Kirithika and Ajaiy, Chennai
Hosted across plush venues at Chennai, Kanyakumari and Nagercoil, this couple’s Tamil wedding was filled with traditional grandeur.
Grand yet firmly rooted in tradition, Kirithika Lashme, a dentist, and Ajaiy Dharsaun, a software engineer’s union was a breathtaking affair. Comprising of several events that reflected their rich culture, this wedding ticked every box on the list and was truly a perfect revelry for everyone present!
How They Met
Kirithika shares, “Ajaiy and I first crossed paths in an arranged marriage set up at a hotel in Chennai where we met up for a quick brunch. It was definitely love at first sight for us from the moment we set eyes on each other and we instantly eased into conversation.”
Wedding Venue
Sporting posh hotels and stunning resorts, Kirithika and Ajaiy’s venue list was comprehensive and added a healthy dash of luxury to their union. Hosted at the elegant and spacious Taj Coromandel in Chennai, the poochodal ceremony helmed the celebrations while the Taj Fisherman’s Cove Resort & Spa, Chennai gave the couple’s post-wedding photoshoot a perfect serene backdrop with its swaying palm trees and uninterrupted views of the coast. Other venues on the list included Annai Resorts & Spa, ITC Grand Chola Hotel, Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa, The Leela Palace Chennai, and Ganga Grandeur in Nagercoil.
Wedding Planning
The happy bride shares, “We decided to go for a traditional wedding ceremony, and our nuptials consisted of several events where all our loved ones came together to bless us!” Especially grateful to the Wed_websites team who created a customized website for their wedding, Kirithika goes on to share, “The Wed_websites team created an amazing website solely for our wedding. The team was incredibly professional as they worked closely with Ajaiy and me to understand our vision. Each moment was beautifully captured and preserved virtually on the website which made it easier for us to share with our loved ones, Additionally, live video links were made available to our guests who lived abroad so that they could easily experience the joy of our wedding from their homes. Both of us and our families were so impressed with their work!”
Adding to the team were planners Wedding Factory and Graphik Stills Photographers.
Weddings Functions
Poochodal
Kirithika shares, “Initially slated to be hosted at home, we chose to shift the event to a hotel in lieu of practicing social distancing. We chose a traditional marigold decor for the event with brass wares throughout the ballroom. However, Ajaiy took me completely by surprise as he presented me with a special varisai thattu (a gift given from the groom’s side to the bride).
Pounurukkal
The happy bride shares, “Honestly, we hadn’t planned much for this event. But my mom and I had decided that I should don a glittering gown along with diamond jewelry for this ceremony. On the decor front, we kept it minimalistic with bouquets and serial lights.”
Bridal Shower and Pre Wedding Photoshoot
The bride shares, “To be honest, the idea for a bridal shower and pre-wedding shoot was born out of the blue. However, all credit goes to my mom who took care of everything, from choosing dresses to booking a makeup artist and finally, choosing a photographer. For the shoot, we kept things simple and fun as we explored the property together. Besides, the overcast sky added a touch of intimacy to all our pictures. For variety, we changed into different outfits which ranged from a vibrant pink pantsuit to a rich red gown. Ajaiy, however, kept it fuss-free in a bow tie suit and an Indo western vest.
The bridal shower was a quiet yet fun-filled celebration where we were surrounded by our closest friends who indulged me with gifts and delicious cake. Later on, all the bridesmaids were presented with a special gift which they really loved!”
Engagement
“For the engagement, we opted for an indoor garden-themed decor which added vibrancy to the venue. The first saree I chose to wear had a bold orange hue while for the second saree I chose a beautiful pastel green shade. My mom was actually the driving force behind my wardrobe as she helped me choose both the sarees and matching jewelry sets. On the other hand, Ajaiy did an amazing varisai thattu again where he surprised me with gifts like watches, earrings, dresses etc. Adding to my surprise was the dance performance by the Mohiniyattam dancers who moved to my favorite song and welcomed us at the venue. We also performed a lamp lighting ceremony on this occasion.”
Sangeet
“Replete with dance performances, games, impromptu singing sessions and a DJ, the sangeet was a fun-filled event. For my outfit, I chose a twilight-hued gown while Ajaiy wore a high collared suit. On the choreography front, my cousins were completely hands-on as they took charge of most of the dances. My brother set the stage on fire with his moves while everyone regardless of their age let their hair down as they partied!”
Haldi
“An event that is close to every bride’s heart, the Haldi marks the start of the wedding celebrations. We kept it simple with yellow marigold peppered all around the house. For my outfit, I chose a breezy mint-green lehenga which I accessorized with a floral tiara. Once the Haldi slathering was done, I changed into a frilly yellow lehenga while Ajaiy wore a teal blue kurta in stark contrast.”
Bride and Groom Entry
“On this day, both, Ajaiy and I entered the wedding venue together. My mom outdid herself for this welcome as she unfolded so many surprises on us! She arranged dholwalas that greeted us at the gates and executed a grand 21 diya aarti for Ajaiy. Each aarti thali was customized keeping Ajaiy’s tastes in mind. As for the thali or the trays themselves, they were crafted out of german silver and accessorized with silver lamps that were from my mom’s collection”, shares Kirithika.
Mehndi
“The mehndi began with a rousing welcome to the beats of the Dhol. An extravagant seating arrangement accompanied the backdrop which resembled traditional Indian-style windows or jhar. Keeping the occasion in mind, I wanted to go grand with my lehenga and chose a beautiful cream-hued creation which glimmered under the lights.”
First Reception
“With a guest list that included more than 1000 people the reception was a huge success. My mom helped me select a Kancheepuram gold silk saree embroidered with original Swarovski crystals for my outfit. Moreover, she also designed the entire set of jewelry which included a tiara for this event from her own cherished collection. The decor of the event consisted of antique gold mirrors that sleekly reflected back every light at the venue. At the entrance, a chariot welcomed the guests along with a photo booth that was adorned with a monogram”, recollects Kirithika.
Wedding
Swathed in hues of red and gold, the wedding was luxurious and traditional. Decorated with brass elements that shimmered under the lights and strewn with rose petals adding a floral fragrance to the air, it was celebrated in traditional Tamilian style. Entering on a delicate latticework chariot, Kirithika was a vision in her bright pink zari saree while Ajaiy kept it simple with a traditional entry seated under an umbrella. Later on, the newlyweds enjoyed sweets together surrounded by their loved ones.
Feast
Hosted at the bride’s home, the feast following the wedding had everyone gorging on traditional Tamilian delicacies. As for the decor, the newlyweds chose to keep it simple with a few marigold garlands and fairy lights tied around trees.
Groom House Entry
Lit up by the blazing sun, the newlyweds entered their new home amidst cheer as Ajaiy’s family welcomed them with colorful rangoli and garlands. Everyone mingled freely as the couple prayed to the deities even as their elders blessed them.
Second Reception
Hosted in the groom’s hometown of Nagercoil, the couple’s second reception was glitzy and exuded grandeur with its golden hues and rich foliage that decorated the entire venue including both the interior and exterior spaces of the hotel. The reception made jaws drop with its colossal stage where the newlyweds greeted their guests. Dotted with a plethora of counters that indulged the guests’ appetites and entertained them, the reception was truly an engaging and lively event.
The Wedding Makers
Venues: Taj Coromandel, Chennai (Poochodal); Annai Resorts & Spa, Kanyakumari (Pounurukkal); ITC Grand Chola, Chennai (Engagement); Sheraton Grand Resort & Spa, Chennai (Bridal Shower and Pre-wedding photoshoot); The Leela Palace, Chennai (First Reception, Sangeet, Bride and Groom Entry, Mehndi, Wedding); Ganga Grandeur, Nagercoil (Second Reception)
Wedding Planner: Wedding Factory
Décor: Wedding Factory
Florist: Sheetals Giftalia (Poochodal), The Big Box Theory (Poochodal), Wedding Factory (Pounurukkal)
Groom’s Outfits: Van Heusen (Poochodal), Kiran Valentine (Pounurukkal), Blackberrys (Bridal Shower), Gabbana.Life (Engagement). Vivek Karunakarn (Sangeet, Haldi, Wedding), Fab India (Haldi), Tina Vincent (Bride and Groom Entry), Syed Bawkher & Company (First Reception), Coax Couture (Second Reception)
Bride’s Outfits: Co-optex (Poochodal, Engagement), Tina Vincent (Poochodal, Pounurukkal, Engagement, Bride and Groom Entry, First Reception, Wedding, Second Reception), Evoluzione (Bridal Shower, Mehndi), Kanakavalli (Engagement), Gaurav Gupta (Sangeet), Fashion Lounge (Haldi), Sidney Sladen (Haldi), Anita’s Designer Studio (Bride and Groom Entry), Vivek Karunakarn (Mehndi), NC Santhanam (Wedding), Utppalakshi (Second Reception)
Jewellery: Ethnic Jewels, Sheetal Diamonds, Bina Jewellery
Bride’s Makeup: Neelams Studio (Poochodal, Bridal Shower, Engagement, Sangeet, Haldi, Bride and Groom Entry, First Reception), Toni & Guy (Pounurukkal)
Groom’s Makeup: Wink Salon (Poochodal, Engagement, Sangeet, Bride and Groom Entry, Mehndi, First Reception), Nish Signature Salon (Bridal Shower)
Hairstyling: Toni & Guy (Pounurukkal), Neelams Studio (Bridal Shower, Sangeet, Mehndi, First Reception)
Mehndi: Meenakshi and Group
Entertainment: Rajesh Vaidhya (First Reception)
Emcee: Pujitha Devaraju (Sangeet)
Choreography: Annanya Shankar (Sangeet)
Wedding Favors: Sheetals Giftalia (Poochodal, Engagement, Sangeet, Bride and Groom Entry), Wedding Factory (Poochodal, Pounurukkal, Bridal Shower, Engagement, Sangeet, Bride and Groom Entry, Mehndi, First Reception), Fashion Lounge (Bridal Shower), Sandhya Crafts by Sandhya Rathi (Engagement), Bottled Bliss (Haldi, Bride and Groom Entry), Lakshmi Jewellery (Bride and Groom Entry)
Wedding Website: wed_website
Photography: Graphic Stills
