Yaisha and Sayandan, Kerala
The idea was not just to get married on this trip, but to make sure the two families became one large composite unit too!
This lovely wedding with a view of the backwaters and the ocean in God’s Own Country was hosted at the Taj and Lalit properties in Bekal and was captured beautifully by WeddingSutra Favorite – Gautam Khullar Photography.
The couple shares details about their wedding below.
How They Met
In 2008, Sayandan, (Sai to his friends) was studying at the Imperial College, London. He met Yaisha via mutual friends at King’s College, London. Sai is from a Tamilian Sri Lankan family. Yaisha is ethnically Gujarati, born and bred in London.
Over the years, the couple didn’t just develop a thriving relationship with each other, but they grew into each other’s families too. Sai says, “If we’re not together or with our friends, we are with our gazillion and one cousins!”
The Proposal
The couple loves to travel and they’ve explored the world together but their most memorable journey was to India. Still, as far as proposal destinations were concerned, Sai had his work cut out for him. The groom-to-be says, “Everyone in our family was expecting a proposal on that trip but I’ve known Yaisha for many years and I know it was the least obvious choice that would actually have her smitten. Also, she appreciates grand gestures when it comes to surprising her. So, I chose the Lake District to propose as I had asked Yaisha to be my girlfriend at the very same place. I gifted her a hand-written book whose contents I’d like to keep a secret between me and her *wink*.”
The Wedding Venue
On their return, they were sure Kerala was where they wanted to wed. Sai says, “We picked the Taj Bekal Resort & Spa, Kerala because Yaisha had always dreamed of getting married at a place that had both a beach and a lake. The view is just insane and the property has the best of both worlds – the backwaters and the Indian ocean!”
As for the aesthetic of the functions, the couple decided on elegant decor, world cuisine and the relaxed vibe of a family holiday so both sides could get to know one another and become one big family!
Wedding Planning
“We became obsessed with the idea of making sure the families mixed to create one huge ‘Tamarati’ family!” the groom grins, saying, “We hosted plenty of pre-wedding events at home in London imbibed in both our traditions in homage to our respective cultures. The events included a summer engagement barbeque and a pre-wedding Ganesh pooja mixed with a Chandlo Matli followed by a few nights of dinners and parties.” Apart from the events in London, the couple hosted six grand events over three days in Kerala.
The couple, Yaisha and Sai share, “It was a cakewalk working with our photographers. They came up with loads of fun ideas for our shoots and managed to capture some stunning shots. Their hard work ensured we will be able to relive the best week of our lives for the rest of our lives!”
Wedding Functions
Welcome Drinks
Sunshine, cocktails and a delicious lunch by the pool – this event was held to bring on the party mood. The highlight was when the groom was pushed into the pool, followed by all his groomsmen! Following the Indo-western theme, Yaisha wore a beautiful, soft green skirt with a ruched effect, a knee-high slit, paired with a tube blouse. Sai looked dashing in a casual buttoned-down shirt and chinos.
Mehendi and Sangeet
The taste of Kerala was in evidence at this function as the couple had Kerala cuisine reimagined in a BBQ. A gift corner filled with handbags, accessories and more awaited the women. The bride welcomed the guests in a wonderful speech after which everyone hit the dance floor.
Yaisha was electric in a blue, body-con skirt matched with an off-shoulder embroidered blouse. Sai went Indo-western by matching his tapered trousers with a well-fitted sherwani.
Vidhi and Roce Ceremony
Pink and orange blossoms added color to the lush green environs as the ceremonies began with a Ganesh pooja. Then came the Grashanti, followedby the Roce ceremony where coconut milk was poured over the groom in the last bath he took as a bachelor. The celebrations ended with everyone dancing to the beats of dhol. The bride wore a lemon yellow lehenga with a floral design and the groom complemented her in a traditional verti and kurta set.
Wedding
Cream, gold and red – the decor was elegant and understated. Held at the helipad, overlooking both the backwaters and the beach at the Lalit Resort in Bekal, the wedding was extremely special. Tradition was poignantly honoured as Sai’s childhood priest and Yaisha’s late grandmother’s priest both created a perfect blend of customs and traditions.
The bride looked stunning in a rust orange lehenga and blouse with a double dupatta in deep red. A legacy of love was evident in Yaisha’s jewelry. The bride wore a mix of bangles passed down to her by her grandmother, along with a beautiful gold set. Honoring the Tamilian heritage, Sai chose a cream and gold sherwani and dhoti set while his safa was the same color as the bride’s outfit.
Vow Ceremony
Sai and Yaisha’s white wedding took place on one of the most beautiful and picturesque beach weddings we’ve ever seen. The highlight of the function was the entranceway decked with elegant, white blooms. The bride entered along with her bridesmaids and finally walked down the aisle while being teary-eyed as she saw the man of her dreams standing at the altar waiting for her.
Sai’s sister, Tharsini and Yaisha’s sister, Talisha made their wedding intimate and meaningful affair by officiating the ceremony which was followed by the couple exchanging their wedding vows in front of their near and dear ones. She shared, “Our vows were my favorite part, I have to admit I had a moment and broke down in tears which subsequently made all of our wedding guests cry, including the big uncles.”
The bride looked stunning in a beautiful ballroom gown with a sleek v-neck and box pleats and finished her look with a custom-made cathedral veil. For her accessories, she picked a classic set of diamond earrings and a necklace. The groom complemented her by opting for a traditional stone, double-breasted suit with tapered trousers. To make his outfit look semi-formal, in keeping with the beach ceremony, he loosened his tie and opened the first button of his shirt.
Reception
The grand finale was a night full of speeches and dancing that went on until dawn. It all wound down with love and affection and the enthusiastic planning of a second reunion for both families.
Advice for couples
“If you look past all the noise, a wedding is for two people to commit to each other in front of their families. You could have all the fancy ball gowns and venues but what makes a wedding special is that love prevails – for #Saisha 2019 love did, and we achieved our goal of one big family holiday!”
The Wedding Makers
Venues: Taj Bekal Resort & Spa, Lalit Resort & Spa Bekal
Wedding Planner: Unicorn Wedding planners
Jewellery: Moti Gold, S.Kanjibhai Jewellers
Makeup Artist: Rajeshwaree Patel
DJ: DJ Vee
Invitations: Sudarshan Cards
Cake: The Velvet Cake Company
Photography: Gautam Khullar Photography
