Love is a beautiful thing, and when it comes to love across cultures, it can be even more beautiful. The story of an Indian woman and her Kiwi husband getting married in their traditional culture is heartwarming and a testament to the power of love without sacrificing one's identity or beliefs.

After getting married in a western ceremony in NZ, Indian Aditi Raj Birole and her Kiwi husband Ty Bruce Lee Lindquist have recently got married in a traditional Indian ceremony.

Born and raised in Madhya Pradesh, India, Aditi finished her Master's in Clinical Research and followed it up with an MBA in Clinical Research Management in India before moving to New Zealand to pursue Post Graduate Diploma in Business Enterprise at SIT, Invercargill.

An outgoing person, Birole met Lindquist at a party in the university where he was studying Automotive engineering.

When Birole first arrived in NZ, she encountered difficulties getting used to the new country, its culture, food, and language. Lindquist helped her adjust to the new life and as they got to know each another better, they began to explore different aspects of their own cultures and developed a liking for each other.

After a courtship of six years, the couple decided to tie the knot on 18 November 2021, in a western-styled ceremony with a plan to visit India soon and follow it up with a traditional Indian wedding.

Birole shares, "We chose to celebrate our union with two ceremonies because we have tremendous love for our respective cultures and respect our customs. In our minds, having just a single ceremony would not have been enough."

Recalling the first ceremony, Birole says, "It was a beautiful ceremony with about 25 guests that included his family and our close friends. My family in India connected virtually. I remember it was 7am in India and they were all glued to the webcam wearing fancy Indian outfits and smiling broadly. It was a happy and unforgettable moment for me."

The couple exchanged the rings and signed the marriage certificate before a marriage celebrant.

Exactly one year after the ceremony, on 18 November 2022, the couple tied the knot again in India with Birole's family and friends near the holy river Narmada at Hoshangabad, Madhya Pradesh.

It was a typical Indian wedding following all the Hindu rituals, with Lindquist coming on a white decorated horse with the baraat.

"It was amazing to see him follow all our traditions. We exchanged lotus varmalas, then did the seven pheras and got the family's blessing. We also had lots of fun with elaborate Haldi, Mehendi, Mata Poojan and Sangeet ceremonies. My parents were incredibly happy."

Were there any doubts about the relationship due to their different cultures and backgrounds?

"Initially, we had doubts, but then we embraced our differences and tried to understand and learn from each other. He was amazing from the beginning. He helped me get a job and prepare for it. He took me sightseeing. We also cooked a lot together. Over the years, we have worked hard to understand each other's perspectives. We both are strong, compassionate individuals, and in many ways, we complement each other. We really value our companionship and the foundation of it is our mutual respect for each other's culture."

Birole says, "Our cultures have enriched us. We have learned so many things about living by just observing each other. My husband has become a big fan of Indian culture and its traditions. Also, a big shoutout to my in-laws, who have been extremely supportive. Whenever I needed any help or advice, they were always there.

"Currently, we are in India and enjoying our stay. Ty's family joins us occasionally via social media, and we share our pictures and videos with them regularly."

Lindquist says, "I always had an open mind and after meeting such a beautiful woman, love overcame the cultural boundaries. It has been a fascinating journey observing and partaking  the Indian traditions. I have gained so many new experiences.

"I am having a great time in India. Aditi's parents have been spoiling and pampering me. They are such lovely and warm people," Lindquist shares.

Birole runs a marketing company and has worked as a Radio Jockey in India with Radio Mirchi and then with Southland Radio in Invercargill. Lindquist is an Automotive engineer besides being a qualified Chef.

The couple has been exploring India and also looking for business opportunities.

"We are really excited about our future together," Birole concludes.