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What an event !
A 3 day wedding !
This wedding was announced nearly 1 year ago, and was much anticipated by the entire family.
This fairy tale wedding was meticulously planned by Meera and Aman. They envisioned a wedding that would incorporate both the Shah Family traditions, as well as the Mallipatna Family traditions. After much thought, consideration, and deliberation, they achieved an amazing feat. A 3 day wedding that surpassed all expectations !
The preparations for the wedding started as soon as the engagement was announced last year. The entire family was involved in the process. These preparations lasted until the night before the wedding, late into the night. As part of the pre-wedding rituals, all the pretty ladies had Mehendi painted on their hands, including Aman's mother, Asha.
The wedding started with a "Devara Samaradhane" on Friday, April 18, 2003. This event was attended by the entire family, and conducted at Indu & Chidambara's house. All the spirits of Meera's forefathers were "invited" to the wedding, and a peaceful, harmonious wedding was requested of them.
After the "Devara Samaradhane", the entire family attended a Garba. The whole family took part in the dancing activities. To show Aman a glimpse of married bliss, Meera and Salomi performed a dance which excited the entire crowd. During this dance, it was heart warming to see Aman gaze lovingy at Meera's eyes, pondering at how wonderful his future married life will be.
Saturday, April 19, 2003, was intended to be a "rest day", but both families were busy making final preparations for the Big Day.
When the Big Day arrived, April 20, 2003, Meera started the day with a Gowri Pooja, an event which started at 5:30 AM. Meera quickly ran off to the "Choultry" so she could get ready for the wedding. The wedding was held at the Hanover Marriott Hotel in Whippany, New Jersey.
At 10:30 AM, Aman arrived at the Choultry on a white horse, with a procession of family members dancing along the route. What an amazing sight it was to watch the Baraat ! Upon arriving at the Choultry, he was greeted by Indu and Chidambara, who escorted him onto the Mantap for the religious portion of the wedding.
The wedding was a delightful combination of the Gujurati and South Indian traditions, presided by Pandit Vimesh Thakar. A radiant Meera arrived at the Mantap, escorted by her maternal uncle, Sripad. All aspects of the wedding were dutifully observed by a crowd of over 400 family and friends. Meera & Aman joyfully exchanged garlands (Jai Mala). The Mangalasutra was tied around Meera's neck. This was followed by the Agni Pooja. Meera & Aman performed the Mangal Fera, seeking the four basic goals of human life (Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha). They then took the 7 vows (Saptapadi). They offered sweets to each other, followed by a ring exchange.
After the formalities of the wedding, everyone prepared for the evening reception. This was another amazing event which involved the introduction of the close family members of both the bride and groom. A glowing Meera and a handsome Aman cut their wedding cake, followed by a earth shattering "first kiss". This was followed by their "first dance" which was reminiscent of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. To entertain the newlyweds, Chirag (Aman's brother) and Pramod (Meera's brother) performed separate dance routines. Chirag employed the help of all his cousins to give a heart thumping performance. Pramod employed the help of Sowmya, Salomi, and Himanshu to show off his dance skills to 3 tunes ("Saade Dil Te Churiyan Chaliyan", "Mehbooba Mehbooba" from the movie Ajnabee, and "Bole Chudiyan" from the movie Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham). After the entertainment, the entire crowd danced for a few hours, trying to savor this wonderful moment.
The following morning, Monday April 21, 2003, Meera & Aman Shah, came to the house for the first time as a married couple. They very swiftly ran off to the airport to catch a plane to go to Hawaii for their honeymoon.
As with all Indian weddings, the meals are an integral part of the celebration. All meals were catered by Chand Palace. Lunch was served after the Baraat, but before the wedding. Before the reception, an open bar and tasty appetizers were served (menu - Samosa, Vegetable Spring Rolls, Paneer Kurkura, Pakora, Aloo Chana Chat, Sev Papri, Vegetable Kabab, Kasta Kachori, Dosa, Mexican Tacos). After the evening entertainment, a sumptuous dinner was served (menu - Tava Vegetables, Palak Makai, Malain Kofta, Gobi Kundal Kadyai, Paneer Makhani, Boondi Raitha, Dal Makhni, Onion Kulcha, Naan, Paratha, Gulab Jamoon, Ras Malai).
Some pictures to get a brief glimpse of this wonderful event
April 17, 2003
April 18, 2003
Family members attending the Devara Samaradhane
Meera & Salomi dancing for Aman's viewing pleasure
April 20, 2003
The Father of the Bride, with the Bride, getting ready to give his daughter away.
Aman arriving on a horse - The Baraat
Aman, and Meera's parents anxiously awaiting Meera's arrival
Aman prepares to get his "first look" at Meera
Meera & Aman exchanging garlands
Aman's mother, Asha, presenting Meera with her first sari and newlywed jewelry
The new united family, presented to the world as Husband & Wife
Aman gives Meera a piece of the wedding cake at the reception
Meera & Aman arriving at the house for the first time as a newlywed couple.