This culture combining wedding was full of intricate details that share the best of both American and Indian ways of life. Ambika and Justin were the perfect match right from the start, and in the end their wedding day united their loving bond. Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens was the artistic backdrop to this lively and colorful wedding! Every intimate detail showcased this couples love for Philadelphia, from the soft pretzel treats to the famous street table numbers. Seedling & Sage Catering provided the most delectable fare that fused Indian and American cuisine so eloquently. Thanks to All Heart Photo & Video for capturing every beloved moment from this wedding, keep scrolling to see how it all unfolded in the lovely visuals and film below!
From the Caterer, Seedling and Sage: “Philly Magic Gardens was a magical backdrop for Ambika and Justin’s Indian American wedding. Every inch of the outdoor garden wedding space is another piece of mosaic tile or piece of art.
The evening was clad in both Indian and American wedding traditions. Indian tradition: Mehndi, the painting of the hands and feet of the bride, garlands given to guests, and a large amount of rose petals thrown in the air for good luck.
Everything about this garden reception was colorful–the rich attire, the venue, the mix match vintage chairs from Maggpie Rentals (one of our favs), a Philly LOVE cake, our funky iron pipe pretzel stand, delicious craft beers, a blackberry mint bourbon drink, and family style dinner service.
The menu started with Indian Chaat (chick pea, potato, hot Indian spices and cool yogurt, topped with a naan triangle), Pecan Crusted Chicken over a wilted spinach salad, Hoison Beef over soba noodles and more. Seasonal pie mason jars and a Philly LOVE cake for dessert.
Props to Karen and Dana from All Heart Photo Video for capturing the colorful, warm, simply gorgeous details of this wedding, and of the bride and groom….
We heart Ambika and Justin!”
How They Met:
“Believe it or not, we met on
match.com! Justin was my first date, and we were eager to meet again after uncovering our shared interests in family, food, and Philadelphia.”
“Justin wanted to make sure it was unexpected. He picked me up from work early on a random Wednesday and said he wanted to check on progress on our new house that was under construction. He proposed on the unfinished floor of our living room with Squintz, our dog, also in tow.”
Wedding Planning Experience:
“We had a fun, low stress experience because we decided to do our wedding on our own terms. Our vendors fit amazingly well with our theme, and we made it a point to enjoy the wedding planning process. We stuck to our guns on what we wanted, and the end result was nothing short of perfect.”
About the Venue | Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens:
“The wedding and reception were held at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens. We were looking for an intimate and eclectic venue that represented the uniqueness of our lovely city. The story behind Isaiah Zagar’s beautiful gallery space and its central location in the heart of South Street was enough to have us land on the venue.”
Wedding Inspiration:
“Our love for Philadelphia! We wanted both our out of town and local guests to share in our love affair. Philadelphia street signs were used instead of table numbers, and we displayed maps of Philadelphia that included locations around the city that are important to our relationship.”
Best Wedding Memory:
“Hard to pick just one, but it would probably be experiencing our two very different cultures and traditions mix so well. We shut down South Street for the baraat, a Hindu wedding custom in which the groom and his family and friends dance to pick up the bride and greet her family. Seeing Justin’s family dance with mine down the street and having a very moving Hindu ceremony followed by Justin’s twin brother officiating the Christian ceremony was an unbelievable experience.”
Wedding Planning Advice:
“Do it on your own terms! This is your day. Fight the urge to roll over on things you want. Your families will understand on the wedding day, and you’ll be so much more satisfied and less stressed.”
Wedding Vendor Experience:
“From the moment we met Melissa and Maria from Seedling and Sage and Karen and Dana from All Heart Photo & Video, we felt like they were more like family than vendors. They were easy to work with and accommodated to our wedding needs. It was refreshing to have them regularly check in with us until the big day, and we never felt nervous about how things would turn out. We still have guests comment on the food at our wedding, and the photos speak for themselves. Gorgeous!”
Justin and Ambika, Philly Magic Gardens Wedding from All Heart Photo + Video on Vimeo.
Vendors | Photographer and Videographer: All Heart Photo & Video | Ceremony and Reception Venue: Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens | Floral/Decor: DIY | Hair/Makeup: Diana DuHaime, Onlo Beauty | Dress Shop/Dress Designer: BHLDN wedding dress for reception: custom wedding gown from India for Hindu ceremony | Bridal Accessories: Indian jewelry from India; grandmother’s ring | Caterer: Seedling & Sage Catering | Cake/Bakery: Whole Foods | DJ/Band: Bo Bliz | Furniture Rentals: Maggpie Rentals
