From Catamarans to Kaleerey: A Multicultural Wedding Celebration on Florida’s Gulf Coast

Puja and Mihir’s wedding was more than a celebration—it was an immersive journey of love, culture, and vibrant creativity. Hosted along Florida’s Gulf Coast at the Marriott Sanibel Island, this multi-day destination wedding fused Punjabi warmth, Bollywood flair, and heartfelt tributes into a deeply personal experience. From a pink-hued Haldi pool party to a catamaran welcome cruise and a mandap framed by memories of their late fathers, every detail was intentional and full of meaning.

Their story began on a medical school interview day and culminated in a wedding weekend packed with surprises, symbolism, and endless joy. A bride who changed outfits five times (from custom Pichhka organza to white cocktail sneakers), a Sangeet filled with movie-style performances, and a final reception full of choreographed dances, fireworks, and heartfelt letters to each guest made this wedding one for the books.

“This extraordinary wedding wasn’t just a celebration—it was an immersive experience of love, culture, and personal connection.”

This breathtaking destination wedding seamlessly combined vibrant cultural traditions, heartfelt tributes, and unforgettable moments of joy. From the moment guests arrived at the hotel lobby, they were immersed in a thoughtfully curated experience. Warm garlands, music, sweets, and rose water greeted them as the couple and their families welcomed everyone with personalized stationery, including custom timelines and room key cards.

The celebration began with a Bridal Mehndi by the beach, honoring the bride’s late father with a Punjabi theme. Guests enjoyed a serene yet festive atmosphere that set the tone for the magical events ahead.

The Welcome Dinner featured a catamaran cruise, where each boat was named after one of the couple’s wedding hashtags. Guests were greeted by crew members wearing Indian turbans and given playful stickers for “girls’ side vs. boys’ side.” A sparkler exit followed by surprise fireworks closed the evening with a bang, accompanied by live Bollywood and Hollywood music.

The Haldi Ceremony transformed into a playful pink-themed pool party. While guests wore shades of mango-inspired colors, the bride and groom stood out in hand-painted pink organza outfits by Pichhka, complemented by handmade shell jewelry. Highlights included a bubble tea station, donut bar, and a surprise skit by the bridal party. The bride and groom ended the Haldi by jumping into the pool, joined by their families in Haldi attire. The Sangeet Night embraced a Bollywood theme, with personalized movie posters, life-size
cutouts, and a sprawling mural of the couple. Guests were treated to cultural performances, including a Jaggo and garba hour, and surprises like a bride and groom love story skit performed by the bride’s family.

The Wedding Ceremony was both personal and deeply touching. To honor their late fathers, the couple placed signs with cherished photographs at the entrance to the mandap. The groom arrived on a decorated golf cart baraat, joined by the bride amidst energetic performances. Their Hindu ceremony began with a Sikh prayer, blending their traditions. The bride’s kaleerey featured charms with photos of her father and grandparents, keeping their memory close. A petal bar allowed guests to shower the couple with personalized flower cones as they began their new journey.

Finally, the Reception captured the couple’s gratitude and creativity. Guests received handwritten letters titled “Our Favorite People” as their seating guide. A gallery wall displayed stunning photos from a shoot in India, while the photographer added same-day prints from earlier events. A unique audio telephone guestbook invited attendees to leave heartfelt messages. The bride’s multiple outfit changes added flair, including a white American dress paired with custom sneakers for cocktail hour. Their choreographed first dance blended Hollywood, Bollywood, and surprise beats, ending with a mic drop moment. The simultaneous mother-son/mother-daughter dance switched partners mid-song, symbolizing the merging of two families.

This extraordinary wedding wasn’t just a celebration—it was an immersive experience of love, culture, and personal connection, making every guest feel like part of a beautiful story.