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Amazing Island Wedding in Rajasthan! Read how this couple wed right in the middle of a lake
Wedding Planning - May 19, 2021
Connected via family friends, Nikita Agarwal, a Mumbai-based HR professional, and Gaurav Maheshwari, a London-based FinTech professional’s relationship held strong despite the distance and the pandemic. Keeping in touch constantly, the couple navigated through the uncertain times and eventually decided to spend the rest of their lives together by hosting a heartwarming traditional Marwari wedding in Rajasthan.
Describing the beginning of their story, Nikita shares, “We met just once in early 2020 and since he was moving to London immediately after, we didn’t expect to stay in touch considering the distance and our busy schedule. Besides, the pandemic also didn’t allow us to meet for a very long time. But, destiny had its own plans. After about a zillion video calls and endless virtual dates throughout the lockdown, we just knew that we were meant to be! So when we finally met in November, we had already decided that we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together.”
The Proposal
Keen on sweeping Nikita off her feet with a romantic proposal Gaurav took her out for dinner and a walk treating her to one of the most magical moments of her life. Nikita happily recollects, “Gaurav took me out for a romantic rooftop dinner. Once we were done, he insisted on going for a stroll, under the dark starlit sky. I was completely speechless as he got down on one knee and popped the question!”
Change in Plans – From Mumbai to Rajasthan
Excited for their forthcoming nuptials, the duo had everything planned and subsequently booked multiple venues well in advance. But as fate would have it, their plans were derailed with the pandemic spreading quickly across the globe relegating everyone to heavy lockdowns and curfews, not to mention stricter protocols for celebrations. However, they took these challenges in their stride with a positive mindset and worked on an alternative plan.
Nikita shares, “We had pre-booked our venues for the wedding functions in Mumbai but due to the pandemic, everything had to be canceled. Since we had been in a long-distance relationship, we wanted to move into London, together at the earliest without any further delay. After some contemplation, we finally decided to go ahead with an intimate home-based wedding at Gaurav’s parents’ home in Ajmer. Thankfully, we’d already executed an intimate roka ceremony in December 2020 at Bangalore.”
The most unique Wedding venue, on a private island in Rajasthan
“While I had been assuming the venue was his parents’ home all along, Gaurav had another surprise in store for me!” Nikita exults. He had planned the most unique wedding that she could’ve imagined, on a private island in Ajmer. She recalls excitedly, “We took our vows right in the center of Anasagar Lake which is nestled amidst the Aravalli Hills. We also had our pre-wedding shoot in Rajasthan, which in turn made the venue even more special!”
For their wedding squad, the duo chose makeup artist Seema Sarraf and photographer Sanjay Studio while they took charge of the reins on the decor front as they guided local florists to decorate the venue.
The Mehndi and Engagement
Commencing with a home-based mehndi where the decor consisted of marigold garlands, this function was an intimate affair. Looking radiant in a light green lehenga with red embroidery, the bride looked stunning as she showed off her henna patterned palms to the camera.
The engagement too, was a simple and minimalistic affair. Dressed in a glamorous yet soft peach-hued lehenga studded with sequins, Nikita glowed as she playfully dipped her feet in the pool with Gaurav who wore a tuxedo for the occasion.
The Wedding
For their big day, the couple made a stylish entry on a boat at the island chosen as their venue, Nikita turned heads, dressed in a traditional bright red lehenga with intricate embroidery. Gaurav, on the other hand struck a delightful contrast in an off-white sherwani. Adorned with pastel-hued decor that accentuated the natural beauty of the venue, the wedding observed every safety norm as the couple tied the knot surrounded by their closest loved ones.
Advice for couples
Enlightened by this once-in-a-lifetime experience of getting married in the middle of a pandemic, Nikita advises, “It was undeniably difficult to plan a wedding in such uncertain times. The health and well-being of our family were of utmost importance even as we planned it. Ultimately, being with your partner is what truly makes one happy each day more than anything else! So to all the couples who’ve had to compromise on their dream wedding due to COVID-19 – once you get married you’ll realize that celebrations can indeed be beautiful, regardless of its scale.”
The Wedding Makers
Venues: Bengaluru Marriott Hotel Whitefield (Roka), Anasagar Lake, Ajmer (Wedding)
Groom’s Outfits: Raymond (Engagement), Kora (Wedding)
Bride’s Outfits: Disha Muchhala (Mehndi), Seema Gujral (Engagement), Ranas (Wedding)
Jewellery: KIAH Diamond Jewellery
Makeup: Seema Sarraf
Photography: Sanjay Studios
