1. Real Weddings

Kelly & Shomit: An Interfaith Wedding in Napa, CA

Kelly Haut and Shomit James met as five-year-olds when they played on the same T-ball team. They grew up less than two miles apart, and by their junio

Kelly Haut and Shomit James met as five-year-olds when they played on the same T-ball team. They grew up less than two miles apart, and by their junior year, the two were sweet on each other. The Bride Kelly Haut, 28, marketing and business development manager The Groom Shomit James, 28, medical device consultant The Date October 20 The pair dated on and off throughout college, but after graduation, Kelly heard the devastating news that Shomit had contracted malaria on a trip to India and rushed to his side. Shomit, who had been given 24 hours to live, miraculously recovered, and shortly thereafter, Kelly moved to San Francisco to be with him. A few years later, Shomit surprised her with a proposal during a trip to Kauai. She happily accepted, and the pair planned a wedding that included three ceremonies -- Indian, Christian, and Jewish!

During their ceremony, Kelly and Shomit recited self-written vows and took part in a sand ceremony to represent the union of their families and their cultures. Because Kelly is also Jewish, her oldest brother offered a Jewish blessing and Shomit followed the Jewish tradition of stomping on the glass.
Shomit put a personal twist on the white horse tradition by having his four-year-old nephew ride on the horse with him.
Kelly and Shomit were married under a mandap (the traditional canopy that an Indian ceremony is performed under). The arch was decorated with strands of bright roses, hydrangeas, orchids, and tulips.
A lunch reception followed the Indian ceremony, and at that time, Kelly and Shomit prepared for their American ceremony set to take place at sunset. “The lush, natural setting and panoramic views of Napa vineyards and mountains provided the most romantic setting,” says Kelly.
An abundance of multicolored candles added soft, ambient lighting to Kelly and Shomit’s Indian ceremony.
During the ceremony, Kelly and Shomit sat at a table decorated with colorful flowers and a decorative bowl filled with holy water. Following Indian tradition, Kelly was sprinkled with holy water, which is believed to cleanse the bride from any previous sins and purify her in preparation for her new life.
Kelly accessorized her traditional burgundy-and-gold langa choli (traditional Indian dress) with gold and ruby bangles. She also wore mehendi designs on her hands and feet.
Following the ceremonies, a romantic reception unfolded in the Silverado ballroom. In lieu of a traditional cake, Kelly and Shomit had a cupcake display for dessert. On the stand’s top tier, there was a mini cake for the bride and groom to cut.
The bridesmaids carried smaller versions of Kelly’s bouquet which included a romantic mix of hydrangeas, parrot tulips, and garden roses in colors like soft ivory, pale green, and blush.