Grace and Kunal’s Peach and Powder Blue Spring Wedding
Kunal Patel, who moved from Karjan, India, to North Carolina at age seven, met Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina native Grace Ward while both attended UNC Wilmington. The couple was introduced through mutual friends and started dating in 2019. Kunal proposed to Grace in 2023, and together they embarked on planning a fete that would include traditions from both of their respective cultures.
After settling on Rose Hill Estate as the backdrop for their vows, Grace and Kunal hired Chad Biggs Event Planning & Design. “My now-husband and I came to Chad Biggs with a million unrealistic dreams for our all-day affair with two ceremonies, two meals and a huge guest count,” Grace says. “Chad and his team were absolutely brilliant. Chad created the most perfectly curated day we ever could have imagined. To top it off, the team were diligent in researching Indian weddings.”
North Carolina Fusion Weddings
The couple prioritized the traditional elements of both ceremonies while providing a lavish experience for their 300 guests. “Chad had experience with fusion weddings and was able to recommend culturally competent options, such as an Indian DJ who could provide music from both cultures,” Grace says. “I highly recommend Chad and his team for any wedding – American, Indian or otherwise.”
On May 11, 2024, the big day began with the baraat – the groom’s processional entrance on horseback – and concluded more than 12 hours later with a sparkler
send-off. After their exit, Grace says, “I told Kunal it was the richest I had ever felt, and that we would be rich as long as we have family and friends who love and care so deeply about us.”
Advice from the Bride
“Hire a wedding planner and consult the experts! We are so thankful for the expertise we could fall back on from Chad Biggs and other resources like Heart of NC Weddings,” Grace says. “Also, spend time during your wedding to see your guests and notice who showed up for you. We made a point to make rounds and speak to/hug every guest who attended our wedding, even though there were 300 of them! It is so worth it, and was one of the best parts of our day.”
