Anuja Godbole and Shaurya Kalsi, ITC Rajputana, Jaipur
From a Rajasthani Mela and Enchanted Forest to Vintage Romance, this wedding saw myriad moods!
Texas-based Tech professionals Anuja Godbole and Shaurya Kalsi tied the knot with all the glory of a palatial destination wedding at ITC Rajputana. Planned to perfection by WeddingSutra Favorite – Noon Moon Events, the celebrations saw a confluence of stellar decor themes, personalized details, unique entertainment, and a whole lot more. Watch it all unfold below.
How they met
Anuja shares, “Although our paths first crossed as undergraduates at UC Berkeley, our love story only began after graduation, with the perfect pizza and ice cream on a rainy evening in New York City! What followed were adventures across the country, filled with the most memorable travel, food, and fun-filled moments. Our love bloomed while living in different cities, because, as they say, distance makes the heart grow fonder. Before we knew it, four years had flown by, and we just knew we were ready to tie the knot!”
Wedding Venue
Living in the US, the couple wanted to tie the knot with all the pomp and splendor of the Big Fat Indian wedding with a grand destination getaway with all their loved ones, and the palatial glory of Jaipur’s ITC Rajputana captured their hearts. From the picturesque facade of the hotel to its royal Rajasthani spirit, 235 rooms and suites, spectacular indoor and outdoor venues, and unique culinary experiences, it was perfect for the lavish celebration.
Planning
With a distinct vision for their wedding aesthetics, the couple entrusted the team of Noon Moon Events to bring their ideas to fruition. Talking about the experience they share, “We had some themes in mind taking inspiration from Pinterest boards and other weddings and knew that we wanted high-quality decor that would not be over the top or flashy, but would rather enhance the existing elements of the venue to create a beautiful space for each event. While we had ideas in mind and wanted to incorporate some traditional aspects, we were also very open to hearing new and creative ideas from Noon Moon Events to create the perfect blend for us.
We wanted to be involved in the planning process, while still having the trust and ability to take a step back and let the planning team take charge, which made Noon Moon Events the perfect fit!”
Wedding Functions
Mehndi
The myriad colors of a Rajasthani Mela filled the mehndi function with energy and joy to set the tone for their wedding festivities. Bohemian decor elements, favor carts for guests, quirky photo booths, and riveting performances by Rajasthani folk dancers all came together in one memorable experience, as the couple and their loved ones enjoyed an evening of music and merriment.
Haldi
Imagined in a vibrant palette of blue and yellow, the haldi soiree painted a colorful picture against the lush green lawns of the property. The decor of painted Rajasthani pottery, flowers, hanging canopy, drapes, and more set the stage, while the beats of drum players, energetic flash mobs, and a whole lot of fun brought it to life. Dressed in a matching white ensemble, the couple arrived dancing to dhol beats, before heading for the haldi ceremony and phoolon ki holi. The guests were kept engaged and entertained throughout with favors, a pottery-making stall, refreshing coconut, fun photo booths, and a whole lot more.
Sangeet
The Sangeet function upped the ante with a musical evening of glitz and glam. Bedecked with a potent blend of futuristic luxury, the shimmering entry tunnel led the guests into a night of decadence that saw plush purple furnishings, gold accents, chandeliers, and a dance-floor canopy of baby’s breath and disco balls. The couple and their loved ones showcased their dance prowess on the stage with magical performances, and the merriment continued well into the night.
Wedding
Imagined in delicate pastel tones, the poolside wedding was no less than a fairytale. The sprawling setup saw an open mandap concept, intricate photo-op corners, elegant floral arrangements, vintage furniture, regal seating, and more. The bride entered under a gorgeous phoolon ki chaadar accompanied by her bridesmaids holding up signs, before exchanging garlands and tying the knot to great applause and a magical flower-shower. The newlyweds celebrated with a reception dinner and a beautiful cake as everyone congratulated them.
The Wedding Makers
Venue: ITC Rajputana, Jaipur
Wedding Planners: Noon Moon Events
Groom’s Outfits: Diwan Saheb (Wedding), House of Masaba (Haldi), Ralph Lauren (Sangeet)
Bride’s Outfits: Ridhi Mehra (Mehndi), House of Masaba (Haldi), Seema Gujral (Sangeet), Dolly J Studio (Wedding)
Makeup: Varleen Kaur
Choreography: Sneha Dama
Entertainment: Prayog band (Reception), Jea Band (Baraat)
Photography and Videography: Darshan Sethi Photography