Tanay + John wanted their wedding to be a blending of their styles, personalities and cultures. The result is a beautiful mix of India + California, all wrapped up in a floral paradise. The couple married at John’s family home in Santa Rosa. And fun fact, you might recognize the house from the Disney movie, Pollyanna! They used the ornate architecture, and romantic grounds as the backdrop for their garden Indian wedding. Add in both modern and traditional attire, intricate henna, and fluffy flowers in shades of rose and pale blue, and you have the recipe for the perfect backyard wedding. They share:
We wanted our wedding to reflect both of our personalities and cultures and tried to share these things through the decor, food, and dress. The decor was meant to evoke the beautiful gardens and architecture of Delhi, where Tanay grew up. From the trees, we hung lanterns with ornate patterns that recalled the intricate cut-out stonework found in the palaces and tombs around Delhi, like at Lodhi Gardens or Red Fort. We also hired a tin-type photographer to make antique portraits of our guests, something Tanay took John to do in Jaipur during his first visit to India. The wedding also took place in the garden at John’s parent’s house, which made the event feel more intimate.
Ready to see it all through the lens of Eichar Photography? Let’s go!
Practically a Disney Fairy Tale
Who wouldn’t want to get married at the house from Pollyanna?? T + J wanted to create the atmosphere of an Indian garden for their wedding, and we think they nailed it with this magical setting!
T’s pink suit below, and J’s Sherwani are the perfect nods to Spring. They come from Meraki Brothers and Varun Bahl.
Garden Indian Wedding Ceremony
You can’t have garden Indian wedding vibes without flowers, and Le Jardinier Floral Design created beautiful arrangements in pale pink and blue.
The flower arrangements included proteas, which are native to South Africa, where John’s father is from.
Processional: For Tanay (You Make My Dreams (Come True), Hall and Oates); For John (Wedding Day at Troldhaugen, Op. 65, No. 6, by Edvard Grieg)
Recessional: A Bushel and a Peck, The Andrews Sisters
First Dance: My Baby Just Cares for Me, Nina Simone
T + J’s ceremony featured many traditional customs like the Groom’s parade, the Antarpat ritual, welcome prayers and blessings, and the exchanging of floral garlands.
Exchanging our vows. We had spent so much time planning everything together, but this moment was the most heartfelt and surprising for each other.
Let the Happily Ever After begin!
The Newlyweds
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The Intricate henna from Ritual by Design is just beautiful.
Share the things you love with your guests and don't feel like you have to follow convention. It's fine to ask your friends and family for their opinions, but remember to stay true to yourselves and the things you care about. And remember to have fun, it's a party!
Garden Indian Wedding Reception
T + J had two caterers for their lavish garden reception. Guests enjoyed food from Curry Up Now + Sea Thai Bistro Bar.
We served Indian street food as appetizers, including vada pav, a spicy potato slider that Tanay used to eat at his grandmother’s in Mumbai. We served wine from Sonoma County, where John grew up, John’s cousin Tom, owner of Old Caz Beer, brewed the beer, and we designed our own welcome cocktail–Tanay’s Tarboozy (tarbooz means watermelon in Hindi), a watermelon and ouzo cocktail with a hint of lemon.
Love the idea to have a tin type photobooth. So fun and unique!
Guests finished off the night with this decadent Batter Up Cakery wedding cake. Love the little elephants at the top!
Congratulations Tanay + John! Your garden Indian wedding is something out of a dream! (Or even a Disney movie :) ) The GWS team is wishing you both many beautiful days of wedded bliss!
photography: Eichar Photography // venue name: Private Residence, Santa Rosa, California, USA // planning: John (groom) // florals: Le Jardinier Floral Design // groom attire: Varun Bahl Couture and Meraki Brothers // catering: Curry Up Now // cake: Batter Up Cakery // henna: Ritual By Design // second caterer: Sea Thai Bistro
Worth Appreciating. Great work.