Real Ceremonies by Sonal Dave
The couple wanted to remember their wedding ceremony as incredibly unique, full of friends and family from across their lives. They wanted everyone to have fun and spend much time socialising and enjoying their multicultural wedding ceremony.
To ensure this happened, we worked together over several months through emails, Zoom calls and sharing a few drafts of their ceremony so they were part of creating their special ceremony. The couple sent me photos and venue plans, which helped me understand where the ceremony would start, where guests would be and what the set-up would look like.
As a celebrant, I can spend 25 to 35 hours, sometimes even more, from start to finish, ensuring that I create and deliver a special ceremony that celebrates the couple and their vision for their wedding ceremony.
This was an outdoor ceremony with a Dhol player and musicians. Thankfully, the sun came out, and it was a lovely, hot summer day.
The ceremony started with the Jaan entrance with the Dhol, followed by the Ponkhwanu, where Chandni’s family greeted Chris and my welcome to all before the Bridal entrance. The couple exchanged Garlands, thanked their parents and Grandmother for their continuous support and love, and two readings.
They had both written their personal vows to each other but had not shared them, so this was a beautiful surprise, and there were smiles and laughter all around. They then exchanged rings and completed the spiritual phera, which looked so lovely outside on a beautiful day.
Chris then placed the Mangalsutra on Chandni’s neck and the Sindhoor on her hair parting, and we finished the ceremony with a fun game of Koda Kodi to find the ring.
Down Hall’s extraordinary history can be traced back to the 11th century. The present 19th-century Italian mansion has a wonderful array of rooms and suites to host the most intimate ceremonies, luxury wedding breakfasts and stunning receptions, most with panoramic views over our beautiful gardens.
For a long time, probably since I was a little girl, I had no idea what kind of wedding I wanted. A full Hindu ceremony or just a registry… particularly seeing that my partner isn’t Indian. Enter Sonal Dave, who helped us every step of the way in creating our dream wedding. She made sure it was personalised and also acknowledged the traditions that meant something to me.
She helped us protect our vision for the ceremony from start to finish and even advised on some of the planning elements too. Many of my relatives, even those who are quite religious, have said what a beautiful and intimate ceremony it was – and we felt the same way too. Thank you Sonal!!
Multicultural Celebrant Wedding Ceremony
Chandni & Chris (27th July 2024)
Venue – Down Hall
Caterer – Laguna
Flowers – Designer Flowers Essex
Photography – Abigail Steed
Videography – Lukas & Laura
Celebrant – Sonal Dave
PA – D26 Music
