Rachel and Sagar, Mahabaleshwar
Shimmering lights and delicate blooms lit up the surrounding greenery for this couple’s enchanted forest wedding.
Retreating to the lush natural beauty of Mahabaleshwar, Rachel Madhani and Sagar Doshi celebrated their lockdown love story with an intimate wedding celebration at the stunning locale of Le Méridien Mahabaleshwar Resort & Spa. See every moment of their festivities unfold in these gorgeous shots by WeddingSutra Favorite – Sam & Ekta.
How They Met
A lockdown love story, Mumbai based Rachel and Sagar crossed paths right in the midst of the lockdown. Introduced to each other by family friends, their courtship grew steadily over takeaway coffee dates and car drives, keeping in mind that lockdown restrictions made going out for dinners impossible. Regardless of the setting, their conversations never ran dry and soon they realized they were deeply in love!
Wedding Planning
Mindful about Covid regulations, the couple decided to embrace the wealth of natural beauty in destinations close to Mumbai, zeroing in on Le Méridien Mahabaleshwar Resort & Spa to host their intimate wedding.
Team Sam & Ekta were roped in to capture every moment of their beautiful celebrations. Sharing their experience, the couple tells us, “We are the kind of people who don’t like posing in front of the camera and prefer pictures that capture moments naturally. After our first call itself with Sam & Ekta, we knew there was no looking elsewhere. They believe in capturing real, raw moments and we couldn’t be more thrilled about the experience. They’ve been an absolute dream to have on board!”
The festivities were planned and executed by The Doli Diary. The couple entrusted the very creative team of Pink Whistle Man to design their gorgeous wedding invitations.
Wedding Functions
Welcome Dinner
The festivities kicked off with a welcome dinner, for all of the guests to mingle and settle in for the wedding extravaganza that would follow. An abundance of shimmering fairy lights lit up the lush greenery and towering trees around, creating an enchanted forest vibe for the occasion. Everyone dressed in shades of white, while champagne toasts, spirited games and speeches set a merry environment! The bride opted for a simple yet elegant cherry-hued sharara outfit, while the groom looked classy in a tonal cream outfit.
Welcome Carnival
The next morning began with a welcome lunch. Designed to set a carnival-like ambience, the event began with dancing and merriment on the patio, continuing on to the Coffee Shop and was set up with Popcorn Stalls, Berry Stalls, Make your own Basket stall and more. Teepees and flowers added to the breezy, vibrant feel of the function, while the guests dressed in colorful casual linens. The bride sported a floral jacket and lehenga while the groom kept it stylish in a denim shirt, jacket and white chinos.
Sangeet
A night of dancing in the woods had the temperature soaring for the glamor, glitz and the Sangeet. White floral décor, candles and lights lit up the forest around, while a stunning backdrop of floral beams and bulbs set the stage for dazzling performances by the couple and their loved ones. The rousing dance and music had everyone tapping their feet and soon burning up the dance floor, while soaring balloons and bursts of confetti added to the cheer of the evening. The couple sported royal blue ensembles.
After Party
The energy of the Sangeet was kept going with a DJ night after-party. A balloon covered dance floor, neon lights and groovy beats kept everyone charged up reveling into the wee hours of the morning.
Haldi
Shades of yellow reigned supreme for the lively Haldi celebrations, punctuated with pops of pink for some added pep. Dressed in a yellow and pink lehenga and white kurta set respectively, the bride and groom entered through a yellow floral archway amidst cheer. Friends and family showered them with flowers before smearing them with the holy turmeric paste for the ritual.
Wedding
Delicate floral décor decked the natural greenery of the forest, setting a romantic, magical ambience for the sunset pheras. A pathway with a canopy of white flowers led to the floral mandap, while crystal chandeliers made an elegant contrast with the outdoor setting. The bride looked like a fairy princess in a floral peach lehenga, while the groom cut a striking figure in an ivory sherwani as they vowed to eternal love.
Pajama Party
The couple capped off their festivities with a toned-down disco party by the poolside. Everyone donned comfy pajamas and headphones as they wound down the celebrations with some music and dance.
The Wedding Makers
Venue: Le Méridien Mahabaleshwar Resort & Spa, Maharashtra
Wedding Planners: The Doli Diary
Groom’s Outfits: Kunal Rawal (Welcome Dinner, Welcome Carnival, Sangeet, After Party, Haldi, Wedding), Sarah and Sandeep (Pajama Party)
Bride’s Outfits: Aari (Welcome Dinner), Label Anushree (Welcome Carnival, After Party), Seema Gujral (Sangeet), Chamee & Palak (Haldi), Dolly J Studio (Wedding), Sarah and Sandeep (Pajama Party)
Makeup: Aanchal Bahl Thakkar
Hairstylist: Anita Shil
Invites: Pink Whistle Man
Photography and Videography: Sam & Ekta
