moved to Boston for college, New York for grad school, back to Boston and now I travel the northeast every week for work. When I'm not on the go, I love to read, draw, shop, sleep and spend quality time with my fiancé, family and friends. We're long-distance planning for our "big fat brown wedding" in California and are excited to unite our Sri Lankan and Indian cultures and Buddhist and Hindu religions in a unique and modern way.
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