This couple’s multicultural wedding in the Smoky Mountains was nothing short of magical. Ovi, a former Big Brother contestant, and his bride, Hannah, brought together family, friends, and a guest list filled with stars to celebrate their love. Blending Indian and Western traditions, their wedding weekend was alive with vibrant colors, heartfelt rituals, and moments that honored both their heritages. Every detail reflected a seamless cultural fusion, making it a celebration their guests will never forget.
The Love Story
Hannah and Ovi’s story started at the University of Tennessee, where Ovi sat in the row behind Hannah in class. A bold email broke the ice and led to conversations that quickly became something more. Their first date at Waffle House, with just $10.13 left in Ovi’s account, wasn’t glamorous, but it reflected their relationship filled with humor, honesty, and an ease in simply being together. Over time, hikes in the Smoky Mountains, late-night talks, and shared adventures built a steady, lasting bond that eventually brought them back to where it all began.
The Holud
From the very beginning, the couple envisioned a celebration that felt like a true fusion of their love, personalities, and multicultural wedding traditions. The day before the wedding, they hosted an intimate gathering of family and close friends for a traditional Bangladeshi Gaye Holud. This vibrant event was filled with color, music, dance, Mehndi, and heartfelt moments.
The Gaye Holud, also known as the turmeric ceremony, is a cherished pre-wedding ritual in Bangladeshi culture. During the celebration, holud, a paste of turmeric, is applied to the bride and groom as a symbol of good fortune and cleansing of the soul in their upcoming marriage.
The event is filled with vibrant color, music, dance, and heartfelt blessings. Ovi and Hannah wanted the day to reflect the richness of Bangladeshi tradition, bringing its joyful spirit to life through the decor, performances, and community gathered to celebrate with them. This was the perfect way to kick off their multicultural wedding weekend.
The Look
Hannah discovered her traditional wedding gown while watching it come down the runway at New York Bridal Fashion Week in the fall of 2024. It was the Devotion Gown by Wona Concept. She wore it with a custom cathedral-length veil that featured a blusher trimmed in lace, designed to match the delicate lace sleeves of the dress.
A Multicultural Wedding Ceremony
Overlooking the vast landscape of the Smoky Mountains, Hannah and Ovi exchanged vows that honored both of their cultures. Bright blooms and lush greenery surrounded them as they said their “I do’s.”
Just as the ceremony began, the skies opened with a soft rain, adding an unexpected but unforgettable element. The rain soon passed, leaving behind a refreshed, romantic atmosphere that made the vows feel even more magical.
The Reception Space
Inside Nichols Heir Grand Hall, the reception glowed with color and candlelight. Towering vases overflowed with roses and clematis, long tables draped in floral linens stretched across the room, and the soft flicker of candles gave the soaring space a romantic, intimate feel.
The First Dance
The most personal moment came when Hannah and Ovi took the floor for their first dance to The End of All Things by Panic! At The Disco. A song Hannah had loved since high school – and played for Ovi early in their relationship – became the perfect soundtrack to their first dance as husband and wife, a moment eight years in the making.
A Second Look
Later on in the night, Hannah changed into a dazzling custom gown by GL Garlate Designs, inspired by the silhouette of a saree and shimmering with hand-placed details. “I wanted something glamorous that also honored Ovi’s culture”, Hannah shared – a reflection of how their entire day balanced tradition and modern style.
A Night Among the Stars
The dance floor never emptied, with a seamless mix of DJ sets, live music, and a special performance by Ovi’s childhood best friend’s band, keeping the celebration in full swing all night long. Among the crowd were Broadway performers and reality TV stars, yet the true spotlight belonged to Hannah and Ovi.
From the vibrant florals to the meaningful traditions, every moment of Hannah and Ovi’s multicultural wedding told a story of love and the blending two families. If you enjoy this day, check out This Wedding at Twin Oaks Golf Course Blended Classic Design with Bold, Unforgettable Details for more wedding inspiration!
