The Hilton Pearl River witnessed the magical Gujarati wedding in New York of Sonica and Patrick on October 28th, 2023. It is a breathtaking union of two souls in love, woven together amidst diverse cultures.
Wedding Shenanigans
All donned in an ivory-colored lehenga, Sonica stood like a vision in her bridal suite. To capture this beautiful day, the best photographers and videographers in New York come and set up for all the amazing moments to come. Patrick also groomed in his ivory-colored sherwani and pagadi posed for photographs that will make this moment of their lives, timeless. Both of them exchanged cards that were handwritten tales of their love and companionship. Sonica and Patrick also have done their first look and couple portrait session in different areas of the Hilton Pearl River Hotel. With the beautiful background of amazing autumn leaves, the couple looked magical and full of love. The moment was beautifully captured along with a photo session with the bridal party. All of the love of the bridal party, guests, family, and friends were reflected in the photographs.
After a quick lunch at the Le Gardin, with a delicious food array, the guests and family got ready for the baraat and the wedding festivities began with a bang.
Baraat
To the reverberated sounds of dhol, music, and dance, the baraat began. With the bridesmaid joining the baraat and dancing to the tunes, the wedding colors were through the roof. Baraat reaches the main entrance where the bride’s mother is eagerly waiting for the groom. The warm welcome of the groom by the bride’s mother was done in a traditional Gujarati way called “Ponkhnu”. The air was filled with love and warmth, and the guests and groom entered the ballroom and guests took their seats.
Ceremony
Patrick entered the ballroom followed by the bride’s parents, groom’s parents, siblings, and dog to the tunes of “tujhe dekha toh”. Along with the groom, the bride’s parents and the priest start with the Ganesh Pooja. This pooja is held to remove any obstacles and also to seek blessings for this holy matrimony. Soon after the pooja, began the Antarpat. A white cloth is held over the groom’s head before the bride enters. This ritual invokes the truest feelings of love and anticipation among the couple just before their marriage.
The bridal party soon started entering the ballroom with music playing in the background. Bridesmaids entered and walked towards the mandap in their sky-blue gowns, holding colorful bouquets filled with love and excitement for the ceremony. Following this, the ring bearers and flower girls walked to the mandap with the tunes of “Kuch kuch hota hai” playing in the background.
With the guests’ eyes glued to the entrance of the ballroom, Sonica walked in looking like a dream in her lehenga, walking towards Patrick in the mandap to the tunes of “Ranjha”. “Kanya agamana” was next with the bride being brought to the mandap by her uncles, parents, and siblings.
With a Varmala in hand, the priest was chanting the mangalashtak while the Antarpat was lowered for Patrick and the couple exchanged their varmalas. The ritual of kanya daan is also done with the bride’s parents giving the bride’s hand to the groom. The ritual of “hasta milaap” was next done which ties a handkerchief of the groom to the bride’s sari. To the tune of “Pehle pehlu”, the couple took mangal Pheras around the fire with their family throwing rose petals on them as a symbol of their blessings and love. Patrick performed the “Saptapadi”, by helping Sonica touch seven betel nuts with her right toe. The epitome of marriage – Sindoor was then put on Sonica’s forehead and Patrick tied the mangal sutra, culminating the wedding. With “Kansar” – feeding each other sweets, the traditional wedding came to a spending end.
The Gujarati wedding ritual of Akand Saubhagyavati was then conducted where women lined up and gave gifts and blessings to the couple. The newlyweds also took blessings from their parents and all the other elders. With the song of “Kudmayi”, the wedding ended and proceeded towards Vidaai.
Vidaai
The traditional Gujarati wedding in New York of Patrick and Sonica proceeded towards the Vidaai. To the tune of “Kabhi Kushi Kabhi Gham”, the couple left the hotel.
Reception
At the conservatory, the cocktail party of the evening starts. With an amazing menu and, a photo session of the couple and guests, the reception starts. Grand entrances of the family, coupe, and bridal party, and the peppy music played by the DJ just add a cherry on top for the event. The couple had their first dance to the tune of “Speechless”. There were different performances by the bride’s cousins, groomsmen, and bridesmaids that were a perfect addition to the night. With the cake cutting of the couple and a heartfelt thank you speech by them, the reception ended and it was time for dinner. With aromatic foods, cakes, and desserts being served in the conservatory, the Gujarati wedding of Patrick and Sonica came to a beautiful end.
Cheers to long long-lasting love of Patrick and Sonica!!!
