Are you planning your wedding?  Or your first holiday party for your new company?  Even if you are an old hat at event planning, we should all beware for the following common misconceptions. Arming yourself with knowledge will help turn what can be a stressful and daunting task into the fun and creative challenge it should be!

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 “My catering should cost the same or even less than a restaurant.”

Albeit restaurants and caterers are both serving food, their business models are completely different. Restaurants are location-based retail operations. Their ambiance, equipment needs, menu and staffing are preset and limited by the seating capacity of their establishment. Plus, because the same menu is served over several days, restaurants can also lower food costs by ordering for extended periods of time.

Caterers, on the other hand, plan menus uniquely for each event. Products for one event may not be the same for an event happening the next day. Orders often need to be made weeks in advance to ensure they have all the necessary products and quantities (which is why your caterer asks for a final guest count 1 to 2 weeks before your event.)

Caterers are also mobile, creating that restaurant feel wherever they go. They can provide tables, chairs, decor, even complete mobile kitchens (!) – often working within stringent time limits and difficult space arrangements.  And whether the event is for 25 or 2500, the food has to be fresh and amazing. Add in load-in, breakdown, and travel time, not to mention, the one-on-one planning that goes into an event! Planning usually begins a year out from the event date, with countless meetings, phone calls, emails, walk throughs, and consultations. As you can imagine, it requires an army of trained, knowledgeable, flexible, and professional staff to manage and create a successful event!

Like a restaurant, caterers also have fixed costs: their office space, warehouse, fleet of vehicles, office computers, and a team of non-event staff to ensure things run smoothly behind the scenes.

Watch to see how a venue might be transformed for an event. This classic Grecian ballroom becomes almost post-apocalyptic  via lighting, drapery, and custom decor.

“My caterer has an event planner. I don’t need a wedding planner too.”

Yes, your caterer’s planner may assist with some of the details a wedding planner would help you with (i.e. choosing linens, creating a floor plan, etc.), but they are primarily focused on your event reception. Wedding planners provide services that extend well beyond your caterer’s realm.  Their insight, professional knowledge, and creativity are invaluable. Plus, wedding planners have developed relationships with vendors, and can often save you money in the long run.

In the end, hiring a wedding planner is a personal choice, but Vibrant Table cannot say enough to support the amazing planners available throughout the Northwest region.

 “Caterers nickel and dime you for every little thing.”

Every caterer presents their pricing differently, but one thing is certain, whether you see one per-person price or the related charge for each individual service, you pay for what you get. There are advantages to both proposal methods. At Vibrant Table, we prefer to provide a clear understanding of the services provided during the event. This establishes common expectations and makes it easier to negotiate services to meet your budget.

 “It’s less expensive to have an event at a hotel than an event venue.”

Hotels frequently “waive” rental of their on-site ballroom with minimum food and beverage purchases, but they often require rentals of a set number of hotel rooms, making up for income lost from the waived ballroom rental. Auriana Albree, who has experience as a hotel event planner, says that once the costs for the hotel rooms are factored in, the end cost can be the same, if not more, as an off-site venue with third-party caterer.

“Caterers often lie about the price to get your business.”

Service charges and venue fees (the common practice of charging caterers to do business at their venue) can often add upward of 30% onto your total bill. Some caterers prefer to leave these variables off their initial proposals and present their base charges (food, equipment, staffing). Other caterers, like Vibrant Table, will include all expected charges so that you have an accurate expectation of the total event cost. If the numbers for one caterer grossly undercuts their competition, these extra charges may not have been included in the initial proposal. Auriana advises to confirm with any prospective caterers that all expected charges are included in the proposal.

 “Catering is a racket.”

Like every business, your caterer expects to make a profit. Believe it or not, though, the average pre-tax net profit for a catering company is 10% (Carl Sacks, Catersource Consulting).

 “Cake cutting and serving costs extra.” 

Every catering company is different, and this is an important question to ask when interviewing your caterer. At Vibrant Table, there is no additional charge for cake cutting when purchasing one of our event packages. Outside the packages, there might be some charges for any extra china required.

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In Your Words

Have you purchased catering? What services did your caterer provide? Do you feel they were worth it? Are you a caterer? Did we miss any misconceptions about catering and costs? Add your thoughts in the comments section below!

Shout outs

We are grateful to the talented photographers that share their work with us. They make us look pretty, don’t they? These photographers have images featured in this blog:

Evrim Icoz (header image), Julie Randall (mobile kitchen), Dodge + Burn (server in tent), David Barss (festive fare)

You might also like

• Be  a smart shopper: What to ask your caterer
• Watch videos of more Vibrant Table venue transformations
• Learn about some of the wonderful vendors we’ve worked with

Atelier Pictures uses images and video to tell a story. Since our first meeting, Vibrant Table and Atelier Pictures have had several opportunities to work together and they continue to impress, with several of their shots easily making our upcoming capability brochure.

Interesting, funny, and self-effacing, we asked Jonathan a few questions about his journey to event and wedding photography, his inspirations, and what makes Atelier Pictures unique.

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VT: Jonathan, how long have you been practicing photography?

My interest in photography took shape over a long period of time.  My primary focus during college was painting, so it wasn’t until after graduation that I really began to take photography seriously. Initially, taking a photograph simply preceded the attempt to paint a photorealistic version of the image.  As I traveled the world with my camera from 2003 – 2005, I became satisfied with the photograph as my intended creation.  I stopped feeling the need to prove something in terms of my ability to paint and it has now been about 9 years of intentionally using a camera as the outlet of my creative endeavors.

VT:  You have a background in fine art, correct? Tell us a little bit about what you studied, where, and how it influences your work?

I studied art at Azusa Pacific University for my B.A. and then Vermont College of Fine Arts for my M.F.A.  By the time I finished grad school my primary focus was filmmaking and documentary practices. The intensity of these programs really pushed me to excel in both craftsmanship and intellectual rigor.  Through these experiences I became confident in my role as an artist and comfortable with my creative process.

VT:   Why event and wedding photography? What was your first taste like?

My first taste was enough to scare me away… for a short time at least.  You have to remember that during my college years I spent a lot of time creating artwork essentially for myself.  The pressure of having to make great photographs for demanding clients was nerve wracking at first.  I think the biggest change came when I was able to see how my creative energy could empower ideas and portray the experiences of those around me.

One of the projects that will always be significant for me was a documentary I created for Peace Rehabilitation Center in Nepal.  They are a small organization that helps girls who have been rescued from sex trafficking as well as educates communities in Nepal to help prevent future tragedies.  It is impossible to be self-centered in the midst of the amazing people whose stories I was capturing.

Learning to position myself as a wholehearted observer has impacted how I photograph weddings, corporate events, and editorial shoots.

VT:  In  an industry that uses almost exclusively Apple products, you don’t. Why is that?

Yes, yes.  I know that the photography and film industries love Apple products, but my work on a PC goes back to my childhood.  It is a tool that I am really comfortable with, especially knowing how to build a computer that can maximize the programs I use.  I’m not an Apple hater by any means, but I do get a good laugh from Apple fanatics!  (Also, I think that the beautiful designs of Apple products have the potential to make me look slightly cooler than I am, which is an intimidating prospect for a nerd.)

VT:  What is unique about your particular style? There are a lot of talented photographers; why do you stand out?

Agreed.  I am always inspired (and often humbled) by the excellent work of the photographers around me.  In the end, my work comes from a few core motivations: the desire to remember, the exploration of beauty, and the need to tell a story.  I want to stand out by being myself and enjoying the ride!

VT: Atelier Pictures offers more than wedding photography. What other services do they offer?

I am only half of Atelier Pictures; the other half is my best friend, Josh Ferdaszewski.  We began making movies together in high school, continued making art in college, and then each delved into photography.  Our history together has positioned us to offer both photo and video services.  As a team we have worked on weddings, events, commercial projects, and outdoor adventures.  In some ways that sounds like a lot of variety, but I think the point is that we love to capture action in a way that effectively relates that experience to a viewer.  We want to find a place where creativity, craftsmanship, and adventure collide.  Ultimately, this process is significant to what our clients need.

(VT Comment: In testament to the adventurous spirit of the Atelier team, Josh Ferdaszewski hiked nearly the entire length of the Pacific Crest Trail, starting in Campo, California. He totaled 2,350 miles until poor weather forced him to abandon the journey in Washington state. Ask him about the experience if you meet him!)

VT: What are the advantages to hiring a team that offers both videography and photography?

We have a consistent quality of craftsmanship and original perspectives.  Josh and I rely heavily on each other to make our collaborations more powerful than we would be individually.  On top of that, I think it is comforting to entrust your needs to a single company when you know they can deliver.

Jonathan and Josh of Atelier Pictures show their spirit.

VT:  What/who inspires you? Are there any individuals, ideas, or trends you find exciting right now?

I’m inspired by diverse creative expressions.  I love how the music of Sigur Ros can influence my work as much as the photography of Jeff Wall.

One trend that we have had a lot of fun with is the creation of cinemagraphs, which are essentially new manifestations of the “Animated GIF.”  Cinemagraphs hit the bullseye between the stillness of a photograph and the movement in a video.  It was Jamie Beck and Kevin Burg who started the fire with their high-end fashion experiments, but it has carried over into a variety of styles.  If you haven’t seen these yet, you should investigate at Cinemagraph.

VT: How has photography changed since you’ve been practicing? How have you changed with it?

I initially started photography with the traditional darkroom techniques, but quickly adopted the digital workflow.  The tools themselves have been in constant flux, which is really exciting for someone like me who loves to experiment.

Some of the biggest changes on the horizon have to do with cameras that capture video footage in such high resolution that every single frame could be printed as a high quality photograph.  Not only that, but the videos are in RAW format, so they maintain a ton of quality for tweaking in post-production.  As a company that loves the relationship to the two mediums, these are signs of exciting times ahead!  Check out the work over at Red Digital Cinema if you want to see more.

VT: Just for fun, any professional pet peeves?

Hmmmm… Well, Josh and I pretty much freak out anytime we see someone use the Papyrus font.

VT: Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about you?

I’ve recently determined that the “Sports of My 30’s” are going to be skiing, rock climbing, and golf.  These three activities have always been relegated to the “once every few years” experiences and I’m all geared up to stop looking like a newbie every time I try them!

Also, I love the comedian Mitch Hedberg because he says things like, “I’m sick of following my dreams. I’m just going to ask them where they’re going, and hook up with them later.”

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 More Shots by Atelier Pictures

Your Words

Have any questions for Jonathan Marrs or Atelier Pictures? Ask them in the comments below! Have you worked with Atelier Pictures? Tell us about your experience!

You Might Also Like

• To find more vendor profiles on Vibrant Table Blog
• To explore Vibrant Table gallery for ideas, tips & tricks, and a whole lot more!
• To learn more about planning your event or choosing a caterer.

Before we even begin the rest of her decor, we’re draping the entire perimeter of the nearly 7,000 square foot ballroom to hide the raw brick walls. Then comes the rest, which includes ribbons, flower arrangements, and lighting. Don’t get us wrong, we pride ourselves on transformative event designs and LOVE these challenges, but weddings and events are expensive. If you have room in the budget, then great, but we find most hosts carefully monitor those dollars and cents.

work with the venue’s canvas

Assuming that the vast majority of our clients will find a venue that works for all parties involved, one of the best ways to optimize your budget is to choose floral and decor that enhances the provided canvas. Although tension between seemingly juxtaposed elements can become a dynamic part of your event decor, it generally takes more resources to make this tension work successfully. Complementing the venue, on the other hand, provides a cohesive backdrop with minimal effort.

Vibrant Table and Vibrant Flowers have prepared a few best practices to help you choose floral and decor that works with your selected venue, no matter the type of event.

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Botanicals

Botanicals are an essential feature of any event. Organic elements add life to a space and help ground it. While weddings will generally include more florals, even corporate and non-profit clients will benefit from having some organic elements at their events.

ROMANTIC BALLROOM
Full arrangements of garden blooms work very well in the traditional ballroom and anything goes – white peonies and roses, cascading tropical orchids, or bright local blooms. Table centerpieces can be tall or low (but don’t block your guests’ view) and the containers be a wide range of styles and materials, i.e. gold candelabras, clustered glass pillars, or a single geometric vase. Corporate clients benefit from focusing their floral budgets on large arrangements to decorate important stations, such as the buffet or bar, and then choose simple table centerpieces with only a few flower types or even single floating blooms. Wedding clients can save by incorporating the same flowers used in the bridal bouquets to take advantage of bulk savings.

INDUSTRIAL MODERN
Is your venue modern-chic with exposed raw surfaces? Choose a floral container made of industrial materials. Think  wrought iron candelabras, brushed silver, or cement plinths. Sculptural botanicals like succulents, branches, or clustered single blooms complement the minimalist backdrop. In bridal bouquets, incorporate textural elements that surprise, like billy balls or pin cushion prodia. Consider using metallic ribbon to add a touch of raw element.

GARDENS & VINEYARDS
Floral arrangements can get lost in outdoor event spaces, so if you’re going to have them, it’s generally best to have few, but go big, and be selective about placement. If you need to section a special area, for example, consider potted trees or topiaries. For weddings, focus your efforts on the ceremony area. Flank the altar with two impressive arrangements (large blooms fill better), decorate the arch with hanging pomanders, and highlight the aisle with small arrangements and petals. An outdoor space can handle any theme from tropical paradise to country kitchen, but try to work with the landscape provided. If pink hydrangeas and peonies abound at your venue, then yellow sunflowers and gingham might not be the best choice.

Lighting

Lighting adds drama to your venue and focuses the eye. First, take advantage of natural light. Placing event areas where they will be sunlit reduces the need for additional lighting. Brides and grooms, if your photographer is familiar with the venue, consult them about best locations for the head table. Second, highlight the functional elements of your event  such as bars, food stations, entertainment, and dance floor. At outdoor venues, marking pathways to the restroom and parking lot is an important safety precaution at evening events. You can turn lighting on and off throughout the event to draw guests to where you want them – like moths to a candle! If there’s room in the budget, uplight walls, pillars, or interesting architectural elements to create height. Pale backgrounds can take any colored gel lighting and completely transform the feel of the room. For darker walls, color can get lost, making the white light the go-to option. If you’ve invested in beautiful floral, pinspotting arrangements on tables creates a jaw-dropping effect.

SELECTIVE DRAPING

Drapery turns positive spaces into negative. We’re not draping every single wall here, we’re carefully using drape to direct focus and optimize space. For weddings, drape is a classic way to frame the ceremony space. It also hides eyesores, such as an unattractive wall behind the head table or service areas at venues that don’t have extra space for your caterers. At corporate and nonprofit events, it can create VIP spaces, mark entryways, or close off-limit areas.

Your Turn

What are creative ways you’ve incorporated a venue’s qualities into your event decor or theme? Are you an event or wedding planner; what tricks do you have for bringing out a venue’s best attributes? Tell us in the comments below!

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Shout Outs

As always, we are indebted to the photographers that share there work with us. They make us look good! These artists contributed to this blog:

• April Greer – Header image of Lan Su Chinese Garden
• Evrim Icoz Photography – French garden at the Portland Art Museum and post-apocolyptic ballroom, also at the Portland Art Museum
• Soul Mates Photo – Wedding at Zenith Vineyard 

You Might Also Like

• To view Vibrant Table’s gallery of event design
• To find more event and catering tips
• To get inspired with these real VT weddings

The newlyweds selected a creative menu that focuses on local flavors. Offerings included an herb-seared salmon with roasted tomato and asiago butter sauce and potato-leek confit, Carlton Farm pork loin with apple chutney and sweet potato-wild rice cake, and three-cheese risotto cakes with fresh Oregon wild mushroom cream sauce. Our favorite part: ice cream sandwiches in place of a traditional wedding cake – platter passed on the dance floor!

Lindsey and Joseph also chose to modify the traditional garter toss. Instead of scrambling after lacy lady garments, all the single lads were called to the front and they had to take a shot. They also offered a  photobooth with a foot pedal, so guests could take photos of themselves. Lindsey and Joseph certainly know how to get the party going!

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All images by Rachel Le Crone Photography

Shout Outs

An especially huge thank you to Rachel LeCrone for providing her photography and Nora Sheils of Bridal Bliss for sharing and confirming some of the details.

Photographer: Rachel LeCrone Photography
Planner: Bridal Bliss
Venue: Treasury Ballroom
Caterer: Vibrant Table Catering & Events
Florist: Geranium Lake Flowers
Entertainment: Swingline Cubs 
Photobooth:  Willamette Productions

Tell us

What outside-of-the-box elements did you have at your wedding?  Share it in the comments below!

You might also like

• To see more Vibrant Table Real Weddings
• To peruse Vibrant Table catering menus
• To learn about other Portland wedding vendors

Can you say YUM?

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Lox Ingredients

1 pound fresh halibut
½ cup kosher salt
½ cup sugar
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (toasted & crushed)
1 teaspoon fennel seed (toasted & crushed)
½ cup mint (chopped)
½ cup parsley (chopped)
1 teaspoon hopped grapefruit bitters*
1 tablespoon grapefruit juice

* In Portland, Oregon, Bittermens Hopped Grapefruit Bitters can be found at The Meadow. You can also purchase online.

Lox  Instructions

1. Combine sugar, salt, red pepper flakes, and fennel seed.
2. Rub grapefruit juice and bitters on halibut.
3. Place halibut in a shallow pan, one that you can place an even weight on it.
4. Apply sugar-salt mixture to the fish, it should cover the fish liberally.
5. Press mint and parsley onto the salt mixture.
6. Cover with plastic wrap and place an even weight on it.
7. Refrigerate for 24 hours.
8. Remove the fish from the pan and wipe the mixture from the fish, rinse under cold water, pat dry with paper towels.
9. Slice very thin.

Asparagus Slaw Ingredients

½ cup asparagus (sliced very thin)
¼ cup fennel (sliced very thin)
¼ cup green onion (sliced very thin)

Vinaigrette

¼ cup fresh grapefruit juice
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Zest of 1 grapefruit
5 drops of hopped grapefruit bitters
1 teaspoon honey
Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Make vinaigrette by whisking together all ingredients.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the asparagus, fennel, and green onion.
3. Add the vinaigrette to slaw just enough to moisten.

You might also like:

• Find other recipes in “Festive Fare”
• See pictures of Vibrant Table cuisine in our Galleries
• Peruse Vibrant Table catering menus

We want all our clients and readers to be their healthy best. Here are some ideas for your next Vibrant Table event – or to try at home.

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Vibrant Table “Super” Menu

BREAKFAST  

Yogurt, Berries, Pineapple, Mango & Granola

Orange-Wheat Berry Scone & Jam

Green Tea Smoothie
Green Tea, Banana, Honeydew, Almond Milk, Spirulina, & Agave

Berry Smoothie
Blueberries, yogurt, coconut milk, orange juice, vanilla, hemp seed, & honey

LUNCH 

Baby Spinach Salad
Apples, Walnuts, Goat Cheese, Bee Pollen-Cider Vinaigrette
Flax Seed Roll

Acai Sorbet & Dark Chocolate

DINNER

Seared Wild Salmon
Roasted Beet Quinoa, Rainbow Chard, Red Wine Reduction

BREAK

Sambazon Acai Energy Drink

Almonds, Strawberries, Dark Chocolate,

Corn & Flax Seed Chips w/ Black Bean Dip

Have any Super Recipes?

What’s your favorite Super Dish? Share it in the comments below!

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You might also like

• To explore more Vibrant Table catering menus
• To learn more about Super Foods
• To find Vibrant Table recipes

Vibrant Table has worked with couples from a range of cultural and religious persuasions, but weddings infused with East Indian flavors give us a special thrill. Nothing says ‘vibrant’ like a rich tapestry of bright jewel hues, luscious garden blooms, layered textures and a celebration full of family, dance, and great food – just our kind of event!

Indian weddings not only celebrate the union of two individuals, they celebrate the joining of two extended families. To those more familiar with weddings of the Judeo-Christian tradition, you may be surprised at the roles uncles, siblings, and aunts play in many of the traditional customs. Likewise, a modern India-infused wedding may last longer and be larger than you are used to, as weddings in India last for several days days and include massive guest lists, many of whom are strangers to the bride and groom.The wealthier the family, the longer the wedding.

Even in the U.S., a modern Indian ceremony will likely last hours. Although formal, Indian wedding ceremonies are a bit more relaxed than you might expect. Carmen Shah, owner of Ella Events and whose husband is of Indian heritage, says that “Westerners are often amazed at how Indian attendees will often talk to each other during the long ceremony.”

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Customs

Due to its size and population, India is a diverse country and wedding customs are hardly homogeneous. Traditions will vary region to region but here are some of the most popular elements that can be found at an Indian-infused wedding in the United States.

MEHNDI (HENNAED HANDS & FEET)

The hands and feet of the bride, her family, and friends are covered in intricate designs of henna. The groom’s name or initials are often hidden in the design, and a wedding-night game is for him to find them. The Mehndi celebration generally takes place 1-2 days before the wedding ceremony, but the decorated hands are strikingly beautiful and a signature element of many India-American fusion weddings.

MANDAP (WEDDING CANOPY)

The mandap is the location and focus of Hindu wedding ceremonies.  Extravagantly decorated with flowers and tapestries, its four pillars represent the four holy Vedic scriptures and the parents whose love supports the newlyweds.

VIVAH-HOMA (SACRED FIRE)

No Hindu ceremony would be complete without the sacred fire, which dates from Vedic times. The sacred fire purifies and calls forth the holy witness. In vivah-homa, or the sacred fire ceremony, the couple circles the fire chanting mantras of their vows.

PLAYFUL GAMES

For me, this was the most endearing element of Indian weddings. They are full of playful games and teasing, particularly directed toward the groom. The bride’s sisters may hide the groom’s shoes, only returning them in exchange for money. The bride and groom may fish for the wedding ring in a bowl of milk, the winner destined to ‘wear the pants’ throughout the marriage. In the ‘pillow game’, the newlyweds are tested for their compatibility. They sit back to back with a pillow between them and answer questions with a nod, so that the guests can see their answers, but the new husband or wife cannot.

These playful games also occur in not just the reception, but even in the ceremony. When the bride and groom are instructed to sit, watch if the bride sits down quickly. She’s indicating that she is going to be the boss of the family.

As many weddings in India are arranged, these games are ice-breakers designed to help the bride feel more comfortable with her groom and his family.

BARAAT (GROOM’S ARRIVAL)

The groom and his family’s arrival to the wedding site is given a fan-fare not normally seen in the stereotypical American wedding. Traditionally, the groom arrives on a white mare, led by his relatives dancing and singing to joyful music. A white limousine is sometimes supplemented in a modern wedding.

OTHER INTERESTING TIDBITS

• The bride is often walked down the aisle by her uncle rather than father.
• Red and gold bangles are a traditional wedding accessory gfted to the bride by her maternal uncles.
• When they arrive, the bride’s family may present the groom’s with garlands of flowers and gifts, starting with the eldest male member of the family.  Female family members may also be included.
• Mangalsutra, a necklace the groom presents to the bride, has a similar role to wedding rings. The bride wears it all her life and it’s considered an omen if  she loses it. The style of mangalsutras have changed significantly in recent years as more women enter the workforce.
• Turmeric is a recurring element in Indian weddings. Admired for its beautifying and cleansing qualities, tumeric is used in cleansing rituals and is part of the mangalsutra, the bridal necklace.
• The traditional wedding color worn by Indian brides is red, which symbolizes purity, joy, prosperity, happiness, wealth, and good luck. As seen in these images, it’s not uncommon for a contemporary Indian bride to choose variations of red, such as magenta, or even diverge from this color entirely.

Modern fusions

There are a myriad of ways to fuse the traditional Hindu-Indian and Christian-Western wedding traditions. The options are limitless, but here are a few ideas from some of our intercultural couples.

This couple chose to have two ceremonies.

• Honor both heritages with their own wedding ceremonies. Some of our clients have chosen to hold them on separate days, or hold the Hindu ceremony first, inviting Indian guests and American family and close friends only (as an all-day wedding may be difficult for some American guests.)
• During your ceremony, your officiant could share the meaning and significance of any included rituals with guests. You might print these out on your wedding program instead.
• 

  Place cards with lotus in pinks, gold, and cinnamon

  Food being an integral part of any culture, choose a wide variety of dishes with both local and Indian flavors. The idea is to offer all guests flavors they are comfortable with but also allow them to try something new.  Your caterer can help you select a menu that is creative yet cohesive. For couples that want to offer traditional meals from both heritages, you might consider separate buffets.

• Even if you choose to follow a traditional U.S. style ceremony, you can still honor the Indian heritage with themes, colors, and decor. Also, encourage Indian guests to wear saris and other traditional attire.

Shout outs

An especially huge thank you to Carmen Shah of Ella Events and her father-in-law, Prabodh Shah, for offering their insight, feedback, and corrections.

As always, we are indebted to the photographers who share their work with us. These photographers are featured in this post:

• Evrim Icoz Photography: header image, hennaed hands, fire ceremony, groom with shoes
• Kevin Meyers Photography: mandap ceremony, dual-wedding ceremonies
• Aisha Harley, Photographer: lotus place cards, Carmen Shah wedding (below)

Carmen Shah with guests on her wedding day.

Share your ideas

Are you planning or did you have an Indian fusion or multi-cultural wedding? How did you choose to honor both heritages? We’d love to hear from you!

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