Shivani and Aakash Patel, Alila Fort Bishangarh

Hosting their nuptials against the whimsical backdrop of Alila Fort Bishangarh, NYC-based Shivani and Aakash imbibed their festivities with a memorable mix of beauty and emotions. Watch it all unfold below.

How They Met
Shivani, a fierce technologist driving innovation, and Aakash, a real estate and finance professional, were polar opposites as individuals. Crossing paths while studying for their undergraduate degree at Rutgers Business School, they sparked a connection and over time fell in love! After 7 majestic years of being together, the college sweethearts decided to tie the knot with a grand celebration.

Wedding Venue
“We wanted our venue to be the idyllic choice for an adventurous escapade, perfect for an intimate celebration that was both modern and traditional and made a statement. A combination of Indian heritage, regality, and exclusivity, Alila Fort Bishangarh was a perfect choice.”

Wedding Planning
“Planning a destination wedding can be rough especially when you have a global guestlist and multi-ethnic backgrounds. Our goal was to incorporate our tastes along with honoring the diverse culture of our guests, and we made sure our guests had an immersive Indian Wedding experience. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and every moment was captured by Camlition Productions. Ashish, Pankaj, and the entire team were incredibly hard-working and immortalized moments we will enjoy for a lifetime!”

Chef Siddhesh Nachankar curated a bespoke menu of over 120 dishes spanning the 3-day festivities, incorporating not just famed Rajasthani delicacies but also cuisines from different parts of India.

Wedding Functions
Haldi
The festivities started with a Haldi Ceremony to welcome their guests. Hosted in an Amphitheater-esque setup where each guest had a spectacular view of the function, the sun-kissed affair was full of love and laughter.

Welcome Party
Hosted at Nazarra overlooking the beauty of Bishangarh and the surrounding Aravalli Hills, the Welcome Party was a vibrant Rajasthani affair with sand-pit cooking. The chef used traditional cooking methods with Handi and Kulhads to bring an earthiness to each dish while guests enjoyed live appetizers that were being served over an open flame. Imagined as a Sufi night, the decor exuded Moroccan vibes that were complimented by a soulful performance by Alish Mohan.

Mehndi
The next morning began with high-octane Mehndi and Garba, with a power-packed performance that reflected both Gujarati and Rajasthani culture. Everyone was dressed in outfits and sarees in vivid Patola, a traditional handcrafted Gujarati art form considered by many to be priceless heirlooms.

Sangeet
From the illuminated entrance with cold pyros to the dreamy canopy of delicate shimmery crystals and beaded strings giving a 3D appeal to the stage, the Sangeet was a magical night. Long rectangular tables gave the occasion an intimate feel while Pyrotechnic Performances made for some memorable moments. The couple and their loved ones enjoyed an evening of music and merriment, mingling seamlessly through the night.

Wedding
The final day began with a brunch, followed by a royal wedding celebration. They tied the knot on a floating mandap on the pool with the majestic Fort on the Left, the Aravalli Hills flanking their backdrop, and magical mist all around. The morning function saw ethereal, all-white decor with exotic flowers while their guests all wore pastel hues.

Cocktail Hour
Bringing the multi-day celebrations to a grand conclusion, the couple hosted a Cocktail hour with Hors d-oeuvres followed by a traditional black-tie dinner. The evening was one full of cheers, laughter, and love as they danced the night away.

Advice for couples
“When it comes to choosing the wedding venue it has to suit your personality. A rule of thumb that a friend of mine passed down to me was the 6-month rule. The people who are supposed to attend your wedding should have contacted you at least once in the past six months. Indian weddings are grand affairs, so why not pick your guests wisely so they have a more personalized experience? When you get a chance, take a moment to look around at your family and friends who may have traveled long distances and have gathered to celebrate you, and feel that gratitude and love”.

The Wedding Makers
Venue: Alila Fort Bishangarh, Jaipur
Wedding Planner & Decor: Mapsor Experiential Weddings
Outfits: G3+ Fashion Surat, Payal Keyal (Wedding)
Entertainment: Alish Mohan (Welcome Party), DJ Alex
Photography and Videography: Camlition Productions

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