Shivani + Rajeev | A Bridgewater Marriott


You would honestly never guess that the first part of Shivani and Rajeev’s wedding took place in a residential backyard in Philadelphia. We started the festivities at her parents' home for the Haldi and Mehndi, and the family completely transformed the space. They turned a standard yard into a vibrant venue full of color. It had professional venue energy but kept the nostalgia of being at the home where Shivani grew up. It was the perfect warm-up before we moved to New Jersey for the main events at the Bridgewater Marriott. The scale of the wedding really leveled up once we got to the hotel. For the Sangeet, Partyland Sajawat Event Decor handled the design, and the ballroom looked insane. The next morning, we headed outside for the ceremony. The Marriott has this great green space where they set up a bohemian-style lounge with colorful tents. It gave guests a chill spot to hang out on the grass before the rituals started. But the visual highlight for Raj was definitely the car. Just as the sun was setting, we snuck away from the party to grab portraits with a bright yellow McLaren. The lighting was hitting just right. The contrast of the sleek sports car against the soft sunset light was the perfect switch-up from the traditional wedding photos. It was the ultimate hero shot to wrap up the portrait session before the reception took over.


Venue: Bridgewater Marriott, New Jersey

Decor: Partyland Sajawat Event Decor

Photography: Zach Blum Photography

DJ/Entertainment: DJ USA Events

Hair & Makeup: Dawn Gomez & Makup by Ami & Makup by Marissa Christine

Car: Monaco Experiences

Event Planner: Xquisit Events

Cinematographer: Ronak Amin Studios

Caterer: Rasoi

Mehendi: Henna by Shweta

A couple in traditional Indian wedding attire embraces during an outdoor ceremony with trees in the background.
A dark and moody black and white portrait of a person in a dress standing against a shadowy natural backdrop.
A couple in traditional South Asian attire share intimate moments during an outdoor photoshoot on grass.
Detailed henna mehndi designs adorning hands with intricate patterns against a dark background.
Intricate bridal mehndi design progression showing detailed henna patterns on palms from simple to complex stages.
Intricate henna designs adorn hands against a backdrop of white and gold floral embellished fabric.
A bride in a sheer white and gold embroidered lehenga poses with closed eyes against a green outdoor background.
Colorful bohemian tents and lounge areas set up on green grass for an outdoor event with string lights overhead.
Traditional Indian wedding ceremony with guests seated on floor wearing colorful yellow and red attire during ritual.
Overhead view of various charcuterie meats, cheeses, and wine glasses arranged on a rustic wooden table.
Wedding guests in traditional Indian attire gather in a row during a cultural celebration ceremony.
Colorfully dressed guests at an Indian wedding ceremony gather around traditional wedding rituals and customs.
A group of people wearing colorful traditional Indian saris and outfits stand together in a line at a cultural celebration.
Woman in white lace dress poses against vibrant yellow and orange floral backdrop at traditional Indian celebration.
Traditional Indian wedding ritual showing hands being adorned with white rice powder during a ceremony.
A traditional Indian bride smiles during the Haldi ceremony wearing a white outfit with floral embroidery and gold jewelry.