A Vibrant Celebration: The Pradhan-Fayyaz Wedding at Grand Bohemian Hotel Charlotte
- Aubrey Elizabeth

- Jul 7
- 4 min read

As a wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing countless love stories, but the wedding of Ipsita Pradhan and Muhammad Fayyaz at the Grand Bohemian Hotel Charlotte was truly a masterpiece of culture, elegance, and joy. This unforgettable day was a beautiful blend of tradition, heartfelt moments, and vibrant celebrations, and I’m thrilled to share their story on my website, Aubrey Elizabeth Photography.
A Day Steeped in Tradition
The ceremony, held at the stunning Grand Bohemian Hotel Charlotte, was a heartfelt nod to the couple’s heritage. The day began with a series of traditional rituals, each carrying deep cultural significance. From the Courie Khela to the Bata Barana, Ganesh Puja, Jai Mala, Kanya Daan Sankalp, Hatha Ganthi, and Samdhi Milap, every moment was a testament to Ipsita and Muhammad’s commitment to honoring their roots. The ceremony took place on a beautifully decorated mandap, adorned with florals by Lily Greenthumb’s and set against a sleek black stage provided by the hotel. A touching detail was the placement of a photo of the bride’s grandmother on an empty chair, a quiet tribute to her presence in spirit.
With 132 chairs arranged in 11 rows on each side, the setup was intimate yet grand, perfectly suited for the 44 guests in attendance. The aisle was lined with rose petals from chiffon bags, adding a romantic touch to the procession. Despite the possibility of inclement weather, the day unfolded flawlessly, with the Queen Terrace ready as a backup location. The ceremony was officiated by a priest from the Charlotte Hindu Temple, ensuring every ritual was performed with authenticity and grace.
A Reception Full of Warmth and Flavor
Following the ceremony, the celebration transitioned to the Palace Ballroom for a cocktail hour and reception that radiated warmth and festivity. The evening kicked off at 7:15 pm with the bar closing in the pre-function area and guests moving into the ballroom. Muhammad’s family entered first, followed by Ipsita’s family, with the couple making their way to a beautifully set sweetheart table. The bride’s father, Alen Pugh, delivered heartfelt welcome remarks, setting the tone for an evening of love and togetherness.
The dinner buffet, catered by the Grand Bohemian Hotel, was a feast for the senses. Guests enjoyed an array of dishes, including hummus with pita bread, lobster and crab bisque, strawberry salad, grilled vegetables, Chilean sea bass, chicken tagine, a steak carving station, roasted potatoes, green beans, sweet potatoes, toasted almonds, and artisan bread. Ipsita and Muhammad’s meals were served directly to their sweetheart table, allowing them to savor the moment while visiting guest tables if they chose. With silver linens provided by the hotel and table numbers and menus supplied by the bride, every detail was meticulously planned.
The toasts were a highlight, delivered in a heartfelt sequence: Ipsita’s parents, Muhammad’s oldest sister Javeria and her husband Mike, the best man Gus Cole, the maid of honor Kinsey, and finally, Ipsita and Muhammad themselves. At 9:00 pm, the couple cut their cake, with slices served to each guest, followed by their first dance. The DJ, provided by Carolina DJ Pros, announced the cake cutting and first dance, keeping the energy high as the dance floor opened. The couple opted to skip the traditional bouquet and garter toss, letting the focus remain on the music and merriment.
The evening wrapped up with a last call for alcohol at 10:30 pm and a final dance, leaving everyone with memories of a night filled with love and celebration. Ipsita and Muhammad departed at 11:00 pm without a formal exit, allowing the focus to remain on the intimate moments shared with their guests. The day-of coordinator, Lisa, ensured that light décor brought in by the bride was packed up, and florals were gifted to guests, with the bride’s mother, Surekhah Dahl, overseeing the transport of gifts and décor to a designated area.
Capturing the Magic
As the photographer, I was honored to document every moment of this extraordinary day. From the intricate details of the ceremony to the lively energy of the reception, my lens captured the love, laughter, and cultural richness that defined Ipsita and Muhammad’s wedding. The vibrant colors of the décor, the emotional exchanges during the rituals, and the joyous interactions on the dance floor made this wedding a dream to photograph.
The Grand Bohemian Hotel Charlotte provided a stunning backdrop, with its elegant interiors and seamless service. The attention to detail, from the champagne tower to the carefully arranged seating chart, ensured that every moment was picture-perfect. Working alongside such a talented team of vendors made the day even more special, and I’m grateful for their contributions to this unforgettable celebration.
A Heartfelt Thank You to the Vendors
This wedding was brought to life by an incredible team of professionals who worked tirelessly to make Ipsita and Muhammad’s vision a reality. Here’s a shoutout to everyone who played a part:
Venue, Catering & Cake: Grand Bohemian Hotel Charlotte (Maddie Salagean, 980-999-5491, maddie.salagean@kesslercollection.com)
Ceremony & Reception Music: Carolina DJ Pros (DJ Todd Long, 844-797-1519, todd@carolinadipros.com; Jennifer Sherrill, 704-990-5622, info@carolinadiprofessionals.com)
Florist: Lily Greenthumb’s (Karen Greenhouse, 704-910-2540, karen@lilygreenthumbs.com)
Photography: Aubrey Elizabeth Photography (269-673-7584, photo@aubreyelizabeth.com)
Priest: Charlotte Hindu Temple
Videography: BJ Productions (Bolade Belladay Tellgday, 336-214-7075, bjproductions3o@gmail.com)
Hair & Makeup: Lulu Beauty Lounge (Jenny Le, 704-458-3988, jennylemau@gmail.com; Hair by Anna Pham)
Turban/Safa Tying: Carolina Turban Crew (Jatinderjit Singh, 919-607-4262, carolinaturbans@gmail.com)
Day-of Coordinator: Lisa
Thank you to Ipsita and Muhammad for allowing me to be a part of their special day. It was an honor to capture your love story, and I wish you a lifetime of happiness together!




















































































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