At Good Gracious! we find we're very culturaly diverse when it comes to the events and weddings we produce from one day to the next. The vast religious and cultrual traditions, are what make each wedding we do so unique! We LOVE sharing and growing into new experiences, and so in 2012 we've joined forces with Theresa Cole-Hubbs, owner of Electric Karma out of Houston, TX who specializes in Indian Weddings to plan for some of the West Coast bride and grooms.
With our saris in tow, we headed to one of my favorite San Francisco spots. The Palace Hotel, historically one of the most luxrious hotels ever built in the 1800's, and host to the beginning journey of marriage for Neeru & Jason! They are a lovely couple that welcomed us into their traditions and wonderful family!
One of the most tasking jobs for Neeru and her sister was to fly to India in the search of the traditional bride and grooms clothing, the Saree and Sherwani . They spared no expense , the creamy silks and brocades were stunning, with an exotic style of elegance that even an American groom could get excited about!
In Indian communities, a Baraat it is customary way for the groom to travel to the wedding venue. This is often on a mare or elephant, accompanied by his family members and invited guests on the grooms side. Though I'm not sure the San Francisco Police Dept. would have appreciated the elephant, we took to the streets of San Francisco with a less invasive wild animal approach, to include a large procession, with its own band, dohl drum, and dancers. As the groom is carried and usually covered in finery, the dancing and singing is left to the "baraatis" or people accompanying the procession.
The ceremony was beautiful and filled the air with flower petals showering them with love and welcoming the bride from the parents home into now the grooms home.
The Sangeet began, the reception which precedes the wedding and dinner was served. Of course being caterers we had to try a nibble of the cake made by Pastry Chef of the Palace Hotel, must say one of the best cakes I've EVER had!
English Beat, a famous 80's band capped off the evening keeping the guests dancing till the end!
Abhinandan!~ Congrats!
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