Tania John and Akash Kalia, Hotel Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Abu Dhabi
A memorable South-meets-North wedding that exuded pure luxury.
It is often said that Indian weddings mark the union of not just two people, but two families. Taking it a step further, Tania John and Akash Kalia commemorated their love with a wedding that united two cultures! Vividly planned to perfection by WeddingSutra Favorite – Vivaah Celebrations, the plush Abu Dhabi wedding saw an unforgettable blend of Indian traditions and luxury. Watch it come alive below.
Wedding Planning
The couple hosted a three-day celebration at the Hotel Fairmont Bab Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi, a stunning property facing the beautiful waters of the Grand Canal and the splendid Grand Mosque. They envisioned a memorable few days that infused the cultures and traditions of both families and entrusted Vivaah Celebrations to ensure all was planned and executed to perfection. All the themes, concepts, show flows, and artists were planned, conceptualized, and managed by Vivaah Celebrations, a premier Wedding Planning & Management company operating locally and globally for Destination Weddings. Founder Rahul Kumar, who has over a decade of experience planning and managing weddings globally, fused various aspects, traditions, and rituals to ensure that both cultures were respected and included in a way that was enjoyed by all.
Wedding Functions
Welcome Dinner
As the guests started checking in, ‘Dhol-waalas’ greeted them with their rousing beats as two hostesses in beautiful sarees guided them to their check-in desk. The first evening saw a serene Welcome Dinner by the water, decked with subtle fairy lights and candles. The guests were welcomed with sumptuous Arabian delicacies with Mediterranean canapes and authentic live stations from the region. The evening was further elevated by the musical stylings of a popular singing duo.
Mehndi and Haldi
The following morning, guests made their way toward the Falcon Lawn for a colorful Mehendi and Haldi function. A vibrant expression of “North meets South”, the function incorporated both cultures beautifully through live stations, floral selections, color schemes, and much more. The venue was beautifully decorated with hanging tassels and other traditional decor ornaments. On entry, the guests approached a cart with a variety of gifts to choose from, which included items like colorful bangles and ‘gajras’ (jasmine hair garlands). Mixologists also added to the mood with their vibrant cocktails and coolers, celebrating the flavors of India through their ‘kala khatta’ and ‘paan’-inspired cocktails among others.
DJ Gautam had everyone on their feet and dancing through the day. The beautiful couple entered wearing traditional South Indian attire, followed by a memorable performance by the women from both sides of the family on Sopana Sangeetham – an elegant form of classical music originating in the temples of Kerala. It was an inspiring sight to behold!
Sangeet
The evening went on to a disco-themed Sangeet, an evening of glitz-and-glam that featured disco balls and an opulent shiny bar. The guests were also left amazed by the photo booth built for them to take pictures to their heart’s content.
It all began when MC Punit took over the stage and interacted with the guests as they enjoyed their light bites and molecular drinks. The couple dazzled with their entrance and went straight into a family dance-off that led to enthusiastic performances by family and friends. This however was just the beginning of the evening, as the night took a turn with the arrival of the International percussionist Walter Scalzone, who lit the stage with his LED roaming drums and his spectacular water drums show. The evening ended with some delicious paan, after which everyone danced into the wee hours of the morning.
Wedding
The Wedding Ceremony took place at the Grand staircase with panoramic views of the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and royal fountains, giving it a palatial feel. After safa-tying for all the guests, Founder Rahul Kumar of Vivaah Celebrations got the Baraat geared up, leading it along with the groom in his vintage Excalibur car. COO Maggi Kewlani on the other hand ensured the bride’s family was equipped and ready to welcome the baraat in a grand traditional style. The Groom was greeted with the traditional brass lamps from the temples of Kerala along with pearl garlands, after which he entered the Mandap and eagerly awaited his bride.
The bride’s entry was no less spectacular, as she walked down the stairs holding her father’s arm while her bridesmaids showered rose petals. As the wedding rituals proceeded, the guests were served colorful fruit pops to stay cool in the heat, after which they were served a traditional Sadhya lunch.
Reception
The much-awaited Grand Reception was a dreamy affair. The newlyweds glowed with happiness as they walked into thunderous applause. The venue was decked with fresh white rose arrangements, giving the entire ballroom a mystical look. The couple had their first dance, commemorating the occasion with cake cutting and popping of the champagne, and all the guests danced the night away with friends and family.
The Wedding Makers
Venue: Hotel Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Abu Dhabi
Wedding Planner: Vivaah Celebrations
Photography and Videography: Claude Loren Photography
