The Ancient Spanish Monastery provided a spectacular backdrop for this beautiful inter-faith / inter-cultural wedding. The couple exchanged vows in the lush, perfectly landscaped gardens, surrounded by 20 acres of rare palms, Spanish Oaks, Cycads, Banyans, and flowering trees, with the monastery’s 12th century Romanesque and Gothic buildings as a backdrop.
The Ancient Spanish Monastery in North Miami is an extraordinary location with a fascinating past. Originally the Monastery of St Bernard de Clairvaux, it was built in the year 1133 AD, near Segovia, in Northern Spain. In 1925, William Randolph Hearst bought the Cloisters and outbuildings, dismantled everything stone by stone, packaged it all in carefully numbered crates, and shipped it to the USA. After remaining in storage for 26 years, the Monastery was bought by two entrepreneurs and put back together on its current site. In 1953, Time Magazine called it “the biggest jigsaw puzzle in history!”
The ceremony included both a Hindu and Jewish officiant, and the couple were resplendent in handcrafted, traditional Indian outfits with a color palette of red and gold, symbolizing luck and wealth. The wedding was a celebration of color, with the floral decor featuring bright purple, red and flame orange blooms contrasted with dark green foliage, colors that were reflected in the sumptuous traditional Indian outfits worn by many of the attendees. The couple exchanged flower garlands with their vows and took seven steps around a holy fire for Saptapadi,
Traditional Indian cuisine is one of our specialties, and we receive many requests for our authentic Indian fare, prepared under the supervision of Anthony Doss Ramesh, our in-house chef who hails from India.
The menu was tailored to reflect the merging of two cultures in a celebration that was warm, hearty and lots of fun. Cocktail hour featured an Indian Chaat Station with Aloo Tikki Chaat, Dahi Vada, Samoosas, and an array of sauces and authentic chutneys. There was also a Mediterranean Station with cheeses, Gazpacho, Caprese, Traditional Bruschetta, Stuffed Grape leaves and an assortment of artisanal breads.
With a majority of guests being vegetarian, the two main entrees were vegetarian or fish, with poultry as a third option. Dinner was served family style under the cloisters, and the dessert display was also a fusion of Indian and European, with Gulab Jamun and Kulfi Trio alongside macarons, mint chocolate cups and deconstructed key lime shot glasses.
Scroll these beautiful photos taken by Evan Rich.
Photography: EVAN RICH PHOTOGRAPHY
Venue: The Ancient Spanish Monastery | Catering: Thierry Isambert Culinary and Event Design | Event Coordinator: Royal Crowds Events | Officiant: Len Blum | Rentals: Event Outfitters | Linens: Over The Top | Flowers: Aventura Florist | DJ & Lighting: A Productions Inc | Stage & Furniture: Imperial Party Rentals | Live Music: String Trio