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Style Blueprint
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Style Blueprint
A Famed Nashville Chef's STUNNING Indian Wedding
Share with your friends! Pinterest LinkedIn Email Flipboard Reddit If you're a culinary enthusiast, a Nashvillian, or both, the name Vivek Surti likely rings a bell. As the acclaimed chef and founder of Tailor, Vivek is a James Beard Semifinalist for Best Chef in the Southeast, with The New York Times naming Tailor among Nashville's 25 best restaurants. But beyond accolades in the kitchen, Vivek recently stepped into an entirely new role: newlywed! Vivek tied the knot with podiatric surgery specialist Sheela Chockalingam in the fall of 2024. From swiping right on Hinge to an exquisite four-day wedding celebration, we got an inside look at Vivek and Sheela's love story. Pin The couple's story began in a thoroughly modern way: swiping on Hinge. But the romance that followed was anything but ordinary, and before he knew it, Vivek was planning a proposal during a trip that included stops in Baton Rouge and Los Angeles. 'As I was discussing plans with my sister, we decided on surprising Sheela during a day trip to Malibu on the beach,' Vivek recalls. However, nature had other plans. 'On the morning I was going to propose, the tide was so high that it flooded the beaches to the street.' His sister quickly organized a backup plan at Point Dume, a scenic overlook above the Pacific Ocean. 'There was a point where Sheela had to climb a few steps before she saw a ring of flowers — marigolds, magnolias, and roses — as the sun was just starting to set,' Vivek describes. 'As I led Sheela to the flowers, I got down on one knee and asked her to marry me. She said, 'Yes! I will!' Almost immediately, two dolphins jumped out of the water below us.' How picture-perfect is that? Pin Then, in November of 2024, Vivek and Sheela would embark on a four-day series of events that blended rich cultural traditions with personal touches — and a stunning array of wardrobe changes. The celebration began with a Ganesh Puja and Mehndi in Brentwood, TN, followed by the Pithi ceremony the next day. Each ritual was steeped in tradition, leading up to their wedding day and culminating in a grand reception. Vivek kicked the celebrations off in style by riding in on a horse. Pin Pin Pin Pin Pin Pin According to Hindu tradition, planning began with a carefully chosen date. 'Our first steps were securing a date that was suitable for our families,' Vivek explains. 'In Hinduism, there are holy and auspicious days on the calendar, with certain days being ideal for weddings. Luckily for us, November 8, 2024, was such a date.' Once the date was set, they enlisted Premier W.E.D. to help bring their vision to life. The wedding ceremony itself took place at the Sri Ganesha Temple. 'This temple has been one that Vivek's family has been going to for over 40 years, and it's also the place where our parents met for the first time,' Sheela shares. Pin For her wedding attire, Sheela honored her family by wearing her mother's Kanchipuram wedding saree, an heirloom her mother originally wore 45 years ago. 'This saree, a stunning deep yellow adorned with intricate gold zari designs, embodies the artistry that makes these silks India's most captivating and timelessly beautiful,' she tells us. Pin The morning of the wedding reflected their personalities: Sheela's began at 5 a.m. with hair, makeup, and a heartfelt handwritten letter to Vivek. Meanwhile, Vivek enjoyed a champagne breakfast with his groomsmen, featuring his favorite Krug and breakfast sandwiches from FatBelly Deli. Pin The wedding's aesthetic was a love letter to their heritage. 'We wanted to highlight the traditional beauty and romance inherent in a Hindu wedding,' Sheela says. 'Our inspiration stemmed directly from the rich cultural heritage, the timeless rituals, and the deep symbolism that define these sacred ceremonies.' The floral arrangements were equally thoughtful. 'During the wedding ceremony, we had garlands made of roses and baby's breath, which were shipped from Madurai, India, which is where Sheela's parents grew up,' Vivek says. The mandap was adorned with marigolds, roses, and jasmine flowers. Pin The reception was held at OZ Arts Nashville, chosen for its versatile space and stunning sound and lighting capabilities. 'For the reception, we kept true to having a cocktail hour, announced entrances, a first dance, speeches, and a cake cutting,' Vivek tells us. Guests enjoyed a lively cocktail hour, though rain forced them indoors. The cocktail hour featured a vibrant array of flavors: Pani Puri, lamb Mamana kebabs, black-eyed pea salad in watermelon radish cups, and Lata's (Vivek's mom) catfish. Pin Pin Pin Naturally, Vivek was intimately involved in the planning of the seated dinner. 'I was so excited to work with my friends on this menu — including Molly Martin of Juniper Green and Patrick McCandless of Rambler — two people who I knew I wanted to cater from the beginning,' says Vivek. 'The most important aspect of the food for me was making sure we had something that was a nod to our Indian heritage, while showcasing the bounty of amazing produce and community that we have built at Tailor,' he adds. The meal included fall squash salad, grilled chicken roulade, and vegetable biryani. 'Our wedding cake was the best ever because it was made by the supremely talented Rebekah Turshen, pastry chef at City House,' Vivek gushes. 'The base was a carrot cake, infused with chai masala. The cream cheese and yogurt frosting was accented with boondi (crispy chickpea balls), mamra (crispy rice), and nuts for texture.' Pin While the ceremony was guided by tradition, the reception was more modern. 'With the decor, we tried to modernize the feel of this event versus the wedding,' explains Vivek, 'installing an amazing vinyl wrap as the dance floor, having many chandeliers in the space, as well as some late-night chicken sandwiches from S.S. Gai.' Pin Pin Though a sparkler exit was planned, a torrential downpour meant a spontaneous indoor send-off instead. Guests cheered the happy couple down the hallway before they dashed into their getaway car. Pin Congratulations, and thank you for sharing your special day with us! RESOURCES Ceremony Venue: Sri Ganesha Temple Reception Venue: OZ Arts Nashville Photographer & Videographer: Jim & Ilde Cook, SheHeWE Photography Planner: Katy Pena, Premier W.E.D. Florals: T Villager Designs Catering: Nawabi Hyderbad House (wedding lunch), Juniper Green Catering (reception), Rambler Events (reception), S.S. Gai (late-night eats) Cake: Rebekah Turshen of City House Invitations, Programs, & Menu Cards: Sheela Bride's Makeup & Hair: One10 Beauty Bridal Gown: Custom Groom's formalwear: Custom DJ: DJ iLLEST Rentals: Please Be Seated, White Door Events, BBJ la Tavola STYLEBLUEPRINT RESOURCES: Planning a wedding? Check out StyleBlueprint's two Wedding Resource Guides. (More to come!): ********** Discover more fabulous wedding inspiration in our archives HERE! About the Author Jenna Bratcher Jenna Bratcher is StyleBlueprint Nashville's Associate Editor and Lead Writer. The East Coast native moved to Nashville 17 years ago, by way of Los Angeles. She is a lover of dogs, strong coffee, traveling, and exploring the local restaurant scene bite by bite.
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Do This 7-Minute Ganesh Puja on Wednesdays and Remove All Money Blockages Instantly
Are financial struggles holding you back? Whether it's mounting debt, unstable income, or missed opportunities, a simple 7-minute Ganesh Puja on Wednesdays performed with heartfelt devotion can help you clear financial blockages and attract wealth effortlessly. Lord Ganesha, is known for removing obstacles and granting wealth, success, and wisdom to his devotees. And Wednesday, ruled by the planet 'Mercury', is considered the most auspicious day to please him. Here's a simple step-by-step 7-minute Ganesha Puja you can do every Wednesday to invite prosperity into your life - Rise at Brahma Muhurta - Wake up at Brahma Muhurta. Preferably, between 4 AM to 5 AM. Wear Green clothes - Clean the space where you will do the puja, take a bath, and then wear green clothes. The color green is considered the favorite of Lord Ganesha. Place the idol - Place a red or yellow piece of cloth on a pedestal. Then, place the Lord Ganesha idol or image over it. Make sure you are placing the deity in the northeast direction. Offer Fresh Durva Grass and Modaks - Place 21 blades of Durva grass at Lord Ganesha's feet. Offer one or more modaks or laddoos. Prepare Aarti - Light an aarti of desi ghee and some incense sticks. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 오스템 임플란트 받아가세요 임플란터 더 알아보기 Undo Apply Tilak - Apply a chandak tilak on Lord Ganesha. Chant the Ganesh Beej Mantra - After the offerings, chant the Ganesh Beej Mantra 21 times - 'Om Gam Ganapataye Namah'. Pray - Finish your puja with a prayer. Share your problems and life issues with Lord Ganesha and ask for his blessings. Way to go! This simple 7-minute Ganesh Puja is perfect for those leading a busy life yet want to stay connected to the Almighty and receive his blessings. Practice it regularly on Wednesdays and experience a powerful shift in your financial well-being. Discover everything about astrology at the Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces .
India Today
27-05-2025
- Business
- India Today
Even Ganesh idols imported: PM's 'Make in India' appeal to check China dumping
In a strong push for self-reliance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to prioritise Made in India products and reduce dependence on imported goods, especially during festivals like Holi, Diwali, and Ganesh Puja. Taking a veiled dig at Chinese products flooding Indian markets, PM Modi said that 'even Ganesh idols come from abroad, small-eyed Ganesh idols whose eyes don't even open properly'.advertisementAddressing the public in Gujarat, the Prime Minister said, 'We must encourage village traders to pledge that no matter how much profit they make, they will not sell foreign goods.' Citing examples of foreign imports flooding Indian markets, he said, 'Unfortunately, even Ganesh idols come from abroad, small-eyed Ganesh idols whose eyes don't even open properly. Even Holi colours are foreign-made.' The Prime Minister's remarks come amid concerns over China dumping cheap goods into the Indian market. Items such as decorative lights, firecrackers, toys, and religious idols, often imported at low prices from China, have dominated festival sales in recent years, impacting local artisans and Modi urged people to introspect on their daily use of imported products. 'As a citizen, I have a task for you- go home and make a list of how many foreign products you use in 24 hours. You don't even realise but even hairpin, comb used are foreign-made,' he on the collective responsibility of all citizens, he added, 'If we want to save India, to make India, to make India grow, then Operation Sindoor is not just the responsibility of armed forces, it's the responsibility of 104 crore citizens.'Trending Reel
Mint
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Mint
Op Sindoor reflects India's values and emotions: PM in Gujarat - ‘Could Modi sit silently after Pahalgam attack?'
PM Modi in Gujarat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday launched yet another scathing attack on Pakistan by asserting that 'Operation Sindoor' is not just a military action but an expression of the values and emotions of Indians. By launching the strikes on terror camps in Pakistan during the operation, the PM said, he lived up to the expectations of 140 crore people of India. Modi warned Pakistan that if anyone dares to remove the sindoor of our sisters, then their end was near. 'Jab koi hamari behno ke sindoor ko mitayega, toh uska bhi mitna tay ho jata hai... Atank phailane walon ne sapno mein bhi socha nahi hoga Modi se muqabala kitna mushkil hota hai. (If anyone dares to wipe off the sindoor (vermillion) of our sisters, then their end is near. Those who fanned terror had not even imagined in their dreams how difficult it is to face Modi,' Modi said, addressing a public rally in Dahod on Monday, the first day of his two-day visit to Gujarat. Modi also recalled 26 May 2014, when he took oath as Prime Minister for the first time. This is PM Modi's first visit to his home state in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor– India's precision strikes on nine terror camps in Pakistan earlier this month, after the 22 April Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people, mostly tourists, in South Kashmir. 'After what the terrorists did in Jammu & Kashmir's Pahalgam (on April 22), could India sit silently? Could Modi sit silently?… Operation Sindoor is not just a military action, it is an expression of the values and emotions of Indians,' he said, adding that Modi launched Operation Sindoor on Pakistan to 'live up to the expectations of 140 crore Indians'. Modi said that ever since Pakistan was born after India's partition, the country has focused on enmity with India, while we in India have focused on removing poverty, growth and development. 'To become Viksit Bharat, we need to develop economically while securing our borders,' he said. PM Modi urges citizens to buy and use products made in India during festivals like Holi, Diwali and Ganesh Puja Earlier, Modi laid the foundation stone and inaugurated multiple development projects worth around ₹ 24,000 crore in Dahod. On the first day of his visit today, he also inaugurated a locomotive manufacturing plant and flagged off an electric locomotive from Dahod. Modi also flagged off the Ahmedabad-Veraval Vande Bharat service and the Valsad-Dahod express train on the occasion. Before the Dahod event, patriotic fervour gripped Vadodara during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's roadshow, which was held in honour of the Indian armed forces for successfully conducting Operation Sindoor. When someone removes the Sindoor from our sisters' and mothers' foreheads, then their death is also confirmed. Operation Sindoor is not just a military action; it is an expression of the values and emotions of Indians.
India.com
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Akshaya Tritiya 2025: TV Star Ishita Ganguly Opens Up On Family Traditions And Festive Rituals
New Delhi: While actors often portray bold or mischievous characters on screen, their off-screen personalities can be a world apart. Take TV actress Ishita Ganguly, for example — known for her role as the clever and cunning Chamkili in Badi Haveli Ki Chhoti Thakurain, she is, in reality, a deeply spiritual and grounded person. This Akshaya Tritiya, Ishita opened up about her cherished family traditions, personal beliefs, and how she plans to celebrate the auspicious occasion this year. 'This day holds great importance for me and my family,' Ishita shared. 'It is believed that starting anything new on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya brings good fortune and success. Since childhood, I've celebrated it with my family, especially by performing Ganesh Puja with love and devotion. Back then, I didn't fully understand the meaning behind it, but as I grew older, I came to appreciate its true value and the blessings it brings.' She also reflected on the tradition of buying gold on this day. 'In our family, it's customary to buy gold on Akshaya Tritiya because it symbolizes wealth and prosperity,' she said. 'There's a belief that purchasing gold on this day strengthens our connection with the Sun and attracts positive energy into our lives. These rituals have been followed by our ancestors for generations, and I truly believe in the power and wisdom behind them.' Wrapping up, Ishita added, 'By following these traditions, I feel a deep sense of connection to something greater than myself. They remind me of our roots and the values passed down through time. I wish everyone a very happy and prosperous Akshaya Tritiya. May your life be filled with peace, growth, success, and happiness.' Ishita is currently seen in Badi Haveli Ki Chhoti Thakurain, airing Monday to Saturday at 9:00 PM.
