A tale of two worlds: The wedding of Sreejita De and Michael Blohm-Pape

When love transcends borders and blends traditions, the outcome is a celebration that remains etched in memories. Such was the wedding of actor Sreejita De and Michael Blohm-Pape, a union that blended their respective Indian and German cultures into an unforgettable celebration.

The start of a beautiful story

De, hailing from the town of Haldia in West Bengal, moved to Mumbai to pursue her education. Blohm-Pape, a German native from Hamburg, arrived in India in 2018 for a brief stint of work, intending to stay only two years. Fate, however, had other plans.

Their paths crossed at Mumbai's Woodside Inn, a cosy, bustling spot where chance encounters often turn into lifelong memories. Amid the crowd, Blohm-Pape spotted De, a "cute and good-looking girl", as he recalls. Though they exchanged glances, it wasn’t until both found themselves at the bar that they struck up a conversation.

Numbers were exchanged, and what began as a mutual curiosity blossomed into a connection deeper than either had anticipated. Their relationship wasn’t marked by the clichéd "love at first sight". Instead, it grew through shared laughter and meaningful conversation. Both were drawn to each other’s personalities, finding joy in moments that were anything but mundane.

Sreejita’s candidness led her to express her feelings first. At True Tramm Trunk, amidst a lively dance floor, she scribbled her emotions on a tissue paper: “I think I’ve fallen for you.” For Michael, whose English wasn’t perfect, it was a moment of delightful confusion that soon turned into clarity. Their bond deepened, setting the stage for a future together.

The Proposal: From Mumbai to Paris

While Sreejita took the first step in expressing her feelings, Blohm-Pape orchestrated the ultimate romantic gesture—a proposal in Paris. In December 2021, en route to Germany to celebrate Christmas with his family, the couple made a stop in the City of Love. Though the Eiffel Tower seemed an obvious choice, its crowded surroundings led them to a serene park nearby. On a quaint wooden bridge, under the glittering lights of a Parisian evening, Michael proposed. Spoiler alert: she said yes!

The Wedding: A celebration of two cultures

Their wedding was a symphony of Indian and German traditions, split into three distinct events. The journey began with a simple court marriage on June 30, 2023, a quiet and formal affirmation of their commitment to each other. The next day witnessed the couple celebrate their union with a traditional German-style white wedding at a picturesque old monastery in Germany. The venue, with its blend of open spaces and historical charm, reflected their shared dream of an elegant affair. For the big day, Sreejita stunned in an off-white strapless gown featuring a sweetheart neckline, intricate thread detailing, and a flowing train. Her floor-sweeping white veil was elegantly secured with floral headgear, and her diamond necklace and minimalist earrings added a touch of timeless sophistication. Her hair, styled in a bun with a few loose strands framing her face, completed her radiant look.

Blohm-Pape complemented her beautifully, donning a classic black suit paired with a crisp white shirt and a matching pocket square. His ensemble was accentuated by a maroon bow-tie and a floral brooch, which added a hint of flair to his sharp appearance.

The Indian/Bengali extravaganza

The festivities moved to Goa, India on November 9 and 10, 2024, with a grand Indian wedding that showcased the vibrant traditions of Bengal. The Mehendi ceremony on the 9th set the tone, with De wearing a gold sequin top with a colour-blocked drape skirt by Pooja Rajpal Jaggi paired with a biker-style jacket. The groom, on the other hand, dressed in an ivory Indo-western suit and multicoloured designer jacket by kalpraag. The evening’s Bollywood-themed Sangeet saw the couple make a dazzling red-carpet entrance.

The Haldi ceremony the next morning was a sunflower-themed affair, with the couple dressed in pristine white (the bride wearing Gherghoomar). Later, the sun-downer wedding at Stone Waters Eco Resort—a place close to their hearts—was a vision of serenity.

The white mandap adorned with delicate flowers provided the perfect backdrop for their vows. Sreejita wore a graceful white sari by Jareira Banaras, while Blohm-Pape embraced Bengali tradition with a regal topor and dhoti, arriving on a Royal Enfield as his ‘vahan’.

The perfect venue

The choice of Stone Waters Eco Resort in Goa was deeply personal for the couple. This serene property, nestled on a hill surrounded by lush forests and overlooking a sparkling water body, held special significance for Sreejita and Michael. During the COVID-19 lockdown, the couple found themselves stranded in Goa while on a trip. They spent nearly nine months at this idyllic location, forging countless memories together.

For Sreejita, the resort was also professionally meaningful, as she had worked on a project at the venue. The owner of the resort, who had grown fond of the couple, even suggested they tie the knot there. The stunning natural beauty and emotional resonance of the place made it an obvious choice for their Indian wedding. Its tranquil setting and close connection to their story created the perfect backdrop for their celebrations.

The celebrations concluded with an intimate reception dinner where guests unwound amidst warm lights and a Bali-inspired ambiance, cherishing moments over drinks and conversations.

A marriage of two cultures

Sreejita and Michael’s wedding wasn’t just a union of two people but a harmonious blend of two worlds. From the German church wedding to the opulent Indian ceremonies, every detail honoured their distinct backgrounds while celebrating their shared love.

While some guests playfully complained about the numerous themes and costume changes, the couple’s vision created memories that would last a lifetime. Their wedding was a testament to the beauty of embracing differences and finding joy in togetherness—a true tale of love crossing borders.

All images: Plush Affairs

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