I started off the day with meditation and creating an inner space of peace which set the tone for the celebrations to follow. My spiritual sister and I chatted about love, nature and adventure as we watched swallows play in the adjacent forest. I decided that no matter what happened during the course of the day, I would approach it from my inner space with the best me and focus on celebrating divine love, friendship and family. This approach set the platform for it to be the best day of our lives. A true reflection of who we are as individuals and as a newly married couple.
We got married at the Shri Siva Subramoniar Alayam Shallcross Temple which has been a sacred place of worship for Anand and his family since they were children. The priest that performed the ceremony had watched Anand grow up. There were two birds that witnessed the ceremony alongside the guests. In ancient Hindu custom, this is a symbol that
our ancestors are present. My parents passed away in my childhood but I really felt their presence on the day and days leading up to my wedding.
The ceremony was beautiful and intimate. The symbolism behind the seven steps or Saptapadi around the holy fire was particularly powerful deepening our commitment to each other in all areas of our life.
1.Let us provide for our household, stay in good health and carry out our duties and responsibilities to each other, our families and our tradition.
2.Let us develop our mental and spiritual powers together.
3.Let us increase our wealth and comfort by righteous and proper means.
4.Let us acquire knowledge, happiness and harmony by mutual love, respect and trust.
5.Let us be blessed with a virtuous and content family.
6.Let us be blessed with long lives and care for the earth together during this time.
7.Let us remain true companions committed only to each other.
After the wedding, a photography shoot and a brief visit to my in-laws home for a ceremony, we left for the Maharani Hotel where we would have the reception later that afternoon. The reception had an enchanted forest theme with green, peach, white and gold adorning the venue. While the saxophone player, Chris performed my African dream live, it was a special moment to have everyone stand as we entered the venue and were introduced as Mr and Mrs Pillay. The dance Anand choreographed with his instructor to Symphony was a highlight. The Sabyasachi lehenga skirt glittered in a mesmerizing way as we twirled together in harmony. I enjoyed every moment of the dance with my husband. Listening to the memories and love conveyed by every speaker and the entertaining competition between the bride and groom's family and friends were highlights.
The cake cutting with Anand being his mischievous self was a tender happy moment. We then left to spend some time in the sunken gardens and along Durban's beach. The day ended with a rainbow over the ocean and brought with it blessings from the divine and my late parents. Both our hearts were glowing and expanding in happiness and gratitude for our most perfect wedding day.
My advice to other brides would be that if you bring the best you to your best day, it will be the happiest of your life. Have fun! Keep it light!
We went to the Seychelles. It has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Bicycling around La Digue and spending time on Anse Source d'Argent was a real highlight. Snorkeling with the sea turtles and visiting the Aldabra giant tortoise were also special moments.
Hair : Verosha 0834894349
Make-up : Dipti Nathoo&Sayuri Nathoo 0619230794
Jewellery: Bridal Fair Delhi
Brides outfit : Wedding silk saree Pothys, Chennai Reception Lehenga Sabyasachi
Brides shoes : Delhi boutique shoe store
We got married at the Shri Siva Subramoniar Alayam Shallcross Temple which has been a sacred place of worship for Anand and his family since they were children.
The reception was at the Maharani Hotel alongside the Durban beachfront which was a stunning setting with many photography opportunities.
One of my core principles in life is simplicity. I generally do not wear make-up so my bridal beauty regimen was a new experience. I did a facial with Nails etc in Westville. I am a vegan and tried to eat healthy balanced meals including a fruit&fresh veggie smoothie on most days. I also exercised regularly at the gym in between travelling for work.
We had a saxophone player and DJ, Chris Jensen who provided the entertainment for the evening.
