Love Beyond Boundaries: An Indian-Pakistani-Panamanian Fusion Wedding in Antigua, Guatemala
A Decade in the Making When Umbar and Yash first met as 18-year-old freshmen at the University of Florida, neither could have predicted the beautiful journey that lay ahead. Brought together by their shared passion for dance as members of GatoRaas, their relationship truly blossomed in 2015 when they became co-captains of the team. Though they gravitated toward each other naturally, their path to matrimony wasn’t without obstacles. Coming from different religious and cultural backgrounds—Indian, Pakistani, and Panamanian—meant navigating complex family dynamics that tested their resolve. While some family members embraced their relationship from the start, others needed time to come to terms with their union. After a decade of patience and perseverance, the couple finally received blessings from both families, allowing them to plan a celebration that honored their mutual love of dance, food, music, and joyful energy.
The long-awaited proposal came in August 2023, when Yash led Umbar to an intimate cave at the end of a dreamy hike. As sunlight streamed perfectly into the cave, illuminating the moment as if orchestrated by fate itself, he asked for her hand in marriage. Just weeks later, both families gathered for an intimate nikkah ceremony on the couple’s anniversary, marking the official beginning of their journey together.
A Four-Day Celebration in Colonial Antigua
After just eleven months of planning, Umbar and Yash’s dream fusion wedding unfolded across four spectacular days in Antigua, Guatemala. Day one, aptly named “Infinite Blessings,” took place on a mountainous hilltop overlooking the colonial city. The festivities began with Yash’s lively baraat, enhanced by the rhythmic flair of local Guatemalan drummers. As the sun painted the sky in amber hues, the couple completed their pheras surrounded by close family and friends all dressed in ivory, creating a scene of ethereal beauty against the backdrop of ancient volcanoes.
Day two brought “Party in Pana,” where the couple and 120 guests embarked on a journey to Lake Atitlán. Boarding what they affectionately called the “love boat” from Panajachel, they explored local villages, learned about indigenous coffee and chocolate making, and concluded with a lakeside dinner at sunset before returning to Antigua for the excitement ahead.
The third day, “Dancing in the Moonlight,” was the bride and groom’s favorite—a testament to the passion for dance that first brought them together. The historic amphitheater-style monument, La Ermita de Santa Cruz, transformed into a vibrant sangeet venue where 200+ guests danced under the stars. The night reached its crescendo with a surprise fireworks display choreographed to John Summit’s “Shiver,” before everyone boarded traditional chicken buses back to their hotels.
The grand finale, “Happy Ending,” began with “The Vows”—a civil ceremony at the historic Convento Capuchinas, where the couple exchanged heartfelt promises before a friend who officiated. Following cocktail hour, all guests paraded through Antigua’s cobblestone streets with drummers and saxophonists, drawing locals to join the celebration. The reception at La Casa de la Ruina Santa Rosa featured surprise dance performances, including ones the couple had secretly prepared for each other. Emotional speeches from the parents of the bride and groom reminded everyone of the ten-year journey that brought them to this moment. The night continued with an “Hora Loca” filled with props and even appearances from Bad Bunny and Lionel Messi (in bobblehead form!). After a golden sparkler exit, the after-party continued until 4 a.m. at Antigua Brewing Co.
Not quite ready to end their Guatemalan adventure, Umbar and Yash capped their celebration by conquering Volcán Acatenango, a fitting summit to their decade-long climb to matrimony—proving that the most beautiful views come after the hardest climbs.
