Kara Stoudt-Patel and Satyam Patel’s wedding was not your average celebration. Of course, they are not your average couple. Both physicians, the pair met while in residency.
“You know, because when you work all the time, the guy next to you starts looking pretty good,” jokes Kara.
In fact, Kara and Satyam hit it off, and in May 2017, during a trip to Europe, Satyam proposed on a picturesque pier overlooking the Tuscan countryside.
To celebrate, they ate lunch at a farmhouse, climbed a castle, and toured a winery. To this day, they agree it was one of the best days of their lives — engagement notwithstanding.
Such a special proposal should be followed up with a very special wedding. The busy doctors enlisted the help of Pop Parties in planning the big day.
Above all, they sought to pay homage to their respective cultures. And so, on July 14, 2018, Kara and Satyam said I do — not once, but twice with a Hindu ceremony and a traditional Christian ceremony.
“We very simply wanted a wedding where guests walked away saying, ‘Man, that was such a cool mixed wedding,’” says Kara. “We wanted both cultures infused from start to finish.”
The day began with a Hindu ceremony — complete with traditional Hindu dress and a Baraat (a groom’s wedding procession) — and continued with a Christian ceremony at St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Plano.
An extravagant reception followed at Gleneagles Country Club, where Kara, Satyam, and 500 guests wined, dined, and danced the night away.
The nods to Kara and Satyam’s respective cultures continued with colorful decor featuring an elephant theme and globally-inspired food.
Guest were wowed all night long by surprises including Jell-O shot syringes, homemade cookies as gift favors, and Kara’s favorite detail, signature drinks named after the couple’s cat, Mason.
“We called them Mason’s Mules and decked them out with sparkly, gold kitty-head Twizzle sticks,” says Kara. “Because … why not?”
From the colorful decorations to the amazing food and entertainment, it was truly a feast for the senses. But at the end of the day, what the couple enjoyed most was just spending time with their family and friends.
“We both agree that weddings are not about the couple,” says Kara. “They’re about the people who love them. We definitely felt that love.”
Planning: Pop Parties
Ceremony: St. Andrew United Methodist Church
Reception: Gleneagles Country Club
Florist: The Garden Gate
Dress: A&BÉ Bridal Shop
Videography: Nice Shot Films
Photography: Anna Smith Photography
Hair and makeup: AW Wedding Hair
Catering: The Saffron House
Print Materials: Printing with Pizazz
Mandap, Ceremony & Decor: Prashe Decor
Rentals: BBJ Linen, DFW Dance Floors, Stellar Ice
Cake: Annie’s Culinary Creations
Ice Cream: Frost 321
Entertainment: IDT Band, Texas Boys Choir, Bollywood Strings
Lighting: LeForce Entertainment
Transportation: ECHO Transportation
Horse for Processional: Happy Trails Carriage Service
Kara Stoudt-Patel and Satyam Patel were married on July 14, 2018.
Tashara Parker and Barbara Bush.Photo by Lindsay Jones Photography
