Pooja Sinha and Nils Ansgar Skogstad were married here at The Plaza on July 2nd in the presence of three hundred guests. This was an exceptional international affair as the couple’s family and friends traveled from such places as India, Norway, Singapore, Switzerland, Brazil and Argentina – and of course, across the United States. Pooja grew up on the North Shore of Long Island, with family ties to India; Nils was raised in Oslo, Norway and spent five years in Pakistan, where his parents were posted as diplomats.
Though the couple’s relationship spanned four years across countries and continents, it was a chance meeting in New York that first brought the two together. And while Pooja had always dreamed of marrying in a majestic palace of India, the couple knew that only a New York celebration held the significance of bringing their international courtship full-circle. Pooja and Nils envisioned a royal Indian wedding that infused the richness of the Hindu culture with European elegance and the traditions of Norway. And The Plaza was the sole venue they knew could re-create that historic regal ambiance. 
With eight months of planning behind them, the couple’s wedding festivities were a vibrant four-day affair. Days one and day two, which took place at the bride’s family estate on Long Island, were an infusion of music, color and flavor. The bride donned a saffron sari for haldi, as women of the family sang ancestral wedding folksongs while beautifying and blessing her with turmeric. A Rajasthani bazaar with food-stalls, jewels, and live instrumentalists served as the backdrop for mehendi, where the bride and guests were adorned with henna. After the beautification and music, guests then moved to the tent for sangeet, a night of musical performances and toasts by the bridal party and family. Drawing on her years of traditional North Indian dance training, Pooja culminated the evening with a surprise performance especially for Nils -- an emotional moment for both, the song, Tujh Mein Rab Dikhta Hai, described the bride’s devotion to her beloved as one with God.
On the wedding day, Nils arrived at the steps of The Plaza with his barat – a celebratory procession of family and friends, dancers and drummers paving the way. To honor both their traditions, the couple wed under a rose and crystal adorned mandap in a Hindu ceremony, and then followed with vows in Norwegian, officiated by a Lutheran priest of the Norwegian Seamen’s Church.
Creative visionary David Tutera constructed archways of rich tissues and branches, melding royal India with the raw nature of Norway. He lined the aisle with ivory candelabras and suspended votives to create a warm church-like ambiance. A live cellist and violinist played Norwegian composer, Edvard Grieg for the groom’s processional, and then the majestic tune of Jodha Akbar for the bride’s entrance with her father. Pooja wore an elaborate red, emerald and fuchsia lengha embellished with gold threads and cutwork by Mumbai designer, Neeta Lula; and at her crown, a gold tulle veil. Her jewels were polki diamonds designed by Surana’s of Jaipur. And in the European tradition, Nils donned a bespoke navy tuxedo with his touch, monogrammed slippers. The couple greeted each other under the mandap with garlands of champagne tea roses.
No detail too small, wedding portraits of the couples’ parents gave the escort table a nostalgic and personal touch – and then everyone was ready to party. A live pianist set the mood for cocktails in the ballroom foyer where Tutera had created a Norwegian enchanted forest, with fresh moss and snow. Guests dined on bountiful reception stations, which included a raw bar paired with an ice sculpture for caviar and aquavit, and a European marché serving black truffle risotto and savory crepes.
Guests happily abuzz entered the ballroom to behold a grand topiary elephant and Versailles-like chandelier constructed of suspended rose petals. The Plaza’s service was impeccable, dinner menu and wines divine and the sensational Michael Hart band created a concert-like atmosphere, exuding energy as guests hit the dance floor between each course. The bride and groom’s fathers shared affectionate and often humorous words about the couple and each other’s families. Plaza waiters strategically passed watermelon sorbet shooters back on the dance floor to cool guests down and cleanse their palates!
A seven-tier cake of cascading fuchsia and aubergine roses by Sylvia Weinstock was aloft in the opera box, where Nils later offered a heartfelt toast to his bride. Most palpable, was the love between Pooja, Nils and their families -- “the stars aligned for Pooja and Nils to meet, and for their wedding to go off so magically,” says Pooja’s father, Dr. Anjani Sinha, a lifelong believer in destiny. Nils describes, “It was a celebration of the commonalities our two families share despite residing in opposite corners of the world.” As Pooja says, “My dream really did come true.”
MENU:
APPETIZER
BUTTER POACHED LOBSTER
Citrus and Fennel Salad, Ginger Parsnip Puree
ENTREE
HONEY SOY GLAZED BLACK COD
Lotus Root Chip, Baby Bok Choy, Sauteed Shiitake Mushroom Salad, Pickled Ramps, Basmati Rice with Cashews & Scallions
~OR~
BLACK TRUMPET CRUSTED RACK OF LAMB
Fava Bean Puree, Roasted Beets, Currant Lamb Jus
DESSERT COURSE
OUT IN BLUE
Blueberry Crumble, Caramelized Red Grapes, Basil Ice Cream and Caramel Sauce
~AND~
CHOCOLATE MOUSSE INEBRIATION
Orange Curd, Candied Grapes, Chocolate Sauce, Blackberry Cabernet Sorbet