Poornima and Saswat, Le Meridien Angkor, Cambodia
Poornima and Saswat hosted their wedding in Cambodia which proved to be a convenient yet unique destination for their fun nuptials.
From the groom disguising himself to propose to the bride to the couple making a flash mob entry to their wedding, Poornima Hanumara and Saswat Panda’s nuptials in Cambodia were as unique and interesting as the destination itself. Further, the remarkable decor by WeddingSutra Favourite Vivaah just added a dreamy touch to their fairytale. Here, bride Poornima shares highlights of the lavish celebrations.
How We Met
“Saswat and I met through common friends in Seattle. He was my neighbor’s friend and ended up being at the same party that I had crashed! Now that I look back in time, if only I knew I would meet my soulmate there!”
The Proposal
“Saswat’s proposal is a memory I’ll always treasure! When I traveled from New York to India for work, he surprised me by showing up a day after my arrival. And no, the best part isn’t over yet! Disguised in a wig, he came to the bar I was at and sent a drink to my table, but of course, I rejected it. Later, when I saw the same man approaching me, it took me long to realize that it was Saswat wearing a t-shirt that said, ‘Will you marry me?’!”
Wedding Venue
“We wanted a destination wedding that was close to India, but at the same time, it couldn’t be a place that many of our friends or family had already visited. So, when Saswat’s dad suggested Cambodia, we immediately said yes! Not only did it fit the criteria, but it was also the place where Saswat first informed his family about our relationship when we were on a holiday there a few years ago.”
Wedding Planning, Theme & Decor
“Planning the wedding was not stressful, especially when we had both the families helping us even with the tiniest details. Our invitations were designed by EDC who did a fabulous job in reflecting our personalities. And as for the decor, we trusted the passionate team of Vivaah who truly brought to life a dream setting. The photography was handled by Serena Genovese Photography for both, our Engagement shoot in Iceland and the wedding in Cambodia.”
Wedding Functions
“Most of the revelries of our three-day wedding were held at Le Meridien Angkor, and since I’m from Andhra, and he’s from Orissa, our ceremonies were a blend of both the cultures.”
Mehndi
“The mehndi on the first day was my favorite ceremony, apart from the marriage, of course! It was a simple and intimate function with just family and close friends who sang, danced and started off the wedding festivities on such a joyful note! What made the event even more special was when I wore my grandmother’s saree and paired it with my mother’s wedding jewellery.”
Phare Circus & Pool Party
“While a pool party is certainly fun, we added a twist to it! On the first evening itself, we arranged for all of us to go to the Phare Circus! And following this unique and local experience, was the pool party which was heady with squeals and splashes in the water!”
Sangeet
“We hosted an outdoor sangeet on the second day at which our family and friends rocked the dancefloor! However, amongst all the performances and loud beats of the evening, the highlight for me was Saswat’s college band performance!”
Wedding
“The following day, our wedding ceremony took place in the morning and of course, your big day doesn’t come every day, so everything just had to be perfect! Now, I love dancing, especially in a ‘baraat’ (groom’s procession)! But since I couldn’t have my own, we came up with something different, a flash mob entry! Yes, instead of the traditional walk down the aisle, I entered the venue dressed in my Kanchivaram saree, dancing to the tunes of Saswat’s favorite Beatles song!”
Reception
“Our reception was held later in the evening at the Bayon Temple. The idyllic panorama of the setting sun made for such romantic lighting! And with everyone swaying to the music of the Filter Coffee Band, whom we had invited to perform at the event, the whole experience was surreal.”
Advice for Couples
“Get your family and friends involved in the events as much as possible! Their dance performances, speeches, and songs are memories you’ll cherish the most.”
The Wedding Makers
Venues: Le Meridien Angkor, Cambodia; The Bayon Temple, Cambodia (Reception)
Decor: Vivaah
Catering: Blue Sea Catering and Banquets
Groom’s Outfits: Raghavendra Rathore
Bride’s Outfits: Zara Umrigar, Gavin Miguel, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Aza Fashions
Makeup Artist: Bianca Louzado & Team
Entertainment: Filter Coffee Band (Reception)
Wedding Invitations: EDC
Photography: Serena Genovese Photography
