MICE Conclave Showcases Refreshing Use of Vintage Cars at Destination Weddings

KOCHI:
Vintage cars are making waves in Kerala’s destination wedding sector, with the bride and groom arriving on quaint-old vehicles for photo-shoots that have become indispensable at intimate ceremonies.

Not surprisingly, an array of vintage cars have gained major attraction at the first Wedding and MICE Conclave organized in the city by the Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) Society in collaboration with the state’s Tourism Department.

For instance, a 1930-model Beauford that is on display at the stall of Kerala Tourism at the August 14-16 event. It’s a vintage car among those typically found in big hotels and luxury resorts, which have become the preferred venues for destination weddings in the state.

The trend of destination weddings has jacked up the demand for vintage cars. Their expo at Le Meridien, which is hosting the conclave, is a testament to this phenomenon.

Vintage cars to transport the bride and groom has been a centuries-old tradition in the west, particularly England. Today, with destination weddings gaining popularity in Kerala, the state has begun copying this ritual gracefully. Cars of veteran, Edwardian, vintage and classic models are now stars on the wedding scene in Kerala. In addition, there are old classic jeeps and scooters.

Adding to the exotica is the natural beauty of the state that makes Kerala an increasingly preferred destination for such weddings, according to KTM Society President Jose Pradeep. “There is a touch of nostalgia and tradition in the custom,” he notes, hailing the presence of vintage vehicles at the wedding ceremony.

A vintage car at the expo is from Kohinoor Garage in Changanassery in south-central Kerala. The Garage’s collection includes a 1924 model Austin Chummy, a 1929 Dodge (Mysore Royal Family), a Ford Model T, a Morris Moke, Impala, a Dodge, a World War II Dodge and a Willys MB. Most of these cars are otherwise stationed at certain destination-wedding venues held in various places in the state.

Nimesh Siyad of Kohinoor Garage said the demand for cars has increased with the recent rise in destination weddings. “My father, Ziyad Kohinoor, has been buying and collecting classic cars for 40 years. It started as a hobby, but has now become a source of income through destination weddings,” he added.