Jenny & Akshay’s Vibrant Multicultural Wedding in San Francisco
Jenny and Akshay’s wedding was a stunning fusion of cultures, blending her Western traditions with his Indian heritage in a way that felt deeply personal and incredibly stylish. From a heartfelt ceremony at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church to a bold and vibrant reception at the San Francisco Ferry Building, every detail reflected their unique love story. With Ramsey of Lauryn Prattes expertly planning every detail, the day seamlessly blended vibrant cultural traditions with modern design.
The day began with Jenny getting ready at her apartment, surrounded by her bridesmaids. Before heading to the ceremony, we captured portraits of her and her bridal party at Lafayette Park, a picturesque spot just steps from their home. Meanwhile, Akshay prepared for the big day at the iconic Palace Hotel in downtown San Francisco, setting the stage for a day filled with both elegance and celebration.
Their ceremony at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church was a beautiful blend of Western and Indian traditions. Ampersand adorned the entrance to the church with bright lilies, orange marigolds, and roses, setting a warm and festive tone. As part of the ceremony, Jenny and Akshay exchanged Mala—marigold garlands symbolizing mutual respect and the acceptance of one another as partners for life. They also incorporated the Saptapadi, a sacred Hindu ritual where the couple walks in a circle around a fire seven times, each step representing a vow of commitment, prosperity, strength, and devotion. These meaningful traditions brought a rich cultural depth to their wedding, honoring Akshay’s heritage in a way that felt natural and heartfelt.
As the ceremony concluded, guests lined the steps of the church, tossing colorful confetti into the air as Jenny and Akshay made their grand exit, creating a joyful and celebratory moment before heading to the reception.
After the ceremony, guests made their way to the San Francisco Ferry Building for an unforgettable evening. Cocktail hour featured a custom circular wraparound bar, where guests enjoyed drinks and took in the breathtaking views of the bay. The reception space itself was a masterpiece of bold design, with chartreuse drapes lining all four walls, creating a dramatic and immersive setting.
The tablescapes were thoughtfully designed to create variety and dimension throughout the space. Some tables were round, covered in deep aqua-blue velvet linens, and paired with sleek black acrylic chairs, offering a rich and sophisticated feel. Others were long, made of black lacquered wood, with wishbone chairs that added a modern yet organic touch. The final set of tables featured cream and gold printed linens, also paired with wishbone chairs, bringing warmth and texture into the mix. No matter the table style, each was adorned with lush orange marigold garlands, tapered candles, and bud vases filled with vibrant dahlias, mums, and roses in shades of yellow, orange, and pink, creating a layered and dynamic floral design.
Before the party kicked into full gear, we stole a quiet moment with Jenny and Akshay to capture sunset portraits in front of the iconic Ferry Building, a perfect way to soak in the magic of the day before joining their guests on the dance floor.
A standout detail was the custom DJ booth, featuring a hot pink neon sign spelling out "The Pratzels"—a playful and creative fusion of their last names. Disco balls were a common thread throughout the decor, from the invitation suite designed by Swell Press to the cocktail hour and the DJ booth, reflecting Jenny’s love for them (she even has them scattered throughout her home!). When it was time to hit the dance floor, she made a statement in her second dress—a dazzling hot pink number that made her look like a walking disco ball.
Jenny and Akshay’s wedding was a true celebration of love, culture, and bold, modern design. It was a night filled with energy, joy, and unforgettable moments—exactly what you’d expect from a couple as fun and stylish as they are.
