A Peshwai wedding that brought two cultures together for NZ couple

In the lush setting of Palmwoods Retreat, Pune, love and tradition connected as Shruti and Guy Alexander celebrated their union in a spectacular Maharashtrian wedding. Guests from near and far gathered to witness a Peshwai-themed ceremony that blended Shruti’s Indian heritage with Guy’s UK upbringing, creating a celebration of family, culture, and togetherness.

New Zealand based Shruti and Guy Alexander tied the knot earlier this month, in a grand Peshwai-themed ceremony that reflected the cultural roots of the bride while also warmly embracing the groom’s background. 

Calling it “an honour and a privilege” to take part in a Peshwai-style Marathi wedding, Guy shared why the couple chose a traditional Hindu ceremony.

“I have two main reasons for why we chose this style of wedding ceremony,” Guy explained.

“The first: Shruti and I have a cross-cultural relationship, and we want to make the cultural background of both of us important in that relationship,” he added.

“Participating in a traditional Hindu wedding is one way we can recognise both of our cultural backgrounds.”

“Second, the wedding was just a lot of fun. This multi-day affair created really significant memories.”

The wedding saw 17 members of Guy’s family travel from the United Kingdom to be part of the festivities, many experiencing an Indian wedding for the very first time.

Dressed in a traditional Nauvari saree, Shruti looked every bit a Marathi bride, while Guy embraced the occasion in a Peshwai suit, a first for him and a highlight of the wedding photographs.

“Guy has participated in several hindu festivals before, but this was the first time he tried a Pehswai suit,” said Shekhar Babanrao Teke, Shruti’s father, speaking to The Indian Weekender.

For Shruti, the wedding was deeply personal,  a reflection of values she has carried with her even after moving overseas.

“I have been brought up learning about the Hindu tradition and even after moving to New Zealand my parents have taught me to not forget my roots,” shared Shruti, who runs a rescue and fostering centre for animals in New Zealand.

“It’s a very important part of my identity. Of who I am,” she added.

The choice of Pune as the wedding location held special emotional significance.

“The most important reason I decided to get married in Pune was my late grandmother, her wish was for me to marry close to home,” Shruti said.

The couple’s story began during the COVID-19 period, when they met at a youth camp in New Zealand, Shruti’s family told The Indian Weekender.

“Guy has a PhD in Anthropology and wants to understand Indian culture more, which is why the couple decided to have a traditional wedding,” said Vidya Teke, Shruti’s mother.

Planning a traditional Indian wedding that brought together two very different cultures came with its own learning curve, and many joyful moments.

“The groom’s family did not know much about Indian weddings and culture,” the family shared.

“In 2024, Guy’s family visited India to learn more. They came, witnessed, and participated, and we found them to be very kind and good-hearted people,” the family added.

That visit became a turning point, laying the foundation for a wedding that blended tradition with warmth and mutual respect.

“The wedding was also a chance for me to learn more about Shruti’s cultural background,” Guy shared.

The rituals and preparations emerged as one of the most cherished aspects of the celebration. Some long-standing Maharashtrian traditions needed explanation, including the playful Kaan Pili, where the bride’s brother twists the groom’s ear, and Joota Chupai, which the family said was “too much fun”, with the groom’s brothers taking it very seriously. 

To help the groom’s family follow along, the priest explained each ritual in detail, and the family also took time to learn about Indian customs.

“I must give a huge thank you to our Pandit, who very helpfully explained all of the rituals to us in English,” Guy shared.

Another moment that stood out was the traditional wearing of turbans, a gesture that Shruti’s father said was especially appreciated by the groom’s family and added to the sense of togetherness.

“Having everyone together in Pune, participating in these ceremonies, which are essentially ice-breaking activities, really forged bonds and brought us together in a unique way,” Guy told The Indian Weekender.

The newly married couple are now in Joshimath, Uttarakhand, celebrating the beginning of their new chapter with a honeymoon surrounded by the mountains, carrying with them not just memories, but a shared cultural story built together.