Nikita and Chirag, Udaipur
With a wedding ceremony that was complete with Ganga arti and a mehndi filled with fun activities, this couple explored a wide spectrum of moods at their celebrations.
Nikita and Chirag’s sweet romance was followed by grand celebrations that were a fitting match to their love story. With WeddingSutra Favorite The Wedding Designers planning their big day and WeddingSutra Favorite WeddingNama documenting every detail and emotion in candid frames, their wedding was one that will remain in the hearts of their guests for a long time to come. The bride shares with us highlights from their big day.
How We Met
Our mothers played Cupid! They’ve shared a common friend circle for ages and they introduced us. Chirag lived in Mumbai and I was in Surat and we spoke on the phone a lot. On our first meeting at lunch, we ended up spending the day together and sparks flew. We had so much in common! It didn’t take long for us to realise we shared something special and we were constantly planning to talk and meet. The first time our families met though, Chirag and my brother got along so well they forgot I was at the table too. In a way, it was so endearing to see them bond like that. We told our parents we wanted to date a while before we got engaged to get to know each other better. After a year, we decided to get engaged in August 2017.
The proposal
My cousins and friends had planned a brunch at Café Terra in Bandra, last August. When I arrived, the restaurant was empty. But there was a path strewn with flowers that led to a corner table. I saw Chirag standing there with a guitarist and a ring. All my cousins and friends knew about the plan but pretended like they had no clue! The whole set up made me feel like I was in a fairytale! As I walked and got closer to the table he went down on one knee and asked ‘Will you marry me? ‘ Even today, I get goosebumps when I think about that moment. A photographer captured the entire proposal as he hid behind the bar counter.
Wedding Venue
After the proposal, everything picked up pace very quickly. We began to plan a destination wedding with our families. We considered everyone’s suggestions, travelled a bit and decided we wanted the great weather in January and a venue with color and a royal feel that was accessible for our guests. One trip to the Radisson Blu Udaipur Palace Resort & Spa and we knew we’d found what we were looking for: beautiful views, amazing venues, mouth-watering food and enough rooms to accommodate all our guests!
Wedding Planning
Rishi Rochlani and Yamini run the wedding planning firm The Wedding Designers in Mumbai and they planned our wedding. They’re young, talented and so passionate. You’d think you’d be able to plan every little detail of your wedding but there is far too much. It’s much better to have planners take that load off you. Rishi and Yamini were on the ball from word go. They followed up for RSVPs, handled the logistics, allotted accommodation to guests based on age groups, planned and executed décor themes. Everything was flawless. Their team’s commitment and professionalism were always evident and we just relaxed knowing they’d always be there. They made our vision come to life perfectly and we couldn’t have asked for anything more. Our photographers, WeddingNama are another very down-to-earth and professional team we had the chance to work with. Hiring them was the best decision Chirag and I made. Ankita, Akash and their team were always there and the pictures are proof of a job well done! As we started receiving the photos (which was also on time, if I might add), there were so many pictures to which our reaction was “Whoa” and “Yeh kab hua?” They made us feel very comfortable during all the shots. I would recommend them to anyone looking for natural, beautiful and candid pictures that will be beautiful memories forever. My entire trousseau was from Delhi and I was done in a week’s time because I’d pinned down exactly what I wanted and which store to get it at. I bought the wedding lehenga from Rimple & Harpreet Narula and the sangeet gown was by Dolly J.
Wedding Functions
Mehndi
Our mehndi was undoubtedly the best part of the wedding. The theme was ‘A Persian Garden’. The venue was decorated with Turkish sheeshas, a Hamsa installation made out of wooden blocks and swing lounges. The colors were aqua blue and fuchsia and the décor also featured hand painted tin trunks and drums, a crown seating for the couple, games like Jenga, carom, etc. for the guests and a lot more. Chirag wore a raw silk jacket, an embroidered kurta and antique gold silk pants by SS Homme, Mumbai. My jewellery for the mehndi was from JewelBerries, Surat.
Sangeet
The theme for our sangeet was ‘Chandni Raatein’ and the venue was decorated using elements that reflect light creating a glittering atmosphere. Filled with mirror ladis, mirror mosaic arches, illuminated Mumtazjaalis, signboards, and so on, we also had sheeshas specially imported from Persia and Egypt. The awesome Jazba Band (Ashish Chhabra) brought in an old world charm to the modern wedding. I wore a peach-pink Dolly J gown with a set by Rama Jewels, Mumbai. Chirag looked dapper in off-white and navy blue tuxedo from SS Homme.
Wedding
I had a very specific vision for my wedding and we worked closely with Rishi and Yamini to make it a reality. The wedding theme was ‘Eternal Kashi’ and the setup was a mandala layout with the mandap in the center, surrounded by pools of water, flower petals and lots of candles. Chirag entered with his baraat, sitting on an elephant, with four horses in the front. I made my entry under a floral ‘chaadar’ carried by my four brothers. Maroon, gold, and blush were the primary colors of the evening and the planners used them in a beautiful way. A gorgeous golden ribbon art installation decorated the walkway into the venue. We created a large waterbody around the mandap that used 40,000 liters of water (all of which was pumped back to the lake post event!) To evoke the spirituality of Banaras, we had pundits from Varanasi perform the Ganga Aarti during the ceremony. It made the atmosphere more spiritual and pure and our guests loved it! I found the perfect wedding outfit at the Rimple & Harpreet Narula store in Delhi which I paired with a set by Rama jewels, Mumbai. Chirag was in a peach-pink sherwani with gold zari embroidery by SS Homme, Mumbai.
Reception
After the wedding, we hosted a themed reception curated by The Wedding Designers. We had performances by qawwals from Lucknow and mujra dancers. Since the weather was beautiful, The Wedding Designers suggested that we make use of the outdoor space at the hotel so they divided the celebration zones between the indoors and outdoors. Turkish sheesha was served outside.
Advice For Couples
Choose wedding planners who you trust and then have faith in their capabilities. If you’re planning a destination wedding pick a place that has direct flights since guests prefer that. Be calm and patient to maintain the balance and focus on staying positive and having fun. Do not rush into things. Live those days to the fullest and, more importantly, don’t forget to share some love with your partner throughout the celebrations!
Wedding Makers
Venue: Radisson Blu Udaipur Palace Resort & Spa
Wedding Planner: The Wedding Designers
Design & Decor: The Wedding Designers
Bride’s Outfits: Dolly J (Sangeet), Rimple & Harpreet Narula (Wedding)
Groom’s Outfits: SS Homme (Mehndi, Sangeet and Wedding)
Jewellery: Jewelberries, Surat (Mehndi) Rama Jewels, Mumbai (Sangeet and Wedding)
Photography: WeddingNama
