Muslim and Hindu Cultures Merge in Brooklyn Botanic Gardens Wedding

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway

Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a beautiful oasis of trees, flowers, and pastoral scenes—and the perfect place for a marriage ceremony.

Sehr Khandwala and Ashnil Dixit celebrated their love there this summer. Their marriage brought together two faiths - Muslim and Hindu - and joined two lovely families. One of the most beautiful sites -- other than bride and groom, of course -- were all the guests donned in gorgeous saris and the traditional garments of Pakistan and India.

It was such a beautiful sight to stand at the wedding altar and look out at the sea of beautiful, colorful clothes.

The ceremony was a loving, non-denominational and nontraditional ceremony and the guests loved it. Many had never seen quite a ceremony, since those in India and Pakistan are usually done in quite a different manner. It took place in a beautiful green meadow. Truly an awesome site.

A reception followed by the two lotus ponds which are home to dozes of different varieties of Nelumbo nucifera - the formal name for these sacred water lillies. Then it was dinner in gorgeous the Palm House (best service, yummy food!).

Brides and groom have a wonderful experience at this venue, especially with a catered affair.

For smaller groups of guests and for brides and grooms who just want to enjoy the environment, try the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, with its magical mirror-like waterscapes, cloud-pruned maples, and waterfalls or the Cranford Rose Garden, where thousands upon thousands of fragrant roses bloom in summertime. These areas are available on a limited basis (usually outdoor weddings at 9 am on Saturdays before the Botanic Garden opens for visitors).

For more information contact: http://www.bbg.org/vis2/weddings.html

© 2007, Reverend Laurie Sue Brockway

Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway is a leading interfaith and non-denominational wedding officiant. She creates unique ceremonies for couples of all backgrounds and faiths, and is also widely recognized as a relationship coach, bridal stress expert and columnist. She is author of WEDDING GODDESS: A Divine Guide to Transforming Wedding Stress into Wedding Bliss. To help reduce wedding stress, get your personally autographed copy at www.WeddingGoddess.com.

Comments

[Wedding flowers]

I really liked this post, Congrats a lot on the wedding and all the best.