It’s been a complete whirlwind since we worked with Keena & Neel on their glorious beachside Indian wedding at The Shores Resort & Spa. We’ve been bouncing back and forth between events since then– and I’ve been a bit behind on my blogging. Never a days rest! But alas, their event has arrived for you all to enjoy!
We absolutely adore this beautiful couple– when they look at each other– you can tell that they adore each other too. They were so lovely to work with throughout the planning of their event– both Greg and I wanted to make each moment perfect! Every time we got together to discuss their plans– we learned so much about them, their culture and also ourselves. It was a true pleasure.
Keena really desired an Indian wedding that included all the moments of a traditional Hindu ceremony– but she also wanted to incorporate several Western traditions. So rather than a reception filled with bold colors or purples and reds, we decided to turn the tables and instead, fill the rooftop reception into a dreamy white escape– bejeweled with White Phaleanopsis orchids, dripping crystals and lots and lots of candles.
In the moments preceeding the ceremony, the rain was drizzeling outside and it seemed that our plans were not going to happen. In those moments, there are lots of prayers– and many, many eyes tuned towards the weather channel. Everyone was trying to predict the pattern of Mother Nature. It was terrible– a decision needed to be made… should we set the ceremony outside as planned with the possibility of torrential rain…? Or move the ceremony inside a ballroom to be safe? We started setting everything inside when Neel called Greg to talk it over with him. Greg, a self-proclaimed “weather guru” watched the patterns, and with that, he assured Neel that he was 100% positive that the storm was turning course. What would Neel decide?
The skies were black as night– and everyone was anxious. From the looks of it, it was hard to believe that the storm would turn course. But Neel agreed with Greg– and with both of them against the calls of most everyone else, they made the call to have the ceremony outside. Everyone started moving things! And fast! The Shores staff and my team rushed to create the ceremony of their dreams–OUTSIDE– with nearly NO time. Not a moment to spare. In less than 20 minutes, the staging was set, structures were built and flowers were put into place. We could all feel the raindrops on our shoulders as we were placing the last flowers– and looks of concern were everywhere. “Please don’t let Greg be wrong!” I thought. “This could be bad…” And then… just moments before Neel was to make his grand entrance… the rain stopped…. just as Greg and Neel predicted. Just like a snap– the blackness fell away. And a glorious sky made it’s entrance– as if it was on cue from above. Everyone was amazed… especially me. And Keena smiled– so happy that all was as it should be.
After bargaining with mother nature for a few hours– the most beautiful day found it’s way for Keena and Neel. We were all relieved that the ceremony took place just as it should. With so many intricate details of the ceremony, Greg mentioned later that it brought him to tears. This was our first Indian wedding– and all of the parts of the ceremony were special to everyone… especially the photog!
The wet reflection on the sand was amazing for pictures– so the pre-rain that caused such a panic ended up to be an amazing gift. I’m so glad that Greg’s prediction came true and that it didn’t start pouring rain!!! I can’t imagine that now. If you can believe it, for the rest of the evening, the entire crowd was thanking Greg. Yes, I couldn’t believe it. He was the hero for the night! Even after all the beautiful pieces our floral team created– nothing could compare to the beautiful gift of the perfect day.
We congratulate you both Keena & Neel on your start together. We each wish you many, many years loving each other! It was our pleasure to work with you on all the aspects of your day. Enjoy!
