On Saturday Ben and I experienced our first Indian wedding, and it was incredible!
It was so different to any wedding we had been to before. Firstly it started at 8:30am (!) for an an Indian breakfast and coffee. Chan, the groom arrived amidst a bus full of his family to the sound of beating drums, carrying a sword, how cool! It caused quite a scene outside Connaught Hotel in Holborn, with lots of passers by stopping to take photographs. The energy was incredible, with Nashitas family performing a dance to Chan to win his favour.
The room where the ceremony was held was stunning, very grand with high intricate ceiling but also it was beautifully decorated with huge blossom trees, candles, rose petals and a big arch way with two elephants (not real ones).
We got comfortable for the ceremony, which for Hindu marriages is really long. We tried to bulk out our own cermeony as much as possible with readings etc, but it still paled at 40 mins compared to this one which was over 2hrs ! Cue numb bum. Actually 2 hrs went by pretty quickly. It was filled with lots of cool and quirky traditions, like the bride and groom circling around a fire and the first one to sit down is said to be the dominant one in the marriage.
Nashita looked so stunning in a pink and gold sari with lots of necklaces and an intricate gold headdress with fushia pink veil, just gorgeous. Chan looked pretty handsome too in a gold and red hat and coat. The whole wedding party and guests were so bright and colourful.
After lunch the new couple got some time to theirselves and everyone nipped back to homes/hotels to refuel and change into evening black tie attire. I managed a quick power nap!
In the evening the room was transformed again. I’ve never seen centre pieces like it, there were trees in the centre of each table with hanging crystals, yes trees! My favourite part of the day had to be the food, all vegetarian and traditional Indian it was amazing. Chan and Nashita also kindly helped us wash it down with a free bar. We ended a great day rocking out on the dance floor.
Thanks for the invite Chan and Nashita!xx
