Zahira Lakdawala and Elric D’Souza
Two former models turned event managers, on the ‘event of their life’
About Elric- One-time model, Elric D’Souza is a fashion choreographer and Managing Director of EDN, an event management firm.
About Zahira- She’s the face behind several popular campaigns- Philips Satinelle, Sunsilk and Ponds blackhead removal strips to name a few. Zahira Lakdawala was also a regular on the catwalk circuit, till she decided to call it quits. But she has not quit commercial modelling yet. She is now active behind the scenes and helps Elric in choreographing and managing events.
How they Met- Elric was choreographing the Navy Ball in Lonavla and he invited Zahira to participate in the fashion show. Zahira’s mother was suspicious since she couldn’t believe that a Navy Ball could be held in Lonavla. Zahira did participate in the event and it was the beginning of a 2 year long courtship.
Their Courtship- Zahira and Elric clicked from Day One. Zahira knew she wanted to spend the rest of her life with Elric and he was only too happy to find the woman of his dreams. Elric though was a bit disappointed that his days of flirting were over. There wasn’t any formal proposal from Elric, since the natural chemistry between them took care of everything.
Their Engagement- They were engaged on 29th February, 2000 almost a year before their wedding. It was a function at home with the immediate family. Elric and Zahira decided to keep it a small, private affair because they wanted to spend more money and resources on the wedding.
The Wedding Date- Elric and Zahira were very keen on celebrating their wedding in December- the most romantic month. But December being the busiest time for an Event Management firm, the wedding was postponed to 6th January.
About their Wedding- It was a Church Wedding at St Teresa’s Church. The main event was a Reception at the Harbour Hall in Centaur Hotel, Bombay. Elric and Zahira chose a Blue and Silver theme (they were actually keen on a ‘frosty’ theme but practical constraints made it difficult to implement it). The sit down function with a buffet style Indian and Italian dinner was attended by over 400 guests.
Zahira’s wedding gown- She designed her own wedding gown after days of research and interaction with friends. Zahira was very keen on a dress that would facilitate movement and help her dance with absolute ease. And hence she chose a slim fitting backless gown made of white lycra. The western cut and Indian embroidery made it perfect fusion attire. The Arabic veil and silver Maangteeka added to its uniqueness.
Elric’s suit- Elric picked a 3 piece black suit from the ‘Masculine’ boutique at Juhu Tara Road.
Wedding Planning and Preparations- Zahira took on most of the responsibility since Elric was very busy with work. Elric only participated in the spiritual preparations. They attended the engaged encounter course for all Catholic couples who intend to get married which is organised by the Catholic Church itself at The Retreat House, Bandra, Mumbai. Elric strongly believes in its importance since it provides an opportunity to explore the spiritual side to a relationship and gives a lot of room for introspection
No time for Honeymoon- The couple were keen on Kodaikanal or Goa. But work forced them to get back to work the day after the wedding itself. On the afternoon of 7th January, the just-wedded couple was at the airport discussing with a client the details of a proposed event in Muscat.
Here’s to the model couple many years of managing successful events and wedded bliss!
