Step inside a dazzling wedding story you won’t want to miss! As creative wedding planners always open to new & inspiring ventures, we were SO excited to bring together Bridget & Akanksh’ amazing Indian wedding here in idyllic Crete! The happy couple travelled from the USA with more than a hundred of their family & friends to get married in the elegant setting of a luxury Greek island villa surrounded by olives groves. And what an incredible day it turned out to be! The contemporary villa, with its pure white walls, provided the perfect backdrop for the vibrant colours & eye-catching decor of this stunning bi-cultural wedding. There were hot pinks, rich blues, emerald greens, ruby reds, warm golds…the whole kaleidoscope of colours that play such a significant role in making an Indian wedding a true feast for the eyes!
The ceremony & reception took place in the villa’s gardens which were decorated with cascades of brilliant flower chains & paper lanterns hanging from the branches of the olive trees and multicoloured cushions & seating mats arranged on the lawn. A stunning 4-pillared mandap (the traditional Indian wedding canopy) provided the perfect backdrop for the couple’s exchange of vows, adorned with gorgeous pink & orange floral displays, which lent a blend of richness & romance to the wedding venue.
It was the couple’s wish to embrace Akanksh’ ancestry while luxuriating in the beauty of their chosen destination. Time-honoured Indian rituals were flawlessly followed throughout the wedding, ensuring that the essence of the Indian culture was celebrated. From the traditional outfits worn by all and the bride’s ornate jewellery & make up, to the Sese Padunu rice-throwing ritual after the ceremony, every intricate detail honoured the groom’s heritage while blending seamlessly with Crete’s Greek Island charm.
Both the bride & groom made a super-impressive entrance to the ceremony. Akanksh and his friends & relatives danced their way to the ceremony area in a festive procession to the accompaniment of a dynamic duo of authentic Indian dhol drummers whose fabulous upbeat vibe & energetic performance really set the tone for the entire wedding. The bride’s entrance is always a special moment at any wedding and Bridget’s arrival was simply breath-taking. Dressed in an exquisite sari, she walked down the aisle with her four male cousins holding the delicate sheer fabric of the chadar veil over her head. With prayer music playing throughout the ceremony, the couple took their vows in the beautiful mandap area, marking the start of their new life together.
After the ceremony, the guests were treated to an elegant cocktail hour followed by an amazing reception party which kicked off with the bridal party taking centre stage and wowing the guests with their awesome Indian dance moves! The exciting dance floor area looked amazing with its crystal chandeliers & hanging flower chains and created a beautiful visual display. As the wedding DJ announced each group, they showed off their skilful footwork, perfectly synchronised with the carefully chosen traditional Indian music. First up were the bride’s mum & dad followed by the groom’s parents and then it was the turn of the seven bridesmaids and seven groomsmen to take to the floor to dazzle! Next, Bridget & Akanksh made their grand entrance to the dance area where they performed their brilliantly choreographed first dance together. As an amazing finale to the dance numbers, the groomsmen presented a special Bollywood-style dance to the new Mr & Mrs, who were seated in their place of honour in front of the dance floor to enjoy the show. Akanksh joined the guys halfway through their routine to express his love for his new bride through his own personal dance performance.
Following speeches by the groom’s parents, came the start of the wedding dinner: a delectable buffet offering a feast of authentic Indian specialities. Hot & cold appetisers, side & main dishes, salads and desserts…..the aroma of the fragrant spices filled the air and the mouth-watering menu truly showcased the rich & diverse flavours of Indian cuisine. Bridget & Akanksh made a short speech during dinner to thank their guests for being with them on their big day and for sharing those precious moments with them.
The celebrations continued into the night and the air was filled with laughter & joy as the couple’s families and friends danced the night away under the summer night sky.
Bridget & Akanksh’ Indian wedding in Crete was a celebration of love, culture and the union of two beautiful souls, a truly unforgettable experience for both the couple and their wonderful guests. It was a joy for us to bring together such a unique & inspiring event and we wish the newly-weds a lifetime of happiness.