Being a photographer for a Philadelphia Indian Wedding at the Downtown Marriott is pretty awesome. However, photographing an Indian and Catholic wedding on the same day requires some serious planning. I spend time with all couples going over a timeline in detail to make sure they have the most fun, stress free day and maximize their time eating, and being with family. Photographs are awesome but it is not what your wedding is about… It is about being together with your loved ones! We went over their timeline numerous times to make sure they were happy with where we were photographing and include time for three dress changes!
The Philadelphia Marriott Downtown is the largest hotel in Pennsylvania, with over 1,400 rooms sitting directly across from the Reading Terminal Market in the heart of Center City. Its central location makes it a natural hub for multi-stop Philadelphia weddings: City Hall is a two-block walk, the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul is just across Logan Square, and the grand ballroom handles receptions for hundreds of guests. The hotel also connects directly to the Pennsylvania Convention Center via an indoor walkway, giving it a logistical edge that few Philadelphia venues can match. Couples with big guest lists and big-city ambitions tend to love it here.
Ceremony & Reception: Philadelphia Marriott Downtown
Florist: Carl Alan Floral Designs
DJ: DJ Samrin Singh (Dhol Fusion Entertainment)
Makeup: Nikki Dupree
Bride’s Dress: Nicole Miller
Wedding Planner: Christina Hill
Bridal preps at The Philadelphia Downtown Marriott
Meghana had her preps at The Downtown Marriott in for her Philadelphia Indian wedding. She had a gorgeous dress and beautiful details of her custom henna. I was told that she went lighter color on her henna because of the catholic mass on the same day she didn’t want it to show up too much. One thing they did forget to bring was their invitation, which I always suggest to bring on the wedding day or mail me two so that I can photograph them for their story in the album. Everybody spends more on wedding stationary than anything else in their lives so they should get some attention from my cameras ;)
Indian Philadelphia wedding photographs at City Hall
The area outside the Downtown Marriott in Philadelphia has some amazing potential for photographs. You are across from the Reading Terminal Market and also the courtyard area outside the Marriott is beautiful. It was a December wedding and light was fairly low in the sky which made for great lighting during their session.
One of my favorite places in the city is the landmark center; City Hall. After she changed into her elegant, white Nicole Miller designed wedding dress we photographed two blocks up at City Hall. It is an easy walk from the Downtown Marriott so no need for transportation unless it is raining out. It was Christmas time so they had beautiful displays up for the holidays inside City Hall. I also captured them with a street performer playing saxophone. I love incorporating elements that are in the city to make my work more real and natural.
Just happened to pass some of my family that were visiting City Hall!
Catholic Ceremony at The Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
They had their Catholic ceremony at The Cathedral Basillica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia. This is such a “wow” church when you walk in. Most people also get a bit daunted by how far the walk is down the isle. Bridesmaids are sure to get some sweet bunions on their feet if they aren’t careful! Please note that you are not able to photograph family inside the church after a wedding ceremony so I usually plan on doing family outside across the street or at the venue.
Philadelphia Indian wedding ceremony
Indian wedding ceremonies at the Downtown Marriott are exquisite. I was fortunate to have photographed several Indian weddings so I was prepared for all their rituals and discussed with the couple before hand any particulars. There are many Indian wedding rituals but many are unique to where the family is from. The details are pretty incredible and I love them being barefoot and the tossing of flower petals to name a few.
Details at the Philadelphia Downtown Marriott
This Philadelphia Indian wedding took place right around Christmas time so they wanted to add some cool holiday elements to their reception. Instead of place cards they had custom ornaments for each guest on a Christmas tree as they walked into the Downtown Marriott ballroom. Even the guests eating utensils were inside a mini red Christmas stocking.
Reception at the Philadelphia Downtown Marriott
Meghana and Anthony were primed to blow a little steam off at the reception after their long wedding day. They had a choreographed first dance, which is pretty awesome when couples take dance classes for this. It is a form of couples’ therapy and always impressive. Please make sure to tell the photographer/videographer that you have a routine dance and where you plan on starting and finishing.
No idea who this guy was but he was happy to get a photo with me…
This couple lucked out with an amazing warm beautiful day in December. I finished their day with a 5-8 minute session on the balcony overlooking the city. I wish them the best and thanks for choosing me to capture this amazing day!
Philadelphia Indian Wedding Vendor Team
Pulling off a two-ceremony, three-outfit wedding day across multiple Philadelphia landmarks takes serious coordination. Huge credit to everyone involved:
- Venue: Philadelphia Marriott Downtown
- Florist: Carl Alan Floral Designs
- DJ: DJ Samrin Singh / Dhol Fusion Entertainment
- Makeup: Nikki Dupree
- Bride’s Dress: Nicole Miller
- Wedding Planner: Christina Hill
Jordan photographs Indian weddings, Catholic ceremonies, and everything in between across the Philadelphia region and beyond. For more Philadelphia venue inspiration, see the 12 Best Philadelphia Wedding Venues guide.