May 25, 2007
And so it began. Planning a wedding, together with blending two cultures, three families and miles apart was not an easy task. With both having busy careers and with two completely different ideas of the perfect wedding, many challenges were ahead. However, even with those challenges, the end result was more meaningful and beautiful than imagined.
The things immediately agreed upon were the wedding date of May 25, 2007, in honor of Amy's paternal grandparents, Betty & Bill Young, who were married on that same date. They were able to celebrate sixty years of marriage together, and their love made a lasting impact on the family.
As with Hindu tradition, the celebrations began on Wednesday, the week of the wedding, with the traditional Hindu Mendhi ceremony, where henna is painted on the bride's hands and feet as well as the hands and feet of other women participating.
Thursday night was the traditional Catholic rehearsal and rehearsal dinner followed by drinks & desserts for guests who arrived from out of town.
Friday morning at 9 am the Vara Satkaarah (or welcoming of the groom) began with Amish riding a horse from the South Bend Marriott to Century Center surrounded by family and friends amidst music and celebration. This tradition symbolizes the groom coming from his village to the bride's. Both families then joined together in procession to the Mandap, a sanctified Hindu wedding altar, and the site of the Hindu marriage ceremony where the bride is welcomed. Throughout the Hindu ceremony the priest so eloquently explained the traditional Hindu customs of the sacred knot, sacred fire, and the sevenfold vows. A traditional Indian luncheon was then served.
At 4 pm the Catholic ceremony was held at St. Pius X Catholic Church. Guests from throughout the world--India, Australia, Canada, Mexico, and throughout the United States--were in attendance.
Celebrations continued with an evening reception with family and friends until the wee hours of the morning and a surprise gift of a fireworks display over the East Race. Brunch the next day hosted by Amy's parents and an afternoon of dancing on a boat cruise concluded the whirlwind of wedding activities.
The four-day wedding celebration was a culmination of each family's cultures and traditions. The challenges of planning a culturally diverse wedding only made Amy & Amish realize how much they truly loved each other.
The Century Center
South Bend, IN
Catholic Ceremony Location:
St. Pius X Cathedral
Granger, IN
Wedding Planner:
Anne Landis
Morris Park Country Club
South Bend, IN
Reception Location:
The Century Center
South Bend, IN
Reception Caterer:
Centerplate
South Bend, IN
Hindu Center:
Rajphog
Chicago, IL
Rehearsal Dinner:
The Summit Club
South Bend, IN
Bridal Luncheon and Brunch Caterer:
Morris Park Country Club
South Bend, IN
Wedding Cake:
Indulgence
South Bend, IN
Photographer:
Kevin Swan
Indianapolis, IN
Videographer:
Nicolini Media LLC
Elkhart, IN
Rehearsal Dinner DJ/Karaoke:
Brian "Woody" Byrn
Elkhart, IN
Flowers:
Granger Florist
Granger, IN
Specialty Rentals:
Burns Rent-All
Mishawaka, IN
Wedding Gown:
Priscilla of Boston
Oak Terrace, IL
Tuxedos:
Bernardo's Tailor Shop
Mishawaka, IN
Bridesmaids Gowns:
Brides by Demetrios
Indianapolis, IN
Hair & Nail Salon:
Bangs Salon
South Bend, IN
Wedding Rings:
Hopman Jewelers
Elkhart, IN
Transportation:
Royal Excursion
Mishawaka, IN
Invitation:
Festivities at the Crockery
Granger, IN
Calligrapher:
Cyndi Pilot
South Bend, IN
Horse Rental:
GEM Stables
Elkhart, IN
Honeymoon:
Hawaii and India