Eat, Drink & Be Married!

Congratulations Katie and Amit!

The week of July 4 my cousin Katie and Amit got married. The wedding festivities lasted a week as they combined both their Catholic and Sikh faiths!

Wednesday I was able to go to New Jersey for the Mehndi. The Mehndi, the henna art tradition, is held on the eve of the wedding or a few days before. During the day, Amit's family had a henna artist apply the henna on Katie's hands and feet and on our hands. It took almost three hours to complete Katie's henna because it was intricately done. In her design were Amit's initials hidden for them to find. It is amazing how they apply the henna, as it comes out perfectly and beautiful every time. After the henna was finished we moved to a banquet hall where they had music, dancing, a belly dancer and great Indian food.

With my henna

Amit & Katie

Friday morning my parents and I headed to New Jersey for the Sikh ceremony at the Gurudwara, which means Gateway to the Guru. For the occasion my mom and I donned saris. In the morning it took a few tries to get it right, but luckily she remembered how to wrap it the right way!

Upon entering we removed our shoes and covered our heads. The ceremony was beautiful and unlike anything that I have ever experienced. It was so cool to see and experience a marriage from a different culture.

Katie & Amit during the ceremony

Katie looked absolutely stunning in her sari. As tradition called for, her sari was ornate, intricate and stunning. After, we enjoyed a lunch downstairs.

Katie looking beautiful after the ceremony

Saturday was a whirlwind! Teresa was able to come up for the Catholic ceremony and reception, and it was so good to see her and hang! The Catholic ceremony was in the afternoon at our local church. Katie's dress, blush in color, was beautiful and fit her perfectly. The ceremony was traditional and they both looked so happy.

Exchanging their rings

After, we made a quick Dunkin stop (obviously...) and headed down to the city. We spent the night at the Bowery Hotel arriving around 5. It gave us a little time before hand to change and head to the reception, which was held at the Capitale. The reception was great, with amazing food and music. Teresa and I, along with my dad, tore up the dance floor and had a great time! We were able to dance the night away! We then hit up the photo booth for some awesome memories.

Mom, Me, Teresa & Dad before the reception

This past week was amazing and I am so glad that I could be a part of it. The entire week was filled with new experiences and great memories. Amit's family was so welcoming and couldn't have been nicer.

Congratulations to the both of you! I wish you all the best in the years to come!