Long before the two friends had even begun to date, Pallavi Manvar just happened to mention to Robinder Singh that she believed 10/10/10 would be a fantastic day for a wedding. Years later, Rob would recall the statement and select the once-in-a-lifetime date as the perfect moment to ask the love of his life to marry him. And so it was that on October 10, 2010 at exactly 10:10 AM, Robinder got down on one knee and proposed – and Pallavi happily agreed. The newly engaged duo, who first met as surgical residents, faced a challenge common to many couples planning their nuptials: finding a precise way to incorporate their two unique faiths. “Rob and I are from two different regions in India, and grew up practicing different religions,” Pallavi explains of her Hindu and his Sikh upbringings. In order to respectfully honor each set of beliefs, the couple decided to have three separate services, including a vow exchange at City Hall near their current residence in Buffalo, New York, and a traditional Sikh ceremony a few weeks later in Severna Park, Maryland. “These ceremonies meant a lot to our families,” states the groom, “and it was comforting to see the happiness expressed by both sides.” The couple’s final and grandest celebration – a Hindu service – took place at the bride’s childhood residence. “I always knew I would get married at my parents’ home on Long Island,” explains Pallavi. “I grew up there, and the landscape is full of vibrant color in the spring and summer – perfect for an outdoor wedding.” To assist with organizing the sizeable affair, which included a guest list of over 450 invitees, the pair enlisted the services of a professional consultant who specializes in South Asian events. “I was planning a wedding from a different city and working long hours,” says the bride. “It would have been impossible to get anything done without help.” Pallavi then selected the exquisite lotus flower as the motif around which the wedding décor was designed. “The lotus flower symbolizes purity, enlightenment, and rebirth in Eastern religions,” she reveals.

PALLAVI MANVAR & ROBINDER SINGHAugust 6, 2011 Old Westbury, New York | Photographed by Maloman Photographers

A PERFECT 10

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RESOURCES

Aisle RunnerElegant Affairs Inc.

BeautyKhush Singh for mKarmaGroup

Bridal Gown Ushnakmal - ceremony Poonam Lambha - reception

Bridal Salon Bridal Karigari Inc.

Cake Ron Ben-Israel Cakes

Calligraphy Printing with Panache

Catering Bukhara Grill NYC

Consulting Sonal J. ShahEvent Consultants, LLC

Entertainment Hank Lane MusicSatbir Singh forDJ Kucha Co.

Floral DesignElegant Affairs Inc.

Invitations Patel Printing Plus

Lighting Design Tour Masters Productions

Photography Stephan Maloman for Maloman Photographers

Registries Bloomingdale’sCrate and Barrel

RentalsNassau TentPlatinum Event Rentals

Venue Private Residence - ceremonyPier Sixty - reception

Videography Hart Pictures

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Events began at 9AM with a festive baraat that featured the arrival of the groom aboard a white horse bedecked with flowers. Once guests entered the tent set up on the grounds for the ceremony, they received clever wedding programs in the shape of fans to help keep them informed of the meaningful rituals that comprised the service. After completing blessings with each of the two families, the groom awaited his bride’s arrival beneath a vivid mandap that was festooned with flowers in purple, indigo, and fuchsia hues. Pallavi was escorted by her brother down a long center aisle adorned on either side by pomanders suspended from shepherd’s hooks. She wore a dazzling lehenga in shades of pink and gold, her person wreathed with gilded bangles and stunning jewels. Rob was attired in a sherwani of gold and burgundy accented with a matching wrap. The bride and groom both recall being completely in awe of the cherished moment when they first laid eyes on the other that day.

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“It was important to us to include our two religions in our wedding.”

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To celebrate the couple’s new status as husband and wife, a reception was held in downtown Manhattan at a venue alongside the Hudson River. Among the first details beheld by guests was a multi-tiered flower-and-crystal ornament arising from the center of a spectacular display of seating cards. A picturesque scene greeted attendees in the banquet hall, where colorful flowers and brilliant lighting contrasted with stark white linens and glowing candles to dramatic effect. In the center of dinner tables, vibrant arrangements of lilies, hydrangeas, and roses sat atop cylindrical vases that showcased lily pads afloat within the clear, water-filled vessels. Cascading crystals added a shimmering touch. The show-stopping lotus-themed wedding cake was designed by the bride herself and brought to life by a renowned pastry chef. “What he created was so magnificent that it surpassed anything I could have envisioned,” exclaims Pallavi. “It was the highlight of the reception.” The cake cutting, however, was not without its challenges. “We were told to slice into a specific spot, but when we attempted to do so, we pierced cardboard instead of pastry,” laughs the groom. “I will never forget two surgeons not being able to cut the cake with a knife!”

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The cuisine, the dancing, and particularly the friends and family in attendance turned the celebration into a priceless evening that both Pallavi and Rob will forever treasure. And after overseeing three distinct ceremonies and one magnificent reception, the ambitious bride is an excellent source of advice. “There are a lot of opinions involved in planning a wedding,” she warns. “Allowing other members of the family to make decisions pertaining to things you aren’t steadfast about lets them know you value their input. Know when to stick to your guns and when to compromise.” As for Rob, he has his own good-humored wisdom to share with future grooms. “Sit back, nod your head, and listen to your fiancée and your future mother-in-law,” he winks. “And try to make time to sample all the food!” ALISON BONN

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