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It’s not every day that one gets to attend an Indian-Muslim fusion celebration like this Indian wedding, let alone travel all the way to beautiful Cartagena de Indias to witness an authentic celebration of cultures. We were lucky enough to capture every moment of Sabena & Rickin’s Special Day: from the mesmerizing fusion of Indian and Muslim traditions to the tempting aromas of exquisite cuisine, the charms of this iconic gem in the Colombian Caribbean set the stage for this magnificent celebration.

Buckle up and join us as we dive into this vibrant merging of cultures and witness Sabena & Rickin’s unforgettable Indian wedding in Cartagena, Colombia.

indian wedding featured on Junebug

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Indian Wedding in Cartagena – Wedding day at Casa 1537, Cartagena

Cartagena de Indias is a vibrant coastal city situated along the shores of the Caribbean Sea. Its colorful and inviting streets are full of charm and history, making it one of the most fascinating destinations in South America for travel and celebrations alike. This magnificent city is where our love story takes place: an authentic Indian wedding in Cartagena.

Among the astonishing array of colonial buildings, it was Casa 1537, a historic venue located right in the heart of the city, and declared a national monument in 2006, which served as the perfect setting for this special occasion. Its colonial architecture features a central courtyard, white stucco walls, heavy wooden doors, and archways that bring you back in time. We can’t think of a more perfect venue to celebrate this Indian wedding in Cartagena!

Behind the scenes, Bride & Groom were gearing up for the grandest adventure of their lives!. Rickin stepped into his champagne-colored embroidered Sherwani with buzzing energy and anticipation. Sabena wore the same Saree as her mother did on her wedding day: a stunning embroidered dress in coral tone perfectly coupled with a wonderful display of golden jewels and beautiful body art by Mehndi artist Mafe Moreno, accentuating her beauty.

groom emanating charm and grace at his Indian wedding in Cartagena.
groom emanating charm and grace at his Indian wedding in Cartagena.
The streets of Cartagena are vibrant with colors and full of history and culture. Perfect location for an Indian wedding

When the time came for the Groom’s wedding procession (an Indian tradition called Baraat) the Groom rolled up in style and replaced a horse with a classic vintage Chevy accentuated by a colorful floral arrangement, making its way through the historic architecture of Cartagena. The streets were filled with a festive spirit of celebration.

Festive baraat procession featuring the groom's grand arrival, accompanied by lively music and dancing in this Indian wedding in Cartagena.
Festive baraat procession featuring the groom's grand arrival, accompanied by lively music and dancing in Cartagena.
The Groom arriving to the location surrounded by a festive ambiance for his Indian wedding ceremony in Cartagena

Ceremony

Sabena & Rickin incorporated elements from the Hindu and Muslim traditions, honoring their families’ heritage with meaningful details during the ceremony. Down the aisle, a beautiful circular floral arrangement made up of white flowers and luscious foliage was the perfect backdrop for their “I Do’s”, while white candles and flowers lined up creating a romantic and intimate atmosphere. Keep scrolling to see the magic created by the talented Cartagena Hojas y Pistilos who brought the couple’s floral dreams to life in this beautiful Indian wedding in Cartagena.

Indian fusion wedding in Cartagena

But it wasn’t just the ceremonies that left us spellbound. The spirit of Cartagena itself infused every aspect of the celebration, from the rhythmic beats of traditional music in the drums of Grupo Ekobios that got everyone on their feet to the tantalizing flavors of local delicacies that delighted our taste buds.

Indian Wedding in Cartagena – Sangeet

Among the many events that happen previous to the ceremony in Indian traditions, Sangeet is one of the most vibrant and fun celebrations for the couple and guests alike. Everyone gets to enjoy dances performed by family members while keeping all the senses engaged with delicious smells and colorful sights. And this Sangeet did not disappoint! Everything from decor to entertainment to food was masterfully crafted and put together by Caribe Cordial Weddings.

Before the event kicked-off, we had the opportunity to wander and explore around Casa Conde de Pestagua alongside Sabena & Rickin, who wore an exquisite outfit, with yellow taking center stage, perfectly matching the ambiance of this wonderful venue. We could not have pictured a better outcome – the photos speak for themselves!

And right when we thought it couldn’t get any better, we stepped into a dream-like setting with lush tropical hints and bold colors, beautifully adorned with rustic hanging light fixtures, creating the perfect atmosphere for the night. The floral arrangements and decor designed by Caribe Cordial Weddings and Cartagena Hojas y Pistilos deserve a special mention, as they highlighted the beauty of the historic Casa Conde de Pestagua and left everyone jaw-dropped. From soft pink to bold orange, the color palette was the ultimate touch to this masterpiece.

As the sun began to set, the venue took on a more intimate and romantic atmosphere. The wicker lights were brought to life and the candles were lit. Reflected on the water, the soft gloss created a scene reminiscent of a starry night.

Rooftop view of the Walled City, Cartagena de Indias
Casa Conde de Pestagua wedding set up
Decorated venue with vibrant colors and elements from both Hindu and Muslim traditions for a fusion wedding in Cartagena de Indias.

Street casual photos and welcome party at a Cartagena rooftop – Indian Wedding in Cartagena

Cartagena’s streets look like a painting, an authentic work of art on their own. Wandering through these colorful streets, one is swept up in a nostalgia of a simpler time. You can almost hear the distant sounds of hooves on the cobblestone lanes. A new, enchanting scene awaits in every corner – here, history and culture are very much alive, just like the traditions we witnessed in this fusion Indian wedding in Cartagena.

These streets not only served as the perfect backdrop for Sabena & Rickin’s photos, but were the very scenario where their story unfolded. With playful looks and holding hands as if seeing the world for the first time, Sabena & Rickin made us sigh with every gesture they exchanged in the never-ending excitement of Cartagena’s hidden alleys.

With the “best view of Cartagena”, the Movich Hotel was a top-notch pick for the welcome party. Perfectly located in the Walled City, this venue features a spectacular terrace with swimming pool and a 360º view over the whole city, where guests got to delight in the view of the last rays of a vibrant sun setting in the horizon, as the night gently made way for a lively celebration.

Island Escapade – The Perfect Day After the Wedding

What a better way to end this fascinating Indian wedding in Cartagena than enjoying the Colombian Caribbean? Only 10 minutes away from Cartagena by boat, Tierra Bomba was an excellent choice for an after-wedding escapade to keep the #Sabickin fest going. Scrolling through these images, we can almost feel the white sand beneath our feet and the soft whisper of the waves hitting the shore. The Fenix Beach hotel welcomed Sabena & Rickin’s dearest ones and treated them to fine cocktails and a large array of delicacies from Colombian, Mexican and Peruvian cuisines.

In the midst of the Colombian Caribbean, this getaway felt like the perfect honeymoon, only better: surrounded by the people the newlyweds love the most. What en epic way to wrap up the festivities!

From historic buildings to breathtaking beaches, Cartagena’s irresistible charm left an indelible mark on our heart. We can’t wait for the next adventure that will take us to this fascinating destination!

Check out other Indian weddings photographed by our team here.

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