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A peak behind the curtains: The brother-sister duo of YOLO Entertainment & Weddings shares a rare glimpse into their journey!
Wedding Planning, Young and Inspiring - Oct 9, 2024
Founded by the brother-sister collaboration of Prateek and Jueta Hemdev, YOLO Entertainment & Weddings has secured its prominence as a premier wedding planning company, dedicated to creating and crafting extraordinary experiences for couples. With a focus on bespoke luxury, they draw on their profound understanding of India’s diverse cultural landscape to offer a blend of innovation and personalization that elevates weddings to a higher degree of sophistication.
From the majestic palaces of Rajasthan to the vibrant charm of Goa and fairytale castles in Europe and Turkey, they have crafted unforgettable celebrations in the most incredible locations across India and abroad. Their expertise and creativity have ensured that every aspect of the wedding, from venue selection to decor and entertainment, is flawlessly executed. Today, they give us a rare insight into the journey of their company and what goes into crafting weddings that are nothing short of extraordinary.
What sparked the idea of YOLO Entertainment & Weddings? Tell us a little about your journey. How did you deal with the challenges?
Jueta shares, “Our journey started more than 15 years ago, after my return from the UK post the completion of my studies. I had always been fascinated with the world of events, weddings, and diverse cultures around the world, and through our family friends, I got the chance to intern and see the inner workings of the industry. Later, I got the chance to work in Line Production for the movie ‘Kya Kool Hai Hum 3’, along with my brother Prateek who had experience in executive and line production of advertisements and TV shows, which gave me further experience in different aspects. So when the idea for YOLO Entertainment & Weddings was sparked, Prateek and I felt prepared to channel our expertise in the production and curating events into creating weddings that would leave a lasting impression!”
She continues, “It felt like destiny came knocking on our door when we were asked to curate the 5th-anniversary celebration of one of my close friends from University. The personalised 3-day affair in Abu Dhabi was a grand extravaganza with 300-400 guests, celebrity artists, private planes, the works, and it catapulted us into the arena of luxury weddings. It has only been onwards and upwards since then!”
She adds, “Every endeavor comes with its challenges, and with the right attitude, each challenge is an incredible learning experience. We are grateful for every experience that has come our way, as it has not only molded our approach to life but also formed the basis of our company’s name and spirit – YOLO (You Only Live Once). We as a team believe in living to our fullest, and look at each new day and project in the same way, giving our very best to every wedding we curate. Our accomplishments, including a landmark wedding in Umaid Bhawan Palace, are all the motivation we need to keep moving forward. In fact, my projects under YOLO also allowed me to realize and nurture a flair for design, eventually encouraging me to take it one step further and launch my very own decor design company Jueta Hemdev Atelier”.
What sets you apart in the field of curating larger-than-life events and weddings across the globe?
“Our unique blend of experience, creativity, and attention to detail. With 15 years in the event management industry, we are grateful to have developed a deep understanding of global trends and local nuances, allowing us to create events that are both culturally rich and universally appealing.
Our ability to manage complex logistics and budgets while still delivering exceptional creativity ensures that each event is not just visually stunning but also flawlessly executed. The upward journey of Yolo Entertainment & Weddings over the past decade is a testament to our ability to bring grand visions to life, combining luxury with personal touches that make each event truly unique.
Moreover, our global perspective and experience curating events in diverse locations give us the edge in designing experiences that resonate across cultures, making our events memorable on a worldwide scale. This, combined with a strong network of international vendors and a commitment to exceeding client expectations, truly sets us apart in the industry.”
What is your design ideology?
“Our design ideology is a harmonious blend of modern and traditional elements, carefully crafted to reflect the unique vision of each client. We believe that every event should tell a story, and our designs are inspired by the individual tastes, cultures, and aspirations of our clients. By seamlessly integrating contemporary aesthetics with timeless traditions, we create spaces that are not only visually stunning but also deeply meaningful. This approach ensures that every event is a true reflection of the client’s personality, making each celebration as unique as the individuals it honors.
We believe in telling a story through our designs, incorporating cultural nuances specific to the location of each event. This approach ensures that every event is not only unique but also resonates with the cultural richness of its surroundings.”
You have worked with weddings in both India and abroad. How does the experience differ? What do you personally enjoy planning more?
“Working with weddings in India and abroad offers distinct experiences, each with its own set of challenges and rewards. In India, weddings are deeply rooted in rich traditions and rituals, often spanning multiple days with a variety of ceremonies. The vibrancy, colors, and cultural significance make Indian weddings truly unique, requiring meticulous attention to detail to ensure that every tradition is honored while also infusing modern elements to reflect the couple’s personality.
Abroad, the experience often involves adapting these traditions to different cultural contexts and settings. This requires a deep understanding of both the client’s cultural background and the local customs of the destination. The logistics of planning a destination wedding also add an extra layer of complexity, from coordinating with international vendors to managing time zones and travel arrangements.
Personally, we find joy in both experiences. In India, we love the energy and a deep connection to heritage that comes with planning weddings steeped in tradition. Abroad, we enjoy the challenge of blending cultures and creating a unique experience that respects both the couple’s traditions and the beauty of the destination. Both experiences allow us to be creative in different ways, and we thrive on the opportunity to craft memorable events that are meaningful, whether they’re rooted in the heart of India or set against a stunning international backdrop.”
How do you align the traditional requirements of the families with the modern aesthetics and activities desired by most young couples to ensure everyone leaves happy?
“Balancing tradition with modernity is a delicate art, and it’s something we approach with great care. The key is to understand the significance of each tradition for the family while also embracing the couple’s desire for contemporary elements. We start by having in-depth discussions with both the family and the couple to understand their priorities and what’s most important to them. From there, we find ways to integrate these elements seamlessly. For example, we might incorporate traditional rituals in a modern setting, using innovative design and technology to highlight these moments in a way that resonates with both the older and younger generations. It’s about creating a harmonious experience where everyone feels respected and included.”
Tell us about the most memorable wedding you have worked on.
“Every wedding has left a lasting impression on our minds as much as they have on our clients. One of the most memorable weddings we worked on was a destination wedding in Istanbul. We curated their nuptials with a highly personalized approach. From the fresh floral bangles that were flown in from India to choosing artists from their home countries for performances, crafting hampers filled with goodies sourced from India, Turkey, and Pakistan, the pop art-themed stationery and invitations, special Murano charms designed in Italy, and more, each element was thoughtfully put together to ensure it honored their Sindhi and Gujarati cultures.
The couple wanted to offer a truly immersive experience for our guests, so we tried making things as interactive as possible. We had a bazaar where guests could make their own goodie bags with Turkish delight, tea, spices, etc. We also used food displays as larger-than-life installations at the welcome dinner—for instance, a 10-foot-long antipasti and cheese board station that was enjoyed by all. We personalized the after-party pizza boxes for guests to relish on the go as well. Puneet Sickand’s ‘The Kitchen Art Company’ catered to the celebrations with its signature molecular gastronomy-inspired fare.
The highlight was when the Indo-Pak couple set sail in a yacht – inspired by ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’ – followed by their sunset phera ceremony at the Esma Sultan Palace overlooking the Bosphorus —a magical moment that the couple and their guests will never forget.”
How do you add personal touches to make every wedding unique? Give us an example.
“Personal touches are what make each wedding truly special. We take the time to learn about the couple’s journey, their likes, and their shared experiences. For instance, one couple we worked with had a deep love for travel, so we incorporated elements from their favorite destinations into the decor and even the menu. Each table was themed after a city they had visited together, with centerpieces and dishes that reflected the local culture of that place. These details not only made the wedding unique but also brought the couple’s personality to life, creating an experience that was deeply personal and memorable for them and their guests.”
What are some of your favorite new trends and practices in weddings that you would like to see more of?
“One of our favorite trends is the move towards sustainable weddings. Couples are increasingly conscious of their environmental impact, and it’s exciting to see eco-friendly practices becoming more popular. From digital invitations and sustainable decor to zero-waste catering, these trends not only reduce the environmental footprint but also add a layer of thoughtfulness to the celebration. We are also loving the trend of intimate weddings with smaller gatherings that allow for more personalized experiences and meaningful interactions. These smaller, more focused celebrations often result in a more memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.”
Do you have any words of wisdom for young entrepreneurs looking to get into wedding planning?
“Our advice for young entrepreneurs entering the wedding planning industry is to be patient, passionate, and persistent. This is a field that requires not just creativity but also strong organizational skills and the ability to handle pressure. Building relationships is key—network with vendors, build a strong team and always prioritize the client’s vision. Every wedding is unique, so be adaptable and open to learning from each experience. And most importantly, stay true to your style and brand. It’s your unique perspective that will set you apart in this competitive industry.”
