When we say Camela and Neelam’s Texas wedding is like a breath of fresh air, we really mean it!
After Camela popped the question to Neelam, they set out to host the most welcoming wedding, fusing their Hindu and Jewish religions with their Indian and American cultures.
“Camela and I come from worlds that look very different on the surface but if you delve inside our cultures and traditions, they are in fact not all that different, and that’s what we wanted to convey through our wedding,” says Neelam. “We wanted a wedding where everyone felt welcome, included, and possibly represented, and I hope we were able to achieve that.”
They chose to host their celebration at Spinelli’s, where 130 guests attended their day, starting with a ceremony that was chockfull of tradition.
Their uniting took place in front of a chuppah, including The Kiddushin (blessings), exchanging of vows and rings, Hastamelap ritual (the joining of hands), Mala Bodol (exchanging of garlands) to pledge their respect for one another as life partners, and Saat Pak (taking Seven Steps that are representative of their vows). They also involved their parents in a family unity sand pouring, wore Mangal Sutra (a sacred necklace), applied Sindoor Daan (a promise to fulfill wishes) and concluded the ceremony by breaking the glass.
From there, guests were invited to dinner and dancing with a reception dashing with twinkling lights, white flowers in sparkling vases, a three-tiered cake with a rainbow pride-colored rosette, and Bollywood music.
“We were able to represent both of our roots and cultures in the wedding. And who does not love dancing to Bollywood tunes with all their loved ones, a drummer, stilt walker and an aerialist.”
Neelam’s mom was also able to share a toast; acknowledging the importance of love and its true meaning stating “I shared this story today because coming from a country like India which idolizes love, it’s time we accept all kinds of love and not just love between a man and woman. Our country is better than that, we are better than that.”
Filled with culture, creativity, and all things LOVE, it really doesn’t get better than this!
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