REAL LIFE WEDDINGS

Essence  of beauty inside and out

Former Miss Malaysia World and Miss Universe Malaysia, Deborah Priya Henry married the love of her life Dr Rajiv Bhanot at their heavenly wedding in the City of Lakes, Udaipur in February 2017, attended by family and friends from around the globe. What struck us about this star-studded couple, was how down to earth they both were and it was indeed a real privilege to be working alongside them to put together their dream wedding in one of the most romantic cities in the world! Deborah's work as a humanitarian activist in the refugee community inspired me most about this young lady, and Rajiv's commitment to eradicate water poverty globally through his company H2O Saver - a sincere match made in heaven.

The dream team, Razaq Luxe Weddings from Malaysia were flown in to execute the most exquisite decor that oozed sophistication and elegance throughout, and were undeniably royalty to work with on a professional level. Loaded with an eye for detail, precision planning and a set of distinguished innovative individuals, they mesmerised everyone with creativity that had no limit. The guests were constantly enthralled by each event - and DJ Biggie did not disappoint with his larger-than-life presence. This has to be one of the most first-rate weddings Udaipur has had the pleasure of hosting.

We wish the happy couple a lifetime of happiness and love for all their contributions to making the world a better place. It's been a pleasure...

WEDDING CREDITS

Photographer:  ©Zung Ninja@The Photoz

Cinematography:  Doodle Studio

Wedding Venue:  Sangeet, The Leela, Udaipur; Hindu ceremony & Blessing, Oberoi Udailvilas, Udaipur, India

Creative Florist/Decor:  Razak Luxe Decor

DJ:  DJ Biggie

Make-up Artist:  Sheng Saw

Hair Stylist: Shaun

Wedding Planners:  Tania-Tapel

A palatial wedding in Jaipur

When Andrew and Yashmeen first visited me in UK on my last day there, I didn't know they'd been blown away with our weddings in Rajasthan, and that they had decided to forfeit a beach wedding in Goa for something completely new!

When I first heard the couples love story, crossing continents to be together from New York to London, it struck me how deep their love was. As soon as I returned, the job at hand was to first find a suitable venue. After short listing five potentials, we further reduced down to two. Andrew flew in to conduct the site visits with me for a long weekend and as soon as we entered the steps of Samode Palace, before we even got upstairs we were both 'this is it!'

Yashmeen was not scheduled to visit until the dates of her wedding which meant it was going to be an element of surprise. I'd only met her once in UK but from that meeting a bond had been formed - all the planning was done on email and Skype. Luck would have it, the day she walked in and I met her at the top of the stairs, the smile on her face for the next five days did not leave her - that's the ultimate result of a wedding planner that really cares. 

A colourful, relaxed mehndi event was vibrantly put together at the sister hotel Samode Bagh on the first day of festivities. There was camel rides, bangle makers, cricket match, volleyball - it was a crazy amount of fun for all the guests. The wedding consisted of bringing in private priests to conduct the Anand Karaj at the hotel since the local Gurudwara's were playing politics and making things difficult in Jaipur to host a mixed wedding. The adorable Yashmeen came inside the Durbar Hall and was met by a dashing Andy all decked out in his Indian refinery. The ceremony was so gracefully executed with translation booklets given to the foreign guests so they could follow what was happening. After which canapes and champagne flowed, once the holy book had been removed from the 'temple'. A mouth watering sit-down dinner around the poolside was designed and executed by the team at Samode - I think it was their first time to do a formal sit down service! The outdoor reception party with a surprise fireworks display that lit up the couples names in the mountains was a nice fairytale ending. And for the bride who insisted they didn't want to do a first dance on the first meeting, they did a darn great performance after being convinced by me that they should follow tradition!

Their 80 guests arrived from all over the world including Yashmeen's cousins from the Punjab who had never been outside their locality. The next few days were full of love and laughter. It didn't feel like a wedding planning project - the parents adopted Manisha and I (wedding planner team) like their own children - we really felt blessed to be part of this amazing union. It was intimate and royal all rolled into one, in one of Jaipur's hidden gems.

This happy couple deserve a medal for being priceless! we wish them love, happiness and success in their new life ahead.

WEDDING CREDITS

Photographer:  ©Mayra Navarrete

Wedding Venue:  Samode Palace, Jaipur, India

DJ:  DJ Kuldeep

Wedding Planners:  Tania-Tapel

Good things come in small packages

This wedding was a few years back but it really was such an superb experience that I wanted to share it with the world. When Xu Shin and Raj decided to get married they were referred to me by another of my very lovely clients!

Having been in the industry of wedding planning for the Indian community a number of years, and spending time convincing clients that smaller numbers would make it more personal and intimate, Raj came along with a wedding unheard of in it's day, with 35 guests!

The day was super beautiful, it was hugely personal and every ceremony was taken into consideration. The man hours to plan their wedding day was the same as the average Indian wedding of 250 guests. The fabulous photographers Storybook Weddings covered the occasion, and captured over 2000 images I recall.

Their 35 guests were dazed to the uniqueness of their event throughout the day, at this very private affair - it really was and is the smallest wedding we have had the privilege to work on.

With beautiful handmade stationery with personalised table names of cities in China they had romanced in over the courting period, and why the city had significant memories for them was shared to bring in the two cultures. 

There was the serene civil ceremony, with Xu Shin looking radiant, with Raj mesmerised at the moment she walked in - his look said it all in that moment. There was the ultimate symbolism of love, peace and happiness with a release of two white doves. A full blown Hindu ceremony proceeded after Xu Shin transformed into a stunning lookalike Indian bride. While she was getting changed and having her make-up done again, the guests were served canapes and drinks. After the Indian ceremony, a succulent Indian menu was served, crafted to perfection. And then they continued home for more ceremonies and celebration...and they lived happily ever-after.

The couple are now blessed with two children since 2005, and happily live in Warwickshire.

WEDDING CREDITS

Photographer:  ©Storybook Weddings

Cinematography:  The Graham Fenton Experience

Wedding Venue:  Marriott Forest of Arden, Warwickshire, UK

Caterers:  Sukdev Caterers

Wedding Planners:  Tania-Tapel