Real Wedding Wednesdays: Reena Patel and Martin Tam

In any wedding, there are traditions that each side of the family may want to incorporate. For Reena and Martin Tam’s wedding, this meant a combination of Indian and Chinese customs that led to a massive, unforgettable event.

Two days before the big night, family and friends gathered for a haldi ceremony, an Indian pre-wedding ritual where friends and family smear yellow turmeric paste on the couple’s faces. Then, the night before the ceremony, the couple took part in a garba ceremony to honor the Hindu goddess Durga.

For the Gujarati-themed wedding itself, the couple walked down the aisle in front of an astonishing 450 guests at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Afterward, before reception festivities began, Reena and Martin carried out an intimate Chinese ritual in which they served their parents tea as a sign of respect.

“It was a wonderful moment together,” Reena says. “We also loved our first dance; the commitment to doing a choreographed dance, practicing and then having so much fun with it on the dance floor. So many wonderful memories that bring so much joy in our lives!”

The Details

Wedding date: Sept. 3, 2017

Wedding colors: Red and gold

Attendants: Eight bridesmaids and four groomsmen

Bride wore: Lehenga from FairyWorld in Gujarat, India; shoes from Macy’s; accessories from Abhushan Jewellers

Hair and makeup: Glamour Beauty Care   

Groom wore: Sherwani from FairyWorld

Engagement Ring: Wasserman Jewel Galleries

Wedding Bands: SaraHideko

Bridesmaids wore: Gowns from FairyWorld

Groomsmen wore: Kurtas from FairyWorld

Rehearsal dinner: Garba event

Ceremony: Greater Columbus Convention Center

Reception: Greater Columbus Convention Center

Reception décor: B3 Event Management and Ohio Lighted Dance Floors

Caterer: Saffron Indian Grill

Cake: Karen’s Custom Cakes

Photographer: Style & Story

Photo booth: Style & Story

Videographer: Swatch Studios

Invitations: Sudarshan Cards

Reception tunes: Crown Entertainment

First dance: “Say You Won’t Let Go” by James Arthur

Newlywed accommodations: Hilton Columbus Downtown, presidential suite

Guest accommodations: Hilton Columbus Downtown

Sunday brunch: Homemade food at Greater Columbus Convention Center