Wednesday 27 June 2012

A magical wedding in Bali - Day 2 (June 5, 2012)

I woke up around 5 AM and was in a mood to write, work, think .. in a very quiet way. I did not want to go into town or explore the surroundings. I just wanted to be in my little bungalow. It reminded me of the summer holidays in Eluru where my grand parents lived in a small tile covered home with make shift room made of palm eaves serving as the bathroom in the backyard. I don’t remember my childhood as lacking in anything even though the facilities were minimal. I met James Clark for lunch. He has an organization that is located inside a state park in marin county and it was fascinating to discuss with him on how he worked with west marin citizens to make sure that the potential tourism of the place did not undermine the local ethos. He also talked about Perma culture and we discussed the need to create a 200 year plan (I thought of Raghava as he talks about the same). After our long conversation, I invited James as a speaker for the conference. He left around 1pm and I got ready for the wedding. We were warned, “dare to wear the most dressy outfit that goes with comfortable shoes”. So, I chose wear my flat shoes and a simple cotton kurta.


the bridge we took to get to Elora's wedding
We reached Elora’s home at 2pm and from the back yard of Elora’s family home, steps lead to the bottom of a steep hill to the riverfront where the wedding was set up on a pile of natural rocks. Colorful cushions were placed on rocks to let the guests sit and Elora’s came in a dress made of fresh flowers (see her dress in this beautiful photograph ) and Rajiv wore the traditional Malayali Mundu and shirt. Their friend Tom married them. With the flowing water as the background music, Elora and Rajiv read out the vows they wrote and said, “I do”. I was so moved by the simplicity, elegance, beauty and the serenity of the place. 


After the wedding, we all went on a short hike to get to the next destination.. the wedding reception. In the last week, they constructed bamboo bridges across the river, along the hillside and then we had to climb a muddy hill (thank god! None of us fell. Only our chappals were caked with mud) and we reached a place where fresh coconut water and delicious local snacks greeted us. I ate this snack that was made of Jaggery and was wrapped in palm leaf that was absolutely delicious.


The Banyan tree under which we had the reception dinner
Then, we were driven to the reception site, which was under an old banyan tree that was hundreds of years old. Apparently the main trunk died but the other roots that came out of the tree planted themselves into the earth spreading it very wide. Under the tree, in the shape of a mandala, they laid six long tables, chairs and benches. The tables and benches were all made from discarded wood from the green village. The marimba band from Green school was playing as we entered the arena. The discomfort of the hot summer night disappeared as we were swept away by the magic of the Marimba band and the roots that hung out from the tall tree firmly settled into the soil under our feet. The local children and families gathered as well to enjoy the music.








The Banyan Grove, where the reception took place 
Following the wedding, the guests got to play with rabbits 
Elora in a stunning beaded off white gown and Rajiv appeared amidst cheers and whistles. And then, we all sat and had an amazing meal. After each course, we had to get up with our wine glasses and go around in a circle and choose another place to sit when the music stopped. I got to talk to a lot of interesting people throughout the evening. At the end of the night, there was a disco area created where the disco ball hung from a clump of bamboo poles. I left the party by about 9:30 PM, as the dancing under the disco ball was still under way.

Elora and Rajiv saying "I do" under the big blue sky


All pictures by Shilo Shiv Suleman

23 comments:

  1. Got married? Go with easy name change at SimpleNameChange

    ReplyDelete
  2. Your guests can paste one of the strips in a scrap book with a special message next to their photographs. Hope you remember about that attendant, he/she will make sure of this.
    wedding videography

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hey, this magical wedding was outstanding. I am also going to get married at the finest Seattle Wedding venues and it will be a grand mermaid themed ceremony. I have collected a lot of ideas for my big day and now waiting eagerly for the day.

    ReplyDelete
  4. The very basic thing to look for is the style. Each wedding videographer has unique style. You should ask the wedding videographer about the specialization on the field of wedding videography. best wedding photographer

    ReplyDelete
  5. They are produced to fulfill the creative vision of the photographer and includes their perspective of what they see in the world. best wedding photography

    ReplyDelete
  6. once you have your date set you can mail these out with the goal that your visitors can spare the date in their journal.wedding photographer

    ReplyDelete
  7. While a few people don't affirm of these, the truth of the matter is that these dresses are promptly getting to be plainly prevalent. Modest Dresses

    ReplyDelete
  8. There are photographers who spend a couple of hours on formal shots. Make sure you are happy with giving over that amount of time on your wedding day. sydney wedding photography

    ReplyDelete
  9. In the end, that is two and a lot of questions a lot of research before choosing a photographer, and relying on the full version of the wedding photos filled with five or six,wedding photographer Leeds

    ReplyDelete
  10. Aw, this has been a really good post. In notion I must put in place writing such as this moreover – taking time and actual effort to create a really good article… but so what can I say… I procrastinate alot by no means seem to get something carried out. weddings in barcelona

    ReplyDelete
  11. This is a great high resolution screen which you have shared for the users. Making a website is not an easy task but managing a good website is really a hard work. As far as this website is concerned, I am very happy. Click here

    ReplyDelete
  12. The essential value of the duo is 'marriage' . The duo of marriage information company keeps the reputation of the leading domestic marriage information company by informing the precious value of marriage despite prejudice and difficulties . 결혼정보회사

    ReplyDelete
  13. howdy, your sites are better than average. I value your work.
    vert shock download

    ReplyDelete
  14. The subsequent rules of thumb will enable soon-to-be couples to make a wise and sound evaluation on the subject of the employment of a Raleigh wedding photographer. Eolia Mansion wedding

    ReplyDelete
  15. Ask them about their strengths (film / black and white / photographic styles) photographers

    ReplyDelete
  16. Three are usually cheap Ralph Lauren available for sale each and every time you wish to buy. Hochzeitsfotografie Rosenheim

    ReplyDelete
  17. Undoubtedly I am totally agreed with this article and I just need say that this article is by and large very valuable article. I will attempt to scrutinize your blog more. You offered a legitimate expression. best wedding photographers Sydney , and all over bridal pictures are very beautiful. Thanks for share with us.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I can set up my new idea from this post. It gives in depth information. Thanks for this valuable information for all,.. エンゲージリング

    ReplyDelete
  19. Cool stuff you have got and you keep update all of us. wedding videography cinematic

    ReplyDelete
  20. There are numerous Indian photographers in New York that work with professional companies or as individual freelancers and you can select from any one of these. Asian Wedding Photography

    ReplyDelete
  21. Very nice, thanks a lot for everything you wrote here. you gave the right info about it. you sharing such a great blogs to us.Mountain Warehouse

    ReplyDelete

ShareThis

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...