Romeena and James had a fusion wedding that combined Indian Caribbean traditions along with Puerto Rican traditions. It’s chock full of color, love, and traditions.
Their two day wedding was at the Grand Hyatt in Tampa and the Kapok Center in Clearwater, Florida. There’s nothing quite like a Florida Indian wedding!
Romeena gives us the scoop about their big days.
Tell us about the wedding!
For the Hindu ceremony my husband and I both dressed in traditional clothing. I had two outfits. The first was a yellow with purple detail lehenga that I wore for the first part of the ceremony and then I changed into a red with gold accents lehenga for the remaining part of the ceremony. My bridesmaids all wore matching saris and the bridegrooms were all in matching kurtas.
For our Traditional American ceremony I wore a beautiful white wedding gown and my husband wore a Tuxedo. My bridesmaids wore long silver gowns with lace details on top. The groomsmen were all in matching tuxes.”
What was the inspiration for your wedding?
My husband and I both have a strong sense of culture. Blending his Puerto Rican and my Indo-Caribbean heritage was the main focal point of our wedding. From the ceremonies to having an Indian dance group, a live steel drum band and a DJ who was spinning both Spanish, Indian, Caribbean and American music, we ensured that our guests had an amazing experience!
What was the hardest part about wedding planning?
While many brides are just planning one day of wedding events, I had to coordinate the planning of two weddings on two separate days! It was definitely a challenge to keep all the details straight but I loved every minute of it.
Did you do any DIY (do it yourself) or special projects/things at the wedding?
My husband, who is Puerto Rican, surprised me and my guests at the wedding by performing a dance to Indian music with our Indian dance group. He did such an amazing job and everyone loved it including myself!
At the end of our reception we did a sparkler exit that was so beautiful. We had a classic white Rolls Royce to drive us away into the night.
What was your favorite part of the wedding?
Celebrating with all of our wonderful family and friends.
What advice do you have for future brides/grooms-to-be?
Enjoy every minute of your wedding day. It goes by so quickly and is over before you know it. Splurge for the photography and videography. Your photos and videos are lasting memories that you will cherish forever.
{Wedding Vendors}
Photography: Cesar Chavez Photography // Videography: In Motion Video Productions // Makeup and Hair: Michelle Renee The Studio // Decor Indian and Traditional Wedding: Suhaag Garden DJ: DJ Dean // Dhol (Tassa) Drummers: T&T Sweet Tassa International Steel Drum Band: Cinnamon Suns // Indian Dance Group Choreography: Niti Shah // Hindu Wedding
Bridal Wear: Nazranaa in Edison, NJ (red outfit) // Maharani Fashions in Edison, NJ (yellow outfit) Phone: (732) 283-3774 // Traditional Wedding Bridal Gown: The Dressing Room // Venue (Day 1): Hyatt Tampa Bay // Venue (Day 2): Kapok Special Events