Hindu wedding at Hotel Caruso in Ravello

This Hindu wedding at Hotel Caruso in Ravello will forever be remember as the HOTTEST of the season. Not only due to the fact that bride and groom are absolutely stunning, but also due to the heavy heat of summer in Amalfi coast.

The list of what guests can’t forget, apart the warmth, is endless. Starting from the un-comparable view, the flower decors, the amazing embellished dresses, the table set up details, to the food and the fun and love in the air. Everything worked out perfectly to make Shi & Amit husband and wife in every way.

It is not easy to conduct a wedding with two ceremonies, but it was important to honor Indian and Chinese traditions, while at the same time the dream of the white wedding gown was too strong to be skipped. Turns out these two lovebirds had many weddings in one.

On the wedding day (weddingS we should say) the celebrations started before noon, as Indian tradition requires, and started with a traditional Baraat in the streets of Ravello, that included two authentic Dhol Players, that made the parade dance and have fun. Tourist were so enchanted that they couldn’t help it, they all had to stop to witness this special show and take pictures.

An ice cream cart was a cool way to welcome guests to the Hindu wedding at Hotel Caruso in Ravello, and give them a little refresh from the warmth.

The ceremony took place in the gardens, with view on the sea, under an amazing mandap fully covered in white flowers and greenery, to host the enchanting Indian rite.  The arrival of the bride was very special and all the ceremony followed the Indian rules and traditions. The Hindu marriage ceremony, a rite known as samskara, has many components. It is beautiful and it includes chanting, Sanskrit blessings, and rituals that are thousands of years old.

In India, a Hindu wedding can last weeks or days. In the West, a Hindu wedding typically is at least two hours long. The most important component of an Hindu ceremony is the sacred fire, made using ghee (clarified butter) and woolen wicks, that is supposed to evoke the fire god, Agni, to witness the ceremony and bless the union. The highlight moment is Saptapadi, also called the “Seven Steps.” Traditionally the bride’s sari is tied to the groom’s kurta, or a sari shawl can be draped over his shoulder on to her sari.  He leads the bride and with their pinky finger linked together they make seven steps around the fire while the priests chants the seven vows for a strong union.  By walking around the fire the bride and groom givetheir agreeing to the vows. With each step, they throw small amounts of puffed rice into the sacred fire, to represent the prosperity in their future life together. This is considered the most important part of the Hindu ceremony, as it seals their bond forever.

A vegetarian non alcoholic lunch was offered to the guests, to honor the tradition as well. After lunch the couple wore the most elegant gowns for the next ceremony.

Take a look at the pictures of this Hindu wedding at Hotel Caruso in Ravello. More to come in the next post.

Hindu wedding at Hotel Caruso in Ravello:

DREAM TEAM:

Venue: Hotel Caruso
Planning & Design: Italian Wedding Designer
Flowers: Malafronte
Lights: Antares
Hairstyle: Alessandro Mancino
String trio: il Marco di Oz
DJ: Roberto Palma

Photo: Todd Pickney

Video: Denis De Luca