Ranjena and Scott’s Destination Wedding in the Riviera Maya, Mexico

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About Ranjena and Scott
Occupations: Clinical research coordinator and Software developer
How they met:  Through friends at University and they began dating in 2005
What attracted Scott to Ranjena: Her “outgoingness” and big heart
What attracted Ranjena to Scott: He’s handsome and so kind
What was the best advice you received as a couple?
Expect the unexpected and try your best to roll with it
Engagement story: Scott took Ranjena back to London, Ontario, which is the city where they both went to University and first met. After getting her up early I took her to a number of our old favorite places in town before ending up at Victoria Park where I got down on one knee and proposed to her under a blossoming tree. Thankfully she said, Yes!

The Wedding Day
Wedding date: January 4, 2014
Number of guests: 95
Wedding colours:
Red, orange and yellow – vibrant tropical colours!
Ranjena’s most memorable moment:
When I first looked over at my husband during the ceremony in front of the Sikh holy book and surrounded by all of our family and friends
Scott’s most memorable moment: Seeing her sitting beside me for the first time at our ceremony
Their advice to others:
Make sure to have a backup location in case of rain, but whatever happens enjoy your day to the fullest.
Favourite wedding detail:
Some of the hand made details: foot jewellery for all of the women made by Ranjena’s mother and grandmother, as well as, hand-painted maracas with the table-settings.
Most unexpected moment:
We definitely surprised all of our guests when we both broke into a choreographed Bollywood dance immediately after our entrance at the reception.
Most romantic moment:
Our moonlight vow exchange by the ocean with Scott’s sister playing violin.
Did you include any traditions in your wedding?
The wedding was a traditional Sikh ceremony. One of our favourite traditions is that the groom arrives on a white horse with his family to a drum-beat and they are greeted by the bride’s family. Both families exchange flower garlands prior to entering the ceremony area.
Honeymoon:
Still being planned.
The day in three words: beautiful… heartfelt…celebration.


Wedding Details
Ceremony location: Barcelo Maya Riviera Resort, Mexico
Reception location: French Restaurant, Barcelo Maya Palace
Why did you choose this location for your wedding? Ranjena, her mother and sister came down almost a year before the wedding to scout out resorts. After looking at many locations we decided on the Barcelo because it was beautiful, reasonably priced, flexible, had great venues for the events we had planned and had plenty of things to do for our guests of all ages. In addition Claudia, the onsite wedding coordinator, was extremely attentive and helpful during Ranjena’s visit.
Ranjena’s gown:
For the Sangeet party, a fushia sari (Raja Fashions). For the ceremony a custom-made red and gold bridal lengha (Frontier Heritage). For the reception an Essence of Australia Gown with lace and key-hole back (Becker’s Bridal).
Ranjena’s shoes:
Sparkly silver peep-toe from Michael Kors
Scott’s outfit:
For the Sangeet party shirt and pants (Harry Rosen). For the ceremony a traditional Indian suit (Men of India). For the reception black suit (Calvin Klein).
Type of rings:
Diamond studded white gold for her, simple white gold band for him
Jewellery:
Traditional Indian jewellery was worn by the bride during the ceremony. For the reception custom-made jewellery (Sassi Vogue)
Bridesmaids dresses:
Close female family members and friends wore traditional Indian clothes in bright and assorted colours.
Groomsmen attire:
Close male family members and friends wore traditional Indian clothes and red turbans.
Wedding song:
Yellow by Coldplay
Signature drink: Strawberry Mojito (for Ranjena), Bourbon Old Fashioned (for Scott)
Favours: Local hot sauce and vanilla or key chains for kids
Music: Scott’s sister played violin for our vows and cocktail hour while the resort’s DJ did a fantastic job during our reception.
Flowers: Garlands were local lilies and carnations. At tables we had red roses in vases with petals spread on top of the tables.
Photographer:
Carolyn Higginson Photography
Stationery/Invitations: Stationary was either custom made or done through Wedding Paper Divas, while our save the dates were photo-strip magnets done through Papel Lindo.
Catering:
The lunch (Lungar) after the ceremony was prepared by family members in the resort kitchens which they were nice enough to provide access to. Food for the Sangeet (event night before the ceremony) and the reception was prepared by the resort chefs and was fantastic all around.

Fun Stuff
Astrological signs (Ranjena) and (Scott): Cancer and Gemini
What did you put in gift bags?
Each guest got a custom made beach bag from Oasis Bags, which included local snacks and drinks, beach toys for the kids, wedding itinerary and trivia about the couple
Is there anything else that helps tell the story of the day?
We had a traditional sangeet the night before the wedding.  The women were able to get traditional Indian henna, were given Indian bracelets and hand-made foot jewellery. There was traditional Mexican buffet, dancing and drinking.
Tell us about your experience working with LUXE:
Overall we were happy with Luxe. Alexandra was extremely helpful and no request was too big for LUXE to help us make a reality.

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