Lauren Ruth Shantha and Frank Woodling of Decatur, Georgia, were united in marriage Aug. 26, 2017, in Highlands, North Carolina, at the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation.
The double-ring ceremony was performed by the Rev. Brian Sullivan. The bride was given in marriage by her mother, Victoria McLeod and her father, Dr. T.R. Shantha. The ceremony included the traditional sacred Hindu Wedding Prayer read by the bride’s father in the sacred Sanskrit language. After the prayer, garlands were exchanged between the bride and groom.
Music performed at the ceremony included “Joy of Man’s Desiring”, “Canon in D”, “Trumpet Voluntary”, “Appalachian Folk Song” which was sung by Molly McKim, and “Alla Hompipe”. Organist was Robert Henry, D.M.A.
The bride wore an off-shoulder, satin wedding gown, with a chapel-length train embellished with an overlay of ivory, beaded, Belgium lace accented with silver threads throughout. The bride wore her mother’s cathedral length wedding veil made of ivory tulle and hand beaded Belgium lace. The veil was designed and hand made by the bride’s aunts, Sadie McLeod Taylor and Tommie Anne McLeod. The bride carried a bouquet with native flowers of North Carolina accentuated with roses.
Serving as matrons of honor were her sisters, Dr. Erica Tarabadkar and Usha Shantha-Martin. Serving as maid of honor was her sister, Dr. Jessica Shantha. Friend of honor was Katie Hardwick. Serving as bridesmaids were Catherine Woodling, the groom’s sister, Margaret McLeod Taylor, cousin of the bride, Betsy Howe, Sara Rosenbaum, Paisley Draper, Rebecca Tanksley, Harriette Smith, and Christina Chambers. The bridesmaids wore chiffon gowns of pastel colors.
Brian Albanese served as best man for his brother. Serving as groomsmen were Michael Albanese, groom’s brother, Benjamin Torbert, Charlie Butler, Thomas Shingler, and Casey Shuster.
Following the ceremony, guests were welcomed with a cocktail party and dinner reception held at “The Farm” of the Old Edwards Inn in Highlands, North Carolina. Guests dined on a buffet dinner of seafood, American, and Indian cuisine.
The couple first danced to their favorite song “This Magic Moment.” The couple and guests enjoyed an evening of dance and celebration with music performed by “Right to Party.”
The couple cut the first slice of the wedding cake with a silver cake knife, a treasured wedding gift, from Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm Argo.
Guests from Americus, Georgia, included Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm Argo, Charlene Usry, Hope Usry, Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Sprott, Hampton Sprott and Truxton Sprott.
Edith Woodling and Jim Dillion hosted a cocktail party on Aug. 24 at their lovely cabin in Highlands, North Carolina, for family and friends.

Parties
The bridesmaids’ luncheon was hosted on Aug. 25 at Main Street Restaurant by the bride’s sisters, Usha Shantha-Martin, Dr. Erica Tarabadkar, and Dr. Jessica Shantha. The bridesmaids, mothers of the couple, aunts and cousins enjoyed having traditional Indian wedding henna painted on their hands as they enjoyed champagne and dined.
The rehearsal dinner and cocktail party were hosted by Edith Woodling and Jim Dillion at Wolfgang’s Restaurant and Wine Bistro where the wedding party, friends, and family had a delightful evening dining and toasting the couple.
Wedding guests enjoyed a Welcoming Party, hosted by Edith Woodling and Jim Dillion, following the rehearsal dinner at Wolfgang’s Restaurant and Wine Bistro, Highlands, North Carolina.
The couple honeymooned in Europe and reside in Decatur, Georgia.