A Destination Wedding in Amritsar
Aug 1, 2011 Destination Weddings
Dubai-based Sawlanis (bride) and London-based Ahluwalias chose a little offbeat place for their destination wedding—Amritsar. They chose the city because of the Golden Temple, and the venue was the city’s only 5-star hotel Ista Hotel.
300 guests attended the wedding, and were treated to a magical experience. Rimjhim Bhagchandani, the Dubai-based ace Wedding Planner who managed the three-day affair tells us why the wedding was very special. “I too got an opportunity to visit the Golden Temple at 4.00 am for the Palki ceremony—and it was a heavenly experience. Also, over the planning stages I grew very fond of the bride and her sister, Rinku. It was such a fun experience working with them and I have such wonderful memories of the families and Amritsar. And I sincerely hope more couples consider Amritsar as a destination wedding location.”
Moroccan theme – Bedazzled and Bejewelled
The theme for the first main function, the engagement was ‘Bedazzled and Bejeweled’. It was held at Forest Farm House and the catering was handled by The Four Seasons in Chandigarh. For the entertainment, fire dancers performed in synchronization with Dhol players. The bar tending team was flown in from Delhi.
Folk theme – Lets do Balle Balle
Since the wedding was in Amritsar, they wanted the guests to experience the amazing food which Amritsar is famous for and the Punjabi Dhaaba experience. The Mehendi function on Day 2 had a typical Punjabi village theme featuring food stalls from the famous dhaabas of Amritsar, and Bhangra dancers from Ludhiana.
The decor was very colorful featuring a lot of charpais and straw huts, not to forget the well and the typical Basanti kaa Tanga from Sholay. The ladies were busy getting mehendi and parandis done, while the men were busy at the Theka (traditional village style bar) and the kids at the game stalls and the giant wheel! One of the highlights was the photo corners, as guests could pose for pictures on a hay stack or a typical village truck.
The couple entered the function on a red tractor decorated with marigold flowers to the tune of Yamla Pagla Deewana. The wedding was a Sikh ceremony- Anand Karaj, held at the Gurudwara followed by Langar Prasad.
Victorian theme – A new beginning
The bride was looking for an elegant Victorian feel for the reception which was held in the tented garden of the Ista hotel. The colors for the decor were soft pink and ivory with a lot of roses and drapes for the right ambience.
The couple entered with a live saxophonist and Jannat, the fusion world music band from Delhi added the musical charm to the evening.
Event Designer: Rimjhim Events from Dubai worked very closely with the Ista Hotel management and local coordinaters Monish Mehra and Jatin Mehra.
Photographs: Madhavi from Tasveer Digital Color Lab
Sound & light: DJ Gaurav from Insanity the DJs
Hair & Make up: Jaywant Thakre
Tags: Amritsar, Destination wedding, Ista Hotel, Rimjhim Bhagchandani, wedding
Steel King hosts Big Fat Wedding in Istanbul
May 4, 2011 Celeb Weddings to Watch out for, Destination Weddings
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| Vartika and Utsav |
Lakshmi Mittal’s niece Vartika, is tying the knot in Istanbul on 5th May. And the buzz in Turkey is that the Steel King’s niece’s wedding is much grander than UK’s Royal Wedding. ‘Wedding fit for a King, niece of the six wealthiest man in the world to wed at Ciragan Palace’ reports a newspaper in Istanbul. Vartika, daughter of Lakshmi Mittal’s brother Pramod Mittal got engaged to Utsav Goenka, in October last year, at one of London’s hottest new exciting venues—The Boiler House in the Battersea Power Station.
Over five hundred guests from around the world have flown in to Turkey for the three-day festivities and three hundred rooms have been booked at Istanbul’s most exclusive hotel Ciragan Palace Kempinski (reports state the Mittals have paid over two and a half million Euros just for the rooms). The festivities commenced with a welcome dinner at the Sait Halim Pasa, a charming mansion. The pre wedding ceremonies– the Bhaat, Mudda Tikka and Mehendi were at the Ciragan Palace Ballroom after which guests were ferried on boats to the Sangeet venue– Suada, the private island. The main wedding function and post wedding cocktails are at the Ciragan Palace Gardens. The Wedding Planners are Meptur Luxury, Turkey’s leading destination management company and Cineyug, the entertainment services company run by the Morani brothers.
Istanbul has become one of the most preferred international wedding destinations for billionaires. The destination offers anonymity and all lavish western comforts; it’s a shopper’s paradise, a gourmet’s delight and a centre of culture with ancient Ottoman palaces, treasury of miniature art and architectural marvels.
Ciragan Palace Kempinski
Tags: Cineyug, Ciragan Palace, Daughter, Destination wedding, Indian wedding, Istanbul, Lakshmi Mittal, Meptur, Moranis, Niece, Pramod Mittal, Sait Halim Pasa, Suada, Utsav Goenka, Vartika Mittal, Venues, wedding, Wedding Planners
Band Baaja Baraat in Monte Carlo
Mar 23, 2011 Destination Weddings
Finally, it was the images of the decked-up elephant, and the groom on a white horse which excited Monaco and the world media most. Even before the wedding, the celebration was in-the-news, Indian newspapers talked about Kajal Fabiani and Gaurav Assomull’s exotic wedding destination, Monaco’s media referred to it as Biggest Destination Wedding in their principality, and members of the Sindhi community exchanged notes on the fairy-tale extravagaza which Billionnaire Kamal Fabiani was organising for his daughter. The four-day celebration ended on March 21st with a finale by singing sensation Akon. Here are some pictures of the Big Fat Marriage, managed by Aditya Motwane and Nemish Sanghvi of Percept D’Mark and Frank Damgaard, head of Monte-Carlo Weddings.
Gaurav Assomull on a white horse on his way to the wedding ceremony at the Opera of Monaco
‘Baby’, a 21 year old female elephant walks in front of the Monte Carlo Casino as part of the festivities
Gaurav and Kajal, in an ensemble by JJ Valaya, with her father
The decor and the venues for the Mehendi and the Shaadi
Tags: Aditya Motwane, Akon, Destination wedding, Exotic, Frank Damgaard, Gaurav Assomull, Kajal Fabiani, Kamal Fabiani, Monaco, Monte Carlo, Monte Carlo Weddings, Percept, Photographs, Pictures
Akon to perform at Big Fat Destination Wedding in Monte Carlo
Mar 16, 2011 Celeb Weddings to Watch out for, Destination Weddings
“The largest destination wedding Monaco has ever seen” states the official communication from the Monaco Tourism Board. The wedding functions of Mumbai socialites Kajal Fabiani and Gaurav Assomull, both scions of Sindhi business magnates take place between March 18th and 21st in Monte Carlo. Who isn’t interested in getting a share of the Big Fat Sindhi Wedding and venues/ organisers in Monte Carlo are excited that a traditional shaadi complete with horses and elephants is taking place there, with 600 high profile guests from the community that spends the highest amounts on Destination Weddings.
The highlights of the four day celebrations include:
- Youngsters Party at Monte Carlo’s Indian theme lounge/ bar The Buddah Bar.
- Welcome party at the Grimaldi Forum
- The Mehendi at Hotel Hermitage
- The Sangeet at Salle Empire of the Hotel de Paris
- The traditional Sindhi Wedding on the stage of the Salle Garnier of the Opera de Monte-Carlo; the venue which has seen numerous ballets and world-class productions is playing host to a traditional Indian wedding for the first time.
- Post-wedding cocktail at the Atrium of the Casino after which guests will be ferried to Salle des Etoiles for a laser/acquatic show and the evenings big act—a performance by singing sensation Akon.
According to a spokesperson of Monaco Tourism Board, the bride and groom were initially considering Beirut and Rome, and eventually zeroed in on Monaco for its perfect blend of luxury and elegance. The Wedding is being managed by two event companies– Mumbai’s Percept D’Mark (PDM) and Monte Carlo Weddings. Kajal is the daughter of Kamal Fabiani, the President of Americorp Group. Gaurav’s parents Sangeeta and Madan Assomull run The Marigold Group.
Tags: Akon, Destination wedding, Gaurav Assomull, Kajal Fabiani, Kamal Fabiani, Madan Assomull, Monaco, Monaco Tourism Board, Monte Carlo Weddings, Percept D'Mark, Sangeet, Sangeeta Assomull, Sindhi, Venues
Fabianis pre-wedding party at The Taj; Destination Wedding in Monaco
Feb 21, 2011 Celeb Weddings to Watch out for, Destination Weddings
It’s expected to be the Hottest Society Wedding of the Year. Kajal Fabiani, owner of Villa 39, a fine dining restaurant is marrying Gaurav Assomull, CEO of Marigold Group at an intimate destination wedding in Monaco, in March this year.
Kajal’s uncle, Harish Fabiani and his charming wife Roopa, hosted a pre-wedding celebration at Taj Mahal Hotel, Mumbai. It was a party for close friends and family members of the to-be-weds, her parents Rachna and Kamal Fabiani and his parents Sangeeta and Madan Assomull. Kajal glowed in an orange ensemble beautifully accessorised with diamonds—and her makeup was oh-so-perfect. Gaurav wore a bling-rich dress too. Though we aren’t great fans of grooms who opt for an ‘over the top’ look, must say Gaurav looked dapper in the heavy embroidered outfit.
Tags: Destination wedding, Gaurav Assomull, Harish Fabani, Kajal Fabiani, Marigold Group, Monaco, Sangeeta Assomull, wedding
Pheras in the Palm Gardens! Big Fat Indian Weddings in Dubai
Dec 7, 2010 Destination Weddings
Dubai’s central location, easy access from all over and the variety of locations it offers have made it a hugely popular destination for Indian weddings. Park Hyatt is one of the most sought-after locations in Dubai and their clients include families who live in Dubai, and outsiders who host exotic Destination wedding there.
Park Hyatt Dubai offers a number of romantic outdoor venues like the Palm Garden and the Fountain Garden. The hotel’s location right by the Dubai creek and its breathtaking environment, make it the ideal venue for exclusive and personalised wedding events. Through the gates and palm-lined streets leading to Park Hyatt Dubai, guests discover a secluded retreat inspired by the magnificent Moorish palaces of old. Within, the hotel’s exquisitely landscaped gardens and flower-draped courtyards provide the perfect setting for intimate weddings. For larger receptions of up to five hundred, there is the majestic and spacious Creek Ballroom.
According to Waike Papke, Director of Sales & Marketing, Park Hyatt Dubai has paid a special focus on food with emphasis on North Indian cuisine and live cooking stations. “Banquet Chef Nisar Ahmed from Delhi and his team of chefs from all over India are able to cater to the most discerning tastes. Most of our clients like traditional decor with Marigold flowers. If the weather permits they prefer to hold the pheras in our beautifully decorated Palm or Fountain Gardens.”
Adds Rimjhim Bhagchandani, a Dubai-based Wedding Planner: “Dubai is a great destination for Indian weddings. There is a wide choice of venues- small ballrooms for 50 to those with 4000 plus capacity. It is very easy to organise a wedding in Dubai. There are so many options of vendors to suit all budgets—be they florists or AV suppliers. The world’s best decor fabric is available here, and a variety of flowers are available all year round. Hyatt is one of the best hotels, and most of the other hotels are also very co-operative. Thanks to efficient systems in Dubai, even if you don’t know a soul here, you could still pull off a huge wedding all by yourself!”
Tags: Destination wedding, Dubai, Locations, Nisar Ahmed, Park Hyatt, Rimjhim Bhagchandani, Waike Papke
Lebanon Luxury for Reema Amer
Jun 16, 2010 Destination Weddings, Fashion & Bridal Wear
Reema Ameer, Editor of Harpers Bazaar Arabia got married to Pritam Mukhi in May this year. The stylish bride invited some of the most stylish people to a style treat at one of the most stylish cities in the Middle East- Beirut. The venue was Edde sands resort, and at each of the functions spread over three days, Reema and all the guests looked fabulous!
The Rani in Rani Pink- At the Mehendi Reema looked like a Queen in a Rani Pink creation. Don’t miss the rose covered chaise-lounge – so very princess-like.
Yellow Burst—For the Sangeet, Reema chose a yellow creation with lots of sparkle. It was designed by Pakistani designer Rizwan Baeg and she sure rocks the color.
Abu-Sandeep for the Wedding- For the main wedding function, Reema chose a subtle yet beautiful bridal ensemble by Abu-Sandeep.
Haute Couture- Ayesha’s ‘wow’ finale outfit was designed by the renowned Dubai designer Ayesha Depala.
Designer Ayesha Depla
Sherina Dalamal and Padma Coram
Faiza Rangoonwala and Stephanie Holding
Sameera Ameer, and Alpana, Farah and Ayesha
Images Courtesy: Red Velvet Nation and Miss Magpie
Tags: Ayesha Depla, Beirut, Destination wedding, Edde Sands Resort, Harpers Bazaar Arabia, Pritam Mukhi, Reema Amer
Fun-in-the-sun Weddings, in Goa
Jun 11, 2010 Destination Weddings, Marriage & Wedding Trends
Everyone enjoys holidaying in Goa, and many love to host their life’s most special celebrations there. Says Neha Seth Arora, who heads Var Vadhu, a wedding management firm: “In Goa, there are enough options for those with different wedding budgets—you can host a small and simple function for less than a lakh, arrange an intimate celebration at a posh resort for a few lakhs or organise a big fat wedding at a grand resort. Since many traditional families especially from the Marwari, Sindhi and Gujarati communities are hosting grand destination weddings there, our unique challenge lies in offering special desi food, entertainment and decor, in a very Goan locale”
The choices in the land of fun, sun and sands are many—a church wedding or pheras by the beach, and parties by the pool side or at an old Portugese bunglow. Some of the highly placed Grooms who are marrying in Goa in July this year include the head-honcho of a top gems and jewellery firm, the Editor of a leading business channel and the CEO of a luxury accessories house.
Ace event manager turned restauranteur AD Singh popularised Goa as a wedding destination among the swish set when his team organised his fabulous celebrations there. Actress Ravee Gupta, Models Mark Robinson, Reshma Bombaywalla, Nisha Harale got married in Goa, but many celebrities have preferred a traditional wedding ceremony in Mumbai or Delhi, and a second celebration or post-wedding party in Goa. Jewellery designer Poonam Soni’s daughter Esha Soni married New York based Ketan Setha at a traditional wedding ceremony in Mumbai followed by a family and friends fun celebration in Goa. Raja and Rita Dhody did the same for their daughter Aneesa’s wedding. Few years, ago model turned choreographer Anu Ahuja married in Delhi and the next celebrations were held in Goa– a church wedding and beach side party at the Calamari Party Shack. Bandana Tewari of Vogue and Ravi Krishnan of IMG had a traditional South Indian wedding on the lawns of the Oberoi poolside after which their post-wedding party was held in Deepti Dutt and Ranjeev Mulchandani’s restaurant—Axirvaad located at a 120 year old Portugese mansion.
Neha of Var Vadhu has received many enquiries for managing a destination wedding at a luxury resort next year and she has just returned from Goa after a quick visit to select properties. She says: “Intercontinental, Park Hyatt, Taj Village Aguada, Zuri and the Alila Diwa would be the best resorts for a large destination wedding. Intercontinental is fairly flexible and cost-effective, Park Hyatt is most classy and their magical forest and sunset beach give it a special touch; for those who’d like a hotel with a boutique-like feel, the newly opened Alila Diwa is a great choice.”
Tags: AD Singh, Alila Diwa, Anu Ahuja, Bandana Tewari, Calamari Party Shack, Deepti Dutt, Destination wedding, Esha Soni, Goa, Gujarati, Ketan Setha, Mark Robinson, Marwari, Neha Seth Arora, Nisha Harale, Park Hyatt, Portugese Bunglow, Raja Dhody, Ranjeev Mulchandani, Ravee Gupta, Ravi Krishnan, Reshma Bombaywalla, Rita Dhody, Sindhi, Taj Village Aguada, Var Vadhu, Weddings, Zuri
Florence goes gaga over ‘Indian Maharaja’ style wedding
Jun 7, 2010 Celeb Weddings to Watch out for, Destination Weddings
Ever year, almost 1,000 couples visit Florence for their dream destination wedding. While the Florence media may not consider it news-worthy to write about many of the spectacular weddings taking place there, this is not the case with Tanvi Jindal and Krishna Shete whose wedding celebrations took place between 4th and 6th June. News reports from Florence read: ‘Indian tycoon’s daughter marries at Maharajah style wedding’. ‘700 guests this weekend to attend wedding of super-rich Indian’. ‘Fairytale wedding in Florence for daughter of Indian tycoon’.
Only the invitees knew about wedding ingredients since the Jindals kept the celebration very private and requested all the wedding services providers, not to reveal anything. All that is known is that each function was held at different exotic hotels between the hills and the city centre. And at all the functions the guests were served a strictly vegetarian fare. Much-in-the-news man Lalit Modi was there too. Post all the controversies in India, he holidayed with his family in Rome and Milan and then moved on to Florence to attend the fabulous wedding.
Tanvi, while studying at New York University fell in love with Krishna, and with Florence. She attended the global program of New York University at Villa Le Pietra in Florence. Post completing her program there, she and Krishna decided they’d like to come back to the beautiful city, to get married.
Tags: Daughter, Destination wedding, florence, Indian wedding, Krishna Shete, Sajjan Jindal, Tanvi Jindal
Phuket Wedding for designer Kiran Gidwani
Mar 10, 2010 Celeb Weddings to Watch out for, Celebrity Wedding Pictures
Mumbai designer Kiran Gidwani, a popular face in the city’s party circuit is getting married in May, at Phuket. Kiran got engaged to Anup Tolaram in August last year—at the Hare Rama Hare Krishna Temple at Babulnath, Mumbai.
Anup is an alumni of LSE and is based in Mauritius. Kiran schooled at Fort Convent and graduated from HR College. She currently runs a store opposite Strand Cinema, Colaba that specialises in Indo-westerns, sarees and bridal lehengas. Kiran’s select friends from Mumbai, and Sindhi relatives from around the world are expected to attend the traditional and fun celebrations at Phuket.
Tags: Anup Tolaram, Destination wedding, Kiran Gidwani, Phuket
