Soniya Parulkar
From vibrant traditional saris to dazzling sequined ensembles, this bride’s wedding wardrobe was a stunning celebration of culture and style!
For Sydney-based couple Soniya Parulkar and Varan Perananthan, culture was at the heart of their love story. From a breathtaking helicopter proposal over Uluru to a destination wedding in Sri Lanka’s picturesque Weligama Bay, every moment was a tribute to their Indian, Sri Lankan, and Australian heritage. Photographed by WeddingSutra Favorite – Movie’ing Moments the union honored their diverse backgrounds by choosing a Sri Lankan Tamil priest who seamlessly blended Tamil wedding traditions with key Maharashtrian elements.
Haldi: A Golden Glow by the Sea
The wedding festivities commenced with a lively haldi ceremony by the beach, where nearly a hundred guests from Australia joined in the celebrations. Soniya radiated joy in a vibrant yellow raw silk lehenga from House of Masaba, featuring delicate floral embroidery. The guests lounged in beautifully decorated gazebos, sipping fresh coconut water and soaking in the coastal serenity.
Mehendi: A Contemporary Twist
For her mehendi ceremony, Soniya opted for a modern aesthetic, stepping away from traditional attire. She stunned in a sleek, sequinned bottle-green gown, striking the perfect balance between elegance and ease. The bold choice not only honored the traditional green hues of the ceremony but also allowed her to move freely and enjoy every moment of the celebration.
Sangeet: A Night of Stars and Sparkle
As the sun set, the celebrations transitioned into a magical sangeet, set against a dreamy ‘starry night in the forest’ theme. Having long admired Rahul Mishra’s craftsmanship, Soniya selected a midnight blue lehenga with exquisite floral embroidery and paired it with a metallic blouse adorned with intricate 3D embellishments. The evening was filled with electrifying performances and joyous dancing beneath a twinkling canopy.
Wedding: An Ode to Tradition
Soniya remained deeply connected to her roots by choosing a traditional Kanjeevaram silk sari for her wedding day, a meaningful departure from the trending ivory and blush bridal palettes. She found her dream sari at the House of Angadi in Bengaluru – a rich dual-toned peach drape with intricate gold zari work. Adorned with layered gold necklaces and heirloom Maharashtrian bangles from her mother, she walked down the aisle with grace and confidence.
Reception: Timeless Glamour
For the grand reception, Soniya embraced classic sophistication in a Seema Gujral lehenga. Her search for the perfect outfit ended when she discovered a dazzling long-sleeved, pink-toned glittery lehenga at Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop in Mumbai. Under twinkling fairy lights, she took to the monogrammed dance floor, her elegant waltz marking the perfect finale to an unforgettable wedding celebration.
The Wedding Makers
Venue: Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa, Sri Lanka
Bride’s Outfits: House of Masaba (Haldi), Rahul Mishra (Sangeet), The House Of Angadi (Wedding), Seema Gujral (Reception)
Photography: Movie’ing Moments
