Exoticlly Epic: Arjun weds Versha
Another year means another family wedding…of epic proportions. Last year Pooja and Vinay gave March Madness a whole new definition. This year Arjun and Versha took exotic to a new level, as titled - their wedding was "exotically epic. From elephants to snake charmers and everything in between as cliche as at it sounds "this wedding had it all".
I could story tell every event into the early morning hours. Instead, I'll sum up what was three unforgettable days into my Cliff's Notes version of bullet points.
Forget Pete's Dualing Pianos - the Srivastava's hosted a Sangeet night that put Bollywood to shame. Full on competition between the two sides, sitting across from each other. For all my Bollywood friend's take a trip down memory lane to the Hum Apke Hain Kaun scene jamming out to "Samne Samdhan Hai"
Haldi Ceremony with a Twist - oh yes, at a time in the stone ages it may have been that only married women and "bhabis" could put "haldi" on the groom. Not anymoreeee - all of us sisters got to join in on making Arjun "fair and lovely" for his bride. But wait, there's more, forget the moms, the bhabis and the sisters. Arjun's brothers and brothers in laws joined in on the ceremony as well. Equal opportunity people, equal opportunity. Needless to say, Arjun came out looking very "glowing" for his bride.
Special shout out to Arjun for being the best brother ever and waiting for me to get back from sister duties before starting the Haldi Ceremony - made my heart melt - every wedding has to have a soft spot moment - this was mine
Bharaat 101 - In the event Versha were to have any confusion as to where her handsome groom was, Arjun made sure to arrive in style. By style, I mean, perched atop a 2 ton elephant with his jaan dancing in front of him. Our elephant was nothing short of a high demand hollywood actor. Striking poses at every chance and tapping a foot to the beat - Turn Down for What!
Major kudos to our incredible DJ, not only did he get all of us in the bharaat warmed up but made sure and taught our diverse crowd a few Bollywood dance moves as well. Cue - "screw the light bulb" and "jersey fist pump"
Wedding with a view - whats that? Oh that's right, the backdrop for the wedding was a scene straight out a Hollywood Chick Flick - gorgeous sunny day, ocean views, Mandap set on top of a hill at the Ritz - an insanely good looking couple tying the knot - no big deal - oh forget it - its a huge deal, let's be real most of us will never attend a wedding this beautiful again - yes I'm biased and quite clearly very dramatic
Reception of Exotic Proportions - as with most receptions, we had entrances, speeches, a toast, side of belly dancers and snake charmers. No,the reception did not take place in a far east land but for a moment the ballroom was transformed into our own version of the best Morocco could offer. My highlight however, Texas Two-Stepping it to some good ole country music! And now, we have seen it all.
As always, the days were hectic, time was too short but we have memories for a lifetime! Congrats again Arjun and Versha!