Kanika Bhatia and Jeetendra Saluja, Cordelia Cruises, Mumbai
This couple took their vows on the high seas with a lavish cruise wedding!
Brimming with dramatic flair, Kanika and Jeetendra’s wedding unfolded with celebrations just as incredible as their love story. Setting sail with all their loved ones, they tied the knot in a stunning cruise wedding, meticulously planned by WeddingSutra Favorite – Q Events and Weddings. Watch the glory unfold below.
How they met
Kanika and Jitendra’s story reaffirms the power of manifestation and happenstance in romance. They met in 2012, and while the world around them partied like there is no tomorrow, they spent six hours star-gazing and talking. At that point, Kanika put a thought out in the universe that she would like to marry someone like Jitendra. Cut to 2018, the two reconnected again and sparks flew just the same. They started dating, and the rest, as they say, is history. Their journey saw its fair share of the dramatic flair necessary to make it worthwhile, and through all the ups and downs, they stayed resolute in their love for one another.
Wedding Planning
With a singular aim to host a unique yet hassle-free wedding for their guests under one roof, the idea of a cruise was floated by the bride’s father. Q Events and Weddings came as a personal recommendation as a choice of the bride. Weeding through wedding designers for someone who understood her minimalist aesthetic, she found her perfect match in Q Events and Weddings.
Talking about the experience, Founder Damini Oberoi shares, “Planning a destination hotel wedding seems like a cakewalk as compared to a cruise wedding. The challenges were something we’d never experienced, but nothing we couldn’t overcome. Keeping all the general rules and safety precautions in mind, we designed messages creatively to communicate everything to the guests with ease and also keep the enthusiasm levels high. To provide exceptional hospitality, we ensured everything from the preparation to embarkation and check-in processes for the guests was seamless. We also thoughtfully placed amenities in each guest room, including hampers, snack boxes, a personalized welcome letter, and an itinerary that also served as a fan.
Our team’s adaptability and creative problem-solving skills were crucial in overcoming every challenge. As event planners, our goal is to create seamless and memorable experiences, and we are dedicated to achieving that. Planning a cruise wedding required careful coordination and quick thinking and we are thrilled it was such a success.”
The bride shares, “I liked how easy it was to reach out to the team. Young and energetic, they could handle every issue together. We connected on a very personal level, and formed a relationship which is sure to continue even after the wedding!”
Wedding Functions
Roast
The festivities on board began with an unconventional yet incredibly fun “Roast”! In a memorable reunion, the groom and his college band surprised everyone with musical hits like Dhoom by Euphoria. Friends and family of the couple spent the occasion roasting the couple as they took the audience through their journey of love and had everyone rolling on the floor in laughter. An electrifying DJ set and dhol performance followed, which got everyone to the dance floor! The simple decor of flowers and LED walls set the perfect party atmosphere.
Sangeet
In keeping with the eclectic mood of the celebration, the next morning commenced with a riveting Sangeet soiree designed around a theatrical performance called “Balle Balle”. Hosted against a stunning stage backdrop, the performance included all their friends and family who had a gala time. The bride and groom, who portrayed the main characters, wove their varmala ceremony into the play, much to the delight of the audience! Along with their friends and family, as well as the Balle Balle crew, they danced the afternoon away!
Wedding
A celebration of their true personalities, the wedding was a confluence of unique details. Hosted at the deck, the occasion saw an offbeat decor palette of green and purple, designed with tons of flowers, 3-D structures, and more. Incorporating their passion for reading and music, a striking wall of books was set up as a photo-op, complete with a cute caricature of the couple. A Polaroid station and personalized postcards added a thoughtful touch to the day. Kanika even matched the decor with her unusual lime-green and purple lehenga custom-made by Itrh.
Like everything else in the celebration, the wedding ceremony also reflected the couple’s personal beliefs and ideas. Doing away with the ritual of kanyadaan, the couple united in nuptials by a female pandit who beautifully expressed the importance of the bride’s stance. A live dance performance by their friends and heartwarming speeches all added to the warmth of the occasion, making it unforgettable for everyone.
Advice for couples
“Planning a wedding is an extensive process. Be sure to do multiple reconnaissance trips and get all your facts before deciding on anything. In case of a cruise wedding, ensure you have all the necessary permissions and information on hand to avoid any last-minute hiccups.”
The Wedding Makers
Venue: Cordelia Cruises, Mumbai
Wedding Planner: Q Events and Weddings
Outfits: Rimzim Dadu, Itrh
Makeup: Priyanka Wadhawan
Photography and Videography: The Lumiere Project
