Pavit Singh Randhawa and Jessel Taank’s Wedding in Mexico

A bride’s henna is frequently applied a few days before an Indian wedding. Pavit and I had always spoken about getting married at the beach, and while we chose Rivieria, Mexico, as the place for our destination wedding—because it’s the perfect mix of culture, spirit, beauty, history, delicious food, and, of course, tequila!—we incorporated many of our Indian traditions into the weekend. Pavit and I making our entrance into the sangeet, the wedding weekend kickoff party, filled with plenty of traditional singing and dancing. My outfit was doused in intricate mirror work and felt almost Middle Eastern, so I went with a bold, Arabic-inspired eye with shimmer to play off the mirrors. The groom’s family performing the jago ceremony, which usually happens the night before a Punjabi wedding and is a chance for friends and family to dance together in celebration. Guests dancing at the sangeet. The Sikh ceremony, which took place at 10:00 a.m. in the hotel’s gazebo, was definitely more traditional. Here, my makeup artist is attaching the bindi to my head. Pavit wrapping his turban for the Sikh ceremony. Getting my makeup application before the ceremony. It’s traditional to have a sarbala by the groom’s side—a little brother who “protects” the groom. Pavit’s nephew Aryan was handed this role and was Pavit’s mini-me throughout the ceremony! Since my head needed to be covered, I went for a bold red lip to offset the red gown. Pavit’s bharaat (the groom’s procession) under way—the procession lasted almost an hour, with friends and family dancing all the way to the gazebo. Our nieces and nephews playing during the ceremony. The Sikh ceremony gazebo setting was colorful and bright. The gazebo ceiling decorated for the ceremony. Our nephew praying before the Sikh ceremony commences. Here I am entering the Sikh ceremony escorted by my father and uncle. I was dying to see Pavit’s face as I took my place during the Sikh ceremony, but he was wearing a sehra, a veil made of pearls, so I had no clue what his initial reaction was! Receiving blessings from the priest during the Sikh ceremony. The bride must wear red bangles, choora, as a symbol of marriage in India. The Sikh ceremony in process. I remember how hot it was, especially underneath all the heavy clothing! We were both trying to keep our composure during the ceremony, but all I could think about was jumping into a cold pool afterward! The Sikh priest giving his blessings to us. Pavit and I were grasping a gorgeous silk tie that my father had joined together as a sign of unity. Here we are officially married and posing for photos after the Sikh ceremony. My Hindu ceremony gown was custom-made by designer Nikhil Mehra of Shantanu & Nikhil. Our Hindu ceremony was oceanside. Growing up, getting married at the beach always seemed like the romantic thing to do. Pavit waiting for my arrival during the Hindu ceremony. Pavit holding an embroidered coconut. The bride’s family walks to the entrance carrying a coconut to receive the groom’s party. The coconuts are then exchanged as a symbol of the marriage contract. Here I am being escorted down the aisle by my uncles, Max Vadukul and Nitin Vadukul. The Hindu ceremony was held at sunset and called for a more subtle look, and I had envisioned lots of flowers in my hair and draped from my wrist. I think this added a very romantic touch to the overall look. Pavit and I exchanging garlands before entering the mandap ceremonial gazebo. Here we are taking our seats for the Hindu ceremony. Pavit and I exchanging wedding rings. Walking back down the aisle as a married couple. Children playing in the sand during the beach party, which followed our Hindu ceremony. Cutting the cake! The DJ overlooked the dance floor. Making our exit at the end of the night. On the fourth night, we held a cocktail hour on the beach. We managed to sneak away from the crowd during our reception cocktail hour for some beautiful portraits at sunset. It was so much fun watching our guests’ expressions as they entered the space! The seating cards were placed inside personalized frosted shot glasses, so everyone was forced to have a drink! One of the main reasons we chose Riviera Maya as our wedding destination was because of Xcaret—an eco-archaeological park in the heart of the jungle that features an ancient Mayan cave. I became obsessed with the idea of holding our reception in this cave. Table settings inside the cave. Guests lining up to enter the Mayan cave with tea lights while the conch shell blower performs. This dinner was truly the showstopper event of our four-day affair. Guests dancing at the reception. The evening went late with party hats, glowing glasses, and plenty of tequila.