A Mix of Cultures Accentuates the Experience at Destination Weddings


By Zeenat Kassam Mitha –

Nadia Lalani and Sameer Hirji at their destination wedding in Cancún.

Nadia Lalani and Sameer Hirji at their destination wedding in Cancún.

When one thinks of saying “I do” and bringing family and friends together, one also considers travel destinations. Destination weddings have become a popular way to bring a mix of cultures together and allow everyone to enjoy a wedding and a mini-vacation due to the offerings of many resorts and hotels.

At a recent wedding our family attended in Cancún, Mexico, the Caribbean Sea was the background, the sandy beach was the décor, and a goodie bag of suntan lotion, soothing creams and beach sundries were party favors. The bride and groom, Nadia Lalani and Sameer Hirji, stood beneath a pagoda saying their vows, and the guests watched them along with people swimming, parasailing and boating in the background.

Nawaz, Aliya, Nafeez and Shanaz Hirji with Zeenat, Shamir, Armaan and Ike Mitha at the Henna evening party for family and friends of the bride and groom.

Nawaz, Aliya, Nafeez and Shanaz Hirji with Zeenat, Shamir, Armaan and Ike Mitha at the Henna evening party for family and friends of the bride and groom.

“It was a soothing effect and one which made many of us want to jump in the beautiful, warm, turquoise water,” said Nawaz Hirji, uncle of the groom. The wedding party had the assistance of the resort staff to set up many events throughout their stay, so both sides of the family were at ease to enjoy the mini-vacation instead of worrying about the guests and details. “We go the extra mile to assist with destination weddings,” said Rafael Lara, Preferred Services Manager, Now Jade Riviera Cancún Resort.

At many resorts where weddings are held, the guests usually pay for their stay, and hence, they choose the package they want regarding room rental. Some families have specific preferences, and the resort or hotel quickly accommodates. If the hosting party is picking up the event, there are usually opportunities to meet one’s needs for a difference in price. Although hotels cater to weddings or similar events all over the world, resorts can take the experience up a notch by offering special amenities and services.

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The Chichen Itza archeological site.

This particular wedding was held at the Now Jade Riviera Cancún Resort, an all-inclusive resort where suites included a balcony and an outside Jacuzzi, and many rooms had ocean views. It was a beautiful, cool and comfortable setting with service around the clock. For all guests, room service was available 24/7, and the five restaurants within the property offered a cultural cuisine to please almost any palette. The choices included an all-American restaurant, a Japanese sushi and teppanyaki cuisine, an authentic Mexican restaurant and an Italian café. There were also two formal restaurants with a dress code, one French and the other Mediterranean. Both were worth putting on your best! There were also infinity pools with bars and buffets and a coffee shop with dessert treats for those looking for a more laid back time.

Diversity was everywhere, as people from all walks of life visited at the same time. There were opportunities to go into town to experience the culture and history of the city. There were many excursions, including the Mayan Ruins, Chichen Itza and Tulum, as well as dolphin and snorkeling adventures and the opportunity to swim in the cenotes.

For a thrilling experience while in Cancún, consider exploring the cenotes in the Mayan Riviera. Some cenotes contain cave formations, while others are important archaeological sites. A few are open to the public. Cenotes can be any shape or size and can appear as a hole, lagoon or pond. Diving, snorkeling, swimming and hiking into the cenotes is a once in a lifetime experience as they are abysmal and deep.

As far as weddings go, the diversity, history and culture of a destination made it an enjoyable experience. The wedding planned with family and friends at an out of town destination made a lifetime memory. Making a mini-vacation out of the event allowed all parties to make the most of the time away. Cancún was close enough to home to travel by air in less than three hours from Houston and far enough for a relaxing, pleasant trip.