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Modern Hindu + Sikh wedding ceremonies on Maui

December 14, 2017
Modern Hindu and Sikh wedding on Maui

Nothing like seeing all these gorgy tones together (on Maui, no less!) to make you want to inject a little more color into just about everything. We’ve been lucky enough to share a few super unique Indian weddings (remember this boho desert wedding, this colorful Sangeet, and this multi-cultural celebration?), and we’re thrilled to add Amrit + Rohan’s to the list. They incorporated Hindu + Sikh ceremonies and a little Maui flair into their day, and enlisted Wendy Laurel (who has SUCH a way with color) to document it all.

Did we mention that Amrit and Rohan have the sweetest story ever? Read on to learn more!

Modern Hindu and Sikh wedding on Maui Modern Hindu and Sikh wedding on Maui Modern Hindu and Sikh wedding on Maui Modern Hindu and Sikh wedding on Maui

A + R met in their first year of college and Rohan asked her to be his girlfriend right away. It was too soon for Amrit, so he told her it was her turn… whenever she was ready. A couple months later, she asked him out and they made it official!

Modern Hindu and Sikh wedding on Maui Modern Hindu and Sikh wedding on Maui Modern Hindu and Sikh wedding on Maui Modern Hindu and Sikh wedding on Maui

Growing up in Sikh and Hindu households, they wanted to incorporate both ceremonies to bring everything full circle. They coordinated with the Ritz Carlton Kapalua to have both back to back in the morning, and an American ceremony that evening.

Modern Hindu and Sikh wedding on Maui Modern Hindu and Sikh wedding on Maui Modern Hindu and Sikh wedding on Maui

Amrit says, The Hindu ceremony begins with seeking blessings from Lord Ganesh, followed by the bride’s parents offering their blessings for the marriage. The groom places a Mangalsutra necklace on the bride signifying their shared commitment, followed by an exchange of fresh flower garlands to pledge mutual respect and acceptance of one another. The final stage is walking seven times around the sacred fire to solidify their promises as a married couple.

Modern Hindu and Sikh wedding on Maui Modern Hindu and Sikh wedding on Maui Modern Hindu and Sikh wedding on Maui Modern Hindu and Sikh wedding on Maui Modern Hindu and Sikh wedding on Maui Modern Hindu and Sikh wedding on Maui Modern Hindu and Sikh wedding on Maui Modern Hindu and Sikh wedding on Maui

They had both visited Hawaii on separate occasions when they were younger, so their mutual love of the islands was a huge factor in opting for a destination wedding. Yes, please!

Modern Hindu and Sikh wedding on Maui Modern Hindu and Sikh wedding on Maui Modern Hindu and Sikh wedding on Maui Modern Hindu and Sikh wedding on Maui Modern Hindu and Sikh wedding on Maui Modern Hindu and Sikh wedding on Maui Modern Hindu and Sikh wedding on Maui Modern Hindu and Sikh wedding on Maui Modern Hindu and Sikh wedding on Maui Modern Hindu and Sikh wedding on Maui

Their love story… One night during the first month we met, we walked along the shore of Laguna Beach holding hands for the first time and it felt like we knew each other forever. We began talking about our families, our lives up until now and how we wanted to explore the world together. It was such an indescribable moment for each of us, instantly we were falling in love. Over the course of seven years since that day, we’ve been through so many trials and tribulations, yet our love has only grown through it all. At the core of our relationship is this deep connection of love and friendship that can never be broken, and we always come back to that each and every day—just like we go back to that beach every so often.

Modern Hindu and Sikh wedding on Maui Modern Hindu and Sikh wedding on Maui Modern Hindu and Sikh wedding on Maui Modern Hindu and Sikh wedding on Maui Modern Hindu and Sikh wedding on Maui Modern Hindu and Sikh wedding on Maui

The Sikh ceremony traditionally is a union of two souls becoming one with each other and one with God. The ceremony consists of the bride and groom making four rounds circling the holy book, “Guru Granth Sahib” thus solidifying their union and commitment to each other. It is customary that the bride’s brothers guide her during each round to provide their blessings and promise to look out for the newly married couple.

Modern Hindu and Sikh wedding on Maui Modern Hindu and Sikh wedding on Maui

Would you believe they planned a wedding with three ceremonies + a reception in just six months?! They had to balance a lot of what they wanted individually, as a couple, and with their families, so it helped to discuss their must-haves and have a flexible attitude about the rest. Such good advice!

Modern Hindu and Sikh wedding on Maui Modern Hindu and Sikh wedding on Maui

Although we had three ceremonies plus a reception, the most memorable moment for us (and a lot of our guests) was the moment we exchanged our vows. Standing in front of Rohan, it felt like we were the only two people in the world and I could finally tell him all that I love him for and how grateful I am to be a part of his life. His vows blew me away, as he shared the fact that we’re getting married overlooking the same ocean as we did on the night we held hands at Laguna Beach.

Okay, cue tears! What a powerful moment. Congrats, A + R!

Photography: Wendy Laurel / Photography Assistant: Jeffrey Oltman / Videography: All Time Media / Venue, Catering, & Planning: Ritz Carlton Kapalua in Maui, Hawaii / Flowers: Asa Flowers / Hair & Makeup: Bride / Invitations: Bride & Groom / Chivari Chairs: Hawaiian Style Event Rentals / Dress: & Jewelry: Sari Palace in Berkeley, CA