Gowri & Mark: Two Family Filled Weddings at Foxchase Manor

The most amazing thing happened when eight family members gathered in close at the bottom of the stage where Gowri and Mark had just become married and asked us to take a family photo.

“Wait!   Wait!  Just a few more!” 

Chairs were lined up, and guests streamed in from the cocktail tables outside.

“We have some more people!”

The chairs were filled.

 “Let’s add a few more in the back!”

“We have some space in front!” 

“How about let’s add some family members on the ends!”

All told, thirty nine people, four generations of family members who lived in countries across the globe, stood before us at the front of the massive ballroom.

It was truly humbling.  How often is it that families get together, and how often are that many family members from that many generations and walks of life in the same place at the same time?

But weddings have that power.  They are so much more than the joining of two lives.  They are the history, the ideals, and the growth of family.

And they are also reflections of the couple.  Although there were over a hundred guests, the day felt remarkably intimate.  One of the brilliant things about Indian weddings is that guests are invited to walk around and gather in close with the couple during the ceremony, and the room ignites instantly with excitement.  The inviting and light atmosphere, the amazing food and drink (mango lassi!), and the laughs Gowri and Mark evoked in each other throughout the day recalled for us the intimate dinner in their home.  As they sat together under the mandap and stood with the stole wrapped around their hands, they constantly laughed and smiled.

This day was more than two weddings in one, it was truly the union of two beautiful families becoming one.