A Sustainable Indian Wedding at Fandi Mata in Brooklyn
Mahima and James' sustainable Indian wedding at Fandi Mata in Brooklyn was a vibrant and colorful celebration.
Sustainability was of utmost importance to the couple on their big day.
Getting to know Mahima and James was such a joy, and Alexa immediately thought of Fandi Mata, a space that, much like the couple, exudes joy and vibrancy. The venue, filled with lush greenery, mosaic tables, funky artwork, and tiled floors, provided the perfect setting for this sustainably minded and fun-loving couple. It also allowed Mahima to hire external caterers to bring in authentic South Indian Cuisine for guests to experience, This was the perfect location for their celebration.
James and Mahima love the outdoors as much as their life in New York City, making Fandi Mata the perfect venue as it beautifully combined elements of both. The decor reflected Mahima's South Indian culture, creating a meaningful and personal ambiance. The stage provided a stunning backdrop for their South Indian ceremony, seamlessly blending tradition with the couple's unique style and sustainable values.
Prioritizing a Sustainable Wedding: Eco Friendly Decor
The couple initially felt the pressure to incorporate florals into their wedding day. However, given their two events within the course of the day and their commitment to zero waste, it became essential to create a design that prioritized sustainability above all else. This focus on eco-friendly practices led to innovative decor choices that aligned with their values, ensuring their celebration was both beautiful and environmentally conscious.
We were thrilled to introduce the couple to local Brooklyn artist Josi Blu, renowned for her fabric ceiling installations and large-scale artwork. Collaborating with this supremely talented artist, we crafted a focal point that blended seamlessly with Fandi Mata's existing environment. Mahima's love of color, particularly pink and orange, inspired Josi to design an ombre fabric effect for the draping treatment. This vibrant and sustainable installation not only highlighted Mahima's favorite colors but also added a unique, artistic touch to the decor, perfectly complementing the venue's eclectic charm.
A Relaxed and Cultural Atmosphere for an Indian Wedding
We worked closely with Mahima and James to ensure their guests felt well taken care of during their traditional wedding ceremony. Recognizing that some guests were not familiar with South Indian culture, we designed a seating arrangement that allowed them to enjoy coffee and traditional Indian snacks throughout the ceremony, creating a relaxed, jazz club-esque atmosphere. This thoughtful arrangement encouraged guests to freely move around the space, sample different snacks, and fully engage with the celebration. The unique and inviting setup highlighted the charm and warmth of the South Indian ceremony, making it a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone even the kids who we created a craft corner for.
Mahima and James's ceremony was profoundly moving, embodying the heartfelt embrace of James by Mahima's father, her family, and their rich culture. It was extremely important to the couple to honor their deceased loved ones, so we ensured they were framed, honored, and celebrated throughout the event. This inclusion added a deeply personal and sentimental touch to the ceremony, reinforcing the strong bonds of family and tradition. The respectful tribute to their loved ones not only highlighted the couple's values but also added a layer of emotional depth to their special day, making it even more meaningful.
Digital Wedding Program: Saving Budget and Environmentally Friendly
Speaking again to sustainability, Mahima worked with our team to design a digital program for guests to follow on their phones. By uploading the program via a QR code displayed on a sign, guests could easily access and understand the steps of the ceremony. This eco-friendly solution not only reduced paper waste but also ensured that everyone could stay informed and engaged throughout the event. The seamless integration of technology and tradition underscored the couple's commitment to sustainability while enhancing the guest experience.
The ceremony was followed by an incredible lunch served by A2B Catering, where many guests had the opportunity to try authentic South Indian cuisine for the first time. The delicious and diverse menu was a hit, allowing guests to savor the rich flavors and culinary traditions of South India. This dining experience added another layer of cultural appreciation and enjoyment to Mahima and James's special day, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.
The Bangle Bar: A Unique Wedding Party Gift
The Bangle Bar + DJ + Food Stations
As guests took a break after lunch, we began transforming the space with lighting and entertainment. DJ June set up on the stage, adding additional lighting, while Josi Blu incorporated twinkling lights into her fabric installation, giving it new life. Chowpatty set up food stations throughout the venue, and our team created a bindi and bangle bar for guests to enjoy.
As guests returned in their black-tie attire, they felt transported into an entirely new world. Fandi Mata transformed into a club-like atmosphere, with string lights casting a beautiful glow over the event. Nihal Singh played alongside DJ June, creating a dynamic fusion of Indian culture and pop music. The seamless blend of traditional and contemporary elements, combined with the vibrant decor and engaging entertainment, made for an unforgettable evening that perfectly reflected Mahima and James's unique style and joyful spirit.
The incredible magician and mentalist Ryan Oakes began mingling with the crowd, captivating guests with his amazing magic. Both adults and kids were thrilled by Ryan's incredible tricks, adding an extra layer of excitement and wonder to the evening. His engaging performance brought a sense of magic and delight to the celebration, making it even more memorable for everyone in attendance.
By transforming the ceremony space with lighting and entertainment, we honored Mahima and James's values around sustainability without sacrificing the "wow" factor. The space, reimagined with twinkling lights, dynamic music, and engaging performances, created an unforgettable atmosphere. Guests danced the night away and described it as one of the best parties they had ever attended. This seamless blend of sustainability and spectacular celebration perfectly encapsulated the couple's vision for their special day.
Planning Team: Alexa Peretz Events
Venue: Fandi Mata
Fabric Installation: Josi Blue
Ceremony Furniture: New Indo Events
Photographer: Studio Nouveau
Video: Hello Super Studios
Lunch Caterer: A2B
Makeup/Hair: Makeup by Anu Sarin
Henna: Henna by Ash NJ
Dinner Caterer: Chowpatty
Cake: A Simple Cake
Live Music: Nihal Singh
DJ: Dj June
Lighting: June Events
Acrylic Drink Sign: Alexa Peretz Events
