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Manisha and Jonny
Marriott Grand Cayman
Wedding Planner: Laura Ferreyra
Officiant: Pandit Sharma
Hair: Jackie Soriano / Makeup Sonia
Cake Maker: Kirks
Ring Designer: Hearts on Fire
Flowers: Del
Decor: Green Wall
DJ: DJ Craig
My mom and older sister had gone to India for a wedding in January 2019. They went around the shops of Jammu Kashmir (where my parents are from). Needless to say there were many 4 am Facetimes where my sister would be showing me what she found. When she found this lengha – called me immediately. She had found the perfect lehenga. The delicate work wasn’t over the top or overtly extravagant – it was elegant, timeless, and unique. I am lucky that my mom and sister have such great taste that I was able to trust them completely.
We met in the most quintessential Cayman way possible …. a boat party. Thank Sumo and Becky for deciding to leave island, and throwing one hell of a pre-departure boat party. That party proved to be the catalyst which has led to us all of us to meeting. In what can only be described as a divine intervention, the theme for the boat party was Represent your Nation. In March. One week after St Paddy’s Day! Never before or since have I been so prepared for a themed party. Today included, maybe?. One over-sized green hat, green Mardi-Gras beads, and full leprechaun regalia later… Manisha hadn’t a chance! In all honestly, it was me who was completely blown-away. I’ve never witnessed a more elegant attempt at a keg stand.
Over the Easter break in 2017 we took a trip around South America – started in Peru with a climb up to Machu Picchu, city break in Santiago Chile, Wine tasting in Mendoza, and ended with a trip to Iguazu Falls. After a almost a full day of trekking around the majestic waterfalls (being completely drench by the way), Jonny got on one knee to purpose. I was completely thrown for a surprise (assuming if was going to do pop the question he would have done it at the beginning of the holiday … maybe when we weren’t soaking wet). It was the perfect way to end the trip.
The best part was watching Jonny and the entire McLaughlin family fully embrace the Indian culture and customs. It was a fantastic blend of Irish and Indian traditions, food and dancing. Everybody ended the night on the dance floor, throwing shapes to a mix of music, with lots of Indian dancing and a jig to the ‘Irish Rover’.
We had a traditional Indian wedding – were marriage ceremony takes place on Mandap and you circle the fire. The bride and groom have their garments tied together in a knot and make seven circles around a ceremonial fire. The bride, representing divine energy, leads the groom in the first three rounds, while the groom leads in the last four rounds, signifying balance and completeness. 1. Together we will live with respect for one another. 2. Together we will develop mental, physical and spiritual balance. 3. Together we will prosper, acquire wealth and share our accomplishments. 4. Together we will acquire happiness, harmony and knowledge through mutual love. 5. Together we will raise strong, virtuous children. 6. Together we will be faithful to one another and exercise self‐restraint and longevity. 7. Together we will remain lifelong partners.
I was looking at Jonny standing up at the Mandap with joy all over his face as I walked towards him I completely overwhelmed with happiness.
Both our families were traveling to Cayman from the wedding , but had never met before. I was nervous about them meeting especially given the different cultures. But I had nothing to worry about – they got on like a house on fire! McLaughlin – Gupta got on so well you’d think they had known each other for years.
Be candid, be true to yourself and trust your photographer to make you look and feel like a princess.
