A Beautifully Designed
Indian Wedding at the Marriott Key in Cleveland
The Art and Story of Akshi + Vivek
Our couple was wed this past year at the Marriott in Cleveland; their luxe wedding was themed and designed around the four seasons [ Spring, Summer, Autumn and the eternal Cleveland Winter ]. Our team adores photographing Indian weddings, but the wedding of Akshi and Vivek at the Marriott Key in Cleveland holds a special place in our collective hearts.
Their wedding photography is breathtaking; and I’m extremely proud of the artwork and storytelling contained in the set. My personal favorite image is at the top of this page; it was a pre-planned work of art I envisioned and enjoyed executing for them. Being an artist, I deeply enjoy taking risks and pushing myself for my couples; and opportunities like the above are why I love being a wedding photographer.
This is Akshi and Vivek [ in case you assumed I would post pictures of another indian wedding couple’s wedding pictures ]
They’re playful people. Don’t let the uber-fancy / fashion wedding photography at the top of this blog fool you; but they are fun lighthearted people. Vivek also licks people a lot FYI.
This is real authentic joy. You can’t fake smiles like this; and the best wedding photographers never ask their couples to smile or laugh; they just know how to escalate the joy [ and capture it ]
Our Wedding Photography is not possible
Without AMAZING Cleveland Wedding Vendors
- Wedding Coordinator // Therese at Electric Karma
- Wedding Florals // Studio Floral
- Reception Entertainment// DJ Samir
- Wedding Ceremony Venue // Cleveland Marriott at Key Tower
- Wedding Reception Venue // Cleveland Marriott at Key Tower
- Wedding Cake // Wild Flour Bakery
- Wedding Caterer // Rajbhog
There is a reason I’m giving our fellow cleveland wedding vendors credit here. Not only do they always deserve it; but this Indian wedding at the Marriott in Cleveland would NOT have been what it was without their efforts.
I have photographed MANY indian weddings in cleveland; and to date this Mandap design is in my top 3; Alina from Party Decor absolutely nailed it.
This fall themed wedding mandap is like nothing else I’ve ever seen.
”Your team was WONDERFUL. We felt incredibly VIP and supported the entire weekend. Everything was incredibly thoughtful
VivekThe Groom
In Their Own Words.
That’s right. Every word you’ve read on this page so far regarding this wonderful wedding [ catch the alliteration there. Pretty brilliant, right? ] has all been word-smithed and crafted by us [ we’re not only gifted wedding photographers, but also not too shabby in the content writing department ] Humble Brag / Self enthusiasm aside; we mean every word on this page, but it’s important that you hear from our couple too.
We asked a few questions of them about their wedding; and hope you enjoy their answers 😀
What did you love about your wedding?
Watching our friends and family re-unite. On Akshi’s side especially there hadn’t been a full family gathering in close to a decade. The experience we were able to create for all the people we love most in the world was easily our favorite part.
What would you do Different?
Nothing.
What was it like to work with us?
Your team was WONDERFUL. We felt incredibly VIP and supported the entire weekend. Everything was incredibly thoughtful from how the time was spent together, the last-minute shirt steaming, and how you got to know all of the names and personalities at our wedding. You also worked super well with our vendors.
What photograph(s) are connecting emotionally?
Love the fire/ice wedding photograph We love just how different it is from the candids throughout the weekend. Plan to put it up in our apartment at some point. Also, love all of the photos of our friends playing Garba and Raas, especially those who were doing it for the first time. It was cool to see how much our friends enjoyed the entire experience.
Did you have a color scheme or theme for your wedding?
Maroon, light pink, white;
- Haldi was spring themed [ sunflowers ]
- Sangeet was Summer
- The Wedding Ceremony was Autumn themed
- The Reception was Winter Wonderland themed
Vivek might be leaving out the “bubble theme” from his pre wedding Barat outside the Marriott Key in Cleveland.
One of the many things I love about Indian weddings is that the Groom is escorted towards the Mandap by his parents.
There is also a tradition that can get a bit rowdy; a fun game where [ prior to the ceremony ] the brides family or friends attempt to steal the grooms shoes. This one got LEGIT rowdy.
This kid made off with the shoes after the mini-wrestling match, and will later on sell them back to the groom for a wad of cash.
Then we bring things back to peaceful times with our super cute flower girls 😀
Learning to be an indian wedding photographer took me years of effort; there are many nuanced portions of an indian wedding ceremony that I had to learn to carefully capture.
Emotions get raw after the wedding ceremony; the Vidaii is always a tear-jerker for sure at an Indian wedding.
I really enjoy this moment I caught of Akshi’s parents watching through the window of the car as she leaves with her new husband. The Vidaii is essentially the part of the day where the bride’s parents “send-off” or say “goodbye” to their daughter before she begins in her new life with her husband.
Some cousins ALWAYS try to stop the car from leaving; it’s all in good fun of course.
Akshi worked hard with Therese from Electric Karma to pull of this winter themed wedding reception at the Marriott Key in Cleveland.
Indian wedding receptions are always stunning; and this is perhaps my favorite I’ve seen at the Cleveland Marriott Key.
Meanwhile our couple was getting dressed into outfit #19 for their wedding reception.
Seriously; Indian weddings have the MOST amount of outfits and fashion.
Imagine entering your wedding reception, clouds hovering over a giant LED dance floor and performing a custom dance in front of all your wedding guests?
Now you’re living in Akshi and Vivek’s world 💃
Aforementioned giant LED dance floor; courtesy of DJ Samir at Crown Entertainment.
To go along with the winter wedding reception theme, the couple’s bar was ENTIRELY MADE OF ICE. Seriously. How freaking cool [ pun ] is that?
They even had their names carved into their ice bar!
And they danced. All FREAKING night. [ hey…. don’t I know that couple? ]
This wedding was special to me. Akshi and Vivek; thank you for trusting us to be your wedding photographers! I enjoy the friendship and memories we’ve built along the way. Cheers to all your years ahead!
