This Vibrant Wedding Weekend Blended Spanish and Indian Cultures at a Historic Venue in Northern Spain
Inés had no clue she'd soon be meeting the love of her life on a work assignment in Nairobi, a chance encounter that would shape her future. Nikul was living in Kenya then, and though their connection began professionally, it quickly evolved into something much deeper. “For four months, I traveled back and forth between Kenya and Switzerland,” Inés says. “And during that time, we realized how much we meant to each other.” That realization led to a bold decision: to embrace a long-distance relationship. Over the next three years, their love spanned across countries and continents, bringing unforgettable adventures and a bond that only grew stronger with time.
By the time Nikul proposed, the couple had already dreamed about their shared future. While visiting Paris, they browsed engagement rings together, with Inés pointing out a few favorites. That spark of inspiration turned into a collaboration with Nikul's uncle in India, who worked to design a custom ring that felt uniquely them. But Nikul couldn't wait any longer to pop the question. “He proposed with a placeholder ring in January just so we could start planning the wedding right away,” Inés says. When the custom ring was ready, Nikul whisked her away to a lakeside castle in Ticino, Switzerland, for a second proposal. “It was everything I had imagined and more—well worth the wait,” Inés says.
With two proposals now behind them, Inés and Nikul knew one thing for sure. Their wedding would celebrate the two things that mattered most: their love and the cultures that shaped them. “It was important to us to honor our backgrounds and create an unforgettable fusion of our worlds,” Inés says. That meant weaving together her Spanish heritage with Nikul’s Indian roots.
Their three-day celebration became a blend of ceremonies, colors and cuisines, thoughtfully crafted to reflect both families’ histories. Inés says, “We incorporated some of the most meaningful Indian ceremonies, including the haldi and mehendi, the sangeet and the main ceremony under a mandap.” The haldi and mehendi were both full of joyful yellows and oranges, while the official ceremony radiated with bold hues of reddish pink. In contrast, the Spanish celebration channeled a more rustic countryside feel, with fresh greens, natural textures and Mediterranean-inspired charm. “The whole weekend was designed to feel like both of us,” she adds.
To keep things intimate and easy for their guests, every event was held at the same venue, the La Farinera St Lluis in northern Spain. However, each ceremony would have its own look, energy and theme. The bride says, “Comfort was a priority for us, but we wanted each day to feel unique and memorable.” Flowers were more than just a detail. “For our haldi, we chose not to use turmeric, making flowers the star of the show,” says Ines. Bright yellow and orange flower garlands lined the walls, and guests were given buckets of petals to shower the couple with blessings in a vibrant tradition.
The Spanish celebration embraced a more natural, rustic elegance with long banquet tables adorned with eucalyptus garlands and candles, evoking the charm of the Mediterranean. For the Indian ceremony, the floral design became immersive. Though the original forest setting had to shift due to rain, the couple recreated the feeling of nature by wrapping the tent poles in greenery and stringing delicate lights from the ceiling. “We moved everything under a beautifully decorated tent, and it turned into the most magical, intimate experience,” Inés says.
Even their outfits during the wedding weekend told a chapter of their story. After months of exploring designers in Barcelona, Inés collaborated with boutique designer Anne-Sophie Villard in Geneva to bring her vision to life. “It was a true labor of love,” she says. The final result was a romantic and elegant gown with semi-long sleeves, delicate transparencies and an open back that mixed traditional and modern vibes.
For the Indian wedding attire, she spent a week in Dubai with her in-laws, where she immersed herself in vibrant fabrics and cultural details. At the mandap, she wore an orange lehenga with a red veil and "carefully selected" jewelry before she switched to a stylishly comfortable fit of trousers, a floral top and a dark blue fitted jacket for the evening party.
Nikul's wedding looks were tailored in Dubai to complement Inés’s ensembles. For the Indian ceremony, he wore his brother’s dupatta, a touching tribute since his brother couldn’t attend. Later, he also changed into a relaxed look for the reception.
The nearlyweds infused their wedding with deeply personal touches, making every guest feel seen and appreciated. “Personalization was at the heart of our wedding,” Inés says. For the Spanish ceremony, couples received custom candy jars carved with their initials, a sweet keepsake of the day. For the Indian celebration, they honored Nikul’s Kenyan roots by gifting every woman a handcrafted handbag from Kenya. “We also prepared welcome baskets with traditional Spanish snacks for all our guests who traveled,” she adds. “It was our way of saying thank you and sharing a little piece of our culture.”
One of Inés’ favorite memories? That would be how they brought authentic Indian traditions to Spain. She says, “From henna artists and turban fitters to expert saree drapers and dholki drummers, every detail brought Indian culture to life." A talented Indian chef even crafted a feast to match the atmosphere, serving dishes like Tandoori and Pani Puri alongside Spanish staples like Jamón and prawns. They even wrote personal notes on the back of each name card. “It was a labor of love, but so worth it,” Inés adds.
For Nikul, his favorite moment was seeing Inés in her white dress and again in her Indian lehenga, moments that symbolized her deep embrace of his culture. As for Inés, the highlight was the sangeet, calling it "absolutely magical." Family and friends from both sides prepared 12 incredible dances, bringing energy, creativity and so much joy. The bride adds, “Everyone went above and beyond with their choreography and enthusiasm. It was the perfect way to kick off the party—and a true celebration of love, culture and the amazing people in our lives.”
Their advice to other couples? Be sure to budget a buffer for unexpected expenses, and don’t be afraid to lean on your family and friends. For them, the support of loved ones, especially Inés’s family in Spain, made planning not just manageable but meaningful.