Soniya and Akhilesh, Sheraton Grand, Pune
Akhilesh and Soniya's wedding was a fun fusion of Maharashtrian customs, RD Burman hits, and vibrant decor.
From playground games to tying the knot years later, Akhilesh and Soniya’s relationship evolved gradually over time, from childhood to matrimony. They tied the knot in December 2018, and their traditional Maharashtrian wedding festivities were captured beautifully by WeddingSutra Favorite – Pune Dusk Photography. See some of the highlights below.
How They Met
Akhilesh and Soniya knew each other from the time she was nine and he was twelve. However, a play ‘date’ never happened until 14 years later when he ran into her in Chicago, where she was based. What followed were weekend meetings, and over time, the two fell in love.
The Proposal
Their cycle of memorable weekend trips reached its culmination in January 2017, when Akhilesh whisked Soniya away on yet another weekend trip and asked her to be his partner for all the adventures to come.
Wedding Planning
Since Akhilesh and Soniya both hail from Pune, they decided to host their wedding functions in their home town. But with guests coming from across the globe, they wanted an easy way to help them out with anything they might need, so they set up a fun wedding website. From transport routes and details of the functions to their ‘story page’ and fun titbits, it had it all the information anyone would require. The website set the wheels in motion for a fun-filled five-day wedding extravaganza.
Sangeet and Cocktails
Akhilesh and Soniya kicked off the festivities with a sangeet and cocktail night at The Corinthians Resort where they performed for their guests. Their loved ones also enjoyed dancing to hit Bollywood numbers. As a reward, after party wristbands were given to the best dancers of the evening. The bride was resplendent in a shimmering gold lehenga which she paired with diamond jewellery and a tiara, while the groom wore a black silk kurta with gold pants and a cream and gold bandi jacket.
Mehendi
Held on the rooftop poolside of Sheraton Grand, the mehendi ceremony was a vibrant affair with marigold blooms, fuchsia drapes, and a dress code of white with hues of greens and blues for the guests. The cherry on top was a playlist of RD Burman’s hit songs. The groom wore a breezy white kurta set with a mustard bandi jacket, while the bride wore gorgeous floral jewellery with a yellow and red silk lehenga.
Wedding
The wedding ceremony was a fusion of colors, and included traditional Maharashtrian wedding customs. The groom looked regal in a royal blue and gold sherwani, while the bride glowed radiant in a peacock green silk sari, traditional jewellery including a nose ring, a ‘shela’ (shawl) and a garland in her hair. Soniya and Akhilesh both wore the customary Maharastrian ‘mundavalya’ (ornament made with small gold and white pearls that is strung across the forehead).
The Wedding Makers
Venue: Sheraton Grand Hotel, Pune
Photography: Pune Dusk
