The marriage of Lareina and Rohit was a fusion of two ancient Asian cultures with a splash of Canadian and Latin. It was important to them to blend all the cultures so their guests would experience something new, starting with traditional wedding rituals through to great food, music and fun.
One Saturday afternoon, when Rohit and Lareina had to do their weekend grocery run, the groom had three of Lareina’s good friends to come to their apartment and decorate it with candles and rose petals, as beautiful soft music was playing in the background. “I was actually annoyed with him that afternoon because he wouldn’t stop texting on his phone, but when we got home he was soon forgiven,” says the bride. “As soon as we entered our place, he got down on one knee.”
The invitations, in traditional red and gold, reflected both Chinese and Indian symbols representing marriage, harmony and an auspicious beginning.
Lareina wore three outfits: an Indian lehenga, a long Chinese dress and a traditional Canadian white wedding gown. During the ceremony, Lareina’s parents wore traditional Chinese garments and
Rohit’s family wore Indian ensembles. At the reception, good luck dragon dancers and drum players performed in Chinese style and the groom’s dancing procession showcased an Indian drummer and music. Rohit arrived at the venue on a decorated bicycle rickshaw.
Appetizers at the cocktail reception embraced both cultures: Peking duck, shrimp balls, a roasted pig, mango lassi, lamb kebob. Dinner also included foods from both cultures.
The couple went to India for their honeymoon, visiting Rohit’s extended family in the northern state of Bihar and then to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal.
Photographers: Dan Boskovic and Robert Wood from Expose Studios
Ceremony and reception location: Evergreen Brick Works
Reception décor: The Wedding House and Exclusive Affair
Bridal gowns: Sangam Silk Store (Indian ceremony); Maggie Sottero (traditional ceremony) and Pacific Mall (Chinese ceremony)
Bridesmaid gowns and accessories: Pacific Mall
Hair & makeup: We Oui Bridal Studio
Cake: Fabulous Cakes and Confections
Flowers: Mandy Cheng
Invitations: Indian Wedding Card
