Marigold Dreams: Tanushri & Lukas's Joyful Wedding at A Private Estate

Love Story

The universe has a peculiar way of bringing people together. For Tanushri Shankar and Lukas Ross, it was Bumble that finally connected two souls who had been orbiting in the same social circles for years. Despite having mutual friends they discovered later, it took a dating app to bring them together. Their three-year relationship blossomed into a partnership built on complementary differences—Lukas with his love for history and reading, Tanushri with her enthusiasm for pop culture and cooking.

The proposal took place on the iconic bridge from the movie "A Quiet Place," located near Lukas's parents' home in upstate New York. On a crisp fall day, with just two friends hiding nearby to capture the moment, Lukas asked Tanushri to marry him. After the proposal, they celebrated at Hotel Lilien in Tannersville, the same place they would later return to for their mini-moon following the wedding.

About Your Wedding

The couple spent a year planning their 300-guest celebration at A Private Estate in Germantown, NY. Their vision centered around honoring traditions while infusing their own modern twist. "For example, our outfits for the sangeet-- we wanted to make chic, unique, but with an indian-american twist. Matching pantsuits (with a traditional Indian baraat in the borders) made for the perfect fusion!" explains Tanushri.

But perhaps the most magical moment came unexpectedly, days before the wedding even began. "The Thursday before our wedding, Lukas' parents threw a laid back dinner for close family and friends at their house, which is in New Paltz, NY, nestled up against the Shawangunk mountains," Tanushri recounts. "We had been so busy with wedding planning that we weren't tracking the fact that the Northern Lights were going to make an appearance that night.... my aunt called us out on the deck and the next thing you know we were seeing the most amazing colors in the sky."

The serendipitous moment carried extra significance for the couple.
"Our first international trip together was to Iceland, to see the Northern Lights (spoiler alert, we didn't see them in Iceland!)" she laughs. "But it was a hilarious and grounding moment where I looked at Lukas and I was like-- you see how the universe works? In that moment, it really felt like a greater power was looking out for us on the most special weekend of our lives."

Morning Details

The couple's wedding rings themselves tell a story of family legacy and connection. "We melted together my grandmother's bangle and Lukas' grandfather's ring to make matching yellow gold wedding bands," Tanushri explains, her voice softening at the mention of this deeply personal touch.

For Tanushri, jewelry wasn't just an adornment but a way to carry her family with her. "I focused mostly on wearing family heirlooms for the ceremony-- which was very important to me. A piece from each of my grandmothers, my mom, etc., so that I had family and the women I look up to with me each step of the way."

Bride Getting Ready

The morning of the wedding started early—extraordinarily early. "We woke up at 3 am to do hair and makeup!" Tanushri reveals with a laugh. Despite the early hour, the atmosphere at A Private Estate was electric with anticipation.

Tanushri's wedding attire was a thoughtful blend of custom designs and cultural significance. "We custom designed them with Nazraana NJ!" she shares. "And my ceremony saree was purchased at Angadi Heritage in Bangalore."

Her bridal bouquet featured roses, marigolds, and jasmine veni, crafted by Of the Flowers—a perfect complement to the day's color palette of marigold, green, gold, and champagne.

"Comfortable shoes. I cannot recommend this enough, honestly, I could've hiked in all of my shoes and it was the best decision I ever made," Tanushri advises emphatically.

Groom Getting Ready

While Tanushri was being transformed into a bride, Lukas was experiencing his own preparations. His outfit, also custom-designed by Nazraana NJ, perfectly complemented Tanushri's ensembles while standing on its own as a statement of cultural fusion.

First Look

On the estate grounds, Tanushri and Lukas shared their first look—a moment they both know they'll never forget. Tanushri had been awake since the earliest light, yet time seemed to stop when Lukas turned to her. His words said it all: “She was stunning, like a sunrise.”

Photoshoot Before The Ceremony

Ceremony

The ceremony took place under clear blue skies at A Private Estate. As Tanushri made her entrance, the air filled with the poignant melody of "Lakshmi Shobane"—a song sung by her late grandmother, adding a profound dimension of family connection to the moment. Little Sophia served as flower girl, while young Ayaan took on the important role of ring bearer.

Despite standing before 300 guests, the couple experienced a curious intimacy in the moment. "It was super sunny but made for a beautiful fall day," Tanushri remembers, "and even though Lukas and I couldn't be more out of our element on a stage in front of 300 people, it was so special to look out and see all of our loved ones. And at the same time, weirdly, it felt like it was just the two of us."

Photoshoot After The Ceremony

Wedding Venue & Decor

Tucked away on a private estate, the celebration unfolded just as the couple had pictured it. Hues of marigold, leafy green, gleaming gold, and soft champagne washed the space in a glow that felt equal parts refined and joyful. Flowers were everywhere—none more beloved than the marigolds, whose cultural symbolism made them the unofficial star of every bouquet and garland.

Reception

Evening settled in, and the reception burst to life with details that felt unmistakably Tanushri and Lukas. Their first dance—Bill Withers’ “Lovely Day”—radiated the optimism that defines their love. Every course, toast, and tradition blended cultures and flavors into one joyful tapestry, mirroring the future they hope to build together.

When the final notes drifted away, guests carried home the sense of having witnessed more than a wedding. They had watched a love story that leapt from dating‑app chats to upstate bridges, glimmered under unexpected Northern Lights, and finally united two families as one.