Disha and Mihir, Taj Lands End, Mumbai
From authentic traditional rituals to exotic carnival dancers, Disha and Mihir's grand wedding in Mumbai was a beautiful blend of Eastern and Western elements
Restaurateur Mihir Desai, co-owner of the popular The Bar Stock Exchange, tied the knot with Disha Mehta at a sweet wedding ceremony at the sprawling, sea-facing Taj Lands End hotel in Mumbai. From the magnificent wedding cake to traditional sweets flown in from New Delhi and syrupy Lebanese baklavas served up in a banquet hall, everything was carefully planned to offer an unbeatable experience for their families and friends who attended.
How They Met
Mihir and Disha met through their families, and in that sense, their marriage was an arranged one. However, they got along like a house on fire from the day they met and eventually became close friends. Over time, they fell in love with each other.
Wedding Venue and Planning
Since they wanted a grand wedding, Disha and Mihir chose the sea-facing Taj Lands End in Mumbai as their wedding venue. The hotel proved to be an ideal choice as it could easily accommodate the expected guest list of around 1800 people. The menu included delights from around the world such as Lebanese baklava and Asian stir fries, alongside Monsoon Chaat and Bheja Keema. A separate banquet room was set up for desserts alone.
Wedding Functions
Wedding
The couple had always dreamed of authentic, ritual-based, traditional pheras, and they planned their Vrindavan-themed nuptials accordingly. Their mandap was covered with beautiful floral arrangements and sparkle for that glimmering fairy-tale vibe. As part of the wedding rituals’ ‘sweet exchange’ ceremony, special besan (gram flour) and dry-fruit ladoos were flown in from halwais in Delhi. Both Disha and Mihir wore stunning ensembles by Sabyasachi Mukherjee for the wedding.
Reception
The internationally acclaimed percussion band ‘Symphony’ lit up the reception evening with their jazz tunes that blended flutes and catchy beats. The evening’s entertainment highlights also included aerial chandelier performers, carnival dancers and pianists. The traditional ‘Sajan Kot’ (family lunch) table was handcrafted by the wedding planner and decorated with flowers brought in from different parts of the world. Chef Sanjana of La Folie designed the wedding cake with a customized ‘DM’ wedding logo. A non-traditional, French cake with five customized tiers (each representing a flavor that the bride and groom such as mousse, infinite caramel, snickers, dark chocolate), it was lined with chocolate flowers that were hand sculpted and not made of the regular fondant. White, baby pink and golden were the colors used over all. The bride wore a gorgeous creation by Manish Malhotra and Mihir looked dapper in a Tom Ford creation.
Advice for Couples
Disha and Mihir share that weddings can be stressful, so hiring a wedding planner is advisable if couples want to be stress free during the functions. “Wedding planners and coordinators let you enjoy your day by keeping drama at bay. Also, it is important to keep yourself hydrated and hit the gym to release toxins and look fresh on your big day. In terms of the guest list, get a grip on the approximate number of guests you will be inviting before settling on a venue. This will ensure that there’s ample space for the attendees. As a thumb rule, allow for 25 to 30 square feet per guest. That may seem like a lot, but it’s not if you count the space you’ll need for the tables, bustling waiters, the band and a dance floor. For the grooms especially – put your phone away and enjoy the moments as it’s your day!”
The Wedding Makers
Wedding Venue: Taj Lands End, Mumbai
Wedding Planning and Decor: Warlock and Dreamzkraft
Bride’s Outfits: Sabyasachi Mukherjee (Wedding), Manish Malhotra (Reception)
Groom’s Outfits: Sabyasachi Mukherjee (Wedding), Tom Ford (Reception)
Makeup Artists: Namrata Soni and Elton Fernandes
Wedding Cake: La Folie Patisserie
Wedding Bar: DRINQ/ Flaming Trio
Photographer: The Photo Diary
