Shivani and Nishiket, Udaipur
These childhood sweethearts saw their love blossom at a tender age that later culminated in a beautiful relationship.
From schoolmates to soulmates, Shivani and Nishiket’s love story entered a new phase when they wed in Udaipur and hosted a grand reception at ITC Maratha, Mumbai where WeddingSutra Favorite – Memory Jar Events planned the festivities to perfection, while WeddingSutra Favourite Oragraphy documented their treasured moments with creativity and finesse. The bride shares their story below.
How They Met
“Nishiket and I were in the same school since third grade. Over these years, our families too became friends, and we started seeing each other a lot. We finally made our relationship official and started dating in our eighth grade. It was only when we both were studying together in London that we decided to take the plunge, and got married when we came back.”
Wedding Venues
“We were keen on having a destination wedding. After spending days researching for the perfect venue, we picked The Ananta, Udaipur, for its expansive, well-maintained spaces and array of delectable cuisines. For our reception, ITC Maratha, Mumbai, was ideal for its open spaces that suited our function’s needs. The variety of food they offered us while curating a menu was overwhelming.”
Wedding Planning
“We had always envisioned a simple wedding in terms of aesthetics and feel and didn’t want to go overboard with the decor. Therefore, we had very few performances at our functions as we wanted the guests to enjoy the day the way they preferred. Having Memory Jar Events on board was the best decision ever. They were not only in line with all our ideas but were able to execute it the way we had envisioned. After going through various wedding pictures, we were fixed on hiring Oragraphy for our wedding. Their ability to bring out emotions through their pictures is what made us stick with them. From our entries to our outfits, everything about the wedding was simple and minimal. For the functions, we tried adding variations to the food menu. We had cheese and wine for the cocktail, chana jor garam and chai for mehndi and piping hot dry fruit milk for the wedding.”
Wedding Functions
Mehndi
Keeping the court blue by using dip dyed textures as drapes and table runners, colorful flowers were incorporated to brighten up the venue at their mehndi function. Customized cushions against the white setting made for a perfect bridal seating. The set-up decorated with fairy lights and fresh blooms added to the nautical charm.
Cocktail
Botanical green vertical walls with cane bulb lanterns around checkered flooring welcomed the guests to an eventful evening. Crystal decor and fresh, white flowers glistened against the dim lights. The highlight of the function was an open bar decorated with an LED signage that read – ‘To Infinity and Beyond.’
Grah Shanti
Following the concept of an ‘Indian Garden,’ a massive canvas of their deity was decorated with traditional flowers. Tiny pots with vibrant flowers were added around the seating area, against brightly colored cushions.
Wedding
The colour scheme for the wedding was prominently white and green with a hint of bright colors incorporated in upholstery. Their mandap had a rustic charm adorned with fresh flowers, green foliage, and fairy lights. To add a personal touch to the functions, tiny bells were given to the guests during the pheras and wedding vows were placed on every seat for the people to understand the sanctity of the rituals.
Reception
Following a white color palette, the stage design for the reception was grand with ruffled curtains and glistening chandeliers, and the rest of the venue following a lounge seating with pampas grass and fresh blooms. Lush greens made for a perfect backdrop for the couple’s seating area.
Advice For Couples
“Don’t over plan your wedding and let the events flow organically. There might be a difference in opinion while planning the wedding but hear each other out and find a mid-ground. Also, when you shop for your trousseau, buy something more traditional and evergreen like bandhanis, patolas, Banarasi dupattas and dresses.”
The Wedding Makers
Venues: The Ananta, Udaipur (Wedding), ITC Maratha, Mumbai (Reception)
Wedding Planner: Memory Jar Events
Decor: Atisuto Events
Groom’s Outfits: Mitesh Lodha (Mehndi, Cocktail, Reception)
Bride’s Outfits: Ease (Cocktail), Loka by Veerali Raveshia (Wedding)
Jewellery: Ritika Sachdeva (Mehndi), Kohar by Kanika (Cocktail), Sunil Jewellers (Wedding), Neelima Jewels (Reception), Mamta Doshi (Grah Shanti)
Makeup: Makeup by Meeta Choksi
Mehendi: Aarti Lalan
Invitations: VS Calligraphy and Designs
Photography: Oragraphy
