Real Ceremonies by Sonal Dave
Saarana is Indian, and Nando is from South Africa
Nando shared that spending time with Saraana is never, ever difficult. The clearest example of this is the central role Saraana plays in many friendship groups. Saraana always sees people when they need her, even when they don’t. Saraana is unfazed when out of her comfort zone and makes an effort to enjoy things that are important to me. Saraana is passionate about issues ranging from social justice to how best to feed a cat and takes the time to learn about how to do things properly.
Nando is a gentle soul with a kind & strong heart who does not stand for injustice, as shown in his consultant work and PhD. He is very aware of his role in a situation and would rather listen than give an immediate opinion. He does not notice it, but his humble and calm exterior is a magnet for people, making them easily feel safe and heard. He is great to have an adventure with, and his keenness to travel and have authentic experiences from other cultures, especially with different types of food, means he is an excellent travel partner. He loves a computer shortcut.
I will remember this multicultural wedding ceremony for years to come. They had their ceremony on a Glamping Site, and it rained the night before.
The actual planning of the ceremony was not difficult. Although the couple were busy with their own family, friends, and work areas, they made time to provide what I needed to create a ceremony that respected them both as individuals and as a couple.
The planning part that would be difficult would be the practicalities for the day. A stage for the ceremony, a backdrop, two grand chairs for the couple, the items we needed, and a plug socket so the musicians and I could be heard.
The venue had a small integrated PA that we used for the ceremony, but the musicians needed a generator. Because it had rained the night before, and the glamping site was at the bottom of a hill, the generator could not be transported there, so the musicians had to play without music and hope the outdoors would carry their sounds for everyone to hear.
Thankfully, we had a 4by4 vehicle and could get to the Glamping Site.
The ceremony started with a Jaan entrance with a Dhol player, and all the groomsmen dressed in similar outfits danced along to the beats of the Dhol.
The mothers lit a t-light and incense stick by the Lord Ganesh Statue and prayed to bless the couple. The bridal entry included a flower girl, bridesmaids and then the Bride.
The ceremony included The Garland Ceremony, The Couple’s Story, Readings, Respect to the parents, Promises followed by Personal Vows to each other, The Ring Exchange, The Mangalsutra and Sindhoor ritual and then a walk back up the aisle to lots of clapping, love and celebrations.
Family and friends travelled from across the UK, India and South Africa for this very special ceremony.
The Wild Meadow is a beautiful outdoor wedding venue in Hawkhurst, Kent, with a 14-acre meadow, a woodland ceremony area and plenty of space for glamping; it is also a real festival site.
The meadow, where weddings are held, is surrounded by secluded fields and ancient woodland, offering complete escapism and privacy. At this venue, you really do feel like you are in your own beautiful little corner of the world, cut off from everyone else except your family and friends. It sounds idyllic and is the perfect place to hold a festival wedding.
Working with Sonal on our wedding ceremony was easy from start to finish, even with Covid constantly looming over our heads! With three date changes, one only a few weeks before the next, Sonal was happy and flexible throughout. Sonal made us feel looked after, with consistent updates and reminders and created the perfect ceremony, which not only my husband and I loved, but also our guests! It was unique to us with a blend of cultures; she had listened to everything we wanted, and it was truly perfect! Thank you, Sonal!!
Venue – @thewildmeadowkent
Photographer – @livvyhuskinsphoto
Catering – @Heenaskitchen
Music – @d26music
Celebrant – @sonaldave68
