Yashna and Nikhil, Bahrain

Yashna and Nikhil studied at the same university in London, but, as fate would have it, they ended up meeting at a mutual friend’s birthday party in Mumbai. Their relationship had been five years in the making and the duo finally began their journey of a lifetime with a series of magical ceremonies in Bahrain. Meticulously planned by WeddingSutra Favorite – Mpire Weddings, their nuptials were a mix of traditional and modern themes that resonated with everyone present. Making sure that every tender moment was captured in perfect frames was WeddingSutra Favorite – WhatKnot, whose skill with the camera ensured that the couple got memories to last a lifetime.

How They Met
The couple shares, “We went to the same university in London but only met each other for the first time at a mutual friend’s birthday party in Mumbai. As individuals, we’re very different but somehow, we clicked instantly. This was followed by a five-year-buildup of incessant texting, endless snapchatting, and heart to heart conversations as ‘friends’, before it all exploded into a burst of emotions. And then, one day, it just dawned on us about how much we were really in love with each other. It’s been nearly 4 years since then, and there’s been no looking back. We’re stronger, better and definitely more fun together.”

Wedding Venue
“We chose Bahrain as our destination because of its perfect weather, easy accessibility from India, and most importantly, because we fell in love with the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa. The Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority also really helped us make our wedding a success.

Big enough to entertain a ‘Big fat Indian wedding’, each room at this hotel had so much character as it overlooked the blue sea. The food was exquisite and unique and the service that the hotel staff provided was truly outstanding. There was a private beach and we even tied the knot on a private island.”, the couple gushed.

Wedding Planning
“Surrounded by our closest friends and family who supported us throughout the ceremonies by putting us at ease with their jokes, we couldn’t have been happier about the way things turned out. The decor for every event was spectacular. The themes we wished for, turned out to be even better than we’d ever imagined. From our rustic peach and white themed ‘Welcome Lunch’, the fairy lights and Arabic lanterns filled ‘Bahraini Beach Night’ (our personal favorite), a vibrant Mehndi and Haldi, a beautiful cherry blossom themed Sangeet, the subtle and classy Mandap, and finally to the most incredible Neon after-party. Mpire Weddings and Ever After Bahrain could not have done a better job for us.”, says the couple.

Particularly pleased by the seamless planning, the couple shares, “Mpire Weddings elevated our dreams and ideas to the next level at every stage, both in terms of conceptualization and execution. They were so hands-on for the entire wedding, and it was applauded by every guest present there. Absolute stars!”

Adding to this stellar team were WhatKnot who were constantly on their toes capturing the best shots of the couple. Keeping the vibe upbeat and positive were Jay Weather, Yash Kukreja and Anupam with their foot-tapping tunes.

Weddings Functions

Welcome Lunch and Mehndi
A light-hearted and breezy affair, the welcome lunch/mehndi followed the theme ‘Rustic peaches and whites’. Punctuated with pops of peach, the decor had ample white elements from the cushions and tables to the chairs. Set up on one of the spacious lawns of the venue, this occasion provided the perfect opportunity for the guests to mingle under the bright sunshine. Adding a unique touch to the décor, were framed photographs of the couple’s proposal that were peppered across the venue for the guests to admire.

As the guests got comfortable with the drinks and started to get henna patterned on their palms, the bride and groom made an entrance hand in hand. Glowing in a purple-pink printed blouse borrowed from her mom’s wedding outfit and a matching saree, Yashna was all smiles as she got henna patterned on her hands too. Pairing her outfit with a pair of gold statement earrings and waist belt to keep the dupatta in place, she looked completely at ease as she moved amongst the guests. Accompanying her in an embroidered white kurta was Nikhil who also chatted away with their well-wishers.

Beach Night
After the sunlit lunch, a romantic beach night filled with Arabic lanterns was on the cards. As the salty breeze flowed around them, the couple was surrounded by their loved ones in a dreamy celebration that was perfectly executed under the starry night. Replete with fairy lights and colorful spotlights, the occasion had a distinctly effervescent vibe to it with ample seating spaces in true Arabic style.

For this evening, Yashna chose to keep it classy in a stylish cord set with a tasseled hemline and an Arabic style white embroidered long shrug. Nikhil also followed his bride’s footsteps with a simple color block shirt with grey trousers.

Haldi
Staying true to tradition, the Haldi was an all-yellow affair with pops of vibrant color. Held by the poolside, the decor included embroidered umbrellas hanging from the ceiling, multicolored tapestries and plenty of marigolds.

The bride and groom made quite a stunning entrance hand in hand as they both donned a pair of glares with their finery. Yashna, looked stunning in a printed blue off-shoulder lehenga that she accessorized with a long necklace and earrings. Nikhil complemented his bride in an ice blue embroidered bandhgala paired with tinted aviators. As the Haldi ceremony started, the groom quickly changed into a bright yellow kurta and was enthusiastically doused with turmeric by the guests.

Sangeet
A glitzy affair, the Sangeet followed the ‘Cherry blossom’ theme as the couple’s family took turns burning the dance floor with their trendy moves. With glowing chandeliers and a digital backdrop, the stage was the center of attention as the guests grooved through the evening in celebration of Yashna and Nikhil’s love.

The couple too staged a special solo performance for their guests as they danced to the tunes of a specially choreographed romantic number. Looking ethereal in a sequined silver lehenga and diamond accessories, Yashna caught everyone’s attention as she moved to the beats. Nikhil, however, chose to go for a magenta printed bandhgala which contrasted with his bride’s outfit.

Wedding
A luxurious ceremony under the starlit sky, Yashna and Nikhil’s big day was luxurious and elegant. With minimalistic floral decor and a simple mandap making sure that all eyes were on the couple, these lovebirds took their vows for life in the presence of their loved ones.

Making a unique entry on a quad bike, Nikhil cut a dashing picture in a gold and white sherwani with a mint-green scarf and turban. Yashna too followed the same color scheme in a mint green embroidered lehenga that she paired with a light necklace, earrings, and maang tikka.

Reception and After Party
The wedding ceremony was followed by a reception and later unfolded into an after-party. Following a ‘neon’ theme, the after-party was an occasion for everyone to let their hair down and celebrate with the newlyweds. As a digital backdrop played a montage of the past celebrations, the family gathered together to watch Nikhil pop a bottle of champagne to honor the new beginning.

Advice For Couples
Nikhil shares, “One thing we realized after the wedding, was that you can plan all you want, but a wedding is only made amazing by the people who attend it. We really do have the best family and friends in the world.”

Yashna shares, “A lot of people told me I wouldn’t enjoy my own wedding because it would be too stressful. They could not have been more wrong. In addition to having excellent wedding planners and the most organized mom in the world, my sister and a few of my girlfriends made it 100% possible for me to have the best and most stress-free wedding ever. Never underestimate the importance of your girl squad on this important day!”

The Wedding Makers
Venue: Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa
Wedding Planners: Mpire Events, Ever After Bahrain
Entertainment: Anupam, Jay Weather and Yash Kukreja

Photography: WhatKnot

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