A vibrant Hindu fusion wedding in Indianapolis celebrates culture, color, and love as traditional Indian rituals meet a modern Midwest celebration.
It all started with a message and a little bit of digital chaos. Kishan and Michael’s story is one of serendipity, humor, and the perfect blend of cultures. Their wedding in Indianapolis, Indiana, beautifully fused Hindu tradition and Midwestern charm culminating in an unforgettable celebration that wow’d.
“Back in 2022, Michael and I digitally crossed paths on an app called Raya,” Kishan recalls. Their first messages were lighthearted, “Michael told me he was moving to Austin, and I told him I rarely go to Austin from Dallas. Great flirting,” he laughs.
Months later, fate intervened. Kishan attended a wedding in Austin, had a few drinks, and texted a mutual friend for Michael’s number. What followed was a rollercoaster: a missed connection, hacked Instagram accounts, and finally, a tornado-drive first date in Dallas.
After navigating long-distance dating, cross-country moves, and city changes, Michael proposed during the first snowfall of 2024 in New York City after a visit to the original Cartier Mansion. He popped the question in Chicago on St. Patrick’s Day, the same day his grandparents got engaged 75 years earlier, with family and friends secretly flown in to witness the moment.
For Kishan, choosing Indianapolis as to where to get married was coming home. “I grew up here,” he says, “but really, Monica, our wedding planner, helped us decide.”
They envisioned a wedding that was masculine, moody, and meaningful. “We wanted a ‘dark and stormy’ vibe,” Kishan explains. “The Omni team gave such a warm, loving energy that we knew they’d go above and beyond for our day, and they absolutely did.”
Their weekend celebration kicked off at Hotel Indy with a “Cowboy Cocktail” welcome party (a nod to their Texas roots) followed by the grand wedding and reception at the Omni Severin Hotel.
Incorporating Kishan’s Hindu heritage was non-negotiable. “We were really set on honoring Hindu culture because both of my grandmothers are religious,” Kishan explains.
Their baraat, a joyous grooms’ procession, stopped traffic in downtown Indianapolis, literally. “With Monica’s guidance, we secured not one, but two horses to parade downtown. We even shut down a street,” he says. “People came out from apartments and patios to dance with us.”
A female dhol player led the rhythms, a rare and powerful touch, while Michael joined Kishan’s cousins in a surprise Bollywood-style dance routine.
During the ceremony, Kishan’s grandmother performed a traditional Hindu prayer to Lord Krishna, his namesake. “It was so special,” he says. “The ceremony perfectly encompassed Hindu culture without assigning feminine or masculine qualities. It was truly us.”
Their wedding palette of dark green, blush pink, and gold brought sophistication and warmth to the ballroom. Their florist created lush, organic arrangements featuring Bells of Ireland, hydrangeas, roses, and even artichokes for texture.
“Michael was worried it would be too floral or feminine,” Kishan admits. “But when he saw the tables, he literally said, ‘I get the fruit now!’”
Figs, pears, and grapes were incorporated into the tablescapes, a nod to the Hindu tradition of offering fruit to deities, while the staircase, blanketed in blooms, became the breathtaking centerpiece of the night.
Kishan’s outfit, chosen by his uncle, reflected their wedding colors: “pink, green, and gold accents on a cream base to keep it traditional,” he shares. Michael wore a custom black and white look designed in India, before both changed into white tuxedos for the reception.
Guests enjoyed a blend of Indian and American fare. “For cocktail hour, we served avocado chaat and paneer tikka from Aroma Indy, alongside mini lobster rolls and elevated chicken tenders with caviar,” Kishan says. The seated dinner featured spinach and Boursin-stuffed chicken, a roasted vegetable napoleon, and an artfully composed goat cheese brûlée salad.
For the late-night crowd, they served towers of corn dogs and tater tots, a playful homage to their Midwestern roots.
The cake tied together both families’ cultures with paisleys and shamrocks. “We did carrot cake for Michael and orange almond with raspberry ganache for me, we loved it so much we ate half the anniversary cake the next day!” shares Kishan.
Perhaps the most creative touch of all was The Sports Wall, dreamed up by the couple’s planner and rental company. “They noticed how much Michael and I love sports,” Kishan says. The installation featured photos, trophies, and memorabilia from their athletic pasts, with custom golf balls, tennis balls, and water bottles as guest favors. “It was by far my favorite thing Monica created,” Kishan says. “She absolutely knocked it out of the park.”
From dancing in the streets to heartfelt family speeches, every moment felt magical. “We really wanted to get ready together,” Kishan says. “We had champagne breakfast with our friends in our suite, it started the day off so perfectly.”
And the moment that stood out most? “Being in the middle of the dance floor surrounded by so many people we love,” Kishan reflects. “That’s when it really hit us … we were married, and every person we care about was right there celebrating with us.”
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