Sona & Ronak

The festive, enthusiastic and colourful atmosphere of this type of event is common knowledge. If, in addition to this, we add the joy, empathy, serenity and purpose for success of their hosts, everything shines even brighter. Sona and Ronak were the perfect bride and groom. Rigorous yet approachable, demanding yet confident. The perfect mix which allows to radiate where needed.

Two full days of event in which two outstanding enclaves of the city were chosen, turning them into the perfect setting for each moment, having a visual impact on the guests that, we suspect, will hardly be forgotten.

The curtain was raised to start a pre-wedding or ‘Sangeet & Mehndi’ for 200 guests in a palace house in the city of Seville, with an event dressed for the evening, with clear Sevillian inspiration. Of course, there was no lack of colourful carnations and bougainvillea and the artistic accent was accomplished with the purest and most faithful interpretation of dance, music and flamenco singing. Two dancers, a guitarist, a percussionist and a cantaor managed to capture the the audience’s attention with a brilliant interpretation of flamenco palos. At the end, a fun master class designed for the bride and groom and the attendees, brought a smile to the faces of many.

This attractive pre-wedding was starred by a jovial bride and groom who made their triumphal entry into the house inviting all their family and friends to participate in a unique moment in which both cultures were mixed mimicking the atmosphere. Henna artists tattooed the women’s skins, while the men let themselves be captivated by the beauty of the surroundings.

A casual set-up with high and low tables invited to participate in a relaxed buffet-style dinner with a selection of gastronomic products in which the vegetarian and Indian diet was an indispensable premise. The challenge of meeting the demands, premises and cultural requirements was successfully met by the kitchen team chosen for the overall event. It is essential to place the total trust of Titila in a rigorous team that knows how to meet the demands and requirements, taking into account the distance between cultures: the level of quality and neatness in the promised services is even higher in these cases.

All 200 attendees at this first event left after 12.00pm, and had at their disposal an on-demand transfer system. All of the attendees had come from outside Spain and needed to travel around the city. This first stellar event served as an amuse bouche for what was to come the following day.

Once again, the curtain opens, same protagonists, new scene and therefore also a brand new decor. The nerves began in our second unique setting: another palace house in which the architecture and the enormous landscaped surroundings promised to be exceptional.

An idyllic setting was chosen to witness the ceremony where bride and groom said “I do”. This time in the strictest and most sublime Hindu tradition. While the radiant Sona was getting ready in the spectacular Paradise floor, which had been exclusively prepared for her and her closest family members, a stellar breakfast was being set up to welcome all the guests before the wedding ceremony began. The Hindu guidelines and codes to be followed are as diverse as they are fascinating!

The bride’s family and friends, who have been summoned to Villa Luisa in advance, wait anxiously for the arrival of the groom and his family while the bride is not yet revealed. Then comes the first big milestone: ‘The Jaan arrival’, characterised by the entrance of the groom accompanied by his family and friends in procession, a celebration of symphonies, traditional dances and coloured flares. To somewhat break with tradition, the groom chose to ride into Villa Luisa in an ‘87 Land Rover convertible instead of on horseback.

The moment of the meeting between the two families conveys a high dose of respect, connection and acceptance. In this case, her relatives welcome the groom and his entourage, and Sona’s mother sings a special song. Ronak must break a clay pot with his foot in order to show his determination and ability to overcome obstacles during the marriage.

Before the ceremony began, with the glorious entrance of its protagonists, their guests enjoyed a hearty breakfast together. Sona’s parents offer Ronak what they call ‘mandhupark’, a mixture of honey and lactose-free milk, while the family tries to ‘steal his shoes’. If he wanted to leave, Ronak would have to buy back his shoes at the end of the ceremony. Before this, a prayer to the god Ganesh, bringer of luck and remover of obstacles, takes place.

The ceremony officiated by their priest or ‘Pandit’, presented fascinating and hypnotic rituals all revolving around acceptance, respect, admiration. The arrival of the bride, known as ‘Kanya Aagamaan’, presents a beautiful Sona accompanied by her maternal uncles who lead her to the altar.

On the sacred altar, called ‘Mandap’, the bride and groom exchange garlands symbolising the union of heart, soul and mind.

The overall setting, vibrant in colour, jewellery, henna lace tattoos on the ladies, traditional dresses on both the bride and groom, reached a level of scenery worthy of a film.

The ritual of the bride and groom’s union was a must, as was the scenographic ‘Mangalphera’, where bride and groom rotate four times around a fire. Each turn represents a life goal. This is how they promise to lead a life together of moral integrity, to work together trying to achieve family prosperity, to respect and accompany each other emotionally and physically along their journey together, and finally to support each other in the growth of their spiritual life.

Throughout the ceremony, unique moments and rituals were highlighted until the final blessing.

The lunch was orchestrated in the strictest Indian vegetarian style, with space arranged around round tables impeccably dressed for this more relaxed moment. Gastronomically speaking certain dishes could not be missed: ‘Pani Puri’, ‘Naan’, ‘Roti Stations’; starters such as ‘Samosa’, ‘Pakhora’, ‘Dahi vada’; very typical main courses such as ‘Daal Tadjka’, ‘Bombay aloo’, ‘Channa Palak’, ‘Bengan Bharta’, among others. The bride and groom had already tied the knot and it was time to celebrate the happiness of the radiant newlyweds!

Hindu wedding times are ceremonial.

After lunch, it was time to go back to the hotel, rest and get ready for the third and final act: the dinner and the party!

After a few hours during which everything was being prepared in Villa Luisa for the last stage, Titila concentrated on arranging minutes and hours so that in an almost choreographed way all the suppliers with a role in this last round could work in an orderly and effective way, thus successfully fulfilling the development of each agreed service.

Villa Luisa dresses up at night to welcome its visitors who change their attire according to the context and schedule. This almost academic rigour turns us into witnesses of a magical mise-en-scène.

Smiles, toasts and hugs straight out of a tale of a thousand and one nights. Imperial tables arranged in the garden with a more lavish floral setting, accompanied by candles and warm light lamps, dressed up the most festive moment of the event.

After dinner, the party began, set by a British DJ who knew how to combine musical hits with the introduction of endless and fascinating traditional dances.

It is a usually highly demanded requirement in this type of celebrations to have all guests stay in the same hotel and Ttitla made sure that transfers were always available to and from the venue.

All we wanted was to stop the clock! What a great day!

Congratulations Sona and Ronak! May all the days of your life together sparkle as much as your wedding day!