Rhea and Ashwin, Ciragan Palace Kempinski, Turkey

Hailing from India and Pakistan, Rhea and Ashwin’s wedding was a testament to their journey of love from being college sweethearts to uniting in beautiful Turkey. Exquisitely crafted by WeddingSutra Favorite – Yolo Entertainment & Weddings, their enchanting celebrations unfolded with a symphony of emotions, traditions, and modern touches, creating cherished memories that were immortalised by the award-winning team of WeddingSutra Favorite – House on the Clouds.

Wedding Planning
The enchanting celebrations in Istanbul were meticulously planned and managed by Yolo Entertainment & Weddings. From the wedding itself to the vibrant after-party and the welcome dinner, every detail reflected the artistry of their collective effort with a team of talented professionals. The stunning decor was brought to life by KM Events and Davet Creative Group, Inventum Global worked seamlessly as their Turkey DMC to ensure an extraordinary experience for everyone involved. Thematic decor and culinary delights curated by Puneet Sickand left an indelible impression, a testament to love, creativity, and detail. From yacht to palace, dance to music, the journey encapsulated the essence of a magical fairy tale wedding.

The renowned team of House on the Clouds immersed themselves in the festivities to capture every last moment in all its glory.

Wedding Functions
Welcome Lunch
Set against a backdrop of azure skies and sun-kissed landscapes, the welcome lunch embraced a Greek theme. Two talented string performers serenaded attendees with their melodious tunes, creating an atmosphere that resonated with joy. As the event unfolded, all eyes turned to the groom’s grand entrance, a thrilling ride on a quad bike surrounded by his friends. However, it was the bride’s graceful dance on ‘Sajna Tere Liye Sajna’ for her beau that stole everyone’s hearts.

Haldi
The Haldi ceremony unfolded under a captivating Greek theme at the Bosphorus Pier of Ciragan Palace Kempinski, where the venue came alive with Greek sculptures and the refreshing hues of hydrangeas. From the logo-adorned cushions to the bespoke playing cards, meticulous personalization was infused into every little detail. The occasion was filled with melodies and enchanting dance performances.

Welcome Dinner
The Haldi function was followed by a welcome dinner at the Binbirdirek Cistern, an iconic heritage property in Istanbul. The evening was imbibed with an enchanting black-and-white theme, that wove the contrast into a harmonious reminiscence of yin and yang. Every detail was thoughtfully orchestrated, from the bride and groom’s car colour to their attires, mirrored in the selection of drinks, and even in the chic street-style ensembles worn by the guests. The lavish sit-down dinner showcased Puneet Sickand’s inventive molecular cuisine. Laughter-filled roasts and stellar performances by Vir Das, Hasan Raheem, and DJ Rohit and the band made for an unforgettable evening.

Mexican Fiesta
The next day unfolded with a vibrant Mexican fiesta, featuring DJ Ganesh and an energetic live band. Commencing with a spirited cricket match between the Waderas and Ketikos families, the day epitomised cultural fusion. The bride’s entry was one-of-a-kind, with her cousins and friends carrying her through the pathway, While the groom’s entrance exuded style, with his companions flaunting Cuban cigars and hats.

The celebrations continued with spice market giveaways and delectable teas, and a street-food extravaganza showcased iconic Turkish delights such as ‘kumpir’, complemented by the mixology artistry of Drinq’s bartenders, including the talented Binny Dhadwal.

Sangeet
Imagined with the theme of ‘Astro Beats’, the Sangeet function saw a captivating fusion of astrology and the core elements – air, water, earth, and fire, which harmoniously pervaded every aspect, from table arrangements to mesmerising entertainment. The night commenced with a breathtaking 6-minute show that seamlessly blended water drummers, aerial performers, and captivating fire displays. Sufi artists added an ethereal touch, embodying air and earth. The culinary experience featured rustic clay pots echoing earth and Flambe showcases captured the essence of fire, while air fryers and steamed dishes embraced air and water.

The bride and groom made a majestic entrance down the grand staircase of Ciragan Palace. Moving to a cake projection, the groom pleasantly surprised the bride, followed by champagne toasts and dynamic Sangeet performances featuring Sachin Jigar. The night took an exhilarating turn with a Money Heist-themed party, complete with masked guests chanting ‘Bella Ciao’ and wielding money guns. With their adorable pup, Truffle, the couple joined in on the playful heist for hidden treasures, infusing the festivities with charm and excitement.

Wedding
Unfolding like a real-life fairytale, the Wedding kicked off with a ‘Dil Dhadakne Do ’-themed Baraat of 100 guests that sailed from the majestic Ciragan Palace Kempinski aboard a luxurious yacht. Adorned with Turkish-themed decor and hosted by anchor AlmostAayush, the yacht cruised along the Bosphorus treating guests to Hari Sukhmani’s music and Istanbu’s stunning vistas. Lively dances by Team Bride and Team Groom turned the vessel into a floating festivity.

At the elegant Esma Sultan Yalisi, the groom’s high-energy flashmob entrance was followed by the bride’s stylish yet sentimental arrival, seated atop a Dhol carried by her brother Rubin. Guests wore boutonnières and corsages, and aboard a Cappadocian balloon, the grand Varmala ceremony unfolded. As the couple proceeded to the mandap, mesmerising balloons filled the sky.

Traditional rituals led to pyro-musical fireworks set to the tune of ‘Tere Vaaste’, delighting the bride. The captivating entry competition between the couple showcased their creativity, winning hearts. Musical maestro Pritam’s performance added to the novelty of the evening, and the celebration continued into the ‘Happily Ever Ballooned’ after-party featuring DJ Ganesh and Band, where a heartwarming recap video by House on the Clouds immersed guests in nostalgia. Speeches, cake cutting, and vibrant Jukebox melodies concluded the event.

The Wedding Makers
Venues: Ciragan Palace Kempinski; Esma Sultan Yalisi (Wedding); Binbirdirek Cistern (Welcome Dinner)
Wedding Planner and Designer: Yolo Entertainment and Weddings
Decor: KM Events (Ciragan Palace Kempinski), Davet Creative Group (Esma Sultan Yalisi, Binbirdireck, Inscisu Boat)
Groom’s Outfits: Ravina Nagpal (Chota Mehndi), Julie by Julie Shah (Haldi, Wedding), Pocket Stories (Welcome Dinner, Sangeet Afterparty, Wedding Afterparty), Jueta Hemdev (Welcome Dinner, Sangeet)
Bride’s Outfits: Ravina Nagpal (Chota Mehndi), Julie by Julie Shah (Haldi, Wedding), Falguni and Shane Peacock (Sangeet), Amit Aggarwal (Welcome Dinner), Pocket Stories (Sangeet Afterparty, Wedding Afterparty)
Makeup: Puneet Saini
Hair: Ritika Kadam
Catering: The Kitchen Art Company
Bartenders: Drinq
Entertainment: Vir Das (Welcome Dinner), Hasan Raheem (Welcome Dinner), Sachin Jigar (Sangeet), Hari Sukhmani (Wedding), Pritam (Wedding)
DJ: DJ Ganesh (Wedding), DJ Rohit (Welcome Dinner)
Emcee: AlmostAayush
Logistics: Inventum Global
Photography and Videography: House on the Clouds

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