Ankita Modani and Jay Mehta, Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas, Doha
Inspired by local Arabic cuisine and their desi roots, this couple’s ‘Desert Oasis’ themed sangeet was spectacular.
Infusing together the rich heritage of Qatari culture with their deep-rooted Indian traditions, Singapore-based Ankita Modani and US-based Jay Mehta’s destination wedding in Doha was nothing short of spectacular. What began as a serendipitous meeting through a mutual friend blossomed into an enchanting love story, culminating into a series of breathtaking celebrations. Every moment was designed to exude grandeur, elegance and cultural charm, meticulously planned by WeddingSutra Favorite – Weddings by ESL.
Wedding Planning
Selecting the venue is the first step of any destination wedding. In Ankita and Jay’s case, Rajasthan was the initial selection. However, the dates did not align with the respective venues. And, after consulting the planning team, the duo and their families decided to host the union in Qatar – a destination that is not only spectacular but also boasts several luxurious venues that provide the perfect canvas for grand Indian weddings. Ekta Saigal Lulla from Weddings by ESL shares, “Offering incredible vistas, Middle-Eastern hospitality, and top-notch luxury, Qatar is a gem of a destination for elite weddings. Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas, Doha with its diverse in-house venues, provided stunning and exclusive backdrops for every celebration, ensuring a truly immersive and memorable experience for the guests.”
The planning team at Weddings by ESL had their hands full, meticulously crafting each event to be a unique, multi-sensory experience for the guests. Ekta shares, “The décor, theme, food, and entertainment—everything worked in harmony to create an immersive experience at every celebration. To enhance this, we ensured guests left with meaningful mementos, each thoughtfully tied to the theme of the event—an exquisitely packed mix of spices in test tubes at the welcome dinner, a date bar offering a selection of infused dates, intricate trays and potlis adorned with mirrorwork inspired by Lipan Art at the Haldi. These carefully curated souvenirs made the celebrations even more memorable.
A special thank you to Rachna, who was flown in from India to create the stunning décor that truly brought our vision to life. And heartfelt gratitude to Israni Photography for capturing the moments and emotions so beautifully, preserving the magic of this wedding for a lifetime. Every detail, every touch of personalization, and every air-tight theme came together to make this celebration truly extraordinary.
Wedding Functions
Welcome Dinner
Ekta shares, “For the opening day, we aimed to immerse our guests in the rich essence of Qatari culture and hospitality. The event began with mesmerizing performances by local Qatari artists, showcasing the region’s authentic traditions. As the night unfolded, the ambiance transformed into a breathtaking ‘Enchanted Garden’ dinner, offering a magical and unforgettable experience.”
Haldi
Ekta shares, “For the haldi we embraced traditions with a ‘Lipan Art’ themed celebration. The Lipan art décor was a tribute to the families’ Gujarati roots since they have always lived abroad. The backdrop of the couple’s seating featured a depiction of ‘Radha Krishna’ which added an auspicious vibe to the celebration.”


Wedding
“From the onset, the couple and their families wanted to host the wedding in Rajasthan. However, the dates just didn’t align. Keeping this in mind, for the big day, we brought the spirit of Rajasthan to them in Qatar. The theme followed a regal vibe with gold and maroon hues. Plush elements, candles and velvet drapes added to the opulence of the sundowner wedding”, recollects Ekta.






Pool Party
“Bride Ankita was keen on hosting an English Tea Party which was all things pretty. We made her vision come to life with a poolside Victorian Tea Party that featured pastel pink hues and quirky elements that resembled Victorian-era antiques. To elevate the experience with authenticity and luxury, Foodlink specially curated a Ladurée counter tailored to the Tea Party theme, featuring an exquisite selection of signature treats, including the iconic macaron tower. This bespoke addition added a unique charm to the celebrations. Foodlink meticulously curated the menu and setup across all events, ensuring a seamless blend of aesthetics and indulgence”, says Ekta.






Sangeet
The very last event was filled with high-octane glitz and glam. Ekta shares, “Before the guests bid goodbye to Doha, we wanted them to have a true taste of its opulence. The ‘Arabic Desert Oasis’ theme created a plush atmosphere that was in tandem with Qatar’s beauty. Customised cocktails with Middle Eastern flavors, grazing tables filled with mezze platters and towers of dates ensured the guests indulged themselves thoroughly. A Mediterranean dinner menu followed this. The event also doubled up as a sangeet where the families performed exceptionally onstage backed by LED screens crafted especially for the occasion.”


The Wedding Makers
Venue: Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas, Doha
Wedding Planner: Weddings By ESL
Décor: House Of Vivaah
Caterers: Foodlink Luxury Catering
Makeup: Chaitali Sengupta
Entertainment: ONEmpire (Welcome Dinner)
DJ: DJ Ganesh
Choreography: TRF Space
Bartenders: The Tipsy Co
Photography: Israni Photography