Aakriti Jain and Varun Jaideep, Taj Samudra, Colombo

Aakriti Jain and Varun Jaideep share a profound love for travel. Inspired by their global adventures, the duo decided to tie the knot at Taj Samudra in Colombo, Sri Lanka where their loved ones from India could easily fly in and soak in the beachy vibes!

How They Met
Varun shares, “Our story began in 2013, introduced through mutual friends, though fate decided to take its time. It wasn’t until 7 years later, in 2020, that Aakriti and I truly connected in the middle of COVID when we started messaging each other more. As we spoke more and more, we grew closer. However, Aakriti was slated to go abroad to finish her MBA. We had 10 days before she left, but we made the most of it sneakily meeting in each other’s houses, terraces and gardens as India was under lockdown to meet in public places.
Little did we know that the journey ahead would test our patience and deepen our love in ways we couldn’t have imagined. With Aakriti living in London and Hong Kong, and me being based in Chennai, a large part of our relationship was long-distance. We built a bond through countless Zoom calls, late-night phone conversations, endless hours of streaming movies together, and mystery box cooking challenges. Three months into our relationship, we finally met in person for our first date— in the beautiful city of London.”

The Proposal
The sunset proposal was a long time in the making as Varun popped the question to Aakriti on a secluded beach in Koh Samui. Varun recollects, “We travelled as much as we could to meet, vineyards, the beaches of Thailand and Hong Kong. Fast forward to 2023, when I knew the time was right. On a serene evening in Koh Samui, I asked Aakriti to spend the rest of her life with me during sunset. Beachside, with the sky painted in hues of orange and pink, she said ‘yes!’, and in that moment, all the distance, the waiting, and the longing felt worth it.”

Wedding Venue
“We chose Colombo in Sri Lanka because we wanted a destination that was not only breathtaking but also easily accessible for our loved ones, especially the older members of our family. Being so close to India, it felt like the perfect blend of convenience and beauty.
When we visited the Taj Samudra, we were immediately struck by how warm and hospitable the staff were. Every detail was taken care of with such care, and we truly felt welcomed. The property itself is stunning— we completely fell in love with the view of the sunset, which made it an ideal backdrop for our special day. The variety of venues at the hotel gave us the flexibility to host each event in a different location, which added a unique touch to the celebration. Plus, the property had enough rooms to comfortably accommodate all of our guests, ensuring everyone felt part of the experience”, shared the newlyweds.

Wedding Planning
With the venue decided, the couple decided to contribute to the local economy by getting local artisans and vendors on board for their March wedding. Varun adds, “We decided to go with as many local vendors as possible to prevent logistical mishaps and have a unique local style mixed with Indian traditions.”

Wedding Functions
Welcome Lunch and Mehndi
The couple says, “Our wedding festivities kicked off with a vibrant and colourful welcome lunch and mehndi ceremony. The ballroom, with its breathtaking view of the Indian Ocean, was transformed into a joyful celebration of bright pinks, yellows, and sunshine vibes. Every corner radiated cheerfulness, from the décor to the vibrant attire worn by everyone. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, music, and the intricate art of mehendi. It felt like the perfect, heartwarming start to what would be an unforgettable journey of celebrations.”

Sangeet
“The evening of Day 1 brought with it an electrifying Sangeet, with a theme of ‘Glitz and Glam’. The Grand Ballroom shimmered under purple and red lighting, creating an elegant yet lively atmosphere. Friends and family took the stage, performing some unforgettable dance routines. But the highlight was our couple dance which was full of dips, lifts, and moments that brought the room to life with applause and love. The energy was unmatched, and we danced the night away, knowing we’d remember this night forever,” shared the happy newlyweds.

Haldi
“Our Haldi ceremony was a burst of sunshine— held poolside. The décor was a perfect mix of yellows, oranges, and whites. The vibrant setup, against the backdrop of the serene pool, set the tone for a fun and joyous day. With laughter, music, and playful splashes of haldi, it was a ceremony that radiated happiness and warmth, surrounded by the closest members of our families”, the couple shared.

Wedding
Varun shares, “The wedding day was nothing short of magical. The baraat kicked off at 4 PM, a high-energy procession with an amazing DJ, five dhol players flown in from Chennai, and a vintage car that took us around the property, making it feel like something out of a dream. The grand highlight of the wedding was the mandap— set under an enormous banyan tree, draped with LED lights and fresh flowers, it was transformed into an ethereal setting. Aakriti’s entry was incredibly special— she had pre-recorded a message, and as she walked down the aisle, she sang a song, adding a personal touch that left everyone in awe. As we exchanged our varmalas during sunset, the entire scene felt surreal, with the colors of the sky blending into the twinkling lights of the banyan tree.”

After Party
“The celebrations didn’t stop with the wedding! That night, we hosted an after-party, a lively gathering where we could let loose with friends and family who had travelled from all corners of the world. The evening was filled with endless shots, laughter, and stories that had everyone in splits. The hotel indulged us with a global cuisine spread, and they even arranged for special drone permissions and a photo shoot at the stunning Sri Lankan Harbour front— making the night all the more special and memorable”, the couple recollects.

Reception
After landing in India post their wedding celebrations in Sri Lanka, the couple hosted a glitzy reception in Chennai. Donning a gold lehenga, Aakriti looked stunning as she paired up with Varun, in a dapper black suit, for some stunning reception shots.

Advice For Couples
Learning from their own experience the couple has a couple of pointers to share when it comes to planning a destination wedding –

1. Try New Things Together: Aakriti shares, “Wedding planning can be stressful, but it can also be a time to explore new ideas and experiences as a couple. Whether it’s trying a new cuisine, taking a dance class together for the Sangeet, or choosing a unique wedding location, be open to new adventures. These shared experiences will only bring you closer.”

2. Pre-Wedding Trips Matter: The couple says, “We travelled extensively across the world before our wedding, and those trips were priceless in helping us get to know each other on a deeper level. Exploring new places together, facing the unexpected, and sharing moments in different settings is key to understanding each other’s personalities, strengths, and quirks. If you can, take those trips—it’s a beautiful way to build lasting memories before the big day.”

3. Use Instagram and Pinterest for Inspiration: “Throughout the wedding planning process, we used Instagram and Pinterest to gather inspiration and organize our ideas. Create themed albums for each function—like mehendi, sangeet, and the wedding itself—so you can save and review ideas over time. It’s an easy way to keep track of everything, and it helps you and your partner align on the vision for your big day”, shared Varun.

The Wedding Makers
Venue: Taj Samudra, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Wedding Planner: Hemant Dadlani Weddings & Events
Photography: Moonstruck by Karthik Srinivasan; The FotoCube (Colombo)
Videography: Chroma Pictures Films (Colombo)
Makeup: Brides by Leena
Hairstyling: Shane Perera
DJ: DJ Sunny Deepak
Choreography: Move With Mahi

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