Have you ever wanted to just take your nearest and dearest out to the desert and just take over a resort for the weekend? Oh, and get married? Well, that’s exactly what Robyn & Atul did for their epic wedding weekend last December!
The Miramonte Resort & Spa was the perfect location for their wedding weekend takeover! Located just three miles away from Palm Springs, this property just finished a major remodel, and it’s looking fantastic!
Photo by Casey Brodley
And let’s not forget about the spa…
Photo by Casey Brodley
When Robyn & Atul and I started planning their wedding, they were very clear that they wanted to incorporate both of their cultures, but they didn’t want two full days of epic wedding celebrations. They said, “Is it crazy if we have two ceremonies and two receptions in one day?” You know I’m always up for a challenge, so I said, “Nope. Not crazy at all. Let’s do it.” And so we did.
Ceremony #1 (aka Indian Ceremony)
On Saturday, December 9th, we started the day bright and early with an Indian Ceremony on the Mesquite Lawn. One of the great benefits of a resort wedding is being able to utilize various locations at the same location. It’s so easy for guests and really helps vary the look of the day as it progresses.
Photo by ©caseybrodley
Robyn & the girls started the day with Mobile Bridal Salon, beautifying and having a ball!
Photo by Casey Brodley
Photo by ©caseybrodley
Photo by ©caseybrodley
Photo by Casey Brodley
Baraat
While the girls finished getting ready, Atul & family celebrated the Baraat. Baraat is one of the most fun-filled traditions in the entire wedding ceremony. The baraat is a procession with music, drumming, dancing and celebrating. The procession is attended by the all the relatives and friends from the groom’s side. And, oh yeah, we had a horse too.
Photo by Casey Brodley
Photo by Casey Brodley
Photo by ©caseybrodley
Photo by ©caseybrodley
Photo by Casey Brodley Photography
At the end of the Baraat, the groom greets the bride’s family for the Milni ceremony. The Hindi word ‘Milan’ is derived from a Sanskrit expression meaning “a coming together”, giving the Milni Ceremony its definition as a unification of the two families. After the Groom makes his way through the Baraat procession, the Bride’s closest relatives welcome him by sprinkling rose water and offering Shagun, a token of good luck.
Photo by Casey Brodley
Photo by Casey Brodley
At the conclusion of the Milni, Atul escorted his mother and Robyn’s mother to their seats, and the ceremony begins.
Photo by Casey Brodley
Meanwhile, Robyn & her bridesmaids looked on, awaiting their entrance
Photo by Casey Brodley
Indian wedding ceremonies take place under a mandap. Adorned with floral decorations and bells, this wooden structure serves as the stage for which guests and family witness the couple wed. The Mandap consists of four pillars, symbolizing the four parents who worked hard to raise their children. Some of the details of Robyn & Atul’s mandap:
Photo by ©caseybrodley
Photo by Casey Brodley
A very personal touch to Atul & Robyn’s mandap was this photo of Atul’s mother.
Photo by Casey Brodley
The couple is given royal chairs to sit on during the ceremony, while the parents sit beside them watching each ritual take place. The sacred fire is centered between the couple and is used during the ceremony by the Priest while reciting hymns from Vedas.
Photo by Casey Brodley
Photo by Casey Brodley
Photo by Casey Brodley
Photo by Casey Brodley
Photo by Casey Brodley
Photo by Casey Brodley
After the ceremony, guests were treated to a casual lunch reception, while Robyn & Atul took some portraits.
Photo by Casey Brodley
Photo by Casey Brodley
Photo by Casey Brodley
After portraits, some family photos, and general merriment, Robyn & Atul were off for a brief rest, wardrobe change, and more photos. One ceremony down, one to go!
More photos!
Photo by Casey Brodley
Photo by Casey Brodley
Photo by Casey Brodley
Photo by Casey Brodley
Photo by Casey Brodley
Ceremony #2 (aka American aka Western Ceremony)
A few hours later, we invited everyone to the Miramonte Green (otherwise known as the Olive Tree) for the Western Ceremony. Pro tip: When you take over a resort for the weekend, and are hosting many events, have a lot of signs. And make sure they are big. And pretty.
Photo by Casey Brodley
Photo by Casey Brodley
Photo by Casey Brodley
Photo by Casey Brodley
Photo by Casey Brodley
Once the ceremony was complete, it was time to party! And party we did!
But first, at the cockail hour, guests had an oppotunity to snap a selfie with a cardboard Robyn & Atul. This was alo featured at the Welcome Party the previous night…and it comes up again later too. Wait for it.
Photo by ©caseybrodley
Once the reception got underway, guests were treated to a number of performances by friends and family & hilarious and heartfelt toasts.
Photo by Casey Brodley
Photo by Casey Brodley
Photo by Casey Brodley
Photo by Casey Brodley
Photo by Casey Brodley
Oh, and did I mention that Atul surprised Robyn with a choreographed flash mob and dance?!?! It was EPIC.
Photo by Casey Brodley
Photo by Casey Brodley
Photo by Casey Brodley
Photo by Casey Brodley
Photo by Casey Brodley
Photo by Casey Brodley
Don’t you wish you were a guest at this wedding? It was the most fun, for sure!
Photo by Casey Brodley
As the night partied on, guests got a little adventurous with cardboard Robyn & Atul…
Photo by Casey Brodley
Photo by Casey Brodley
Photo by Casey Brodley
Robyn & Atul, your wedding weekend was one for the books! I am so honored that you trusted me to join you on this journey. I am so proud of the whole weekend! Six events in four days is a record for my team, and we loved every minute of it! As amazing as these photos are, it can’t do complete justice to the love, warmth, fun, and humor of your wedding day. So much love to you both! xoxo
Photo by Casey Brodley
Creative Team
Wedding Planner: Moxie Bright Events Venue & Catering: Miramonte Resort & Spa Photography: Casey Brodley Photography Videography: Edge 9 Media DJ: Kumba Entertainment Florals: Unique Floral and Decor Linens: La Tavola Linen Signage: Cecile’s Paper Co. Calligraphy: Blue Poppy Lettering Photo Booth: Classic Photo Booth Indian Catering: Monsoon Restaurant Baraat Horse: Enchanted Carriages Cake: Exquisite Desserts Hair & Makeup: Mobile Bridal Salon Henna Artist: Henna Caravan Invitation Suite: Wedding Paper Divas
Aug 18, 2018
