Malvika and Nakul, Park Hyatt Dubai

George Bernard Shaw once said, “There is no love sincerer than the love of food,” and we’re sure Malvika and Nakul would agree. Their connection began over food and their love for each other is as much as they love food. The duo recently tied the knot and had WeddingSutra Favorite – DotDusk Studios document every special moment at their wedding. Held at the opulent grounds of Park Hyatt Dubai, their ceremonies were filled to the brim with fun and laughter. Just a few minutes away from the city center and surrounded by lush greenery this venue was perfect for the young couple as they began their ‘happily ever after’ journey. The bride shares their story.

How We Met
Besides each other, the one thing Nakul and I are most passionate about is food and that’s also how we hit it off. What was supposed to be a quick meal at Marina Social, Dubai turned out to be a long evening of banter, uninhibited laughter, a long drive, some ice cream and complete ease; and so began our story.

Proposal
A few months and endless Skype calls later I was visiting Nakul and his family when he pulled out a scarf from his jacket and blindfolded me. I opened my eyes (and heart) to a truly magical experience: strings of fairy lights, red roses, confetti, candles and a big board that read ‘Will You Marry Me?’ The moment took my breath away. If there was ever an award for the perfect proposal, Nakul would be a winner!

Wedding Venue
After considering Abu Dhabi, Udaipur and even Greece for our wedding, we got married at the Park Hyatt Dubai. The hotel staff was efficient, accommodating and they facilitated the customs typical to an Indian wedding. We truly could not have chosen better!

Wedding Planning
The décor mood and inspiration boards were done by me and Nakul took charge of entertainment, light, and sound. Event design and execution was by our wedding planners – Events by Saniya. With the wedding planners, we planned everything, right from conceptualizing each event, to designing our wedding cards, collaterals, etc. We even had a say in what went into the welcome hampers!

Nakul had met Lakhbir and Sandeep of DotDusk Studios at another wedding and developed a great rapport with them. So they were an obvious choice for our wedding! My makeup artist was Dubai based – Noreen Shehryar. I’m not much of a makeup person and Noreen really understood my skin and the looks I wanted through the events.

Wedding Functions

Welcome Dinner
Nakul and I wanted our first event to be extra-special for our guests and chose Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club as the venue. With the water body and the Dubai skyline as the backdrop we decided to keep the decor minimal with fairy lights and sparklers. We had a belly dancer perform and the event turned out to be quite the rager!

Mehndi
The theme of the mehndi was ‘Indian Carnival’. We chose bright colors, a funky set up with dream catchers, a beer pong table with pictures of all our friends and a ‘Ride the Bull’. We also personalized our cocktails; our mehndi specials were ‘Blushing Bride’ and ‘Dashing Groom’.

Sangeet
Our sangeet was a typical, crazy Punjabi party! We had a blue and white theme and went for a patterned bar with lots of candles. The night started off with the exchange of rings and then family performances.

Nakul says he doesn’t remember a thing from the Sangeet except for my solo dance. I think that should tell you enough!

Pheras
As far I as I have been told Nakul had a totally Punjabi, mad, eccentric, alcoholic baaraat. I did not enjoy the wait, but I’m happy he had a ball. The pheras were exactly what I wanted, pink and white flowers with Dubai’s skyline at sunset as backdrop. Nakul was extremely nervous so he kept cracking jokes through the pheras which made it entertaining.

Reception
At the finale, the evening was set up in hues of silver and rose gold. We used a lot of glass – table toppers, chandeliers and even a glass-like dance floor. Nakul and I just wanted to let loose, but there was a line up of acts for this function too. The night started with the usual cake cutting, which was followed by a number of speeches from our family and friends. Nakul gave a speech too during which he almost cried (he denies it, but I know he did). The speeches were followed by a live performance by upcoming band Maadhyam who are pretty epic. The crowd danced away all night to their music. Nakul and I were the last people to exit the ballroom at about 6 a.m.

Advice for Couples
It’s very easy to get bogged down by trying to achieve perfection if you are deeply involved in the planning. You will have to learn to let go. 10 days prior to the wedding delegate responsibilities and make a promise to yourself that you will not worry about anything – no matter how big or small. Have fun, it’s your wedding!

Wedding Makers
Venues: Park Hyatt Dubai
Wedding Planner: Events by Saniya
Groom’s Outfits: Sarab Khanijou, Amaare
Bride’s Outfits: KM by Kanika Manchanda, Surendri by Yogesh Chaudhary, Monisha Jaising, Sabyasachi
Makeup Artist: Noreen Shehryar (Dubai)
Entertainment: Maadhyam (Reception)
DJ: DJ Nitesh and DJ Gaurav (Both from Dubai)

Photography: DotDusk Studios

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