From the moment we first met Gabe & Manisha, we knew that this Ballroom at the Ben reception was going to be one for the history books. We didn’t know just how right we were.
Getting Ready at Hotel Monaco
When the wedding day finally arrived, it was a perfect June Saturday. Manisha was with just her mom and brother/man of honor, Tyler, in a beautiful open suite at the hotel. Her details were immaculate. We especially loved the personalized vow books for her and Gabe.
We hung her stunning off-the-shoulder dress in the window for a perfect dress shot, before letting her slip it on. Her mom held back tears as her daughter transformed into a bride before her eyes. Tyler helped put the veil in, and the look was complete and a great fit for the Ballroom at the Ben reception. Manisha hid in the bedroom so dad could come in for a first look. When he saw her, everyone nearly lost it. But we had to save the makeup! Quick dabs with tissues to keep the foundation in place did the trick. It was time for the first look!
Meanwhile, Gabe’s room was a flurry of activity as he enjoyed the morning with his 6 siblings and amazing mother. The energy was palpable and everyone was in great spirits. Though we detected a bit of nerves from Gabe. Not to worry, we knew seeing Manisha would take care of that, so off we went!
First Look in the Signer’s Garden
As Independence Mall bustled nearby, we set Gabe up in the shade of the Signer’s Garden to await his bride. After a quick pause for a march to go by, Manisha crossed the street and swept up behind him. He reached up to her hand, and held on for several seconds, that must have seemed an eternity to him. Then he saw her, and it was a magic moment. They embraced, and he got the full 360 effect of the dress, reacting with “daammnn!” From there, we snagged a few pictures before heading down to the First Bank & 18th Century Gardens for portraits before heading to the Ballroom at the Ben reception!
Portraits Before the Ballroom at the Ben Reception
Family joined us at the First Bank for some photos before we took Gabe and Manisha for their portraits. It was such a delight and so easy to capture these two together. They are the best of friends, and they are madly in love with one another. They effortlessly shine together in photos, and we shot our fill at the bank and the 18th Century Gardens. They’d given us so much time, we were able to get really creative and find new spots in these well trod places for us. When portraits were done, we made our way uptown for the Ballroom at the Ben reception.
Ceremony at the Ballroom at the Ben
Before walking down the aisle, Gabe and Manisha shared a special gift with one another. They’d each taken the time to find a beautiful book to give to the other. On the inside, they wrote a note detailing their love story and how excited they were to begin their happily ever after today. With tears of joy in their eyes, they embraced and were ready to take the plunge.
Their ceremony at the Ballroom at the Ben was beautifully personal. A longtime friend of Manisha’s served as their officiant. He told stories about both families, commending Gabe and Manisha’s parents for how well they’d raised these two incredible people. In a beautiful nod to the love of Gabe’s mom, the newlyweds both changed their last name to her last name. Mr and Mrs Maday!
After they read their sweet vows to each other, they sealed their marriage with rings and fantastic kiss. They stormed back up the aisle as Mr and Mrs Maday and the Ballroom at the Ben reception was ready to start!
The Ballroom at the Ben Reception
This party was off the hook. Everyone was ready to celebrate the newlyweds, but Gabe and Manisha had some business to take care of first! They announced that they would play a special song and run around the room to each table to get a picture with everyone there. For four minutes, the room was hopping as guests stood up to get their picture with the bride and groom – some more quickly than others. But when the song was over, it was done! Everyone had a picture with the bride and groom.
Their dances and toasts were tender and funny, and then the party cranked up. There were so many people on the dance floor it was hard to squeeze through to capture photos of everyone. The only break we took was to cut the cake and for Manisha to change into a fabulous jumpsuit to dance the night away.
Congratulations to the Madays! We hope you have a beautiful life together for many many years!
