Inside the first-ever Indian wedding at Madeira's iconic Belmond Reid's Palace overlooking the Atlantic ocean

When Dr Kavita Ravi-Shankar and Mr Sriraaman Sriskandakumar chose Belmond Reid's Palace in Madeira for their wedding, they knew they were creating something special. Perched high above the Atlantic Ocean, the historic Portuguese hotel became the setting for the first-ever Indian wedding hosted at the property. They brought together their Indian and Sri Lankan roots at one of Europe's most iconic hotels, and the wedding was every bit magical!

Born and raised in London, Ravi-Shankar, a dental surgeon, and Sriskandakumar, who works in blockchain-based asset management, wanted their wedding to feel like an extension of who they are. Every celebration reflected their cultures while embracing Madeira's dramatic landscapes.

Their love story officially began at a friend's birthday party in London in February 2024, although fate had introduced them much earlier. A decade before, they attended neighbouring universities, where Sriskandakumar often watched Ravi-Shankar perform at university shows. He admired her from afar but never gathered the courage to introduce himself.

Years later, that chance reunion finally gave him the opportunity. After their first conversation, he was convinced he had met the woman he wanted to spend his life with. Just eight months later, he proposed during a romantic evening in Florence.

The proposal was set on a private terrace overlooking the Tuscan hills, designed as an elegant black tie evening inspired by a night at the opera. With the Florence Duomo glowing in the distance, Sriskandakumar asked Ravi-Shankar to marry him before the two celebrated with a dinner in the hotel's Italian library.

Their wedding festivities began on November 9 with a lively jungle-themed sangeet that celebrated both Indian traditions and Madeira's subtropical charm. Indian textiles, locally sourced fruits, and seasonal flowers transformed the venue, while thoughtful details, including orange peels brought from London for signature cocktails, added a personal touch. More than 20 varieties of locally sourced flowers and plants were used throughout the celebrations.

The Hindu wedding ceremony took place the following day on the hotel's rooftop terrace overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. A floral mandap framed the ocean view, creating a breathtaking backdrop as the couple exchanged vows. Traditional sitar and tabla musicians flown in from London played at the ceremony.

As the sun began to set, guests gathered in the palm gardens for cocktail hour, where drinks, live saxophone performances, and the island's golden light created a relaxed atmosphere before the celebrations moved indoors.

The evening concluded with a black tie reception in the Grand Ballroom, where sparkling chandeliers and domed ceilings offered the perfect setting for dinner and dancing. A DJ and dhol brought guests together on the dance floor, blending Indian music with the elegance of a European ballroom.

For Ravi-Shankar and Sriskandakumar, their wedding was also an opportunity to honour their heritage while introducing Indian wedding traditions to one of Portugal's most historic hotels. In doing so, they not only created lasting memories, but also became part of Belmond Reid's Palace's history.

All images: Miguel Ponte

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