Ravi Dhillon and Dipesh Mistry, Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya, Mexico

Stunning facets of Punjabi, Gujarati and the LGBTQ+ community came together in a vibrant whirl of love to celebrate Canada-based couple Ravi Dhillon and Dipesh Mistry’s destination wedding in Mexico. Read on to know more!

How they met
A Family Doctor by profession, Ravi Dhillon crossed paths with Pharmaceutical professional Dipesh Mistry on a dating app when he returned home to Canada after his residency period. Dipesh, who had come from the UK to attend a wedding was searching for a hiking buddy while he was there, and the two instantly connected as they bonded over common cultural and family values. They got close in no time, so when Ravi visited the UK soon after on a pre-planned trip, they continued to spend time together and started dating. After a while of flying back and forth, Dipesh decided to take a leap of faith and move to Canada to build a life with Ravi, and they never looked back since.

The Proposal
Ravi shares, “I had booked a surprise trip for Dipesh’s birthday. He was clueless until he reached the gate at the airport and realized that we were off on a 4-day trip to Venice. I had to keep the ring hidden until the last day of the trip, his birthday. I had booked a special boat tour and as it was coming to an end, the driver played ‘mile ho tum humko’ by Neha Kakkar at my request. As we stood up to pose for a picture, I went on one knee and proposed to him”.

Wedding Planning
Hosted at the stunning beachfront property of Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya in Mexico, Ravi and Dipesh’s intimate wedding celebration was planned to perfection by Arora Events and executed by Zuniga Produccion and Eventos. They opted for bespoke outfits made as per their vision and theme for each of their functions, borrowing elements from their cultures and tailored to their unique styles. Banga Studios captured their special moments in priceless frames, while Cinematic Films immortalized their wedding journey on film.

Wedding Functions
Welcome party
Ravi and Dipesh welcomed their guests to the beautiful Mexican wedding getaway with a breezy sea-side engagement party. The simple yet stunning decor of white and pink blooms as well as an all-white dress-code set a tone of muted elegance for the relaxed soiree that saw games, dance, music, and more. The couple looked dapper in matching textured ivory sherwanis and layered gold necklaces.

Santak/Maiyan
The next day began with the traditional Gujarati ceremonies of Santak and Maiyan (or Haldi) at a beguiling hut-style gazebo next to the ocean. Swept by the fresh coast breeze, the occasion saw a lively gathering of their friends and family for the ritual where they anointed them with turmeric paste.

Sangeet/Garba
The evening continued with a festive soiree that combined the fun of a Punjabi Sangeet and a Gujarati Garba night. Ravi flaunted a traditional kurta chaadra in a stunning royal blue, with his family following suit in the same for the men, and phulkari suits and prandis for the women. Dipesh embraced his Gujarati heritage in a vibrant fuchsia kurta and a traditional embroidered vest, as did his side of the family. The couple and their loved ones spent the evening dancing and enjoying under a canopy of string lights to the sound of music and crashing waves in the background.

Sikh ceremony
The next day began with the Sikh wedding ceremony at the beachside gazebo which was decked in soft soothing hues of ivory and blush for the occasion. Breezy drapes, traditional floor seating, and flowers made up the simple yet stunning decor. Ravi and his family donned outfits in mint green, while Dipesh and his family wore blush and rose gold, conjuring a medley of beguiling pastel hues against the azure skies and ocean beyond.

Hindu ceremony
The function was followed by a sunset wedding held as per Gujarati Hindu customs, for which Ravi and his side of the family embraced emerald green while Dipesh and his entourage flaunted rich reds. Ravi shares, “For the Hindu ceremony our mandap was made with a transparent glass stage over the water, which allowed us to see the waves under our feet as we took our vows at sunset, making the experience simply surreal.”

Reception
A grand Reception with a Great Gatsby – inspired decor and spectacular performances brought the wedding getaway to a close. Decadent decor in gold and jewel tones decked the hall, while stunning drag performances celebrated their love and support for the LGBTQ+ community, making for a glorious night of colorful revelries.

Advice for other LGBTQ+ couples
“Never give up on your dreams. Just because you identify yourself as part of the LGBT community, you should never feel like you do not have the same right to marry and love as heterosexual couples. We must continue to fight for LGBT rights all over the world, not just in our cities. We cannot thrive in freedom until we all have the right to marry and be with the one we love, worldwide.”

The Wedding Makers

Venue: Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya Mexico
Wedding Planner: Arora Events
Decor: Zuniga Produccion and Eventos
Floral Decor: Tulipania
Outfits: Omega (Hindu Wedding), Suits by Nadu (Reception)
Makeup and Hair: Styling Trio
Entertainment: ItsBDLJ (DJ), Empire Entertainment
Photography: Banga Studios
Videography: Cinematic Films

Related Articles: