A Day with WeddingSutra Favorites: Natasha and Mark

WeddingSutra has launched ‘A Day with WeddingSutra Favorites’; a brand new initiative designed to help to-be-weds plan their wedding to perfection. We begin by curating a bespoke program for a selected WeddingSutra reader that includes escorted visits and introductions to our favorite wedding specialists, salons and stores.

In the third post in this series, we feature Natasha Amin and her fiancé DJ Mark Vaz.

Natasha and Mark lived in the same neighborhood but she quips, “Strangely, our paths never crossed, even at the supermarket or our common dentist!” It was only when they both joined the same South Mumbai college that they met, on a rainy afternoon in 2005. It was love at first sight for Mark. Natasha however, “had no intention of getting into a relationship then.” They began as friends. “We started talking. He’d give me a ride home almost everyday and that gradually extended to movies, dinners. When I’d see him smile or laugh, I knew he was going to be important to me. I’ve never felt more at ease with any other person besides my family.” Mark became Natasha’s best friend. She laughs, “We’re getting married on 20 December, 2015. It’s one of the craziest decisions we’ve ever made, but one of the best!”

Here, the lovely couple share their experience of meeting some of WeddingSutra’s Favourites, as part of their journey in the run up to the wedding.

Stop 1: Anita Dongre’s Flagship Bridal Store, Khar
Natasha and Mark’s review: We were quite overwhelmed to know that the all-new store had offered WeddingSutra an exclusive invitation to their readers. To be one of the first visitors made the start of our day extremely exciting. As we stepped into the stunning, beautifully designed space, we received such a warm welcome from team WeddingSutra and Anita Dongre’s staff. They walked us through the bridal collection, which included incarnations of classic attire for both, the bride and groom. The Indian wedding gowns for the modern bride were particularly eye-catching and we tried on outfits to experience the structure and feel of the designs. In addition to the gorgeous bridal and groom couture, you can also choose bespoke bridal jewellery (Anita Dongre Pinkcity crafted by Jet Gems) and wedding accessories.

Bridal outfits- Rs 1,00,000 onward*
Groom outfits- Rs 60,000 onward*

Stop 2: Waman Hari Pethe Jewellers
Natasha’s review: We visited the sprawling jewellery store in Vile Parle where we admired the new range of Evara Platinum Jewellery showcased there. You can tell that the exquisite range of Evara Platinum Jewellery has been designed keeping the modern bride and groom in mind. It is minimalist but versatile enough to be worn for different occasions. The staff outdid themselves as they presented their finest collection of platinum and diamond jewellery that included necklaces, bracelets, earrings and wedding bands.

Pricing:
Necklace & Earring Set: Rs 300,000– 500,000
Bangles/ Bracelets: Rs 125,000– 150,000
Men’s Chains & Bracelets: Rs 1,25,000– 180,000

Evara Platinum Blessings from Susie Vaz (Mark’s grandmother)

Stop 3: Deliciae Wedding Cakes
Natasha and Mark’s review: Bunty Mahajan of Deliciae is as hospitable as she is talented. Her confections are all crafted to perfection, she helped us select flavors and designs, with a nod to our personal preferences. Our tasting session at her studio included sampling Belgian chocolate, red velvet and caramel crunch pastries, which looked as scrumptious as they tasted. Her advice on how to structure the content and quantity of desserts, keeping in mind the flow of the evening and guest list, was invaluable.

Pricing: Rs 2000 (per kilogram) onward*

Stop 4: Jean Claude Biguine Salon & Spa
Natasha and Mark’s review: Abhilasha Singh, Head of Makeup services at the Khar Salon informed us about the different packages including a comprehensive skincare consultation and a pre-wedding regime. In addition to the regular pre-bridal and bridal treatments, JCB also create personalized hair and make-up for wedding functions. There are packages for the groom too. Mark’s grandma, (Susie Vaz) was extremely happy with the express manicure and pedicure, which they offered as part of the consultation.

Pricing:
Package for brides- Rs 40,000 onward*
Package for bridegrooms- Rs 10,000 onward*

Stop 5: Canvera PhotoBook App
Natasha and Mark’s review: We simply loved this photo application by Canvera! Beautifully designed photo books you can flip through, with the best memories of your life, captured and ready to view or share from any mobile or tablet, anytime, anywhere. We are definitely going to download it to relive our picture perfect moments.

To download the Canvera photobook app on App Store or Play store visit canvera.com/app

Stop 6: ECO Rent a Car
Natasha and Mark’s review: We were driven around in a BMW by ECO Rent a Car who provide executive chauffeured car services across multiple vehicle categories, from sedans and SUVs to luxury coaches. If your wedding day is the start of a journey, we couldn’t think of a better way to arrive in style there!

Stop 7: The Wedding Bartenders
Natasha and Mark’s review: Our favorite stop of the day! We met Ruturaj of The Wedding Bartenders. Craft cocktail caretaker, happy-hour drink-shrink, moonshiner, sommelier all rolled into one mixing, fixing, stirring, whirring, inebriating liquor alchemist and mixologist! He amazed us with his knowledge of cocktails and fine spirits. He was responsive to all our queries on our pre-wedding functions and had great suggestions on how to set up a great bartending service for our events. It was a fantastic experience and we really look forward to working with him!

Pricing: Rs 5000* onward for male and female bartenders

Stop 8: SS HOMME
Mark’s review: It’s the one stop shop for all your suiting needs. SS Homme provided me with excellent consultation about fabric and design for my wedding suit. This is a luxury retail platform that offers superb designing and tailoring. I was made to feel really comfortable as I tried the look and feel of their tuxedos. They even custom-make suits for a special occasions and provide suiting accessories and bespoke, handmade shoes. SS Homme left me very impressed.

Pricing: Rs 45,000 onwards*

Stop 9: Honeymoon Consultation with Mercury Travels
We spent time with Nagsri Prasad, Vice President, Mercury Travels, specialists in luxury and offbeat honeymoon travel packages. After our wedding we don’t want to travel too far from home or go somewhere too touristy. We were considering the Far or Middle East. Nagsri immediately suggested Oman, a luxurious destination, descriptions of which left us spellbound. The spectacular attractions sound perfect for a short romantic getaway. Her recommendations came out of personal experience, drawing a picture that immediately made it easy to crystallize a plan that fit our hearts and budget. We are looking forward to customizing our itinerary with Mercury Travels.

*Prices are as per notes taken by Natasha and Mark. Readers are requested to reconfirm the same.

If you’re engaged and would like to spend ‘A Day with WeddingSutra Favorites’ please send in your nomination as per the format below. Selected readers will be invited for this unique experience (now in Mumbai and to be extended to other cities soon).

Email Subject line- A Day with WeddingSutra
Your names, link to your Facebook profiles, date of your wedding, city you live in and the city where you will be getting married.

Travel Partner- ECO Rent a Car (09654999666)
Photos Courtesy- Nimitham Wedding Photography