Farah & Ryan had an amazing wedding weekend! The night before their actual wedding day, we headed to the The Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel in Asbury Park, New Jersey to celebrate their Gaye Holud. This event typically kicks off the celebration for a Bengali wedding in which friends and family of the couple exchange sweets, apply turmeric paste to the groom and offer their blessings.

Farah’s hands were decorated in elaborate henna designs and she was adored with flowers and vibrant jeweled colors including reds, yellows and gold’s.  The room was decorated with a plethora of colors. The focal point was the dais where Farah and Ryan were seated , which was covered with beautiful fabrics and stands of flowers and lights. Kelly Heyn of SociaLife Event Planning decorated the tables with a variety of different colored hand-painted lanterns, which accented the gold floating candles in the cylinder vases. SCE Event Group did a wonderful job of lighting the space, transforming the historic ballroom into an interchanging kaleidoscope of color. 

The event began with Ryan having to barter for Farah’s hand in marriage. This is a very lighthearted tradition in which Farah’s family attempts to get the best deal for the exchange of her hand. Once a price was settled upon, Ryan entered into the room escorted by his family and groomsman. After he was seated, Farah entered on a doli, carried by her cousins and brother-in-law. Once seated, the celebration began with music, dancing and various cultural performances. 

Jeffrey Scott Gould from SCE entertained the guests all night and kept them partying on the dance floor. This event really paved way to their grand wedding celebration the following day, which was held across the street at the iconic Asbury Park Convention Hall!