The big fat ‘social distanced' drive-in Indian wedding

More than two hundred guests attended the drive-in wedding of Roma Popat and her husband Vinal Patel.

No more than 15 people are permitted to attend a wedding celebration according to official guidelines. Guests were told to stay in their cars at Braxted Park, South of Colchester, and watch the ceremony on the big screen. Hampers containing snacks, anti-bacterial hand gel and bin liners for rubbish were then handed out to guests, with food served by waiters.

I-Imaani Photography posted, “What an epic event! Even during the pandemic, Roma and Vinal were able to pull off a 'drive in' cinema style wedding with all of their close family and friends, whilst maintaining all of the social distancing rules.

"It was lovely for us to be a part of the small intimate wedding that took place inside the Orangery at Braxted Park, while everyone else enjoyed the ceremony on the big screen in the open air whilst ordering hot pizzas and chips via Segways :).”

All pictures: I-Maani photography (www.i-maani.com)

The website adds, “Our journey with Vinal and Roma has been an interesting one and unlike any other we have experienced with our wonderful couples. Little did we know, when we did their prewed shoot at the end of February this year, where we captured a fun photograph of them wearing face masks as a joke before they became compulsory.

It turns out, the joke was on us, as we would be capturing their wedding ceremony wearing face masks ourselves!”

Despite the poor weather the team said the couple remained positive through the highs and lows of rescheduling their wedding.

All pictures: I-Maani photography (www.i-maani.com)

After the ceremony the couple drove through the centre of the parked cars waving at everybody while being cheered on and congratulated by a barrage of car horns and flashing lights.

Roma posted, “Heya guys! Vin and I wanted to say a massive massive massive thank you to you both but don’t even know where to begin! The whole vibe you guys bring is just amazing and it felt like you were there as our friends rather than suppliers.

“Thanks for creating such an amazing day for us at the civil, everyone was saying how much fun they had and part of that was the mock up ceremony and how comfortable everyone was with you all! And as for the wedding, it really was an unforgettable experience. Thank you for all the effort you put in, thank you for soldiering it in the rain and just for being so awesome the whole day.

“We felt so happy, loved and blessed the whole day with both our guests and our suppliers! We hope you guys managed to get some rest this weekend too!

"Sending lots of love from Mr & Mrs Patel”