A Sophisticated, Multicultural Wedding at Addison Park in Keyport, New Jersey

Erin Tinkel (28 and a social worker) and Satvik Patel (28 and in business operations for Big Ten Conference) planned a vibrant, multicultural affair that wove both Jewish and Hindu customs throughout two colorful ceremonies.

“We combined both ceremonies into one giant day so all of our guests, regardless of faith, could celebrate both traditions equally,” Erin says. Instead of riding in on a horse (a Hindu tradition), Satvik arrived at the ceremony in a custom go-kart.

Satvik wore customized purple and black Nike high-top sneakers for the Jewish ceremony.

“It was pretty special that we were able to use the same structure for both the chuppah and mandap,” Erin says.

For the Hindu ceremony, Erin wore a white silk sari from India with red and gold embellishments, gifted to her from Satvik’s mother. She also accessorized with jewelry passed down from his grandmother, like her tikka (headpiece), bracelets and earrings. Her bridesmaids donned matching teal and gold saris.

The couple’s ketubah featured a lively tree painting with colorful flower details.

The couple had their first dance to Louis Armstrong’s “La Vie en Rose,” which was featured in WALL-E, Erin’s favorite movie. “It’s played during a scene where WALL-E is totally and hopelessly in love with EVE, and we hold that scene close to our hearts,” she says.