Hindu Jewish Wedding at Snug Harbor | Jacob & Riya

Jacob and Riya’s spring wedding at Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Gardens on Staten Island was a true melding of cultures and families. Their Hindu Jewish wedding included a myriad of traditions, special attire, energetic dances, and an hour long ceremony jointly led by a rabbi and Hindu priest. It was touching to see how both families involved themselves in each other’s respective cultures during the ceremony and throughout the rest of the day. While Riya’s family participated in the Ketubah signing (traditional Jewish marriage license), Jacob’s whole family donned Indian formal attire.

The Morning

Bride getting dressed in her Indian wedding dress

Bride's family helping during getting ready

Close up of the bride's hands with henna, jewelry, and wedding attire

First Look

Jacob and Riya’s wedding day promised light rain and chilly air, which led to the decision to move the ceremony inside to the Great Hall instead of in the Tuscan Gardens. Thankfully, the weather didn’t stop the couple from utilizing the gardens for their first look and portraits. With clear umbrellas in tow, Jacob and Riya met in the garden tunnel for their first look. Standing under a canopy of vines, they read their handwritten vows privately to each other.

Bride walking to the first look with an umbrella at a Hindu Jewish wedding

Groom waiting for the bride at the first look location

Bride fixing the groom's tie during the first look at a Hindu Jewish wedding

Bride and groom look at each other during the first look at a Hindu Jewish wedding

Bride and groom read their private vows at a Hindu Jewish wedding

Groom smiles at the bride during the first look at a Hindu Jewish wedding

Bride and groom walking together after the first look at a Hindu Jewish wedding

The Ceremony

Despite the rainy day change of plans, Jacob and Riya’s ceremony space was beautiful. With its dark wood accents and massive arched windows, Snug Harbor’s Great Hall lended itself to a gorgeous ceremony that was still able to have lots of natural light.

Platter of wedding ceremony items at a Hindu Jewish wedding

Close up of a guest reading the ceremony pamphlet at a Hindu Jewish wedding

Bride and groom's seats during the ceremony at a Hindu Jewish wedding

Ceremony items at a Hindu Jewish wedding

I believe you would be hard pressed to find a wedding that included more cultural traditions than Jacob and Riya’s Hindu Jewish wedding. They even made a pamphlet that was handed out to guests with explanations of each ritual that would be performed in the ceremony—it was a great touch! One of my personal favorite moments was when the bride’s family stole Jacob’s shoes at the beginning of the ceremony, only for him to have to negotiate them back at the end!

Family and friends cheering and leading the beginning of the ceremony at a Hindu Jewish wedding

Bride's mother welcoming the groom during the ceremony at a Hindu Jewish wedding

Groom kissing the bride's hand after exchanging garlands

Bride placing garland around the groom's neck during a Hindu Jewish wedding ceremony

Bride and groom reading their chosen poems during the wedding ceremony

Close up of a ceremony offering at a Hindu Jewish wedding

Bride's family negotiating with the groom to return his shoes

Groom smashing the glass during a Hindu Jewish wedding

Bride and groom sitting at the altar surrounded by family during a Hindu Jewish wedding

Bride and groom kissing at the end of the aisle at a Hindu Jewish wedding ceremony

Ketubah Signing

Bride and groom holding hands during the Ketubah signing

Groom's parents hands on the groom's shoulder during the Ketubah signing

Couple Portraits

We took most of Jacob and Riya’s portraits in the Tuscan Gardens, where their original ceremony was supposed to be held. While it may have been too cold and wet to host 150 guests for an hour long ceremony, the couple had no problem facing a little chilly drizzle for some really lovely photos. As the day went on, the sky began to clear and the sun came out, allowing for some umbrella-less shots as well!

Bride and groom kissing under an umbrella in a garden

Bride and groom walking through a garden with an umbrella

Bride and groom running through a garden under an umbrella

Bride and groom standing in a garden looking at each other with an umbrella

Bride and groom running through a garden holding hands

Groom spinning the bride around in his arms in a garden

Close up of the bride and groom's hands in front of a flowering tree

Close up of the bride and groom's outfits

Bride and groom looking at each other in a garden

Bride leading the groom through a walk in a garden

The Reception

Earlier in the day, Jacob and Riya had expressed a little nervousness about their dances, explaining that they’ve been practicing their choreography a lot. Many couples, especially shyer ones who aren’t typically the center of attention, get a bit nervous about their first dance. I didn’t think much of it, until the reception rolled around. Jacob and Riya entered the room and went straight to the dance floor. Before there were parent dances and a first dance for the couple, Jacob and Riya performed an elaborately choreographed Indian dance with Riya’s extended family. It was extremely impressive, but I understood why they were so nervous!

Close up of a reception table place setting

Bride and groom toasting during their reception

Bride and groom kissing during their first dance

Wedding guests and bride on the dance floor

After spending a lot of time killing it on the dance floor, Jacob and Riya stepped away for a silent cake cutting. Their heart-shaped cake had the most adorable frog bride and groom toppers on it!