In our last Elegant Event blog post, we shared Anna and John’s beautiful Penns Landing wedding.

We also mentioned that our Elegant Events Planning and Design team worked with John’s sister Claire and her groom-to-be, Ritam.

So, now it’s Claire and Ritam’s turn! And we are beyond excited to share their beautiful South Jersey wedding!

Bride, groom and bride's brother during thier Hindu wedding ceremony

This multi-cultural wedding incorporated a traditional Hindu wedding ceremony, luncheon, Christian wedding ceremony, and reception with dinner and dancing. It made for quite a long day for the couple, but the day was spectacular, as you’ll see from the photos.

 

Getting Ready and the Couple’s First Look

The day began quite early for Claire and the wedding party with breakfast, hair and makeup, and getting ready.

Claire looked stunning, wearing fresh jasmine flowers in her hair, a traditional red wedding sari, henna, and spectacular gold jewelry.

makeup artist applying lipstick to a beautiful bride

Beautiful bride wearing traditional Hindu wedding attire

After spending the morning apart, the couple each made their way to The Merion, where they had their first look and a little time together before the day’s events began.

Indian groom waiting as his bride to be walks down the stairs behind him

 

Baraat

As guests began to arrive, Ritam headed off to make his formal arrival or baraat. Escorted by family and friends, he was ushered into the ceremony site with music and chanting.

South Jersey groom arriving at his baraat

South Jersey groom escorted to his HIndu wedding ceremony by family members

Indian groom being welcomed by family members at his south jersey wedding

 

Under a Bright Blue Sky

Inside the venue’s Skylight room, the preparations were all in place for the Hindu wedding ceremony. After Ritam’s arrival and several rituals, Claire made her entrance. Carried on a wooden plank called a piri, Claire was carried by men in her family while shielding her face with betel leaves.

South Jersey bride's arrival at her Hindu wedding ceremony

Under a beautifully decorated mandap, the couple participated in traditional rituals that included their parents with her brother John participating.

South jersey bride and groom during thier Hindu weding ceremony

South jersey bride and groom during thier Hindu weding ceremony

South jersey bride in traditional Indian wedding attire

Bride and groom under a mandap suring their Hindu wedding ceremony at The Merion in South Jersey

After a delicious lunch reception, the couple and their guests had the afternoon free before returning for an evening Christian wedding ceremony and reception.

 

Falling In Love

Following the afternoon’s events, the bride returned to her parent’s home for some quiet time and to change for the evening events.

At the wedding venue, everything was in place for a beautiful garden wedding ceremony. Claire made her entrance to “Can’t Help Falling In Love,” escorted by her father.

Bride's arrival at her South Jersey garden wedding

Surrounded by family and friends, the couple exchanged wedding vows before heading off for family photos and a cocktail reception.

South Jersey wedding in the garden at The Merion

 

 

Dinner and Dancing

The South Jersey wedding venue’s Palazzo Ballroom was washed in beautiful decorative lighting. Long banquet tables were dressed in rich colored linens, set with gold charger plates and floral centerpieces surrounded by candles in hurricane globes.

Wedding reception in the Palazzo Ballrom at The Merion in South Jersey

Floral centerpieces with taper candles in hurricane globes

Following introductions, the newlyweds took to their dance floor for their first dance and husband and wife to “Conversations In The Dark” by John Legend. The evening was filled with beautiful speeches, delicious food, and plenty of dancing!

Congratulations, Claire and Ritam! We wish you much happiness.

Bride and groom during thier first dance at The Merion in South Jersey

 

The South Jersey Wedding Team

South Jersey Indian Wedding Planner: Elegant Events Planning and Design

South Jersey Wedding Venue: The Merion

Catering: The Merion

Beauty: Lady Chebli

Entertainment: DJ Sunny Entertainment

Floral Design: Petals Lane

Wedding Officiant: Bride’s Brother

Photography / Cinema: Photos Made EZ

Rentals and Décor: House of Catherine

Transportation: Imagine Lifestyles Luxury and Exotic Rentals NJ

Transportation: Ace Limousine Service

Hotel Accommodations: Aloft Mt. Laurel

Hotel Accommodations: Westin Mt. Laurel