Nick & Priyanka’s Indian wedding extravaganza
Two cultures were united in riotous celebration at Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra’s three-day Indian extravaganza
WHAT do you get when a prince of the pop world marries a former beauty queen who’s also one of India’s most celebrated silver screen stars? A wedding dripping with colour, enchantment, flowers, finery and a fireworks display spectacular enough to be seen across an entire city, that’s what.
The three-day affair to celebrate the marriage of Nick Jonas (26) and Priyanka Chopra (36) had all the magic and magnificence of a Bollywood spectacle – yet it was more than just an Indian celebration.
The Hindu bride and Christian groom made sure their union honoured both religions, choosing to have two ceremonies in a long weekend of festivities that brought East and West together in fabulous fashion.
“It’s super-important to Priyanka to have an Indian ceremony that honours her heritage and culture, just as it’s important to have a Western ceremony that honours Nick’s Christian upbringing,” a source told US magazine People.
THE extravaganza took place in the bride’s homeland and the Quantico star marked the occasion with a sweet post to Nick on Instagram that read, “Welcome home, baby.” A whirlwind of events took place at the Chopra family home in Mumbai in the run-up to the weekend’s ceremonies, including a puja ceremony – a prayer ritual to spiritually celebrate their upcoming marriage – and a traditional American Thanksgiving dinner.
On the eve of the ceremonies, Priyanka – who took the Miss World crown in 2000 – and Nick made their way to Jodhpur and the majestic Umaid Bhawan Palace.
‘It was as if the sky and earth danced as one to celebrate this union’
The imposing 347-room building – home of the former royal family of Jodhpur – also played host to British actress Elizabeth Hurley’s wedding to businessman Arun Nayar in 2007.
“One of the most special things our relationship has given us is the merging of families who love and respect each other’s faiths and cultures,” the Levels singer wrote on Instagram, posting a picture of himself and Priyanka laughing joyously. “And so planning our wedding as an amalgamation of both was so, so amazing.”
First up was the sangeet, a lavish party where family members from both sides put together a musical show to honour the bride and groom.
“Millions of fairy lights and mirror installations lit up the Umaid Bhawan grounds to create an enchanted wonderland,” fashion duo Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla, who designed Priyanka’s elaborately embroidered silver and gold sari as well as Nick’s dark blue sherwani, said on their website.
“It was as if the sky and earth danced as one to celebrate this union.”
Nick and Joe Jonas (29), his brother and former Jonas Brothers’ bandmate, brought the house down with a special performance, while Joe’s fiancée, Game of Thrones star Sophie Turner (22), danced up a storm in a vibrant bright pink patterned ensemble. Priyanka and her mom, Madhu (60), also took to the sparkling stage to perform a dance.
“It all began as a fierce song and dance competition between the families but ended, as always, as a huge celebration of love,” Priyanka wrote on Instagram.
YET the celebrations had only just begun. Saturday dawned bright and hot in Jodhpur and first up was the Christian ceremony officiated by Nick’s pastor father, Paul Kevin Snr (53).
Priyanka and Nick exchanged their vows in the evening at the palace’s Baradari Garden.
The couple donned outfits by Priyanka’s friend Ralph Lauren – a big deal since the American designer has previously made wedding dresses only for family members.
Celebrations ended at 11pm as round two was set to begin early the next day.
Breakfast was served from 7am at Risala, the restaurant inside the palace,
then it was time for the traditional haldi-chooda ceremony, which involves the family applying turmeric paste to the bride and groom’s skin to ward off bad omens and evil spirits.
“The theme was pink, orange and purple for the guests and the décor was beautiful – with traditional genda phool [marigolds] all around,” the source said.
Next up was the baraat, a singing and dancing procession that saw Nick, resplendent in full Indian groom attire complete with turban and sword, riding a white horse draped in almost as much finery as he was.
The groom was welcomed by his new mother-in-law – Priyanka’s father, Ashok, died in 2013 aged 63.
And on Nick went to meet his wife, who wore an exquisite ensemble by Indian designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee for yet another procession around the palace – this time atop an elephant painted with colourful flower designs.
Finally at sunset the couple exchanged flower garlands under a 12m-high mandap – a pillared, open-air, altar-like structure with a fire at its centre.
Priyanka wept as she draped a coloured garland around her husband’s neck, according to reports.
“Priyanka looked breathtaking,” a source told E! Online, adding, “Nick did a beautiful job following the customs of a Hindu ceremony.”
Another evening of feasting followed, with music and festivities lasting until the wee hours – but that wasn’t the final stop of the couple’s epic wedding festival. On Monday morning they were snapped leaving Jodhpur for yet another reception in Delhi.
Oh to be rich and in love!