A Fusion Indian Western Wedding at The Evenlode in Oxfordshire

Rachel and Dushyant’s wedding was a beautiful celebration of love, culture, and family that blended Indian and Western traditions in the most thoughtful way. Travelling from California, they chose the Evenlode Hotel in Eynsham for their Oxfordshire wedding. It was a perfect spot to host their two-day celebration, surrounded by countryside views and the people closest to them.

With just 40 guests, made up of close family and dear friends who had travelled from both the USA and India, the entire weekend felt personal and intentionally intimate. The newly added marquee tent at The Evenlode created a relaxed, garden atmosphere that perfectly matched their vision.

The Evenlode’s newly unveiled tipi tent was a dreamy setting for the festivities, giving the weekend a relaxed, home garden feel that the couple envisioned from the very beginning. With most of their guests staying on site in the hotel rooms, it felt like one big, joyful house party with a global guest list.

Day One: A Western Ceremony with English Charm

The first day featured a Western ceremony that was deeply personal and joyfully unconventional. The couple tied the knot in a hand fasting ritual- a symbolic gesture of unity that felt just right. After the ceremony, guests enjoyed a laid back drinks reception while children played on the swings and the rustic tractor.  The atmosphere was casual, loving, and full of laughter.

Mehendi Magic: Henna, Dancing, and Heartfelt Performances

As the sun dipped lower, the scene shifted to the Mehendi celebration, a vibrant and colorful tradition in Indian weddings. Rachel’s hands and feet were transformed into intricate works of art by the talented Hemmy of Hemmys Beauty. Mehendi parties are a cherished pre-wedding ritual in Indian culture, a time for singing, dancing, and connection as henna is applied to the bride surrounded by loved ones.

What made this Mehendi especially memorable was a surprise dance performance by Rachel’s American family, who had secretly been rehearsing in the lead up to the wedding. It was such a joyful moment, and the energy only built from there as both families joined the dance floor, led by the bride and groom.

Dinner was catered by Tikka and Tadka, who served up generous, flavourful Indian dishes that brought the evening to life.

Day Two: A Beautifully Interwoven Indian Ceremony

The next morning, Rachel rose early to prepare for the Indian ceremony. Draped in a vibrant red sari and surrounded by family as she was adorned in bangles. There was a sense of calm and anticipation as the day began.

The ceremony was conducted by the warm and wise Pandit Shyam Das, whose gentle presence and thoughtful translations made the event deeply inclusive. Every ritual, every sacred vow was translated into English, allowing all guests to understand and connect with the meaning behind each part of the ceremony. It was, without a doubt, one of the most moving Indian wedding ceremonies I’ve had the honour to witness.

A Celebration of Cultures, Connection, and Dance

This was a wedding that didn’t rely on scale or spectacle. Instead, it was defined by the people, the meaning behind each moment, and the time everyone had to enjoy being together. Every detail—from the tipi tent and tractor to the hand fasting and Mehendi—felt intentional and reflective of the couple’s story.

Vendors

• Venue: The Evenlode
• Hair & Makeup: Anna Jones Bridal
• Henna Artist and sari draping: Hemmys Beauty | Instagram
• Catering (Mehendi night): Tikka & Tadka
• Flowers: Flowers by Kris
• Indian Ceremony Officiant: Pandit Shyam Das
• Dress Alterations: Lily Shin

Planning a fusion wedding? I’d love to hear from you. Get in touch to chat about your plans, your story, and all things wedding photography.