Anna and Samarth, The Leela Ambience Gurugram
Blending heritage, modern designs and traditions - this Indo-American wedding was playful, warm and stunning.
Anna and Samarth’s wedding hosted at The Leela Ambience Gurugram was a heartfelt fusion of understated elegance and deeply personal moments. Captured through the discerning eye of WeddingSutra Favorite – Dhaarna Bhola Photography, the festivities were rich in sentiment, subtle in aesthetic, and brimming with meaning. Each frame resonated with the couple’s desire for authenticity and timelessness, beautifully complementing the refined tone of their celebrations.
How They Met
Anna and Samarth’s love story began most unexpectedly—on a dating app, during the early days of the COVID-19 lockdown. Anna, then in her first month of medical school, hadn’t yet figured out how to adjust the app’s location settings, while Samarth had intended to keep his radius to just two miles in Boston. Fate intervened, and despite being 50 miles apart, they matched over a shared love for travel and curiosity.
“On paper, we were worlds apart,” recalls Anna. “But our first phone conversation lasted hours. We quickly discovered we’d both lived abroad right after high school—he in the U.S., and I in Scotland. That shaped us in similar ways.” Their first in-person date in Cambridge, Massachusetts—a day of tennis, riverside walks, and falafel at Samarth’s favorite brewery—marked the beginning of a connection that would change their lives.
Wedding Planning
For their wedding, Anna steered away from themed or overly stylised aesthetics, instead opting for a palette of quiet sophistication and meaningful detail. “We wanted every element to feel intentional and reflective of who we are and not performative,” she shares. This philosophy echoed across every event, from floral bud vases to a conscious avoidance of dramatic props like dry ice or pyrotechnics.
A highlight of their planning journey was working with Dhaarna Bhola Photography. “They came highly recommended by a friend, and when we saw their portfolio, we were struck by its natural, unfiltered beauty,” says Anna. “Their work doesn’t rely on theatrics; it’s about real emotion. The team was punctual, perceptive, and never intrusive. They allowed each moment to unfold genuinely and captured it with grace. We’re so grateful for how they preserved our story.”
Wedding Functions
Sangeet
Samarth’s love for red inspired the warm and vivid palette for the sangeet. The decor embraced an ‘Arabian Nights’ vibe with layered rugs, brass accents, and red velvet drapes that lent the space a festive glow. The evening began with a roka ceremony, transitioning into spirited dance performances. “We even included a fusion medley with Bad Bunny tracks,” laughs Anna. A high-energy routine by Anna’s side to ‘Made in India’, featuring Indian and American flags, and a surprise cameo by Samarth were the high points of the event.
Haldi & Mehendi
Among all the celebrations, the haldi and mehendi held a special place in the couple’s hearts. A memorial wall for Samarth’s late mother was the emotional centrepiece, lovingly conceptualised with florals, framed memories, and a floral Ganesh motif. “It was deeply meaningful for both of us,” Anna shares. The color story featured white and yellow, with bursts of vibrance through floral streamers and textures.
Wedding Ceremony
Joyful tones of peach, yellow, and orange set the mood for a bright and buoyant ceremony. Square roses, a native Indian bloom dear to Anna, added a distinctive touch. “Our varmala was a hilarious moment,” Anna recalls. “Samarth tried to dodge going first, but my height gave me the upper hand!” A backdrop commemorating generations of family weddings added a layer of legacy to their special day.
Reception
The evening concluded with a sophisticated shift in tone – a clean, contemporary palette of whites and chartreuse. Lush greenery and minimal florals gave the space an elevated air. The couple made their entrance with a carefree dance, kicking off the celebrations on a jubilant note.
Advice For Couples
“Planning a cross-cultural wedding with guests flying in from around the world can be overwhelming,” Anna reflects. “Find someone you trust, whether a planner or a loved one, who can help you manage the details so you can enjoy the moment.”
One piece of advice she offers to other international brides? “Do a hair and makeup trial. Indian bridal looks are breathtaking, but they don’t always translate the same across different skin tones. A trial gives you clarity and confidence.” Above all, Anna encourages couples to embrace the unexpected. “Things won’t go exactly to plan. Our DJ cancelled last minute, but it didn’t stop us from dancing the night away. Focus on what matters most, that is, the love, the joy, and the people surrounding you.”
The Wedding Makers
Venue: The Leela Ambience Gurugram
Wedding Planner: Blush Decor
Photography and Videography: Dhaarna Bhola Photography
Caterers: The Leela Ambience Gurugram
Groom’s Outfits: Vicugna Menswear (Sangeet, Mehendi, Wedding, Reception)
Bride’s Outfits: Seema Gujral (Sangeet), Raji Ramniq (Mehndi), Ridhi Mehra (Wedding), Bhawna Rao (Reception)
Bride’s Shoes: Needledust (Sangeet, Mehendi), Stuart Weitzman (Reception)
Jewellery: Reemat Designs (Sangeet, Wedding, Reception), Prune India (Haldi), Tribe Amrapali (Mehendi)
Makeup: Tejasvini Chander Kapoor
Hairstyling: Ali Mohd
Entertainment: Nipun Anand (Sangeet), Ashish Thapa (Mehendi)
DJ: DJ Sukhbir (Reception)
Cake: Paris My Love
