How to Curate a Wedding That Tells Your Story — Not Just Your Culture
I work with a lot of couples who are navigating traditions from different corners of the world—Gujarati and Telugu, Sindhi and Christian, Filipino and Eritrean, you name it.
And over and over, I see the same quiet tension show up:
“How do we honor where we come from without losing who we are?”
The truth is, culture is only part of the story. Yes, it matters. But your wedding deserves to reflect you—your shared history, your inside jokes, your values, the way your love feels.
What if the goal wasn’t to check all the cultural boxes—but to feel seen?
Maybe your mom wants a traditional ceremony. Maybe your partner’s family expects something entirely different. And maybe you’re caught in the middle, just wanting a day that feels true.
If that’s you, I want you to know—you’re not alone. You’re allowed to create something that’s rooted in culture but not limited by it.
You’re allowed to blend.
To reinterpret.
To let go of what doesn’t feel like you.
So what does a story-first wedding actually look like?
It’s in the quiet details:
A vow you write in your shared third language
A playlist that mirrors your cross-country long-distance phase
A ceremony that includes one reading from your heritage, and one from a book you both love
It’s not about doing things “right.” It’s about doing what feels real.
You don’t owe anyone a perfect performance
One of the hardest parts of planning a wedding between cultures is feeling like you have to prove something—to your family, to your community, even to yourself.
But what I’ve learned (and what I gently remind my couples) is this: you’re not putting on a cultural showcase. You’re creating a moment that reflects your actual life together.
And your actual life? It’s likely full of nuance. Laughter. Hybrids. Imperfections. Which is exactly what makes it beautiful.
Give your guests a way in
When your wedding is cross-cultural, it’s natural to want guests to understand both sides. But connection doesn’t require a history lesson—it just takes intentional storytelling.
That could mean:
Translating key parts of the ceremony
Having someone share the “why” behind a ritual or choice
Naming tables after important moments in your love story
Including a note in the program that says:
“This is what this moment means to us.”
Trust that your story is enough. When you lead with honesty, people feel it.
And if you’re somewhere in between—good.
You don’t need a wedding that proves your culture. You need a wedding that feels like home—for you, your partner, and the life you're building.
Sometimes that looks like reinventing tradition. Sometimes it’s letting go of one. Sometimes it’s creating something entirely new.
Whatever it is—it’s allowed to be yours.
If you’re navigating multiple cultures, faiths, or expectations…
…and you’re wondering how to bring it all together in a way that feels grounded and authentic—this is the kind of work I love most. I’d be honored to help you create a celebration that holds all your layers with care.
Reach out here if that feels like the support you’re looking for.
