Black‑and‑White Harmony in the Clouds: Shaloo & Timothy’s Yin-Yang Wedding at the State Room

Love Story

It was a haircut that changed everything. In 2018, fate brought Shaloo and Timothy together at a salon on Newbury Street in Boston. Timothy, working as a stylist that day, found himself instantly connecting with Shaloo, who had come in for a simple trim. "What started as friendly banter quickly revealed a deeper connection."

Each subsequent salon visit became less about hair maintenance and more about nurturing the sparks between them. Eventually, they took their connection beyond the salon walls for their first official date in downtown Boston. "That night, over good food and lively conversation, they sensed a future filled with promise and the beginning of a remarkable love story."

The proposal came in February 2023, when Shaloo orchestrated a breathtaking surprise at Summit One Vanderbilt in New York City. Against the backdrop of Manhattan's twinkling skyline, he dropped to one knee and asked Timothy to share his life. As strangers around them erupted in applause, Timothy said the easiest "yes" of his life, cementing their commitment with the same grandeur that would later define their wedding celebration.

About Your Wedding

After a year and a half of meticulous planning, Shaloo and Timothy welcomed 200 of their closest friends and family to witness their union on July 6, 2024. Boston—the city where they met and fell in love—provided the perfect backdrop for their multicultural celebration.

"Our vision for our dream wedding was centered around creating a celebration that honored both our individual cultures and our unique love story," Shaloo explained. "We wanted to blend the vibrancy of Hindu traditions with the elegance of a modern Western ceremony, all while highlighting the balance we find in each other."

"We were also inspired by the people around us: our families, friends, and the talented vendors who believed in our vision," Timothy added. "Their excitement and support reminded us that our wedding wasn’t just about one day; it was a celebration of everyone coming together, each contributing love and positive energy to make our union truly special."
The city of Boston itself, with its mix of historic charm and modern skyline, reinforced their desire to craft something that paid homage to tradition while embracing a sleek, contemporary feel.

This vision manifested in their bold Yin-Yang theme—a black-and-white motif that symbolized harmony and unity while creating a striking visual statement throughout their celebration. "From the décor to our outfits, we made sure this concept was woven into every detail," Timothy shared. "We pictured a lively Baraat that brought a burst of energy to the streets of Boston, followed by a stunning indoor ceremony overlooking the skyline where we exchanged heartfelt vows."

"Ultimately, the dream was to create an experience where our friends and family would feel the warmth of our shared traditions, the excitement of modern wedding elements, and the authenticity of who we are as a couple," Shaloo reflected. "It was important to us that every moment—whether it was the rhythmic beats of the dhol, the elegant floral installations, or the personal touches in our vows—reflected our personalities and the love we’ve built together."

Their wedding journey spanned multiple venues across Boston, from the intimate getting-ready moments at the InterContinental Hotel to the vibrant Baraat procession near Faneuil Hall Marketplace and the breathtaking ceremony and reception at the State Room. Each location added its own character to the day while showcasing their love for the city that brought them together.

Haldi

Morning Details

Timothy and Shaloo had poured heart and soul into every element of their day, beginning with the stationery that first whispered their story. Rohan & Aparna—masters of paper artistry—merged vivid Indian motifs with a crisp, contemporary layout. Gold flourishes, a discreet Yin‑Yang emblem, and subtle nods to both Hindu and Western traditions turned ordinary invitations into keepsakes. “The end result was not just an invitation, but a keepsake that set the tone for our entire celebration,” Timothy recalled.

That design language threaded through every piece—save‑the‑dates, menus, program cards, favor tags—each one balancing heritage with modern elegance. Envelope liners shimmered, wax seals gleamed, and every detail promised a celebration where two cultures would meet in perfect harmony.

The rings told a story of their own. Shaloo chose a sleek Cartier band—minimal yet unmistakably refined—while Timothy gravitated toward a Chanel ring marked by understated geometric lines. Side by side, the bands mirrored the couple: distinctive, perfectly complementary. “Together, these choices felt harmonious, reflecting two distinctive aesthetics that complement each other beautifully—just like we do,” Shaloo said.

Perhaps the most touching morning detail came during their Haldi ceremony, where they exchanged deeply meaningful jewelry. Shaloo received a gold necklace from Timothy's mother, symbolizing his welcome into their family. Timothy was presented with something truly extraordinary—a special gold necklace made from melted-down gold belonging to Shaloo's late mother, lovingly repurposed by Shaloo's father and sister. "Both gifts were profound expressions of warmth and unity, each piece representing the blessings and legacies woven into our union," Timothy remembered, emotion still evident in his voice.

Grooms Getting Ready

The morning of the wedding found both grooms at the InterContinental Boston, where natural light flooded the rooms as they prepared for the day ahead. “Our photographer captured the excitement of the morning—from final outfit touches to the heartfelt reactions of close friends and family—making the entire experience feel intimate and picturesque before we moved on to the main venue,” they share.

"We both worked with Rivesse to tailor our wedding outfits, and we couldn’t have been happier. They truly understood our vision and helped us achieve a fusion of traditional Hindu design and modern Western style," the couple shared. "Because we wanted every detail to be perfect—fabric choices, embroidery, silhouette—we started the process a full year in advance. It took several consultations (and a few long video calls) to finalize everything, but Rivesse made the experience feel seamless."

Floral elements played an important role in setting the tone for their celebration. "We collaborated with OLuxe Design for all of our floral arrangements. They created a bold, modern look that aligned with our Yin-Yang black-and-white theme. The ceremony featured a combination of white roses, orchids, and hydrangeas, which paired elegantly with strategic black accents—like dark calla lilies and subtle greenery—for contrast. For our pre-wedding events (Haldi and Mehendi), we chose vibrant marigolds and other colorful blooms that reflected the more festive energy of those occasions. OLuxe Design brought it all together seamlessly, blending our cultural traditions with a contemporary design aesthetic."

The morning preparations were made special by the presence of their loved ones. "We were surrounded by our closest family and friends throughout each part of the wedding festivities. From the intimate Haldi ceremony at the InterContinental Boston—where just a handful of loved ones helped apply turmeric paste—to the larger gatherings at Faneuil Hall and the State Room, our guests included immediate family, extended relatives, and dear friends who traveled from near and far to celebrate with us,” the couple shares. “Each event felt like a heartfelt reunion, with everyone coming together to share in our joy, offer their blessings, and make the day genuinely unforgettable."

The grooms' wedding party also received special attention with their attire. "Our bridesmaids wore elegant blue dresses sourced from Carbonneau Bridalwear in Worcester, MA. The boutique worked closely with each of them to ensure the perfect fit and style, ultimately creating a cohesive and timeless look that complemented the overall wedding aesthetic."

Photoshoot Before The Ceremony

The pre-ceremony photoshoot expanded to include more of Boston's distinctive locations. In addition to their first look locations, the couple and their wedding party headed to Long Wharf Harborwalk. "This location offered a blend of historic charm and modern city views—perfect for capturing our bridal party shots with Timothy’s bridesmaids and Shaloo’s groomsmen," they explained.

The waterfront setting provided a perfect backdrop for their wedding party photos. "We loved how the harborwalk’s maritime atmosphere added a fun, laid-back vibe to balance out the more formal elements of the day. Each stop on our route provided a different snapshot of Boston’s character, ensuring we had a diverse range of backdrops that reflected the spirit of our celebration."

Ceremony

Before Timothy and Shaloo exchanged vows at the State Room, their celebration had already begun with several meaningful Indian traditions that set the tone for their cultural fusion. The festivities kicked off with a vibrant Haldi ceremony, where turmeric paste was lovingly applied to the couple by their closest family members. A Mehendi night followed, where intricate henna designs adorned the couple’s hands and feet, symbolizing the beginning of their wedding festivities. But perhaps the most spectacular tradition was the Baraat—Timothy's grand entrance on horseback, surrounded by dancing family and friends.

These traditions beautifully set the stage for their ceremony at the breathtaking State Room in downtown Boston. As guests took their seats, they were immediately struck by the venue's stunning floor-to-ceiling windows offering an unparalleled view of the city skyline—a modern, elegant backdrop that perfectly framed the couple's vision.

The rich notes of "Never Let Me Go" by Florence + The Machine filled the air during the procession. "Its ethereal melody and heartfelt lyrics perfectly captured the depth of emotion and excitement we felt as we took our first steps toward each other and our future together," shares Shaloo.

"We chose Sona—Shaloo’s cousin’s adorable 8-year-old daughter—to be our flower girl," the couple shares. “Her bright smile and excitement added an extra layer of sweetness to the ceremony, and she absolutely loved being part of the wedding party.” Behind her, three-year-old Aarav—Shaloo's nephew—took his ring bearer duties with adorable seriousness, clutching a small black cushion adorned with the couple's wedding bands. “Seeing his excitement (and his adorable grin) while carrying the rings down the aisle made the moment all the more meaningful,” they add.

One poignant moment still keeps their hearts warm. “When we paused during our vows, looking out at the Boston skyline and realizing that everything we’d planned—the blend of Hindu rituals, our modern Western vows, and the energy of our loved ones—had come together in a moment that felt profoundly right,” Shaloo recalls. “The heartfelt applause and tears of joy from our families made the final pronouncement even more meaningful, sealing this fusion of cultures, traditions, and love.”

Photoshoot After The Ceremony

For their post-ceremony photos, the newlyweds headed to two locations that perfectly captured both Boston's heritage and its contemporary spirit. "We headed to Faneuil Hall, then stopped by the Sam Adams Boston Taproom. We loved how Faneuil Hall offered a blend of historic significance and lively city energy—perfect for capturing that celebratory, just-married excitement," they shared.

The Sam Adams Boston Taproom offered a more relaxed setting for additional photos. "At the Sam Adams Boston Taproom, the cozy, iconic vibe added a fun twist to our photos, contrasting the formality of the ceremony with a more relaxed atmosphere. It was a chance to showcase both Boston’s heritage and its modern spirit in a single set of pictures."

PTaufiq Photography skillfully captured these moments, balancing artistic composition with authentic emotion to create images that truly tell the story of their day.

Wedding Venue & Decor

The State Room's modern elegance provided the perfect canvas for Shaloo and Timothy's Yin-Yang-inspired decor. Their black-and-white color scheme, symbolizing balance and harmony, was carried throughout every design element. "We kept the overall décor primarily monochromatic—white florals offset by subtle black accents—to enhance the bold elegance of the space. Touches of gold were woven in through certain decorative elements and table settings, adding a hint of warmth and sophistication to the otherwise modern contrast. The result was a sleek, contemporary look that felt distinctly “us,” while still celebrating the power of tradition and unity," they explained.

We wanted a venue that reflected both our love for Boston and our modern aesthetic. The State Room offered stunning skyline views through its floor-to-ceiling windows—perfect for blending the grandeur of a large city with the intimacy and sophistication we envisioned," Timothy recalled. "It also provided the flexibility to accommodate our multicultural traditions, from the baraat logistics to our Western-style vow exchange." Shaloo nodded enthusiastically. "Once we walked in and saw that panoramic cityscape, we knew it was the place where we wanted to say ‘I do.’"

Throughout the venue, personalized touches revealed the couple's attention to detail. "We had custom wooden hangers engraved with our names and wedding date, providing a sweet detail for the getting-ready photos," Timothy said. "We also used a guest book featuring our engagement photos on the cover, so friends and family could leave messages we’ll treasure forever." Shaloo smiled, adding, "Our vow books were another special touch—each one matched our Yin-Yang theme and allowed us to keep those promises written down. Finally, we’re especially fond of our wedding album, which was designed to reflect our color scheme and includes details about each cultural tradition we incorporated. All these small personalizations worked together to highlight the meaningful elements of our day."

Baraat

Reception

As twilight descended over Boston, the State Room transformed from ceremony space to celebration central, with dramatic lighting accentuating the Yin-Yang theme.

"We started our first dance to “Can’t Help Falling in Love” from the Crazy Rich Asians soundtrack, enveloping the moment in a dreamy, romantic vibe," Timothy shared. "Just when our guests thought they’d seen it all, we transitioned into a surprise remix of Missy Elliott’s “Lose Control,” complete with professionally choreographed moves." Guests watched as the couple began with gentle swaying before surprising everyone with their energetic choreographed routine. "The crowd absolutely went wild—turning what began as a classic slow dance into an unforgettable, high-energy performance that set the tone for the rest of the reception," Shaloo added.

The culinary experience matched the visual spectacle, with thoughtfully curated offerings reflecting the couple's backgrounds. "We curated a special menu reflecting both our cultures and personal tastes," Shaloo explained. "For the cocktail hour, we offered signature drinks named for each of us—an Old Fashioned with a twist to represent Shaloo and an Espresso Martini for Timothy’s love of coffee."

The dining tables held an array of carefully selected dishes that encouraged sharing and conversation among guests. "Dinner included an Indian-inspired selection like chana masala and tawa cauliflower, paired alongside Western classics such as herb-roasted cod and seared chicken breast," Timothy noted. "Every dish was designed to balance the spices and flavors we love, ensuring guests enjoyed a fusion of cultures in every bite."

Near one corner of the reception space stood a special display that caught the attention of many guests. "In lieu of traditional wedding favors, we decided to make a donation to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation in honor of Shaloo's late mother," Timothy explained. "It was a meaningful way to remember her and to ensure our celebration had a positive impact beyond the festivities."

As the night progressed, the DJ kept the dance floor packed, skillfully transitioning between various musical styles. A highlight of the evening came when the couple cut their wedding cake. "Our wedding cake was created by JT Cakes Boston," Timothy explained. "They designed a two-tier red velvet cake that not only tasted incredible but also captured our black-and-white Yin-Yang theme with elegant, modern detailing."

The couple spoke warmly about their experience working with their vendors throughout the planning process. "We can’t say enough about how truly collaborative and supportive our vendors were throughout the entire process," Shaloo remarked. "Soraya Events made planning a multicultural wedding feel surprisingly seamless, helping us balance everything from the Baraat logistics to the modern reception décor."

"PTaufiq Photography went above and beyond to capture the essence of each event, from the laughter during the Haldi to the intimate first look moments," Timothy added. "OLuxe Design transformed our love for bold aesthetics into stunning floral installations, while JD Designs Boston added those finishing touches that tied the entire look together. Every vendor we worked with was genuinely excited to bring our vision to life, and their passion, professionalism, and creativity shone through in the final result."