Sandra Costello Photography

Tanya and Chanel’s Intimate Indian-Inspired Wedding

Brittny Drye Founder + Editor-in-Chief of Love Inc. Magazine | On-Air Wedding Expert | LGBTQ+ Inclusivity in the Wedding Industry
Photography by Sandra Costello Photography

After being together for nine years, Tanya and Chanel decided to get married to “be a part of the change.” “We were lying in bed talking about how people and situations had affected us and felt moved to make our commitment legal,” explains Tanya of the couple’s engagement discussion. So, on their 10th anniversary, they and 25 of their loved ones, traveled from their home in North Carolina to the charming Berkshire town of Lenox, Mass., to spend a weekend filled with laughter and love.

The Inspiration: They were drawn to the brightly colored garments of Indian wedding tradition, so Tanya wore a knee-length white bejeweled Indian kurta and Chanel donned a deep purple beaded and sequined sari. Both of the brides got henna and their dark chocolate cake mirrored the intricate henna pattern from their hands.

The Venue: The couple scoured the Internet to find the perfect venue that matched their vision and came upon the Gateways Inn in the Berkshires. They filled the inn up with their entire guest list, making it a truly celebratory weekend that included a karaoke pajama party in the downstairs piano bar with hot cider and hot chocolate, a social hour before the ceremony and a breakfast the following morning.

The Details: Their intimate ceremony was held on the grand steps of the inn’s staircase. “I was amazed at the intense emotion I felt during the ceremony,” says Chanel. “After 10 years together, I didn't think a few words would be so moving!”

The personal I Dos were followed by a special song performed by their friends and then a deliciously seasonal, multi-course dinner of veggies, salmon, chicken and mushroom soup in a bread bowl. Simple country arrangements of lavender and peach roses, white hydrangea, dusty blue thistle cones, bright green berry pods and greenery topped the tables as guests celebrated into the evening.

Magical Moments:

Tanya: “Having family and friends with us for two days to dance, hug, sing and laugh together.”
Chanel: “Being together for the weekend at the inn, having everyone meet each other and singing karaoke.”

The Vendors:
Venue: The Gateways Inn
Photographer: Sandra Costello Photography
Henna: Henna Elements
Cake: Sweetcakes
Officiant: Justice of the Peace Dennis Helmus
Floral: Forget Me Not Florist

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