You guys, I pretty much danced my butt off this weekend at a family wedding in Orlando. This translates to pure exhaustion.
When I got into Orlando on Friday evening, I hung out with my parents for a few minutes before getting ready for the garba.
Me and my parents pre-garba
Prior to the wedding, my cousin Bijal and I decided that Friday was our cardio day and that in order to count the garba as a workout we had to go all out. We literally danced for 3 hours, only breaking for a quick dinner. The soles of my feet were hurting the next morning!
Me and my cousin Bijal (also known as Bijalben!) at the end of the night
The wedding started at 11:00 am on Saturday, so we were up nice and early. Although, I could’ve slept in all morning if my mom had let me.
The wedding was a traditional Gujarati one. And all the bells and whistles were there – a horse carriage, a full wedding procession from our side (the groom’s side), lots of loud music, traditional décor, etc.
The groom’s carriage
My parents and I were so exhausted after the wedding (when all was said and done it was a little past 4), so we decided to take a “quick” nap. Ha! We didn’t get up until 6:30, which is when the cocktail hour for the reception started. My dad got ready really quickly (men!), while my mom and I needed a little more time. We figured IST (Indian standard time) would apply, and we were right. When we made it downstairs at 7:15, most people were just beginning to get food and drinks. The reception starting a little late worked out in our favor.
Party time!
As with any reception, this one was one big party. Lots of dancing…with our family at the center of it all. My dad even did the Gangnam style dance! It was awesome.
All in all, it was a great weekend. I was so happy to see my parents and spend time with family. The only thing that would’ve made it better was having Vishnu there. I swear, after June 5th, I’m making him hang out with me ALL the time. 
How was your weekend? What are your family weddings like?
I’ve never played garba but it sounds so fun! Indian weddings remind me why I love being Indian- multiple days worth of celebration, color galore, gorgeous outfits, and lots of family & friends to go around…if the Greek thought they threw big weddings, they ain’t been to an Indian one 😉
I’m a Southie and our weddings aren’t nearly as over the top and glamarous haha. They last all day and are more low key : That’s not to say some aren’t crazy-party fun, but for the most part, pretty low key. No horse, no procession, or anything. Oh well. My weekend was good! Got to finally see my parents now that they’re back in the States, hung out with friends and had a fun family portrait session on Sunday!
That looks like so much fun! You have such cool traditions! (And I totally counted dancing as cardio this weekend, too! haha)
What about your sister…was she missed?! 😛
DUH! She was missed the mostest!!
She was missed a Loooooottttttt 🙁
I absolutely love colorful Indian wedding and non-stop dancings. Nepali weddings are pretty similar but we have slightly different traditions but its still a lot of fun. I love the color of your both outfits – very pretty 🙂
Love the indian wedding traditions! I’ve only been to one and it’s one of the funnest weddings I have been too.
That sounds so fun! I’m going to a traditional gujarati wedding this winter and I am almost more excited for that than my own wedding. It will be my first one!
I’ve only been to one family wedding in my adult life (our family is small). It was my brother’s – a destination wedding in Hawaii! It was of course amazing!
I absolutely love how big and colorful Indian weddings are. I’m Polish and we only celebrate on the one day, but you can bet that I’m out there on the dance floor all night long and hardly able to walk the next day!
Indian weddings are the best… they are so much fun. Our family weddings are very similar… horse, carriage, bhangra, and Indian Bollywood music. You look so pretty Parita, you look like your mom. Awww. sucks V couldn’t be there, but I’m sure he’s studying really hard. 🙂
I tell you this EVERY time you have an Indian-themed post, but I LOVE IT! I don’t know if I’ve ever told you that I practically grew up in a Pakistani home (not the same as an Indian home, but similar!); our childhood babysitter and her family are from Pakistan and my brother and I stayed with them every day of the week for 5 years, and have been friends with them ever since. Your posts always make me think of them! (The clothes, food, traditions, etc)
Ahhh, Reach EAP is me, Colleen! 🙂
I am proud to be Indian. Indian weddings and customs are superb. I attend many Indian weddings and enjoyed a lot. Thanks for sharing this great post.
Indian weddings and Pakistani Weddings are similar… there is so much fun. Our family weddings are very similar… horse, Bhangra, Fireworks and beautiful cultural clothing with beautiful women, Colors are Awesome
nice wedding pictures