The Mehndi Ceremony
In Indian culture, the wedding itself is preceeded by a number of pre-wedding rituals taking place in the days before the ceremony. One of these rituals for Indian Muslims and Hindus is the mehndi ceremony. More of a cultural ceremony than religious, the mehndi ceremony is usually held at the bride’s home and includes female family and friends.
The art of mehndi involves drawing intricate designs on the hands and feet using a temporary turmeric stain. I’m sure you’ve all seen some of the beautiful designs possible with henna:
To incorporate this Indian tradition into an otherwise primarily western wedding, why not throw a mehndi party with your bridesmaids and/or all the women in your family or circle of close friends? This could be in lieu of a shower or could be part of the festivities of the rehearsal dinner. Look for a local mehndi artist who offers special wedding or group rates.
One word to the wise…Make sure to verify that the henna paste used by the artist is all-natural. True henna dyes the skin a reddish-brown, terra cotta color. But sometimes, in order to create a black color a synthetic dye is added. Such dyes, like PPD, can be EXTREMELY harmful to the skin. So if you want to avoid burning or scarring on your wedding day, stay away from “black henna.” It’s also a good idea to test for skin sensitivity to natural henna a few weeks beforehand on an inconspicuous patch of skin.
You can look for more henna information and search for artists at Henna Tribe.
Describing Your Wedding’s Dress Code
So I’m in the middle of ordering invitations and realize I’m not actually sure how to describe the dress code. This might be an issue for lots of other brides and grooms-to-be if they have a certain theme in mind, if there are weather considerations, etc. So here’s what I’ve gathered on the subject from a collection of resources, including friends and experience. In addition to this, it’s also a good idea to give an example of appropriate attire to a friend and/or family member who can kind of send it through the grape vine. This is also the perfect kind of information to feature on a wedding website, if you have one.
White Tie- Most weddings don’t require this dress code. White tie is extremely formal- men wear full tuxes with white bow ties, and men wear formal evening gowns.
Black Tie- Pretty straightforward. Men wear tuxes with black ties, women wear formal evening dresses/gowns.
Formal- Formal generally means the same thing as black tie.
Semi-Formal- Dark suits for men, Cocktail dresses for women.
Business Formal- Dark suits for men and women.
Cocktail Attire- Dark suits for men, Shorter cocktail dresses for women (and they may be in brighter colors).
Informal- Usually, this is the equivalent of semi-formal. But you may want to ask for clarification if the invitation is from a close acquaintance, because sometimes peole interpret it as more like business casual.
Business Casual- You probably won’t see this specification listed on a wedding invite. But for men, this usually means a suit without a jacket or trousers with a collared shirt and/or sweater. For women, it’s the same sort of idea- slacks or a dress skirt with a collared shirt or sweater.
Dressy Casual- For men, something like khakis or trousers with polos or a button down shirt. Sportscoats or blazers are nice but optional. For women, it might mean slacks with a more casual top or a more casual dress. Do not wear jeans, t-shirts, sneakers, shorts, or simple flip-flops.
Casual- If you specify a “casual” dress code, be prepared for anything.
Beach Formal- Light colored and airy suits- perhaps linen- for men. For women, light and airy sundresses. ANd sandals, of course, are ok here.
Boating Elegant- Navy blazers for men. Sundresses for women- navy, white, and gold a typical nautical color combination.
Pingg Me
So I am super excited today- we have FINALLY managed to decide on a date and book a venue. (Well, actually we’ve decided on a few different dates and venues for a few separate celebrations…but that’s another story).
(Yes, I said “a few.” As in three. Yep).
Anyway, I realize it not may be everyone’s style, but I really like the idea of Save The Date cards. No, I don’t know for sure the time/dress code/directions/RSVP protocol yet. But gosh darnit, save my date! To me, sending the Save The Date cards is the equivalent of standing on the rooftop and screaming your happy news to the world. (Not that you’ll be inviting the whole world to your wedding, but you get the analogy). 
Now- quick back story. My guy is a total geek. Which I truly love. :) He writes code. For fun. He reads blogs about high-tech gadgets and networking tools I frankly sometimes don’t understand even after the third explanation. He’s an engineer. He’s always thinking of ways to improve how things work. Always tinkering. And always online. (All this is part of why I can’t get enough of him, by the way. As an artsy writer-type with only a semi-geekiness, I am constantly fascinated by the way he thinks).
Anyway- my guy really liked the idea of email invitations. They would save trees, it’s faster than snail mail, super cheap- practical. My guy is nothing if not practical.
But I kinda like to hold a beautiful keepsake in my hand, run my fingers over the gold leafing, have something to frame. I want something beautiful. I’m a literary type who is nothing if not romantic.
He had some good points, though. And I get it- I work in online marketing, I’m online all day, I can read code at an amateur level, I follow the latest social networking sites, I stream episodes of The Office at 2am. I know my way around the periphery of geekiness.
So I decided- just for our very intimate ceremony with our closest family and friends- the ceremony he and I are planning to completely reflect who we are as a couple- we’d look at email invitations.
And then I found Pingg. Practical meets Beauty. Go there now. They have a huge selection of photos you can put together great Save The Date and invitation designs. You can email one to everyone on your list. And if you have guets who are not so techy-savvy, Pingg will print and mail a copy to them for, like, $1. And then you can manage your RSVPs and forward people to a personalized Pingg-domain wedding website. You can also send follow-ups through Facebook, Twitter, or SMS.
Check these out:
On Interfaith Harmony: The Bible
In this second installment of On Interfaith Harmony, here’s a little thought from the Apostle Peter:
I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.
(Acts 10:34-35)
I kinda think Peter had the right idea here. It rings true to me. Your thoughts?
Photo by Gutter
Indian Hindu or Muslim Invitations
If Indian Hindu or Muslim elements are going to be part of the wedding, you should definitely check out Indian Wedding Cards. The designs are GOR GEOUS! We haven’t picked our colors yet, but each design comes in a rainbow of colors so I’m not worried. Here are only a few of my favorites. Head over to the Indian Wedding Cards site for more!
On Interfaith Harmony: The Bible
This is the first in a series of posts on specific passages of religious texts that comment on interfaith understanding and inter-relationships. When I first started dating my guy, I realized that there would be some people who would object to an interfaith relationship. Fortunately, most of my friends and family were extremely supportive. Some required some coaxing, and one acquaintance in particular is still quite disapproving.
My view has always been that if someone doesn’t like it, excuse me…but screw ‘em. I feel secure knowing our relationship has lots of room for God and shared faith experiences. We have plenty of supportive loved ones. And I have no interest in allowing others to put obstacles in our way just for the fun of it.
But I have to admit it has made me more curious about just what religious texts say on the subject. I have so far focused mostly on the Bible, since I am Christian. So that’s where today’s passage comes from.
Mark 12:28-31 NIV (From Jesus himself):
One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”
“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
So what do you think? I think this passage speaks more to how central kindness to others is to the Christian message. It’s not so much explicitly about which religions are “right” or “wrong.” But the fact that Muslims and Jews recognize Jesus as a powerful prophet whose message was great suggests that this idea of universal kindness to our human neighbors is a shared one that crosses numerous religions.
In a way I’ve been collecting thee passages to keep in my arsenal of retorts to any critical comments from those who seem to have lost sight of Jesus’ overall message. So I will be posting more for discussion from now on.
If you have a favorite passage on interfaith relations- or if you have insight from another religion besides Christianity- PLEASE comment here or email me personally at kate@swirled-wedding.com. I’d love to bolster my arsenal!
Thinking About Religion in an Interfaith Relationship
When I first started to realize that my guy was very likely THE one for me- that a wedding would probably be coming down the road- I started thinking more seriously about religion. He is Muslim and I am Christian (Lutheran). This post just gives an overview of how I think about religion and how it leaves plenty of room (in my mind) to flourish in an interfaith relationship. (Sorry for the length- I’ve tried to highlight the most important parts of my story).
My guy and I both received religious education in our childhoods, but neither of us really practice now very regularly the religion we were born into.
Are we spiritual people who firmly believe in God and strive to do what God would want of us? Absolutely. It’s a central part of our lives, actually.
Are we particularly religious? Well, it depends what elements of religion you’re interested in…
You often hear the argument that religions are responsible for so much division and hate in the world, and to an extent we think that’s true. But I think it’s more accurate that the conflicts between religions are responsible. The people who interpret religious teachings in a way they feel allows them to do horrible things are responsible for that. I’ll admit, when you combine a lot of those nutty people, one could argue that they become emblematic of the religion as a whole. But I don’t think religion in and of itself is a hindrance to society. I think, to many, it’s a gift. To me, my religious experiences have been a gift.
Here’s how I do consider myself religious:
Stories and Text. To me, religion can be a very useful framework for building a relationship with God. I’ll use Christianity as an example, simply because it’s what I know best. When I was young, Jesus’ parables were helpful in learning about important things: inclusiveness and peace and forgiveness. The stories of the Old Testament taught basic tenets of morality. The Lord’s Prayer got me thinking about the type of things I should be praying for- i.e., not the kinds of things you’d ask Santa for. I think these are important ideas for children to learn as they grow into adults, and many stories in the Bible helped my parents teach me these thing.
As I grew up, things were complicated a bit. Some of the differences between the two testaments, the conflicting teachings of different disciples, passages that were at odds with what Jesus himself said- they all confused me. But this confusion drove me to really seek a better understanding of God and love and right and wrong. And knowing those stories gave me the language to debate and discuss with others about it all.
Rituals. As much as I am against following traditions which make you feel uncomfortable, rituals also have the power to bring people together. There are many things I personally don’t like about religion- the attitudes of certain people I knew growing up in my hometown church, for example.
But still to this day, certain familiar hymns will bring tears to my eyes. They make me feel a connection with the people around me and all the people throughout history who have sung the same song and have felt its message. The taste of that cloyingly sweet Manishewitz (you know- the blood of Christ) makes me contemplate the last supper and wonder what Jesus would really say today.
Yet one of the things I like MOST about my relationship is our different religious backgrounds. When I first met my guy, I realized I didn’t know much about Islam and decided to learn more.
Then a funny thing happened: the more I learned about his religion- and the religion of my three Hindu roomates (and best friends to this day)- the closer I felt my connection with God grow. It’s amazing- AMAZING- how many similar themes and messages exist amond different world religions! There are also big differences between the different world religions, but they are not at odds with the powerful message of Truth I have gotten from the Gospel.
To me, examining these different religions allows me to see God through different lenses. They do not completely change my idea of God; rather, they have been like puzzle pieces that help create a more complete picture in my mind and heart. Learning and experiencing new religions has, to me, been a real gift that has enhanced my personal relationship with God. And having two different religions in our relationship has amplified the level of passion, love, and thoughtfulness my guy and I experience in the world everyday.
Under the “Religions 101” tab of the blog, I’m going to start exploring specific passages of various religious texts that I feel highlight the greater Truth that runs through many major religions today. I’ll also try to get to the bottom of what the major prophets, including Jesus, actually said about other religions and how to live with people who are different. If you’re interested in that kind of thing, I hope you’re ready to share your thoughts and help point me in new directions. (And if you’re not, go right ahead and skip on over to The Wedding section which has all sorts of food/invitation/decoration ideas).
If you are in an interfaith relationship- or have thoughts on the issue- I would love to talk with you. Share your comments here OR email me personally: kate@swirled-wedding.com
Back in Action!
Hey guys! Please, please, pleeease forgive the long absence from posting. If ever there was a good reason, though, I have one... My guy and I officially got engaged! Yes, we’ve been talking and planning for a while, but last month I got the most delightful surprise ever.
First of all, he and I are young and cash-strapped. My agency position is my first out of college, and he’s on track to be in a really great graduate program for a while (although on a student’s budget). So because of our financial situation- and the fact that I was personally never really attached to the diamond engagement ring idea- we had agreed we’d both just wear simple wedding bands. No engagement ring necessary.
But on a hike in the mountains one fall Saturday, after we reached a peak overlooking the entire valley, my wonderful man completely surprised me with a ring and the sweetest, formal proposal. It turns out that his mom had offered up her first engagement ring to us. (She now wears her “upgrade,” haha).
So this past month, we have been swirling in an amazing cloud of congratulations from friends and family. Our families have gotten together for Thanksgiving. We went shopping for an engagement watch for him. (You know, it’s only fair).
And we’ve also been planning. We’ve had to sit down many times and really talk over some issues- family outside the country who want to come, family that may not be available to come for a long time, keeping the guest list under control, setting expectations with our parents about the size and scale of the reception, budgeting, visualizing each of our dream weddings and where they overlap. Whew. It’s been a lot of work, actually. And we still haven’t picked a firm date!
But factor in the difference in religions and we know we know to expect many more tough talks in the future. Don’t get me wrong- if it were up to just me and him, we’d already have it all planned out. But there’s something to be said for trying to use the occasion as a way to include family and communicate how we intend to build a beautiful interfaith marriage after the wedding- and how we need their support.
Already in this early stage of planning, we are realizing that some people are probably going to be disappointed about a few details. But fortunately, both families are still very excited. It looks like ultimately we’ll be able to put together the wedding that fits us- without any all-out fits or threats of disownment, etc.
So expect to see a return to the planning fodder and ideas for interfaith weddings. I’m ready to get back in action- I’ve already got so much to talk about and so much more to think about!
International Invitations
In so many multicultural weddings, often at least one respective family speaks another language. And even though many first- or second-generation American parents speak English as well, it can be a nice nod to include the language in the wedding as well as cultural customs.
I’ve heard of having two officiants, one for each language. I’ve also heard of having only certain parts of the ceremony in another language. For example, in Islamic texts, the lyrical nature of the spoken words is significant in itself.
But here’s another way to incorporate two languages into your big day: bilingual (or purely non-English) letterpress wedding invitations from Bella Figura! Ch-ch-check it out…
‘Tis the Season For Marigolds!
Now that Fall is visible- the air has gotten cold, the days are getting shorter, and the trees are bright orange and red- I am loving all the Fall wedding ideas I’ve seen lately. (Plus, I think we’ve decided our wedding will be next Fall! And I am giddy already!)
Here’s what I’m thinking in the way of flowers- right now my mind is stuck on marigolds.
Oranges, reds, and golds are the vibrant colors of the season. Marigolds certainly scream AUTUMN! On the other hand, they’re also a great way to bringing Indian flare to your wedding as well.
I have heard here and there that in India marigolds are admired for their color which actually signifies the joy of Spring. (But hey- after a long hot summer I am pretty joyful at the arrival of Fall, too). Garlands of marigolds are sold in many flower markets to decorate temples and at-home altars. The flower is also an inexpensive offering to the gods during Puja. Not to mention, they’re traditionally used in India to adorn wedding halls!
Plus, they’re just too cute. Check out this bouquet from Martha Stewart Weddings:
And how ’bout that adorable “Just-Married” getaway car (from Snippet & Ink):
I don’t know why I’m so fascinated by the marigold all of a sudden. Up until now, I’ve always thought it was kinda dull. But now…maybe it’s because the leaves are changing. Maybe it’s because I’ve decided I want to keep our wedding as sweet and simple as possible. Or maybe it’s because orange clashes so harshly with my complexion that I just never got enough of it in my chidhood- now I’m dipping my toe in the water.
But one thing’s for sure- I’m really digging the orange-teal color combo…
Got a Religious Question For Ya…
Ok- I’m going down a new road today. I have a serious question to pose.
(Ya like my inspirational road image? Pretty nice, eh?)
Don’t worry- I’ve got tons more cute wedding planning ideas in the works. In fact, my guy and I are in one of those giddy, over-excited stages of wedding planning where we need to just chill out for a second.
But for now- I have a more serious question for you guys. I know many of you have special insight into the topic. As for me, it’s something I’ve been rolling around in the back of my mind (and sometimes in the front of it, too) for over the past 5 years.
And entire volumes have been written for centuries on both sides of this issue.
That being said, it’s a topic that I think needs more discussion in our day and age. It’s becoming a BIG public issue in America.
And selfishly, I want to discuss it because it is so important to me personally as well.
And I really, truly want to know where you guys stand on the subject. I want to know the general consensus before we start talking about all our thoughts on the subject. (And my thoughts do run the spectrum- sometimes directly contradicting each other, depending on the direction of the wind at the moment).
So HERE is my question: Do you think there is one religion that’s more right than the others? Or do you think many religions are different manifestations of the same divine truth? (Or none of the above?)
Ok, go.
Tea Party- A Perfect Favor
Here’s a perfect favor- little sachets of tea, perhaps bundled in a tiny tea cups. The silk tea infuser below comes from MyWeddingFavors.com.
Most cultures have some unique tea tradition. Whether it’s Indian chai or the Japanese tea ceremony, you can choose the right tea leaves and packaging to easily honor your (or your fiance’s) heritage.
Tea Infusion explains the different traditions of a bunch of cultures around the world and lists the kinds of unique lea leaves and spices used in each.
Meeting the In-Laws
Soceraphobia - (n.) fear of parents-in-law
That’s right- there is in fact a documented paranoia of one’s in-laws. So if you fall into this category, at least the good news is you’re not alone.
It’s a classic archetype: the in-laws from hell.
For some people, it my seem like a reality, but for most it’s a huge exaggeration. A lot of the angst that comes with getting to know your in-laws is simply because you want to impress the parents of the guy or girl you love. You don’t want to do anything to offend them- and when you aren’t sure what makes them tick, it can feel like you’re walking on egg shells.
Of course if your in-laws come from a different heritage, the pressure can be amplified. Here are a few things that have helped me and my guy get to know each other’s families without any huge disasters:
1. Prepare with your honey. Before meeting the in-laws, fill each other in on your parents’ personalities, funny stories, their personal histories. This will make them a little more human in your eyes- and maybe less intimidating. But as a caveat- do not then let the in-laws know that you know some of those more sensitive secrets. Just keep them in mind so you have a better idea of what kind of people they are.
2. Bring a gift. Especially if you’re meeting at their house, be on your best behavior and let them know you want to please them. Think about it- if you were meeting your child’s significant other for the first time, you’d be relieved to find someone who is polite, and hospitable.
3. Tell your family about your guy. Play up their amazing qualities. If they are anxious about your guy’s religion, educate them a little and quell their fears. If you honestly are not sure how your parents will act around your guy, let them know how you hope the first meeting will go. Give them (and your honey) cues about how to act.
4. Think ahead of time about conversation starters. Make a mental list of things you can talk about with your in-laws. And when your beloved meets your parents, be sure to help them out by starting some conversations and bringing him or her into the discussion.
5. People often like to be nostlagiac and talk about old family stories. Pull out an old photo album and use it ass a conversation starter. Your parents will probably welcome the opportunity to relive fond memories, and your honey will feel like he’s being included in a more intimate family moment. He’ll learn some family history, and it’ll probably be a bonding experience for everyone.
6. Stand up for your guy. Don’t leave him stranded while you run off to the grocery store with your sibling to pick up a last minute ingredient for dinner. If he has a charming or extroverted personality, he may be able to stand on his own pretty quickly. But he’s putting himself out there for you, and he needs to know you’ll be there to smooth over any little bumps that might come up throughout the night.
Open (Espresso) Bar at the Reception
Here’s a little dilemma I encountered when my guy and I first started thinking about a Muslim-Christian wedding. It’s not about the vows or finding an officiant or figuring out how to celebrate Christmas. No, this post is about something critical…drinks at the reception.
Some religious traditions frown on alcohol, as do some families regardless of religion. So if you don’t want to serve alcohol at the reception at all OR you want to have another drink option for “dry” guests, here’s another option. Coffee! But not just coffee…gourmet espresso service.
Most people like coffee or tea after dinner anyway, so dress it up a little for the special occasion. And don’t forget cocoa or hot chocolate for kids. Hire a barrista who has the equipment and skills necessary to create “cappuccino art” in the drink’s foam. Guests will ooh and ahh…
Or- can you imagine how awesome it would be to have the drinks monogrammed with the bride and groom’s initials?
Interfaith Ceremony - Twice Is Nice
How do you pay tribute to two different backgrounds, two cultures- even two different religions- in one wedding ceremony? Many people have done it in creative ways and have come up with touching ceremonies that seem to be meaningful to all.
But it also might be fun to just have two separate weddings. This is definitely something I myself have been considering. I enjoy my guy’s culture, and part of me is curious about what a traditional Muslim ceremony would feel like. Of course, in that case I’d want to have a separate Christian wedding for my family to enjoy.
In many cases, couples feel that having separate weddings is a way to make both sides of the family comfortable. It can send a message to each set of inlaws that their child’s new spouse values their heritage and religion. Communicating that kind of respect can go a long way in being accepted into a new family. And in some cases, the idea of intermarriage is not immediately embraced by parents. Something to consider.
Over at Once Wed, a set of posts tells the story of a couple that held both an Indian wedding and a church wedding. Raj and Bridget were married in a traditional Indian ceremony in the morning…
(Ok, I have to show more pics of the gorgeous canopy…)
THEN they all changed, the groom shaved, and they moved on to a church wedding. What I love here is that you can still see a little of that Indian influence. And I love the bottom hem of Bridget’s gown.
Credits to Once Wed and the photographer Jen Curtis.
Non-Religious Ceremony Venue - Gardens
Regardless of personal faith, many couples are steering away from the traditional ceremony held in a place of worship. There are many religion- unspecific types of venues to consider. But for now I’m just going to talk about one of the most popular- gardens.
It’s a growing trend for couples who don’t want to hold their weddings in religious places of worship to bring the ceremony outside.
The serenity of nature can create a cathedral-like feel so that guests of any religion can appreciate the beauty of the ceremony.
There is one major downside to planning an outdoor wedding- the weather. It’s always a good idea to have a contingency plan. There’s nothing like waking up on your wedding day worried about the humidity concentration in the air.
Fortnately, many outdoor venues- especially gardens with formal event rental policies- have indoor or at least covered areas in case of inclement weather. This kind of feature is definitely something you should look for.
One of my dream venues is a botanical garden conservatory- one of those Victorian all glass greenhouses. Here’s my favorite conservatory in the coutry- at Longwood Gardens just outside Philadelphia:
I’ve found that many conservatories on the east coast do not allow private ceremonies or receptions, but I have found a few elsewhere that do. Just look for botanical gardens or estates with conservatories near you.
And you New Yorkers out there- don’t forget Central Park! Not only does it feel like a quiet oasis in the middle of the city- but it’s pretty dang cheap, too!
Muslim-Christian Wedding Vow Script
This set of interfaith wedding vows comes from a group of officiants and vendors in the Midwestern US who run a wedding planning service. The couple was a Christian woman and a Muslim man, both with strong connections to their own respective religions. What I LOVE about this ceremony is that it acknowledges each religion without tip-toeing around the words so that in the end both traditions become invisible:
The Koran requires that a husband and a wife should be as garments for each other. Just as garments are for protection, comfort, show and concealment for human beings, Allah expects husbands and wives to be for one another. Men and women, should protect friends of one another; should enjoin the right and forbid the wrong, and should establish worship and take care of the poor.
The Bible teaches us that Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
And this is where it gets a little daring. I LOVE this honesty. This sentiment is what every interfaith couple whose families have given them any kind of grief probably fantasizes about saying at their wedding. But for those of you (like me) who would bend over backwards to avoid any awkwardness, here’s a truly heartfelt and touching way to actually throw it out there:
If any of you has anything to say that might change their minds… they… don’t want to hear it. However, they do want to hear from you that you are their village, that you will always be their friends, and will always support and encourage them as they discover the commitment and dedication needed to make marriage work. And that is why you are here today, and they thank you for your friendship and your love.
(”Yeah- so shut it, Grandma!”) 
And here are the actual vows:
I, _____, take you _____, to be my [wife/husband], my best friend, my lover, my faithful partner and my other half from this day forward. I will cherish our union and love you more with each passing day. I will trust you and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you, care for you and protect you. When I am moody and crabby I promise to not take it all out on you.. Most importantly, I give you my promise to love you faithfully through good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles we may face together. I give you my hand, my heart, and all of my love, from this day forward for as long as I shall live.
THE Cross-Cultural Dress
This is quite possibly THE coolest idea I’ve seen in a while! Nirali Magazine recently featured the wedding story of a couple with both Mexican and Indian heritages.
Namrita, the bride, had conflicted feelings about what to wear:
“Growing up here, you dream of the white wedding,” says Namrita. “But I also wanted to look kind of like an Indian bride.”
So she got creative. She bought a gown and had it customized to incorporate her mother’s wedding sari as well.
Namrita “cinched part of the gown up and sewed pleated sari material” so it peeked out the sides of the dress. She accessorized with mehndi on her hands (applied during a small, private event before the wedding) and the traditional wedding jewelry that her mother wore 33 years earlier.
And ohmygoodness- are you ready for the gorgeous result? Feast your eyes:
Check out the entire article on this wedding at Nirali Magazine.