Going to the Chapel

Hello readers, how's tricks? My apologies for being a bit late, but I've just come back from a fabulous Indian wedding in the most opulent surroundings. The bride's father and I were at University together and the family is related to the royal family of Mysore. When their daughter got engaged, they decided to celebrate the wedding where they originally came from, rather than the USA where they now live. I was invited to coordinate my annual trip with the date and was only too happy to join in the fun.

---

Mysore is a city of palaces - some of the best are Amba Vilas, popularly known as Mysore Palace; Jaganmohana Palace, which also serves as an art gallery; Rajendra Vilas, also known as the summer palace; Lalitha Mahal, which has been converted into a hotel; and Jayalakshmi Vilas. The wedding guests stayed at the sumptuous Lalitha Mahal. This was a palace originally built as a guest house for the Viceroy of India and it has a mish mash of architectural styles; Ionian columns, Italianate piazzas, domes, pillars, marble staircases, carved rosewood furniture, and expensive carpets. The architect was definitely well travelled and had brought everything he liked from all over the world into one place, as if anxious that he wouldn't get another chance to show off his skills.

---

The wedding was exactly as Indian weddings are meant to be, colourful, noisy, raucous, with Vedic chanting, loud music, people talking, and children screaming with laughter all at once, an assault on the senses, with great food and loads of fun. The solemn stuff goes on all day on a decorated dais and everyone else just has a good time. There were four days of celebration and functions and I had a great time meeting people I hadn't seen for ages from my class at medical school. Here are some pictures for you to look at; enjoy!!

---

The bridal party - she is escorted by her sisters, parents and uncle

The groom arrives on a white horse, escorted by his brother

The proud parents in royal garb

The brides sisters and friends welcome the groom with a little dance in front of the horse

And, because there are so many functions, everyone gets to change their clothes and accessories at least three times during a 3 day long celebration. Here are the bride and her sisters in another avataar.

Here are some pictures of the best jewellery I saw worn during the wedding.

There was a lot of excitement in the room when the real king, who was the brides second cousin turned up. He turned out to be a twenty five year old Economics Graduate from Amherst, USA. One of my friends turned paparazzi and clicked this picture of the king, queen and queen mother at the wedding, posing with the bride and her family for posterity.

---

And here's what I wore...

I did get to wear one of my own necklaces at an evening event, but don't have any pictures of it, apart from this one in a group of friends. The others are necklaces of Kundan work, where gemstones are set into enamel work surroundings over gold foil - Pearl Blay of the Beading Gem has a little resume' if you want to read more about Kundan jewellery.

---

That's me for this week, folks. I shall have a restful week with my mother and family and catch up with you next weekend, around the same time. I'm having a little exhibition at home for a few Caprilicious die hards and I shall no doubt have something to report.
have a fabulous week, see you soon
​xx