Shaivi and Oscar at The Park Villa and The Pierre

How they met 
Not long after graduation, Oscar decided to pursue his culinary dreams and began working at Sukhadia’s, Shaivi’s family-owned catering business. During her frequent trips home from Boston, Shaivi would lend a helping hadn’t to her family- and got to know the new chef.
“We slowly started hanging out outside of work and loved taking trips together, dining and trying new places all over New York City, and watching tons of Netflix.” Shaivi says.  The two quickly fell in love.

How they got engaged 
Ona chilly night in late January 2018, Oscar Garcia, 34, of Iselin, took Shaivi Sukhadia, 30, of Colonia, to Manhattan for what she believe to be an evening gala. Upon arriving at Tavern on the Green, the couple was greeted by a horse-drawn carriage. After a romantic ride through Central Park, Oscar led Shaivi to Bethesda Fountain, and later to Bow Bridge, which was alight with hundreds of tea lights. Across the bridge, a mariachi band played a romantic Mexican prelude and “Marry Me” was spelled out in red rose petals. Shaivi’s family and blest friends were hiding in the bushes, watching the moment unfold.

Details of the day
“He is Mexican and Catholic. I am Indian and Hindu. We fused the two together every step of the way and made sure our guests enjoyed both of our cultures and traditions.” says Shaivi.
To honor both of their cultures, Shaivi and Oscar hosted seven events over the course of their three-day wedding weekend, including two ceremonies and two receptions for extended family and friends.

The Catholic Ceremony
The couple said “I do” at St. Francis Cathedral in Metuchen. Guests from both sides gathered to watch the couples recite their vows and allowed along on custom programs written in Spanish and English.

All About the Gown
To honor the Mexican custom, Oscar’s mother purchase the white Pronovias gown Shaivi wore for the traditional Catholic ceremony.

Details of the Catholic Ceremony
The couple chose a mixture of colorful flowers and greenery in the bride and bridesmaids bouquets supplied by Royal Charms florist in Hicksville, NY. Bridesmaids wore blush pink dresses. Shaivi’s hair and makeup was done by Say I Do Hair and Makeup, from Cape May. The ceremony concluded with the bride and groom driving away in a car toting a banner that read, “just married”.

A Night In Mexico
Guests then got to experience, and honor, both Shaivi and Oscar’s cultures at a Sangeet party with a Mexican fiesta flair at The Park Villa in Plainfield.
“We had so much fun with the decor,” says Shaivi.

The pair traveled to Mexico City to purchase authentic blankets, dolls and ceramic-ware for the event, which hosted 500 guests. Entering the space was like stepping into a true Mexico City mercado, complete with a villa fountain and a wall of windows mirroring the home of the infamous Frida Khalo. Guest were treated to sangria, cantaritos locos in clay mugs, Jarritos soda bottles and aquas frescos. Authentic Mexican touches could also be found within the fare, which included a 30-foot custom taco bar featuring Oscar’s own favorite recipes, and live guacamole and hot corn tortillas carts. The ballroom was decorated with palm tress, cacti, bougainvillea and floral baskets.
“It truly felt like we were in Mexico,” Shaivi says.

Details from the Sangeet
The Sangeet/Mexican Fiesta had a slew of incredible details including custom signage by The Royal Collection LLC, located in Hoboken, and beautiful flowers from Ovanda, based in New York City. They also had live music from an Indian band, Medley Entertainment, based in Piscataway, and a Mexican band, Banda Surena, based in Passaic.

All About the Dress
This dress was made by Shyamal Bhumika

The Haldi Ceremony
Part of the traditional Hindu wedding ceremony includes the Haldi ceremony in which the bride and groom have a paste rubbed onto their skin to symbolize cleanliness, blessings, protection, peace and auspiciousness.

Details of the Haldi Ceremony
For the Haldi ceremony, henna was done by Henna For All based in New York City.

Cherry Blossoms
At the couple’s traditional Hindu ceremony, cherry blossoms bloomed from a carved floor-to-ceiling floral wall behind the mandate (altar) at The Pierre Hotel in New York City.
“We wanted the Hindu ceremony and Indian wedding to be peaceful, floral elegant and timeless,” says the bride.

All About the Gown
For their Hindu ceremony, Shaivi chose a husian pink lehecka by designer Sabyaschi.
“I picked its because when I tried it on, it was an instant “yes” even though I wasn’t shopping for this designer in the beginning.” Shaivi says.

Details of the Hindu Ceremony
Some of the incredible details from this day included Oscar arriving to The Pierre on a horse and custom signage by Parchment by Dami, located in New York City.

Timeless Elegance
The Pierre was transformed into an oasis of silky white, lush greenery and romantic candlelight for a cocktail reception. The couple also trusted their decorator to execute their unique idea for a stunning floral centerpiece that would transform into parting gifts for their guets. From the towering white cherry trees and orchid displays each guest was gifted an individual orchid in a custom favor bag that included instructions for care.
“Each guest got to take home something that will grow the way we expect our love to continue growing,” Shaivi says.

Details of The Reception
The couple had a live painter, Hannah Lee Art, present at their reception to capture their ceremony. Guests enjoyed cake from Ron Ben-Israel from New York City and desserts from Sukhadia’s in Parsippany.


All About the Gown
Shaivi’s reception dress was from Tarun Tahiliani.

First Dance Song 
“Never Stop” (wedding version) by SafetySuit

Any advice for future brides/grooms
“Don’t stress! Take the week of your wedding and your wedding day as a reward for all the planning and hard work you’ve done.”