The last event of Hima and Keval’s wedding is the reception. Unlike a reception for an American wedding, Indian receptions have a completely different purpose and occur the night after the wedding. Because it started at night, we were able to sleep in a bit which was much needed. The whole morning and early afternoon we just lazed around and started to do some packing. Then off to get hair and makeup done.
The wedding day is all about the bride’s family, and the reception is more about the groom’s family (which is now the bride’s family). So the event is the bride and groom standing on stage greeting all the family and friends of the groom. Some that may have never met her before. We were able to sneak up there and get a picture with her, but other than that we didn’t really see her much.
You should have seen her dress… It had to have weighed 40 pounds! So having to stand up for hours to take pictures in a 40 pound dress… I can’t even imagine.
Tons of food was eaten (at one point we even had a waiter just bringing us random stuff… It was a buffet, not a formal sit down place… It made us feel famous). To continue our Hollywood feeling, we had so many people take pictures of us and with us today. Most of Hima’s family had seen us numerous times dressed in Indian clothes, but Keval’s family had only started seeing us yesterday. So I assume most of those that stopped us were on Keval’s side. I’d sure like to know how many Instagram posts I’m in 🙂
One of the guys came up and said “my wife likes you very much, please a picture”….the second er agreed, his wife who was standing behind us bear hugged us for the picture. Another came up to us a couple of times to compliment my outfit and then finally asked for a picture with us. Another asked to take a picture to send her daughter. We FaceTimed with another daughter. So basically we are famous.
We were in bed by about 1 am with a fairly early wake up to say goodbye to all Hima’s family who are traveling back to Surat today. Lots of hugs, exchanged contact information and offers to come visit (in India and in the states). Many asked how we liked India, if we would come back or when we are coming back. Some even invited us to weddings that aren’t even in existence yet… ie when my grandson decides to get married, you should come. Hima’s dad sat and talked to us for a while, and made us promise that just because Hima isn’t living in St Louis anymore doesn’t mean we get to forget about him and Hima’s mom. We assured him that will never happen.
It just goes to show how hospitable and nice this entire family is. We will miss seeing their faces each day, but know we will see them soon.
Oh an the resort looks so beautiful at night…
Tomorrow we begin our trek back to the States.
Baroda to Mumbai (1 hour flight)
Mumbai to Hong Kong (6 hour flight)
Hong Kong to Chicago (14 hour flight)
Chicago to St Louis (1 hour flight)
Total 22 hours actually in the air, not including all the layover time.
Mumbai layover (6 hours)
Hong Kong layover (3 hours)
Chicago layover (6 hours)
37 hours of travelling. Phew I’m exhausted just thinking about it.
