As two families come together to celebrate the union of Jessica and Parth, planning a multicultural wedding becomes an exciting challenge. The couple’s desire for a ceremony that harmoniously blends their religious traditions adds another layer of complexity. However, their big day turned out to be a stunning fusion of cultures, with every detail meticulously crafted to reflect their love story.
From the attire to the decor, and the ceremony to the refreshments, Jessica and Parth’s wedding was a masterful blend of their cultural heritage, cuisine, music, and shared passions. We can’t wait to share the details, captured beautifully by Andy Carretto of Carretto Studio.
With guests traveling from around the world to St. Louis, Missouri, the Marriott St. Louis Grand Hotel provided a regal backdrop for their celebration. The Crystal Ballroom’s grand space and neutral decor offered the perfect canvas for the vibrant colors and lush blooms that are characteristic of an Indian wedding.
Jessica’s attire was particularly noteworthy, with her stunning Morilee gown serving as the perfect complement to Parth’s traditional clothing, sourced from India. The couple’s ‘second look’ moment, where Jessica revealed herself in her elegant gown, is a memory they will treasure forever.
There are countless breathtaking moments from this special day, and we believe it’s best to let the photographs and Jessica’s story do the talking instead.
Our Love Story
We first met as teenagers in 2006 while working at McDonald’s. Our friendship blossomed, and we stayed in touch as we started college and began dating three years later in July of 2009. Fast forward to July 2, 2014, when we celebrated our five-year anniversary with a ‘simple dinner.’ However, Parth had other plans. He discovered a group restaurant tour company and thought it would be an exciting experience for us. Little did I know that he was orchestrating the entire evening.Upon arrival at The Cheshire, we were surprised to learn that the rest of the group had missed their flight, leaving just the two of us for the culinary adventure. A private room awaited us, where Chef Rex presented a personalized food and drink pairing experience. He gave us a behind-the-scenes tour of his kitchen, crafting exquisite dishes for our indulgence.As we savored each bite, I expressed my admiration for the cuisine, unaware that Parth had meticulously planned every detail. After The Cheshire, we descended to Basso, where we discovered an impressive wine market and were encouraged to explore it before moving on. We stepped into a private elevator and entered a room aglow with candles and adorned with an assortment of desserts.As our song began playing, I grasped Parth’s hand, smiled, and urged him to listen. His face lit up as he pulled me around the corner, revealing both our families waiting for us. That’s when reality hit – we were about to embark on a new chapter together. Parth got down on one knee and asked for my hand in marriage! The rest of the evening was spent feasting on desserts, sipping Champagne, and basking in the joyous atmosphere with our loved ones. It was an unforgettable experience.
The Inspiration
When planning our wedding, my partner and I aimed to harmoniously blend our individual styles with those of our cultures. We envisioned a beautiful fusion of a classic Catholic ceremony and an energetic Indian celebration. To achieve this, we needed to strike the perfect balance between the traditional red hues of my bridal lengha and the vibrant colors that would bring the wedding to life. A key moment came when our bridesmaids tried on their dresses – the cobalt blue accent was stunning against the hot pink highlights, creating a visually striking contrast. We then added subtle purple notes to create a cohesive look throughout the event. Our objective was to seamlessly transition from the ceremony to the reception without introducing too much repetition. To achieve this, we introduced gold tablecloths to inject a touch of elegance and break up the vibrant colors, bringing a sense of sophistication to the space.
The Attire
When it came to selecting the ceremonial attire, Parth’s family took the reins, expertly curating a selection of outfits in India that we would all adore. My own dress was sourced from Clarice’s Bridal, with its exquisite lace details and stunning open back. Meanwhile, the bridesmaids were given the freedom to choose their own styles from Amsale’s impressive collection at Bella Bridesmaid.
Favourite Moments
I’m still grinning from ear to ear as I think about our wedding day. What made it so special was the incredible diversity of our guests, with friends and family flying in from all over the world, including my new brother-in-law’s uncle from India and his family friends from Switzerland. It was his first time in the United States, making it an extra-special experience for him to share with us.I have to admit, I wasn’t expecting the ceremony to be as much fun as it turned out to be. But between the two of us, we managed to make light of things and even laugh together. Seeing our parents get along like old friends was a joy to behold. My dad, in particular, had a blast wearing his traditional outfit that he’d picked up on a business trip to India.One of my favorite moments came during our second look when Parth got to see me in my reception dress for the first time. He thought I was still going to wear something different based on my sister’s ‘accidental’ leak, but when he turned around and saw me, he was caught off guard and whispered, ‘You look beautiful to me.’ That was a special moment that just us shared.Another highlight was presenting our thank-you gift to his parents. We gave them first-class tickets to India, which left them stunned and thrilled at the prospect of visiting their family in comfort. And let’s not forget about our reception – it was non-stop dancing all night long! I didn’t even get a chance to stop for that nacho bar I’d been looking forward to.And then there were the desserts… oh, the desserts! Let’s just say I savored every bite of my four pieces of cake (and snuck in a few bites of Parth’s too, if you watch our video). It was truly a day filled with love, laughter, and joy.
The Venue
The ceremony took place at the renowned Crystal Ballroom, a historic venue that had initially captured my attention through photographs. Upon arriving, it was the soaring vaulted ceilings and stunning bay windows that sealed the deal for me. What’s more, the Marriott staff were incredibly welcoming and boasted extensive experience in hosting Indian weddings, which further solidified our decision to choose this location.
The Ceremony
When planning our wedding, we faced one of the biggest challenges: blending our religious backgrounds. As a Hindu and a Catholic, we wanted a ceremony that honored both traditions without separating us into distinct rituals. We sought unity, respect, and celebration of our differences.Word of mouth led us to a Hindu priest who was willing to adapt his ritual to English, a first for many in his community. Meanwhile, my parents reached out to their former pastor, Father Craig, who was thrilled to work with us. He incorporated traditional elements from both faiths, including a Bible reading, ring exchange, and vows.Our ceremony was a beautiful fusion of love, laughter, and tradition. It was the first time many guests had witnessed two priests jointly pronounce a couple husband and wife or combine elements in such a way. The atmosphere was filled with joy and symbolism, as we exchanged vows amidst Indian love songs and an instrumental version of Ave Maria, a song dear to my heart.This choice held great significance for me; it’s the same song my late aunt sang at my parents’ wedding, and I wanted to pay tribute to that special memory. The result was a meaningful and recognizable element for my side, yet still beautiful and enjoyable for Parth’s family.
Advice for Other Couples
As we prepared for our special day, my fiancé and I drew inspiration from a variety of sources, including Pinterest. To ensure our vendors were thoroughly briefed, we shared numerous photos with them, outlining our expectations in detail. Our planning process was remarkably organized, with a strict timeline that kept us on track. We strategically spread out our larger expenses and anticipated potential surprise costs that aren’t often discussed, such as postage and welcome gifts.To avoid last-minute scrambles, I created a weekend packing list for myself, my fiancé, and our parents to ensure we didn’t forget anything while staying at a hotel during the wedding festivities. We also delegated tasks to our bridal party, assigning responsibilities like curating music playlists for the party bus, procuring drinks, managing flowers, and serving as liaisons between vendors.In an effort to maintain sanity, we restricted our wedding planning discussions to just one night per week, which allowed us to stay focused and excited about the impending celebration. When faced with overwhelming ‘wedding talk’ from loved ones, we remained united, prioritizing our partnership above all else.It’s essential to remember that your wedding day is ultimately about you and your partner, celebrating your love and commitment to one another. Things may not always go as planned, but it’s crucial to remain adaptable and avoid letting unexpected hiccups detract from the joy of the occasion.Surround yourself with people who genuinely support and care for you, and they’ll help make the day run smoothly. And don’t forget – comfortable shoes can be a game-changer! I opted for beautiful yet practical wedges that allowed me to dance the night away with ease.
The Photography & Videography
After an exhaustive search, we finally found a photographer whose aesthetic resonated with our timeless, romantic, and sophisticated style. The discovery was made possible by a trusted friend who had previously worked with Carretto Studio for their own wedding. We were impressed by the photographer’s portfolio and decided to meet with him in person. Andy exceeded our expectations by not only capturing our vision but also demonstrating his ability to handle the unique demands of an Indian wedding, including a large guest count. For videography, we opted for a personal touch by hiring Ryan from Fathom Studio, who brought a fresh perspective to the project. His final product was nothing short of stunning, with numerous memorable moments that still transport me back to my special day whenever I watch it. If you’re interested in seeing the video for yourself, I’ve included a link to our YouTube page.
The Flowers
When we initially planned our wedding flowers, we were eyeing peonies, but a quick reality check revealed they were beyond our budget. Luckily, my florist was accommodating and worked with us to find a solution that fit our financial constraints.
To create a lush look without breaking the bank, we mixed and matched different types of roses, fuchsia stock, hydrangeas, greenery, and baby’s breath. Our florist studied the bridesmaids’ outfits and helped me select colors that harmonized with the blue and tied in the hot pink and purple accents.
For the centerpieces, we varied the vase sizes to add visual interest and utilized the venue-provided glass vases and votive candles to keep costs down. We also scattered candle-lit tables throughout the reception space to recreate that romantic ambiance.
To tie everything together, our decorator incorporated fuchsia flowers into the vases, while we repurposed some of the ceremony flowers for the reception tables and transformed two bridesmaid bouquets into a small centerpiece. This creative reuse allowed us to allocate funds more efficiently.
As an added bonus, we were able to repurpose the small floral centerpieces as decorations for our post-wedding brunch the following morning.
The Budget
We made significant investments in venue and photography, but it was the food and drink expenses that really caught our attention. With top-shelf alcohol and three meals for 330 guests, the cost added up quickly. However, with some creative problem-solving and vendor negotiations, we were able to bring the expense down to a more manageable level. By taking on some DIY tasks, such as designing escort cards and ceremony programs, we were able to offset the costs of other aspects of the wedding. For instance, we opted for simpler cake designs and reused flowers to cut decoration expenses. Our total cake cost came out to $700, which was a significant expense but one that was worth it in the end. We also worked with multiple vendors to find deals on our floral arrangements, ultimately saving around $1,300 on what could have been a costly endeavor. Additionally, we were able to negotiate cash discounts with some of our vendors, which helped us save even more.
The Refreshments
Food has always been at the forefront of our celebrations, and I’m thrilled to say that our wedding was no exception. Ensuring that our guests enjoyed an array of culinary delights was crucial, given the diverse backgrounds and tastes represented. To achieve this, we enlisted the expertise of a talented chef who had trained in India, allowing us to incorporate authentic flavors into our menu. Our parents were even invited to join us for the tasting, which added a special touch.We began with a catered lunch from India Palace, our go-to spot for delicious Indian cuisine. For passed hors d’oeuvres, we wanted to showcase the bold flavors of India, featuring dishes like bhel puri, spinach pakora, chili and queso rangoon, lamb chops, and assorted cheeses.The plated dinner menu boasted a blend of American favorites, including eggplant parmesan and mushroom and ricotta stuffed chicken – both of which received rave reviews. To keep things interesting, we also set up a late-night nacho bar that was a huge hit with our guests.When it came to cake, my sister and I went all out, sampling an array of options before ultimately deciding on four different flavors from two bakeries. By opting for smaller tiered cakes and sheet cakes, we were able to save significantly without sacrificing quality or quantity.I’m proud to say that the bride (that’s me!) enjoyed every last crumb of each cake. Our selection included rich chocolate with fudge, tangy lemon with cream cheese, sweet white with raspberry, and nutty almond with ganache filling – something for everyone. We also incorporated desserts flown in from India, which added an extra layer of cultural flair.The next day, we hosted a brunch that blended Indian and American breakfast items, along with a Bloody Mary bar that kept things lively.
The Decor & Details
To create a warm ambiance, we opted for an abundance of florals and candlelight in our decorations. In an effort to be cost-effective, we made a conscious effort to utilize as many hotel-provided elements as possible.
The hotel’s votive candles and mirrors proved to be particularly useful, allowing us to create unique centerpieces that added a touch of elegance to the place card table and gift box area. We also incorporated our framed engagement photos into these areas, which helped to personalize the space.
For the reception backdrop, we once again turned to the talented individual who had created our Mandap for the ceremony. Her work brought a beautiful Indian flair to the reception, tying in nicely with our cultural heritage.
In terms of DIY projects, we kept things simple by focusing on the ceremony pamphlets and escort cards. With 330 guests attending, we felt that this was more than sufficient. As it turned out, all of our desserts also served as favors for our guests, which added an extra layer of sweetness to the celebration.
The Music
Our choice of first dance songs was deeply personal and reflected the diverse tastes within our family. My partner’s pick, ‘Overjoyed’ by Matchbox 20, even found its way into our videographer’s work. Meanwhile, my dad and I opted for a heartwarming father-daughter duet in the form of Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole’s timeless classic, ‘Unforgettable’. Its nostalgic charm made it an ideal fit.For the mother-son dance, Parth chose a more contemporary option in Charlie Puth’s ‘One Call Away’, showcasing his modern sensibilities. I, on the other hand, embarked on a quest to curate the perfect ceremony songs, pouring countless hours into discovering the right translations and melodies. Our carefully selected playlist featured ‘Tum hi ho’, ‘Latika”s theme, an instrumental rendition of Ave Maria, and ‘Mast Magan’ as our first walk song.The song that still resonates with me to this day is ‘Tu Meri’. I love it because the lyrics seem to whisper my name, Jessica. We were so enamored with this tune that we even started practicing a choreographed dance routine – one that ended up featuring prominently in our wedding highlight video.
The Honeymoon
For an unforgettable 10-day getaway, we chose St. Lucia as our destination and stayed at one of the esteemed Sandals resorts. The added bonus was the availability of complimentary shuttles to their other two properties, allowing us to experience a variety of settings and amenities. We wholeheartedly recommend Sandals and St. Lucia for an unforgettable vacation.
Our stay was made even more luxurious by the exceptional service offered by the resort’s staff. With just a simple request, they handled all our excursion bookings and ensured that every aspect of our trip was meticulously taken care of. The pièce de résistance was our butler suite, which elevated our experience to new heights.
Imagine having your own personal chauffeur, complete with a golf cart at your disposal, making dinner reservations or serving meals on your private patio – it was truly a feeling like being on top of the world.
St. Lucia’s vibrant colours and luxe decor added an extra layer of indulgence to our stay. From reading about the intricacies behind each day’s celebrations to experiencing the beauty firsthand, every moment felt truly special.
We’d like to extend our gratitude to Andy Carretto of Carretto Studio and Jessica & Parth for sharing their stunning Indian wedding in St Louis with us – it was an honour to feature their story. For more inspiration and ideas for your own multicultural wedding, explore our archives.
