Medha Vishwanath and Jules Poincot, Taj Bekal Resort & Spa, Kerala
A beguiling multicultural wedding that took its guests on a journey of India!
Nestled amidst Kerala’s serene backwaters at Taj Bekal Resort & Spa, the wedding of Medha Vishwanath and Jules Poincot was a celebration of Indian culture. WeddingSutra Favorite – Purplerings combined tranquil traditions with the energy and vibrancy of Indian festivals and social gatherings for a getaway that was brimming with memorable moments. Every moment was captured in priceless frames by the award-winning team of WeddingSutra Favorite – House On The Clouds.
How they met
Coming to Bangalore from California and France respectively, Medha and Jules first met as a couple of 13-year-olds at an International school. She laughs, “Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined marrying the French boy who had a mohawk and barely spoke”. After spending just two years in the same school, the two reconnected many years later, and before long fell in love. Against all odds, they survived 7+ years of moving between 6 different countries, time zones, internships, jobs, and a pandemic that kept them apart for 9 months. Jules flew in the middle of the Pandemic, quarantining in another country for two weeks, all to pop the question to the love of his life in the Californian desert.
Wedding Venue
The couple sought to keep away from the typical glitz and glamor of big Indian celebrations and envisioned a wedding that instead emphasized the nuances and beauty of Indian culture. The decision to tie the knot in Kerala was sparked by fond memories of a school trip to the state, and with its palm-fringed beaches, picturesque backwaters, and rich culture, Kerala ticked all the right boxes.
After extensive research, the couple stumbled upon the idyllic Taj Bekal Resort & Spa. With the Arabian Sea on one side and the backwaters on the other, the property afforded them magical vistas and a quaint setting for a dreamy celebration. Coupled with the prestige and timeless elegance that comes with the Taj name, the decision was a no-brainer.
Wedding Planning
The couple wanted their wedding to represent them as people and give their guests a one-of-a-kind experience they hadn’t encountered before. Every detail, from the decor to the entertainment, food, and outfits, was crafted as per this vision by Team Purplerings. They entrusted the award-winning team of House On The Clouds to capture the soul of their celebration, which they did with breathtaking beauty!
Wedding Functions
Haldi
The festivities kicked off with a lively haldi, teeming with elements and moments that are quintessentially Indian! Charpai beds, terracotta pots and glasses, marigolds, and vibrant furnishings lit up the space with their rustic beauty, while a canopy of billowing drapes provided some shade from the sun. The beautiful traditional ceremony was followed by the fun and frolic of Holi, as everyone engaged in a spirited battle of colors and water balloons, before giving way to an energetic cricket match on the beach. Medha reveals “The match was very special as my father had represented India in the national under-19 team,”. Delicious street food gave their guests a taste of authentic Indian flavors, a mehndi station to delight them, and to top it all off, the couple and their loved ones raced into the ocean for some memorable moments.
Sangeet
Going one step ahead of the expected joyous musical moments and competitive dance performances, Medha and Jules’s sangeet was imbibed by the vibrant hues and warm family festivities of Diwali! Apart from the choreographed dances, the evening saw interactive activities such as a sari-tying competition and a Basque festival game called Paquito, making for some truly unforgettable moments. A fusion of local cuisine and traditional dishes from the hill station of Chikmagalur in Karnataka elevated the occasion.
Wedding
The next morning dawned with a mesmerizing wedding ceremony by the tranquil backwaters. The traditional, earthy decor of wooden chairs, local blooms, and brass ornaments softly accentuated the lush, outdoor space, with a canopy of scalloped drapes connecting the palm trees in the garden. The groom’s grand entrance on the wedding day took place in an auto rickshaw accompanied by local drummers, while the bride came on a raft with her parents, conjuring the image of a floating angel.
Resplendent in her white floral Sabyasachi saree and trailing veil, the bride honored her family by donning heirloom bangles from her mother and grandmother. The couple exchanged vows to great applause, before treating their guests to a traditional Kerala Sadya lunch. Later, a sunset cruise on the backwaters added yet another memorable experience to the trip.
Reception
The festivities came to a striking conclusion with an elegant farewell dinner under the stars, complete with candlelight, fairy lights, white flowers, and more. Dressed in a chic white halter dress and a classic tuxedo embroidered with Medha’s initials respectively, the bride and groom arrived with gusto, dancing and laughing as their loved ones held up sparklers.
The cake was made of cheese barrels to pay homage to the groom’s French heritage while also showcasing the couple’s personal preference for savory over sweet, and a champagne tower added a special touch to the evening. Their friends and family raised a toast to the newlyweds, and the night was full of music, dance, love, laughter, and happy tears as they celebrated their new beginning.
The Wedding Makers
Venue: Taj Bekal Resort & Spa
Wedding Planner: Purplerings
Decor: Purplerings
Bride’s Outfit: Sabyasachi Mukherjee (Wedding)
Makeup and Hair: Glass n Gloss
DJ: Martin D’souza
Entertainment: Rahul Sharma
Choreography: YSDC Wedding Choreography
Photography and Videography: House On The Clouds
