Akriti & Kris’ Traditional Indian & Rustic Maryland Wedding

I apologize again for the lack of posting yesterday – life seems to be crazy at the moment as I prepare to head to Pittsburgh tonight to be a part of two of my best friends’ wedding :) Fortunately though I have a STUNNING traditional Indian Maryland wedding to share today and some gorgeous portraits to share tomorrow for Wedding Inspiration Friday.

Thanks to Porter Watkins Photography & Two Bright Lights I get to blog the beautiful wedding of Akriti & Kris – a gorgeous couple that strayed away from the typical hotel venue and used inspiration from their childhood to plan and execute a one-of-a-kind traditional Indian wedding.

Akriti & Kris’ Rustic, DIY Traditional Indian Maryland Wedding

Reception Venue:  Brittland Estates

Akriti & Kris’ love story:

We met when we were 18, during our first year of college. We instantly became best friends, and since then, we’ve been inseparable. Flash forward 8 years and it was time to plan our wedding! (Kris did propose first, of course!).

About their DIY wedding:

We both wanted a wedding that was unique and memorable for everyone. With that in mind, we avoided the typical hotel venue and actually took our inspiration from the way a traditional Indian wedding would be done back in the day. That is, in the childhood home of the bride.

Since Akriti’s parents’ house wasn’t big enough for all the guests we ended up renting a house on the Eastern Shore.

Our wedding really was a fully DIY project involving the whole family.

 The wedding day began with the groom’s procession to the wedding house.

Kris’ cousin, Nick, a musician and producer actually composed the music and then the whole family, armed with instruments, performed it for the walk up to the house.

That, my friends – is FREAKING SWEET. Having a friend compose custom music for your wedding and having it played LIVE while marching to the wedding venue? Well I am just in AWE.

 Click inside for the rest of Akriti & Kris’ traditional Indian wedding at the rustic Maryland wedding venue ~ including lots more on their DIY wedding details!

Akriti designed and printed our wedding programs which she attached to fans. The guests were also given parasols, it was a very hot June day!

The ceremony took place under a structure called a mandap. The mandap was beautifully decorated by Akriti’s mom, and put together by a group of her male relatives including her dad, brother, cousin, uncle, and great uncle.

In lieu of a guestbook, we had a thumbprint tree where we had guests leave their thumbprint and signature. On the same table, Akriti had framed pictures of our parents and grandparents on their wedding days.

After the ceremony, we had the reception under a tent. Nick was our emcee, Kris brewed our wedding favors (beer), Kris’ dad brewed some beer for the bar, and the centerpieces were arranged by Akriti’s sisters-in-law and aunt.

Another great part of the wedding was a typical game that is played where the bride’s sisters/friends steal the groom’s shoes. They then return the shoes after the wedding but, for a price. Akriti’s friends were successful in stealing Kris’ shoes, but had some intense competition from Kris’ side of the family. There are some great pictures of a struggle for the shoes.

The day was truly unforgettable and super fun! It was a big family gathering, casual, and full of dancing!

Congratulations Akriti & Kris! Thank you so much for sharing all the beautiful details of your gorgeous, rustic Maryland wedding! A special thanks again to Porter Watkins Photography & Two Bright Lights for sharing this wedding!