Anita Ramchandani and Roy Martins

Matchmaking consultant turns spouse. How Roy Martins and Anita Ramchandani fell in love.

Anita of Mumbai and Roy of London were introduced to each other by a common friend. Roy was in Mumbai to meet eligible girls. Anita recalls: "We met at a party and over the next few days partied with common friends. At no stage, did we interact as potential life-partners. Our common friend was of course, introducing Roy to many eligible girls. I too got involved in the process and began giving him feedback and exchanging notes on who would be right for him." Fortunately Roy couldn't make his choice and left for London. Says Roy: "The search for the bride continued and I regularly kept in touch with Anita, my matchmaking consultant. I would email her photographs of eligible girls and would share my thoughts and apprehensions with her." Roy was back in Mumbai after a few months. "A few more outings, some minor rows, intimate conversations and we realised that the search had to end. And we were engaged on 15th April, 2000", exclaims Roy.

About Anita and Roy

Anita has been born and brought up in Mumbai. Her father, a construction magnate is a Sindhi while her mother hails from Mangalore. Anita began her career in her family business while simultaneously pursuing her graduation at Mumbai's Sydenham College. After seven years of working in her family's construction business, she decided to opt for a refreshing career change. She joined MTV after which she worked with Crest Communications. Till recently, she was the Chief Operating Officer of a fashion vortal. Roy's parents are doctors and they migrated to UK over twenty years ago. Roy studied at London Business School (LBS) and later at the Wharton Business School. He's currently working as Vice President at Morgan Stanley, London.

The Wedding ceremonies

Anita and Roy have opted for a church wedding. Roy's parents are Goan catholics while Anita's mother is a catholic from Mangalore. Says Anita: "It's the first church wedding in my family. And so the wedding planning task is tougher but very exciting too."

The wedding is taking place at St Stephen's Church at Napean Sea Road after which the reception will be held on the same day at the elegant Mayfair Rooms in Worli. Says Anita, who's actively involved in all the wedding preparations: "Planning a wedding and a reception requires so much planning. Fortunately my family and friends are lending more than a helping hand. Rehearsing with the bridesmaids and bestman, deciding on the hymns to be sung by the choir, finalising the menu and the look of the 3 tier cake, evolving the venue décor. It's a lot of trouble but loads of fun too." She adds: "Most of my friends have never attended a church wedding so they are most excited about attending the wedding rather than the reception."

Wedding shopping in Mumbai

Anita confesses that she's a clothes, shoes and handbags freak. Says an enthusiastic Anita: "My earlier job with a fashion vortal gave me a chance to review a lot of apparels and accessories. And my wedding has given me the chance to shop, shop and shop for the same". Which shopping haunts and designer creations does Anita recommend for brides?

• The crystal studded shoes at Rinaldi in Colaba.
  
• Sequins worked bags at Vama in Peddar Road
  
• Pearl and diamond sets from Sunderdas Zaveri
  
• Diamonds from Ghanasingh Jewellers in Hughes Road
  Kundan jewellery from Shivani Chadha
  
• Sarees with sequins and zardozi work by ace designer Azeem Khan (Anita describes Azeem's work as tasteful, subtle and elegant)
  
• Lehenga cholis with swarovski work from the Sheetal Design studio
  
• Western and cocktail dresses from Taj Treasures at the Taj Mahal Hotel, Mumbai