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ToggleLori and Rakesh’s fusion wedding festivities began with a vibrant Mehndi night. Held at The Warwick Hotel Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia, it was an evening full of joy and color. Before the festivities, the couple took a stroll through the city of Philadelphia and took a trip down memory lane back to where they had their first date.
Henna artists decorated the hands of family and friends. Intricate designs cover palms and arms, adding a traditional touch. The air was filled with laughter and chatter. Everyone felt included in this beautiful ritual.
Guests performed traditional Hollywood dances by Bollywood Touch’s entertainers. Family members filled the stage, performing their dance acts. Each of the dances combined aspects of different cultures, displaying the cultural backgrounds of the bride and groom’s families. In response, there was applause from the guests which made everyone feel they belonged. It was a smooth transition into the wedding day in waiting.
The wedding day they dawned bright and beautiful. Burtrum’s Garden in Philadelphia was the perfect venue. The garden was a floral paradise, bursting with color and fragrance. Lori and Rakesh’s ceremony was set to be a magical experience.
Lori’s wedding dress was a breathtaking fusion of her Jewish and Indian heritage, meticulously crafted to symbolize the richness of both cultures. The delicate henna patterns on her hands complemented the dress beautifully with it being a testament to her deep appreciation for both cultures, reflecting the beauty of diversity and the unity of love that brought her and Rakesh together.
Before the ceremony, Lori and Rakesh had their first look. It was a moment filled with emotion and anticipation. Lori looked stunning in her traditional attire, and Rakesh was in awe. Tears of joy were shed as they saw each other for the first time on their wedding day. Rakesh then gave Lori a special gift: a book titled “One Question a Day for Newlyweds.” It was a thoughtful present, symbolizing their journey ahead. They shared a quiet, intimate moment, reflecting on their love and future.
The celebration began in the morning. Guests arrived, greeted by the scent of blooming flowers. The garden was adorned with an elegant mix of Indian and Jewish decorations. It was a seamless fusion of both cultures, creating a unique aesthetic.
The Barat was another highlight of the day. Rakesh arrived in a blue rickshaw, adding a unique touch to the procession. The rickshaw was decorated with their wedding date and initials, making it even more special. Friends and family danced around the rickshaw, celebrating with music and joy. The vibrant procession set the festive mood for the rest of the day.
Lori and Rakesh wanted their wedding to reflect their Jewish and Indian backgrounds. The decision to have a priest and a cantor—one representing Indian culture and the other Jewish, respectfully— highlighted their commitment to inclusivity and respect for their heritage. It was a harmonious blend! Blessings were offered in Hebrew and Sanskrit. The spiritual essences of both cultures weaved together for everyone to see and hear.
The reception was a lively affair, brimming with the spirit of Lori and Rakesh’s Jewish-Indian fusion. Guests enjoyed a blend of traditions, highlighted by the spirited “Hava Nagila” dance with the bride, groom, and both sets of parents. Sugarbomb Entertainment played live music throughout the whole night.
During the reception, heartfelt speeches from both the groom and bride’s sisters, as well as their parents, added a deeply personal touch to Lori and Rakesh’s special day. The groom’s sister shared cherished childhood memories and heartfelt wishes for the couple’s future, while the bride’s sister spoke eloquently about the bond between Lori and Rakesh and the merging of their cultural backgrounds. Parents expressed pride, love, and gratitude in their speeches. These speeches not only celebrated Lori and Rakesh’s love but also highlighted the unity and support of their families, making the evening even more meaningful and memorable for all in attendance.
Lori and Rakesh organized a fusion wedding at Bartram’s Garden in Philly. The wedding was a stunning celebration of their unique heritage and love. There were friends and relatives from both sides, who were dancing to the traditional music, and laughing together; they enjoyed the whole event and will never forget it. The wedding day was just as magical; it took place in the middle of Bartram’s Garden which was full of green plants. During the ceremony, Lori and Rakesh stood under a chuppah exchanging vows that mixed Jewish customs with Indian rituals including Saat Phere symbolizing solemn promise-making. This mix of traditions emphasizes the couple’s backgrounds that are so diverse highlighting oneness, unity, and cooperation among people. Lori and Rakesh’s wedding certainly demonstrated how love can overcome cultural barriers thereby having an impact on all those present during their celebrations.
Thank you to the following vendors:
Wedding day Band: @sugarbomb_entertainment
Baraat Vehicle: @ragstorickshaws
Catering: @bukharagrillnyc
Dance: @bollywoodtouch
Decor: @beautifulbloomsevents
Mendhi night DJ: @djravijackson
Brides Draping: @shilpashenna
Draping: @pjmaisonbeauty
Hair and Makeup: @eleganceartistrygroup
Brides Henna: @hennabysushma
Officiant: @cantorlaurastein
Wedding planner: @asknehanow
Stage: @royalvivaahcreations
Wedding Venue: @jh_weddings
Mendhi Venue: @warwickrittenhouse
Check out their engagement blog: Journal
Maria A. Garth is a Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley Pennsylvania - based wedding photographer experienced in South Asian wedding photography. She is passionate about capturing raw and authentic moments that show the heart of each couple’s love story. Servicing wedding clients in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and other destinations. Although primarily a Philadelphia wedding photographer, I'm ready to go wherever you plan your big day!