At once modern and rugged, elegant and understated, this intimate Amangiri elopement is proof that creating beautiful designs in the most remote places is always well worth it.
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ULUM Resort, Moab, Utah
Kirby and Manoj
Three day Fusion wedding
When Kirby and Manoj came to us to plan their wedding, we knew it would be something truly special. Their story is one of blending traditions, values, and families—Kirby’s rooted in a Quaker background and Manoj’s in Hindu-Indian culture. Together, they envisioned a wedding weekend that not only honored both of their heritages, but also celebrated the breathtaking Utah desert in an intentional, elevated, and deeply personal way.
With 120 of their closest family and friends traveling from New York, California, and India, the couple wanted the experience to feel like a luxury desert retreat—equal parts Burning Man-inspired, culturally rich, and grounded in the beauty of nature. What unfolded over three days at ULUM Moab and surrounding venues was one of the most unique celebrations we’ve had the honor of designing.
The weekend began at Red Earth, a venue surrounded by sweeping red rock formations. Guests gathered for an earthy and intimate welcome dinner catered by Culinary Craft, paired with live music from a bluegrass band sourced by Aragon Artists. Inspired by Moab's desert surroundings, our design served to enhance the beauty of the landscape. The dinner tablescapes were styled with natural materials including local stone and foliage, creating a seamless blend between the natural and built worlds for guests at this event.
Before the evening ended, Kirby and Manoj hosted a moving tribute ceremony to honor past relatives—a grounding and heartfelt way to begin the celebrations. As the sun set over the desert, the night closed with a private bluegrass performance, setting the tone for the eclectic, soulful weekend to come.
The second day was designed as a canvas for connection and joy. After a family-led morning Nalangu pre-wedding ritual ceremony, guests were invited into a day-long schedule of activities—nearly 60 in total—planned by friends and family. Whether hiking, meditating, creating art, or simply soaking in the desert, the day embodied the couple’s desire to give their guests the freedom to experience community in their own way.
That evening, we transformed the property into a desert dining experience with a custom menu prepared by Tournant, a seasonal farm-to-fire cooking company known nationally for their immersive dining experiences. Natural grasses and native sage lined the tablescapes, intertwining the raw desert landscape with an intimate, nature-inspired dining experience.
After dinner, the night shifted into a vibrant outdoor sangeet, complete with special performances prepared by friends and family. It was the perfect balance of laid-back warmth and cultural celebration.
The final day brought the wedding into full focus. At sunrise, guests gathered at Looking Glass Arch to begin a traditional Baraat procession—an energetic and joyful celebration marking the groom’s arrival. The Baraat wound its way back to ULUM, where a traditional Hindu ceremony awaited. Led by members of Manoj’s family, the ceremony design leaned into the desert landscape—minimalist and natural in form, yet accented with the vibrancy, color, and richness of Hindu tradition.
That evening, the celebration came full circle with a Quaker ceremony. Quaker weddings are uniquely intentional; without a single officiant, anyone moved to speak, sing, or pray is invited to do so. The result was a raw and beautiful outpouring of love and support from the couple’s closest people.
The reception that followed was both elegant and organic. With Hart Floral creating wild, earth-inspired floral installations and Eclectic Hive providing textured lounges and rentals, the design felt as though it grew naturally from the desert itself. Copper bowls filled with marigolds hung above, and custom paper goods by Nubo Studios tied the aesthetic together. Throughout the space we leaned into sleek linen detailing and ridged ceramics to mirror the unique textures of Ulum while creating a curated, elevated design. Guests dined and danced under the stars before slipping away to an intimate afterparty in the rocks, featuring a curated 90s rock cover band—another unforgettable addition from Aragon Artists.
For us, this weekend embodied what we love most about wedding planning: creating experiences that feel like a true extension of the couple. Kirby and Manoj’s celebration was eclectic, intentional, and elevated—seamlessly blending two cultures, two families, and two distinct approaches to life into one unforgettable story.
It was not without challenges—remote locations, unpredictable weather, and the complexity of honoring two very different traditions—but the result was a wedding that felt undeniably theirs. Set against the vast and grounding landscape of Moab, it was a celebration that reflected not just who they are as individuals, but who they’ve chosen to become together.
Photo: Abigail LewisDesign, styling and planning: Mae&Co CreativeFlorals: Hart FloralRentals: Eclectic Hive, Diamond event and TentVenue: ULUM MoabPaper goods and signage: Nubo StudiosCatering: TournantENTERTAINMENT: ARAGON ARTISTS