Planning an Indian-American multicultural spring wedding in Upstate New York
Deepika and Rob are young professionals who come from different backgrounds. Deepika's roots are in Himachal Pradesh, a region of the Western Himalayas known for its mountains and rich culture. Rob's family runs a honey farm in Ohio. Our job was to find the thread between the Land of the Gods and the American heartland, and let that shape everything.
The planner’s perspective
This was a wedding that reminded us why we do what we do. Deepika and Rob came to us dreaming of a New York spring wedding at The Barn at Villa Venezia. Instead, April gave us an unexpected snowy weekend.
We had to pivot quickly. Timelines were adjusted, outdoor spaces were reconsidered, and every detail was thoughtfully adapted in real time to lean into the moment, making sure the celebration felt uninterrupted. The snowfall did the rest, creating this quiet, romantic backdrop that no one could have planned for, and in the end, it made the day feel even more special than what was originally imagined.
Venue
The Barn at Villa Venezia
Design
Modern romantic garden with textural accents
Vendors
14
Guests
220
A Multicultural Union at Hudson House
Hudson House gave us the backdrop to work with. The Hudson River, the Manhattan skyline, the waterfront lawn. It's the kind of venue that does a lot of the work on its own, and we let it. The floor to ceiling windows brought the skyline inside, along with its modern architecture.
A Marwari Baraat
The afternoon began with a nod to Neil’s Marwari background. As guests arrived, they were greeted by a professional safa tier, inviting the men to lean into the heritage of the Marwari tradition. This tactile piece of heritage created a sea of color against the industrial-chic backdrop. The Baraat followed shortly after, Neil arriving on horseback surrounded by family and friends, welcomed onto the lawn by Abir's Egyptian family.
The Vows
For the ceremony, the couple chose a simple and non-denominational approach. Dressed in traditional Indian attire, they exchanged vows and rings with the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline behind them, an elegant setting that didn't need much else.
Fusion High Tea and Rooftop Portraits
The guests were then invited to a high tea in a ballroom overlooking the skyline. The menu moved between both cultures, featuring Indian masala chai and sweets alongside Egyptian coffee and desserts ahead of the reception. While guests settled in, the immediate family slipped away to the rooftop for a photo shoot before the evening began.
Zaffe Drummers and a Skyline Reception
For the evening reception, the couple made their grand entrance accompanied by energetic Zaffe drummers, filling the room with rhythm and celebration as guests joined them on the dance floor. With the sparkling skyline beyond the windows and the Hudson River just outside, the night continued with music, dancing, and the joyful coming together of two cultures and families.
