Milly & Tariq: A Hindu–Muslim Fusion Wedding at Berkeley Country Club
How do you celebrate a love that has lasted more than a decade when the bride and groom aren't yet 25?
That was the question we asked ourselves as we started planning Milly and Tariq's wedding at Berkeley Country Club. These two have known each other since the third grade. They didn't start dating then (obviously), but they've been together so long that their families are completely intertwined. Their wedding had to feel like that: two families, two traditions, and one very well-established love story.
A Wedding Built for Two Traditions
Milly and Tariq came to us through a referral from a past client, and they arrived with a clear goal. They wanted a fusion Hindu–Muslim celebration that honored both families without making either tradition feel like an afterthought. Their wedding unfolded over two days across the East Bay, and we had the joy of designing and running day one at Berkeley Country Club.
We explored a few options first. Milly's family has a lovely home in the Oakland Hills overlooking the bay, and it was an early contender for the sangeet. But there was no proper space for the dance performances, somewhere every guest could actually see. So we brought everything together under one roof: ceremony, sangeet, and reception, all in a single evening at the club.
The Baraat (Yes, on a Golf Cart)
Every great South Asian wedding needs a baraat, and Tariq's was unforgettable. He climbed aboard a rather large golf cart and circled the putting green twice, with dhol players and a DJ leading the charge. Then he came down into the ceremony space and brought everyone in with him.
It was loud, joyful, and a little bit ridiculous, in the very best way.
The Ceremony
Milly's parents waited for her at the bottom of the stairs to walk her into the ceremony. She came down escorted by four of her cousins, and seeing her descend toward everyone waiting below made for one of the most beautiful processionals of our season.
The ceremony itself was non-traditional. It wasn't a strict Hindu ceremony, but it was full of meaning. Loved ones offered blessings, the couple exchanged garlands, and both families took part in ways that mattered to each of them. Everything happened beneath a stunning floral arch designed by Priya Mistry of Misflorism, a longtime friend of the bride's family.
Sangeet, Speeches, and a Very Good Cup of Chai
After the ceremony, guests headed indoors for cocktail hour, then took their seats for the sangeet. Performances flowed straight into speeches, which kept everyone engaged, entertained, and emotionally wrecked right up until dinner.
Dinner combined the club's in-house catering with additional outside caterers. My favorite food moment of the whole night, though, was the chai cart from Elaichi. It was hands down everyone's favorite element of the evening: warm, fragrant, and exactly the pick-me-up a room full of dancers needed.
A Dance Floor Worth Staying For
Berkeley Country Club recently refinished its main reception room, and the new hardwood floors are made for dancing. Add warm uplighting and DJ Eric Lal, and this crowd partied late into the night.
If you're planning a multicultural wedding here, you'll be in great hands with Michelle, the club's event coordinator. She's lovely to work with and genuinely excited to support a vision like this one.
Dressing the Part
It matters to us that our team blends into every celebration we plan. For Milly and Tariq's wedding, we wore Desi clothing for all of our events, rented from Marigold, a fabulous rental service in San Ramon run by the lovely Brinda Patel. Planning your own South Asian celebration? Use marigold.rent/parkerpaloma for 15% off your rental.
The Moment
My favorite part of the night was watching Milly and Tariq's first dance to "You Are My Soniya." Their aunt, who also officiated the ceremony, coached them, and it showed. They were prepared, a little giddy, and so clearly excited to finally be married after all those years of already being each other's person.
The celebration continued on Sunday, with both traditions carried into the next day, and a Meadowlark Dairy truck serving soft serve. (It's one of my favorite spots for a cone, so I fully approve.)
Milly and Tariq, thank you for letting us be part of a love story more than a decade in the making.
The Vendor Team
Venue: Berkeley Country Club, El Cerrito
Planning & Design: Parker Paloma Events
Photography: Shot by Emiliano (Emiliano Fragoso)
Florals & Ceremony Arch: Misflorism (Priya Mistry)
DJ: DJ Eric Lal
Dhol: Protein Dholi
Chai Cart: Elaichi
Team Attire: Marigold
Planning a wedding that brings two cultures, two families, and every tradition that matters into one celebration? Start your inquiry.