Shikah + Tyler’s Wedding Day Pros
ALL VENDORS
Wedding Planner Soiree Wedding Planning | Photography Mississippi Pearl Photography | Videographer Glenwood Weddings Video | Floral Hydrangea Bloom | Ceremony & Reception Venue The Merrill Hotel, Muscatine, Iowa | Hair Salon Incognito | Makeup Mallory Fitzgerald | Desserts West Hill Cakery & Big Cat's Cafe | Bride's Ceremony Dress Crossover Chicago | Bride's Reception Dress Sunaina Khera | Catering A Guy & A Grill and The Merrill Hotel | Reception Music Diamond Empire Band | Rentals I Do Events & Unique Events | Horse Royal Carriage Ltd.
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Deeply personal elements, glamorous vibes, and Indian influences melded flawlessly to create Shikha and Tyler’s unforgettable three-part wedding celebration.
The couple’s first date was a high-stakes trivia night where they came in dead last. Luckily, they gave trivia another go on their second date and came in first place — a sure sign they could be successful teammates for life!
In what Tyler thought was a surprise, he proposed during a hike at Chautauqua Park in Boulder, Colorado, a special place for the couple. The surprises continued later that day as Tyler arranged a gathering of the couple’s dearest family and friends to celebrate the engagement.
When the two began planning their big day, they wanted a traditional “big fat Indian wedding” while preserving an intimate atmosphere — and most importantly, a celebration that honored their families and diverse backgrounds. They chose The Merrill Hotel in Muscatine as the venue, and the event team went above and beyond to make their vision a reality.
The celebration included three distinct events, each with their own theme …
First, a Welcome Sangeet Night that evoked the charm of “Old Bollywood” with gold and jewel tones. The ceremony was a balance of modernity and tradition — incorporating minimalist, airy elements while preserving a Hindu ceremony. Shikha wore a stunning beaded and embroidered white lehenga and gold jewelry. And to end with a bang, the reception drew inspiration from “Old Hollywood” glamour, with the bride wearing an incredible red dress, a live band, red carpet, and even a fireworks display! The details of the all-out celebration were captured perfectly by Michale of Mississippi Pearl Photography.
Shikha and Tyler made their day especially personal by incorporating distinct Indian elements, like traditional attire and jewelry for family and the wedding party, authentic Indian cuisine, henna artists and even a Baraat horse. Tyler’s father handmade a Mandap which added a special touch to the ceremony space. Not a detail was left undone thanks to the careful coordination and recommendations of their event planner Emily at Soiree.
One of the couple’s favorite moments was during their welcome night. The event is marked by performances, singing, and dancing — which kicked off the wedding weekend in an unforgettable way.
“Watching our family and wedding party step out of their comfort zones to participate was a touching testament to their love,” Shikha says. “This shared celebration created a magical collision of worlds that will forever stay with us.”
Completely magical! A weekend of love, boundless energy, and friends and family made an incredible start to married life for Shikha and Tyler.
