Ambika Mehta heads the International and Real Estate vertical with HVS, a global hospitality consulting firm. She married Amol Gautam, a commercial pilot with Air India on 19th February 2007 at Hotel Ramada, Varanasi. The Gujarati bride who married a Rajput, talks about how she created her two looks-- 'Traditional Gujarati' and 'Rajput Princess'.

How I put together the Look for each ceremony
17th February
For my Mehndi, which was a simple affair with family and friends I wore a Green georgette patiala salwar kurta. We did not hire a commercial "mehndi artist" but invited girls who taught at the orphanage so their orphanage could earn a little from this assignment.

18th February
For the Ganesh Pujan I wore a turmeric yellow Kancheepuram Silk Saree, draped in a gujarati style.

19th February

For the Wedding ceremony and Jayamal, I wore a deep yellow and red raw silk lehnga choli with Zardozi and Beadwork. This lehnga was put together by my mother and me. We visited many boutiques and designer houses in Vadodara for ideas and inspirations and put together a lehnga taking elements of our favorites. The choli was completely designed by us and everyone complimented on the design.

Wedding Ceremonies - Jaymala and Pheras

For the pheras, I wore a pure silk Gaarchola (red and white) with elegant zari work and a golden border in keeping with gujarati tradition.

20th February

The reception saw me in very traditional Rajput attire designed by my mother-in-law's friend. It was a fish shaped skirt/lehnga, with a choli and a saree. The colours were cream and maroon, the material silk, with beautiful rajasthani work all over. The most striking part of my look was my big gold and ruby "nath".
 

Ambika at the reception

Where I Shopped
I shopped in Delhi, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Benares, Lucknow, and Kolkata.

In Vadodara at Kala Niketan, Chimanlal Vrajlal and Thakur's.

In Ahmedabad at Elan, Kuntal and Bandhej.

In Benares at Ushnak Mal Mool Chand and Jalans.
 
My Makeup and Hair
My Makeup and Hairstyling was done by Lakme Beauty Salon, Varanasi. I opted for a complete pre-bridal and bridal package from Lakme Beauty Salon, Varanasi and was very happy with their services. For the wedding, they gave me a very traditional and defined look-- with highlighted cheekbones. The reception look was minimalist and contemporary with eyes being the focus.