Lavina and Manesh – Phuket, Thailand

About Us
Hi! I am Manesh: An avid runner who enjoys chilling at home and reading books on theoretical astrophysics and astronomy. The kid in me also likes to play video games, collect comic books and everything Lego.

And I’m Lavina: Often described as a little girl with big dreams. I want to travel to every corner of the world, experience various cultures, meet people and live life king size. I believe in gambling – either you give all or nothing. You have to make an effort not just for yourself but for loved ones too. (That’s why I indulge Manesh’s love for Lego.)

We met in 2008 and remained friends until he asked me out sometime in 2013.

Wedding Venue
“On March 31, 2015 Manesh and I checked into the vast property of Angsana Laguna Phuket,” Lavina says. “The place was breathtaking. Watcharapong “Pom” Saikaew, the Senior Manager, Events of Angsana welcomed us and we began a tour of the property and food tasting. The aromas of Thai, International and Indian cuisine made us crave for more. Every meal requirement was fulfilled!” Then it was time to finalise a wedding planner. The couple felt a connection with mother-daughter duo Keeran Baweja and Meghna Mirpuri and decided to rely on Weddings by Keeran (WBK).

Wedding Functions
Janya Puja
The décor was a gorgeous palette of pastel peach and pink which complemented the green hues of the groom and his brothers’ bandh-gala outfits.

Welcome dinner: “Sombrero, Salsa y Sangria”
A Mexican theme! The venue was scattered with foam and paper flowers, colourful picado banners, vibrant table-mats and neon pink lighting. Guest props brought loveliness and laughter to the evening – stick-on moustaches, Mexican sombreros, flower hair accessories and Spanish hand fans while Leigh’s dance troupe entertained the guests.

For the Welcome dinner, Manesh wore moustache-print button down long sleeves and off white pants by Bellani S. Bespoke Tailors and Lavina was bright and cheery in a black and orange crop top and skirt by Honeydee Couture.

Mehndi Pool Party: “Tattoos & Tandoor”
A white and neon canvas was piqued with paper pinwheels, white cabanas and candy centerpieces. A sunscreen station, mehndi booth, water balloons and more brought a sense of fun to the occasion. Lavina lounged in a cut-out maxi dress by Dino Cosio at the pool party and wore a yellow outfit by Honeydee Couture while getting her mehndi applied.

Sangeet: “ManeLaThumakda”
Shades of red, aqua and olive green brought this Bajirao Mastani inspired backdrop, glittering with lotus motifs and gold cages, to life. Performer Rimi Nique entertained the crowd. For the Sangeet, Manesh wore a yellow and grey sherwani by Kirthi Rathore while Lavina looked resplendent in a teal and dark gold pita work lehenga by Pratap Sons.

Pheras: “Be My Forever”
The D-day décor was an elegant combination of rose quartz and gold. “We entered through the vintage doors and guests blew bubbles while the we walked down the aisle,” says Lavina. She wore a gold thread and mirror work lehenga by Mohit Goyal and Manesh picked an elegant beige sherwani by Bubber Couture.

Reception: “It’s written in the stars”
Lit up in blue and silver, a crescent moon, starlit drapes and chandeliers turned the beautiful night into a magical one. Lavina remembers, “We had a life-size open book with quote from ‘The Little Prince’ against a lamp post with the city skyline as backdrop. It looked gorgeous.” Guests grooved to the tunes of Saxophonist Coco Jamboo and the band Jenny and the Scallywags.

For the reception, Lavina wore a customized Swarovski gown by Anjali Mahtani Couture, while Manesh wore a Tuxedo by Felipe & Sons.

TIPS from the Bride
1. When choosing your wedding venue, consider distance and convenient access for your guests. Check the weather and occupancy seasons at the locations of your function.
2. First vendors to book: venue, planner, makeup artist, photographer, cinematographer.
3. Be clear and open about your budget. Prioritise your functions according to which you’d like to spend the most on and discuss feasibility with your wedding planner. Remember, your planner is your partner throughout the wedding so honesty and communication are a MUST.
4. Spend time planning. Critical planning is the key to a successful project.
5. Subscribe to as many wedding websites as you can. You can always mix and match ideas and your planner can tell you what works in your budget.
6. Be clear on roles and responsibilities – who will be the point of contact on the floor? What is the scope of work of the planner?
7. Read and re-read ALL vendor contracts, especially, the lines in fine print. Also take note of contingency plans (What if it rains? What if my guests can’t locate the airport transfer? Etc)
8. Always smile–you are in the limelight at every occasion! The cameras will be everywhere so think happy thoughts!

The Wedding Makers
Venue: Angsana Laguna Phuket
Wedding Planner: Weddings by Keeran
Website: Uniqdesign by Karan Devnani (www.manelawedding.com)
Invitations: Printsonalities Inc.
Hair, make-up and mehndi for bride and guests: Ablaze by Simran
Bartenders: Flaming Trio Thailand
DJ: Sunny Singh Dhingra
Indian performer: Rimi Nique
Local performers: Leigh
Saxophonist: Coco Jamboo
Band: Jenny & the Scallywags

Cinematography: Notion in Motion Films

Photography: Nelwin Uy Photography

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