In response to the fast growing demand for destination Indian weddings, the Atlantis, Cove Atlantis and One&Only Ocean Club resorts in the Bahamas have launched Pyaar Atlantis, a segment of Love Atlantis that presents the Saagar (“ocean”) and Aakash (“sky”) packages offering varieties of mandaps, thrones, firepits, and even the Lord Ganesh.  Gigi Mukherjee, Manager of Weddings and Special Affairs specializing in Indian weddings says, “Inspired by the untouched beauty of Atlantis and Paradise Island, I have been motivated to expand the Atlantis Weddings program to include those that reflect my own rich culture and heritage.  Here you’re a few hours at most from home but we can actually make you feel like you’re in India.”  Here’s how…

When I dream of how my Indian wedding will look, I tend to think of the traditions: bold, rich colors of the sun; exotic flowers; loud, festive music; bright lights and fire; abundant food and drink; and dancing… lots of it!  But while this Monsoon Wedding vibrancy is still what defines Indian weddings, there’s been a noticeable shift in what is traditional for a while now, and my “Dream Wedding” Pinterest board looks more like a blend of Indian and American, just like me.  The trends are changing with the times as they always do, making room for new and exciting expressions of true love.  Indian weddings still remain the most anticipated family event and parents save throughout their entire lives to provide a decadent wedding for their children.  Now however, it’s no longer just for them, but instead a canvas for the bride and groom to paint whatever they choose to mark the beginning of their fairy-tale.

So, who is getting married? Remembering that Indian weddings typically have involved both an Indian bride and groom, we are now seeing that Indian-Americans (American born, of Indian descent) are now happily branching out in love more often.  Dating in the most diverse country in the world, it’s not surprising that 43% to 46% of American-born Indians are marrying interracially. We in the wedding world know that this means more customization and creativity, blends of new and old, and most importantly, the artsy fusion of two cultures.

The fiery wedding colors of red, orange and yellow have softened towards pastels that reflect serenity and peace and grace.  Also visible are peacock colors and ocean hues of rich blues, greens, and purples, as well as previously unheard of – white! Designer wedding apparel inspired by Western styling, including even more luxurious fabrics and intricate hand-beading, lead the movement.  And of course, this trickles into the more detailed components: jewelry, makeup, décor, floral… and who can forget shoes!

But now that Prince Charming has swept Cinderella off her feet (or should we say Prince Ali and Jasmine), and instead of glass slippers, she has chosen high platform, sparkly pink Jimmy Choo’s to wear with her strapless, mermaid, empire lace pink Cavalli (no sari), where should they tie the knot? How exactly does the banquet hall down the street fit here?   Well, here’s what actually excites us the most as wedding people: the actual setting of the enchanted event.  What princess doesn’t want to get married on the beach as the sun sets behind her?  Enter: the Destination Wedding.

Then there’s the feast! Atlantis’ Executive Chef of Indian cuisine has created a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian menus with special request options. And Pyaar Atlantis’ partners are well-equipped to deliver the most ornate flower and décor, and even dhol, tabla, sitar, and Bollywood music.  The Bahamian Islands provide a history influenced by India so meeting requests for the most exotic details like banana leaves, sugarcane, mango lassi, and lotus flowers is a [tropical island] breeze.  A Pyaar Atlantis wedding specialist, dedicated solely to Indian weddings provides unique attention to detail and guides the couple through all steps of planning for each wedding week event. At Atlantis, set against the Paradise Island sun, the fairy-tale wedding comes to life.

It’s comforting to know that while deciding what we want our big day to be like, there are resorts like the Atlantis that will cater to our fantasies.  There’s something still very romantic about the tradition of the ornate Prince Ali riding on a decorated white steed – family rejoicing and the dhol playing- as he comes to meet his bride for their walk together into Forever.  May the Saagar of love continue to run deep and the Aakash truly continue to be the limit.  Sigh…

Gigi Mukherjee

Manager of Weddings and Special Affairs, Indian Weddings

One&Only Resorts

{All photos courtesy of Jeremie Barlow Photography}