Preena met David in a small convenience store in Brisbane back in 2005. Over the next four years the pair became close friends, chatting every day. In 2009 they went on their first official date and in 2012 Dave plucked up the courage to ask Preena for her hand in marriage. Given their cultural backgrounds, Preena and David decided on an ‘Indian Western fusion wedding’ – a minimalistic event that also catered to the traditional and culturally relevant elements of a Hindu wedding.
Celebrations began two days before the actual ceremony, with Preena’s Mehndi night and then the Pithi ceremony (cleansing ceremony). Traditional rituals on the wedding day included the exchange of garlands, the Kanyadaan (giving the bride away), lighting of the Havan (sacred fire), seven rounds of the Havan and seven promises between the bride and groom.
The theme of David and Preena’s wedding was reflected strongly in the styling, with bright, bold colours and decadent rich features. Beads, jewels, moss elephants, Mendhi prints and Ganesh statues were used to set the theme, with gold, deep red and turquoise colours to add to the vibe and overall feel of the day.
As for Preena’s stunning ceremony and reception gowns? ‘I always knew I wanted to wear traditional Indian on my wedding day, so we searched for exactly that. We had a lot of problems…but both dresses worked out perfectly on the day! The ceremony dress weighed about 3kg due to the hand beading on the skirt, so it was a struggle to get around in, but the reception dress was great and comfortable!’ she told us.
Be inspired by the colour, culture and traditions of this momentous occasion below.
Photography Jess Jackson Photographer | Event Planning The Main Event Weddings | Event Styling The Main Event Weddings | Ceremony Venue Sage on Ann | Celebrant Pundit Sanat Pandey | Reception Venue Loft West End | Catering + Drinks Loft West End | Wedding Cake Cakes by Leah | Stationery DIY & The Main Event Weddings | Florist The Main Event Weddings + Pocketful
Preena + David
