Nidhi Kumar and Mohak Malhotra, Palazzo Versace Dubai
Set in Dubai, this wedding unfolded as an immersive affair, blending modern sensibilities and vintage glamour with the richness of Indian wedding rituals.
Rooted in balance yet driven by imagination, Nidhi Kumar and Mohak Malhotra’s journey is one defined by harmony and intent. Dubai-based and deeply aligned in vision, Nidhi is a content creator, performer, and entrepreneur. While Mohak, originally from London, is an established UAE-based entrepreneur whose quiet composure grounds Nidhi’s dynamic creative world. Together, they envisioned a wedding that unfolded like a cinema with each celebration revealing a distinct chapter of their story. To translate this nuanced vision into reality, the couple entrusted WeddingSutra Favorite – Ikigaii Planners, whose storytelling-led design sensibility and meticulous execution set the tone for a celebration where no two moments looked or felt the same, yet flowed seamlessly as one.
Wedding Planning
From the outset, the brief was crystal clear. As the couple shared, “Each event had to have its own personality. Nothing should overlap.” That philosophy became the backbone of a six-event celebration crafted with seamless flow. Speaking about the journey, the couple adds, “Our planners gave us our dream wedding and absolutely nailed it. Every décor felt original and thoughtful, and what was delivered went far beyond anything we had imagined.”
The Ikigaii Planners team approached the wedding as a carefully composed narrative. “Our aim was to ensure that each event transported guests into a different world, while still feeling connected to the couple’s story,” shares Vaibbhav Arora from Ikigaii Planners. Heeital Rathod from Ikigaii Planners adds, “We focused on layered storytelling where mood, music, colour, and space worked together to create distinct experiences rather than just beautiful setups.”
Adding a refined personal touch to the celebrations were the bespoke invitations by WeddingSutra Favorite – Moninka by Aneesha, whose design language mirrored the couple’s aesthetic. The stationery set the tone from the very first impression, offering guests a glimpse into the worlds that awaited them.
Wedding Functions
Haldi
The festivities began with an Amalfi-inspired Haldi that radiated warmth and joy. Sun-drenched yellows met Mediterranean blues as the poolside transformed into a lively escape. A live percussionist on the congos accompanied the couple’s spirited entry, while a playful phoolon ki haldi added a fresh twist to tradition, making the ceremony vibrant and full of laughter.
Welcome Dinner
The Welcome Dinner unfolded under a canopy of fairy lights, crystal stars, and soft celestial hues. Designed as an intimate nightscape, the evening encouraged conversation and connection. A charming personalised touch stole the spotlight; each table featured a fun fact about the couple, sparking smiles and stories. Live saxophone melodies lent the night a relaxed, rhythmic quality.
Mehndi
Bursting with colour and nostalgia, the Mehndi was imagined as a vibrant Indian carnival. The space came alive with playful stalls, traditional bangle sellers, jugglers, stilt walkers, and salsa dancers, creating a spirited atmosphere that felt delightfully chaotic yet cohesive. A custom-illustrated backdrop featuring sketches of Nidhi and Mohak became an instant crowd favourite.
Sangeet
For the Sangeet, the celebrations took a cinematic turn. Dramatic drapes, focused spotlights, and Bollywood-style posters starring the couple set the stage for an evening of glamour and emotion.
Wedding
A floating mandap over the Versace pool, adorned with soft pastel florals, created an ethereal setting. As the tabla and flute played ‘A Thousand Years’, Nidhi added her signature flourish with a graceful dance during her aisle walk, a moment that made jaws drop!
Reception
The celebrations concluded with a striking monochrome Reception inspired by Hollywood Noir. Cascading crystals, mirrored textures, and a bold black-and-white stage came together to create an ambience that was timeless yet unmistakably modern.
The Wedding Makers
Venue: Palazzo Versace Dubai
Wedding Planner: Ikigaii Planners
Décor: Ikigaii Planners, ZC Events
Groom’s Outfits: Rachit Khanna (Haldi), Alexander McQueen (Welcome Dinner), Varun Bahl (Mehndi), Manish Malhotra (Sangeet), Tarun Tahiliani (Wedding), Tom Ford (Reception)
Groom’s Accessories: Fatma Creations (Mehndi)
Bride’s Outfits: Confetti by Ishika (Haldi), Bellissima (Welcome Dinner), Liz Paul (Mehndi), Manish Malhotra (Sangeet), Rimple & Harpreet Narula (Wedding), Seema Gujral (Reception)
Bride’s Shoes: Funky N Trendy
Makeup and Hair: Yutika Verma
DJ: DJ Nitesh (Welcome Dinner), DJ Jeff
Emcee: Punit H Lalwani
Wedding Invitations: Moninka by Aneesha
Cake: Cakes by Zoya
Bartenders: Flaming Trio
Photography: Magic Motion Media
