Pooja Ruhi Rastogi & Krishnan Perumbala
June 18, 2021 • Lowndes Grove
When Pooja Rastogi and Krishnan “Krish” Perumbala met in 2014, it was physics that brought them together—sort of. They did attend the same physics class at James Madison University in Virginia. Though in truth, their first real encounter was during a very memorable social, where the law of attraction set them on a course that would forever change their lives.
Both second-generation immigrants of Indian descent, Pooja and Krish found commonality and intrigue in the other and an exchange that “just felt so easy and fun, like we’d known each other forever,”
recalls Pooja. It was their senior year, and while they were both intent on pursuing the paths they’d each worked so hard for (Pooja toward a career in healthcare finance and Krish facing post-grad podiatry schooling), they realized they could have a real shot at a future together. So even though she eventually ended up in Boston and he in Chicago, their relationship grew strong. “We’ve been together for what feels like so long that we have our own language and routine,” says Pooja. “We have our little family, with our goldendoodle puppy, and have always rooted for each other’s dreams.”
It can be tough to get one past those Type A folk, which Pooja counts herself among, but she was utterly surprised when Krish popped the question in August 2019 during a girls’ weekend in Hoboken, New Jersey. Krish had secretly planned the surprise with three of Pooja’s besties, aka the “Ring Planning Committee,” and even made sure her family got in on the post-proposal celebration.
In planning their nupitals, they’d hoped for a “big fat Indian wedding with 350 people,” laughs Pooja. Of course the pandemic proved otherwise, but they were still able to have a sizable celebration at Charleston’s Lowndes Grove in June 2021. Having fallen in love with the Holy City during a family vacation in 2018, the couple found it fit the bill perfectly for a destination wedding.
From the beginning, Pooja and Krish knew they wanted to honor their ancestral culture and their lives in America too, so they opted for an Indian-American fusion celebration. The food and music reflected elements of both, while the Hindu ceremony was decidedly Indian, with brilliantly colorful fanfare and ceremonial traditions, which were thoughtfully explained in their program. The reception had the look and feel of an American wedding, with greenery offset by neutral champagne and gold tones. The bride and groom, too, transitioned from Indian to American wedding attire. Altogether, it was a harmonious union of two people and two cultures.
Vendors
Planning & Design: Social Graces Events
Images: Lauren Myers Photography
Venue: Lowndes Grove
Catering, cake: Patrick Properties Hospitality Group
Florals: Petaloso
Stationery: Shivam Cards
Rentals: Ooh! Events, Snyder Events, Social Spool (draping)
Bride’s Attire: Regards Boutique (ceremony dress), The Ultimate Bride (reception gown)
Beauty: Lashes & Lace
Groom’s attire: Regards Boutique (ceremony), The Black Tux (reception)
Entertainment: DJ Taj Productions
Transportation: Lowcountry Valet
Videographer: Serio Visuals
