A Radiant South Asian Celebration at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown


There is a unique warmth that comes with photographing a wedding where you already feel connected to the people in the room. Walking into the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown for Avani and Divyansh’s celebration, I felt that sense of familiarity immediately.

This wedding was particularly meaningful to me because of the friendship that led me here. Avani is a close friend of Preeti, a bride I had the pleasure of photographing in 2023 at the Hanover Marriott. Reconnecting with past couples and seeing familiar faces on the dance floor is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.

A significant number of the weddings I photograph each year come from referrals like this one. I believe this speaks to more than just the images I deliver. It is a testament to the experience I strive to create for every couple. My priority is always to ensure my clients feel comfortable, supported, and truly taken care of, from our first conversation to years after their gallery is delivered.

This celebration also marked a personal milestone in my own journey. While I have been photographing South Asian weddings for years, 2024 was my first full year running my new business entirely on my own. Documenting Avani and Divyansh’s day, with all its vibrant traditions and incredible energy, was the perfect way to embrace this exciting chapter.

The day itself was nothing short of spectacular. The Philadelphia Marriott Downtown provided a stunning backdrop for both the ceremony and the reception. We had the chance to capture some beautiful portraits against the city setting before moving into a night filled with color and movement. The energy on the dance floor was unmatched, and it was a joy to witness two families coming together with such happiness.

Thank you, Avani and Divyansh, for trusting me to capture these memories. It was an absolute honor to be part of your story.

Here are some of my favorite moments from their incredible day in Philadelphia.


Wedding Vendors

Venue: Philadelphia Marriott Downtown

Photographer: Zach Blum

Decor: Tradition and Trends

Event Planner: KM Events Management

DJ: M4U Events

Makeup: Rams Glam

Hair: Hair by Katherine

Catering: Bukhara Grill Caterers

Elegant wedding ceremony setup with white aisle runner, floral arrangements, and draped fabric decorations in soft pink tones.
A couple shares romantic moments under colorful star-shaped lanterns during an evening celebration.
A couple shares intimate moments while sitting on elegant red chairs at what appears to be a wedding celebration.
A woman in a black and white patterned dress poses elegantly on an ornate chair against a floral backdrop.
A traditional Indian celebration with decorative curtains and festive attire.
Dancers in traditional Indian attire perform graceful movements during a cultural celebration on an illuminated stage.
Wedding reception venue decorated with pink paper umbrellas and glittering green backdrop for photo opportunities.
Guests dancing and celebrating at a vibrant Indian wedding reception with colorful decorations and lighting.
Group of wedding guests perform synchronized dance moves wearing suspenders and colorful outfits.
Guests dance and celebrate on a stone paved floor at a festive wedding reception with colorful decorations overhead.
Black and white motion blur photograph of wedding guests dancing on a dark reception dance floor.
Wedding guests dancing and laughing together on a crowded dance floor at an indoor reception venue.
A person in a black and yellow traditional dress dances joyfully at an indoor celebration event.
Energetic crowd dancing and celebrating at a festive event with purple lighting and chandeliers.
Wedding guests enjoying themselves on a dance floor illuminated by purple lighting at an evening celebration.
Dancers twirl on the dance floor at a colorful formal event with balloon decorations and festive lighting.