23 Oct CHARMING COUNTRYSIDE HINDU WEDDING
For anyone who has had the pleasure of being around Sarala and Kevan, they know this is what true love looks and feels like. Their playful mannerisms, consideration for one another and kind nature made working with them a dream. Sarala knew exactly what she wanted for her and Kevan’s special day, and exactly what she didn’t want, which are equally important. Her distinct style and exquisite taste influenced all aspects of their wedding, and led her to choose non-traditional decor and colours for their traditional Hindu Ceremony. Gary Jordan Photography and Cinematography was there every step of the way to capture this beautiful wedding!
Photo by Gary Jordan Photography
From the bride… Every girl has the dream of the perfect fairytale wedding, in my case this was easy because I got my fairytale when I met Kevan. He is everything you would expect a Prince Charming to be.
We knew we wanted a traditional Hindu Wedding, which in itself would be loud, colourful and festive, our intention was to create a serene, classy and calming backdrop where the Wedding Ceremony would be the focal point. Being a huge fan of neutral tones, selecting our colour scheme was easy- cream, white, gold and blush were the perfect colours to set the atmosphere we wanted! Allowing the setting to be calm and relaxed, guests were able to take in the natural beauty around them during the Wedding Ceremony!Photo by Gary Jordan Photography
Photo by Gary Jordan Photography
The Mandap was the key element for our wedding, it was always a dream of mine to get married over water, and my dream came true with the positioning of our Mandap at the edge of the Drew Manor pool! Adorned with white draping, chandeliers and fresh florals at every corner, sitting in large gold vases our Ceremony was picture perfect! This theme was carried through out the wedding decor, with fresh florals greeting guests at every corner.Photo by Gary Jordan Photography
In House Photography by Chad Lue Choy
Photo by Gary Jordan Photography
Photo by Gary Jordan Photography
Photo by Gary Jordan Photography
Advice from the bride.. Focus on each other and surround yourself with friends who will love and support you! With this we were really lucky, the love and happiness we shared on our special day was because of the hard work our friends did behind the scenes to support us.Photo by Gary Jordan Photography
Photo by Gary Jordan Photography
Photography by Gary Jordan Photography
Photo by Gary Jordan Photography
Photo by Gary Jordan Photography
It is considered a blessing to feed your guests during the Ceremony, as we believe that by giving we will receive. For the dining area we created an open oasis with gold accent chairs, white lanterns, lush plants and fresh floral pieces. This oasis was created in my favorite space, The Field Deck- overlooking the field and bamboo!
Photo by Gary Jordan Photography
Photo by Gary Jordan Photography
Photo by Gary Jordan Photography
Photo by Gary Jordan Photography
Photo by Gary Jordan Photography
Photo by Gary Jordan Photography
Photo by Gary Jordan Photography
Photo by Gary Jordan Photography
Photo by Gary Jordan Photography
Photo by Gary Jordan Photography
Photo by Gary Jordan Photography
Photo by Gary Jordan Photography
The most memorable part of the wedding was seeing Kevan for the first time on the Mandap. My heart filled with happiness and I was at peace!
Photo by Gary Jordan Photography
Photography by Gary Jordan Photography
Photo by Gary Jordan Photography
Photo by Gary Jordan Photography
Taking the holy steps around the fire meant a lot to us, because it sealed our commitment to each other and meant we were ready to support each other through life, hand in hand.Photo by Gary Jordan Photography
From the photographer… Sarala & Kevan – such a beautiful couple. It was amazing to be given the opportunity to work with them on their special day. The lovely setting Drew Manor created, coupled with the incredible energy of their family and friends made this- a truly memorable occasion. My team and I were honored to be part of it.
Photo by Gary Jordan Photography
Photo by Gary Jordan Photography
Details & Unique Elements from the bride…
Venue Selection– Choosing a venue was easy for me, I always wanted something outdoors so the day could be light, airy and charming! When I returned from the UK, after eleven years abroad I was virtually “new” to Trinidad, and was introduced to Drew Manor by a friend knowing my love of all things charming! It was described as the perfect mixture of countryside charm and regal beauty, I fell in love and picked the venue before the groom even picked me.
The Invitations– The invitations for our wedding were custom designed, and were a deviation of the traditional Hindu Wedding invitation capturing the accent colours of our wedding using a vibrant blush shade against a cream and gold palette. They were meant to be a play on the outdoor ceremony, a reminder of the “fun” to be had at a Hindu Wedding. Some guests said the vibrant tones reminded them of “Phagwa.”
The Traditional Indian Wedding Outfits– My Indian wedding outfits were selected to compliment the venue and decor, my first outfit was a cream and gold Anarkali, which looked like a traditional wedding dress adorned with gold. For the main Ceremony, I selected a striking tomato red Lehenga. Ending with an elegant lace gold and burgundy Lehenga. My outfits were handmade in New Jersey, accented by gold and copper antique Indian jewelry and Jimmy Choo heels.
Mehendi– My Mehendi took two days to complete, it was the most work ever done on a bride!
Gifts– We gave out marble jewelry boxes to each family, as well as the ladies who attended received “bindis” as a token. At the end of the night families left with bunches of flowers from our decor.
Photo by Gary Jordan Photography
Photo by Gary Jordan Photography
Highlighted Wedding Ceremony Vendors
I consider myself one of the luckiest brides ever, throughout our entire wedding planning I felt like we had friends helping us instead of vendors. I was so lucky to have wedding vendors who treated us like family, never failed us, always had options and were always super professional. It was an amazing experience working with them and we recommend them all!
Venue- Drew Manor
Our wedding tested every element of customer service and the DM team was consistent, caring and helpful. I had lost all hope in finding ‘first work’ level of professionalism in Trinidad until I met this team. DM offers much more than a venue, but rather an experience.
Decor- AbFab Events
“WAW” is all I have to say, their collaboration with DM made my dreams come true. I never heard the words “no” or “not possible”- I was completely blown away!
Photographer- Gary Jordan Photography
Gary is a master! We used him for photography and cinematography and the pictures speak for themselves. He is a gem, a very humble and kind man. His team is talented and offers you professionalism from start to finish.
Make Up- Valence Maharj, Shaping Faces
I owe my looks on the day to Valene, she was much more than a make up artist. Her work is amazing and her personality is exactly what you need on your wedding day! Valene, gets to know her brides, so she is equipped to deal with anything that arises.
Hair- Karen Kerrick
Another vendor who was more family than vendor, she styled me to perfection!
Wedding Invitations- Ashley Thompson
Ashley designed our wedding invitations and addressed them in calligraphy. She was amazing at bringing our dreams to life through her art. We were blessed to be her second client for personalized invitations, and she holds your hand throughout the entire creative process, down to the end result.
Wedding Cake- Michelle Sohan, Bakery Treats
She is simply as divine as a person as her cakes!
Floral Arrangements- The Flower Bar at Drew Manor
The Flower Bar made all my floral dreams come true. (Would also like to add, how cost effective they were for the quality and output you receive)
In House Photography by Chad Lue Choy
Wedding Invitation by Ashley Thompson
The Reception
Sarala & Kevan’s Wedding Reception was hosted the day after the Hindu Wedding Ceremony at the St. Augustine Tennis Club, keeping the theme of an outdoor and open space. The vision was to have an informal, fun “all inclusive” style “fete” to give thanks to those core few who supported us throughout our relationship and the wedding. Everyone had been through four days of festivities for the Hindu Wedding, so we wanted this to be relaxed and casual.
We had various food stations throughout the night serving local cuisine and cutters, as well as a local desert station complemented by mini cupcakes and a chocolate fountain. Our guests danced the night away until 4:00AM the next morning, and we distributed party beads to everyone on the dance floor. It was casual, with sparks of glam and we got the opportunity to meet all of our guests and thank them personally.
Photo by Jane Decle Photography
Photo by Jane Decle Photography
Photo by Jane Decle Photography
Photo by Jane Decle Photography
Photo by Jane Decle Photography
Photo by Jane Decle Photography
Highlighted Wedding Reception Vendors
Photographer- Jane Decle
We used Jane for our reception pictures, and Jane has the most out of this world eye for details! With Jane you get professionalism and friendliness perfectly blended. Jane captures the most vulnerable, loving, ecstatic moments. Her photos are unique and heartfelt.
Wedding Dress- Tomace
Enrique from Tomace is the most fabulous humble man you can find. He went above and beyond to dress me for my reception. He treated me like family, putting me at ease, giving me options and advice. True professionalism and customer care at its finest!
Photo by Jane Decle Photography