While incorporating a bit of the local culture in a destination environment has been popular for a few years now, a new trend is on the rise… brides and grooms are increasingly bringing their own personal culture and religion to the destination! LUXE has seen an influx of Hindu and Sikh weddings over the past few years, with groups going to the Caribbean to celebrate with the happy couple of upwards of 120 guests!

Destination couples these days want the best of both worlds: the gorgeous and pristine setting of a beach resort with the ocean as their wedding backdrop, in addition to all of the cultural traditions that would be included at a local wedding at home.

Having a traditional Indian wedding ceremony in a destination country is entirely possible, although many of my brides and grooms discover that an element of flexibility is required, especially because these wedding traditions are so incredibly detailed. From the garlands of flowers adorning the bride and groom, to the white horse the groom traditionally rides in on, and the covered ceremony area, Hindu and Sikh weddings are multi-faceted and a fun challenge for destination wedding couples!

Jessica and Sid were one of my most recent Hindu weddings performed at the Gran Bahia Principe Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. The ceremony colors were a vibrant splash of red and gold, which worked perfectly with the tropical flowers available in the region, and the traditional post-ceremony meal was a simple affair of appetizers and drinks under the ceremony tent. The wedding party’s traditional saris were a gorgeous parade of colour and a perfect compliment to the tropical surroundings. An important lesson for brides and grooms who are considering a cultural destination wedding?  At the end of the day the true cultural elements are often simply brought with the presence of family and friends.

All photos are courtesy of the very talented Michael Steingard. Here is some information about the couple and their gorgeous wedding. Happy reading…

About Jessica and Sid
Occupations: Bride: Tax Accountant, Groom: Equity Sales
How they met: Although we were not high school sweethearts this is where we first met. We became a couple almost 10 years later, it was truly fate!
What attracted Sid to Jessica: Her beauty, charm, grace, wit and intelligence.
What attracted Jessica to Sid: Incredible personality, a great sense of humour and an eye catching smile!
Engagement story: A year and a half after we had been dating,Sid planned a day of relaxing treatments for two at a luxurious spa.  Afterwards we went for dinner at a romantic restaurant where we were seated for two in a private elegant room.  We were surrounded by candles red roses, great food and an overall perfect ambiance.  After dinner Sid surprised me with a thoughtful movie which included all of the great memories we have shared together over the past couple of years.  He ended it with a video clip of us in Paris when he told me he wanted to marry me some day…It was a magical evening.

The Wedding Day
Wedding date: January 9, 2010
Number of Guests: 35
Jessica’s most memorable moment: Walking down the aisle and seeing Sid, I realized after this moment we would officially be husband and wife, what a great feeling!
Sid’s most memorable moment: The wedding ceremony could not have been more beautiful, but not as beautiful as my lovely bride.
Advice to others: Brides and grooms often get caught up in the numerous requests their families make.  Remember, you need to do what makes both of you happy and everyone else who loves you will support the decisions you choose.  Our families were hesitant at first at the thought of a destination wedding, and now they look back and rave how wonderful everything turned out!
Wedding song: Until the end of time – Justin Timberlake & Beyonce
Fave wedding detail: Everything about the ceremony from the chair covers and tent to the appetizers served afterwards.
Most unexpected moment: During our first dance there was a glitch in the sound system and our romantic song switched to a T-Pain song, so jokingly we started to dance to it!
Honeymoon: Australia and New Zealand
The day in three words: We can sum it up in two!  Perfect and Unforgettable

Wedding Info:
Ceremony location: Gran Bahia Principe Punta Cana – garden gazebo
Reception location: Gran Bahia Principe Punta Cana – Cafe Paris
Bridal gown: red and gold Indian attire
Bridal party attire: Pink Indian attire
Groom’s outfit: Ceremony – traditional Indian attire, Reception – Black Armani suit
Favours: Samsung digital frames
Music: Double AA, a DJ from Toronto made us a fantastic CD to take with us
Flowers: tropical mixture

Fun Stuff
Astrological Signs (Jessica) and (Sid): Gemini & Virgo
Wedding Colors: red and gold
Most romantic moment: This trip was all about family friends and fun, the romance kicked in as soon as we left for the airport heading to Australia and New Zealand!

TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH LUXE DESTINATION WEDDINGS: Luxe did a fantastic job planning our wedding.  Our wedding planner, Rebecca, was a dream come true, she spent countless hours planning and researching which resulted in a flawless event.  Preparing for a Hindu wedding in another country was tough as we had numerous unusual requests and not to mention the language barrier with the resort!  Rebecca worked closely with the resort to ensure 100% of our requests were fulfilled.  She was extremely organized and creative, thank you Rebecca!