Ashiki and Shyam, Al Habtoor Palace, Dubai
Modern design with traditional roots took centre stage at this Dubai wedding, which featured an earthy haldi ceremony, serene white and green-hued pheras, and a sleek reception.
Brimming with colour, culture, and effortless style, Ashiki and Shyam’s destination wedding was a seamless blend of tradition and modernity, meticulously brought to life by WeddingSutra Favorite – Ikigaii Planners. Having previously planned a wedding in the same family, the team came in with a clear understanding of the couple’s sensibilities, making the planning process intuitive, joyful, and stress-free.
How They Met
Ashiki and Shyam’s story began in 2021, in the quietude of lockdown, where they found something real and effortless in each other. While Ashiki is a Resource Manager and Shyam works as a Chartered Surveyor, beyond their professions, they simply became each other’s favourite person. Their bond, rooted in ease and authenticity, grew steadily stronger, culminating in a move from London to Dubai.
Wedding Planning
For Ashiki and Shyam, the vision was clear—a celebration that felt warm, stylish, and welcoming, while honouring their cultural roots with a modern sensibility. They dreamt of a vibrant yet refined experience, one where every element felt intentional and graceful. Rich tones, contemporary aesthetics, and subtle regal touches defined the mood.
Having worked with Ikigaii Planners before, the couple shared an immediate comfort with the team. “Ikigaii already knew our style and what truly mattered to us,” shared the couple. “They were incredibly organised, communicative, and provided thoughtful guidance throughout. Their weekly check-ins made the entire process smooth and enjoyable.”
Reflecting on the wedding weekend, Ashiki and Shyam recall the peace of mind they felt thanks to Ikigaii’s flawless execution. “They took care of every detail, allowing us to be completely present and soak in every special moment,” they added. Vaibbhav from Ikigaii shares, “Since we had worked with their family before, we wanted this wedding to feel like an evolution, something familiar yet entirely new and reflective of Ashiki and Shyam’s journey together.”
Wedding Functions
Haldi and Mehndi
For their Haldi, the couple envisioned a sun-drenched celebration filled with natural textures and earthy tones. It translated into a beautiful garden-meets-terracotta setting that felt vibrant and intimate. The decor harmonised perfectly with Ashiki’s outfit, making the entire event feel effortlessly curated and deeply personal.
Wedding
Elegance took centre stage at the wedding ceremony. With a white-and-green floral mandap that exuded understated charm, the décor was designed to be timeless and minimal. A highlight of the ceremony was when Ashiki’s brothers held up her ‘Phoolon Ki Chaadar’ as she walked down the aisle. The flower shower during the jaimala added a magical yet glamorous flair.
Reception
The reception was where sophistication met celebration. From the candle-lit entrance to the sleek, contemporary dance floor, every element reflected the couple’s refined aesthetic. The night was infused with style through curated details like photo booth props, a chic bar setup, and dramatic lighting that elevated the mood. “We walked in and were blown away! Everything felt exactly how we’d imagined it, and then some,” the couple shared. Heital from Ikigaii adds, “We aimed to create a cohesive narrative across all events, each with its soul, yet part of a beautiful whole. Seeing their joy made every moment worthwhile.”
The Wedding Makers
Venues: Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City (Haldi); Al Habtoor Palace, Dubai (Wedding, Reception)
Wedding Planner and Décor: Ikigaii Planners
Groom’s Outfits: Santoba Tailors (Haldi, Reception), KORA By Nilesh Mitesh (Wedding)
Bride’s Outfits: Santoba Tailors (Haldi, Reception), Asopalav (Wedding)
Makeup: Armita Merchant
DJ: DJ Harry
Photography: Magic Motion Media
