GULMARG: Wedding bells rang at the oldest church in
Tim Robertson and Kate Hamilton got married at St Mary’s church – Kashmir’s oldest Protestant Church – on Thursday.
Engaged for a year and fond of snowboarding, it took the couple six months to plan the wedding in Gulmarg. “That day (last year), we were snowboarding back home and we decided to get married. But then Kate wanted a white wedding and in the mountains,” said Tim, according to The Indian Express.
A friend of Kate’s who organises skiing trips to Kashmir was roped in and a year later, their wish was fulfilled.
Rev. Vinu Kaul (Associated Priest), one of the priests told The Indian Express that it was an “emotional” ceremony for him.
“This church is like 100 years old and our sentiments are associated with this church. So when I came to know that a marriage is going to be held in Gulmarg, I was very happy,” he said. “It was the first such ceremony since 1990.”
At the church, were mostly fellow skiers and for many at the ski resort, it was a different event to attend. “Everyone was so excited. When I found out that a wedding is happening here, we started preparations immediately. By afternoon, the couple came and the ceremony was held,” says Mohammed Yousuf, caretaker of the Church. “It was a new thing for me. In my 15 years here, I only witness people visiting the church during Christmas.”
Khaver Jeelani, Managing Director of Hotel Highlands Park Gulmarg, organized the function.
“When I received the news six months ago that they want to marry in Gulmarg, for a moment I thought it might not be possible. But, it went very well and I am happy. It will send positive news outside and a message that Kashmir is always safe for tourists,” he said.