Catherine and Pratik, The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai

Hosted on the shores of Mumbai at The Taj Mahal Palace with the majestic Gateway of India and the Arabian Sea in full view, USA-based Pratik and Catherine’s cross-cultural wedding was a spectacular one fusing Maharashtrian and Western elements. Planning this wedding by conquering the distance between continents and differences in time zones was WeddingSutra Favorite – Bon Evento. WeddingSutra Favorite – The Lightsmiths were at their creative best as they photographed and filmed this cross-cultural wedding.

Proposal
The couple first met in NYC in 2017 and started dating in 2019. And, after the lockdown in 2020 – their love truly blossomed during the Lockdown in 2020. Pratik popped the question to Catherine in 2023 at her favorite spot in NYC, that is, the American Museum of Natural History right in front of the dinosaurs facing Central Park!

Wedding Planning
Aditya Bajaj from Bon Evento shares, “Catherine and Pratik’s destination wedding proves planning abroad can be an organized venture. The team transformed their vision into reality. With meticulous guidance, including local vendor coordination and countless Zoom calls, and ensuring a seamless experience for international and local guests with thoughtful touches like detailed explanations of each tradition, Bon Evento made everyone feel welcome and included. Throughout the planning process, Pratik and Catherine felt confident and assured knowing they were in trusted hands. In the end, the couple’s cross-cultural wedding, which was hosted in the cool month of February, wasn’t just a celebration, it was an experience their guests will never forget.”

The couple shares, “Bon Evento were wonderful as they helped us from the very beginning – right from finding venues, the dates all the way to the day of logistics. We had countless late-night/early-morning phone calls ensuring no detail was left unplanned. The team is so knowledgeable about every facet of the wedding industry. They turned a dream into reality. Being abroad while wedding planning was daunting but Bon Evento squashed those worries and gave us the wedding of a lifetime.”

On the photography front, The Lightsmiths took the lead and impressed the couple with their skills. Bride Catherine shares, “From setup to take down, The Lightsmiths team was there for the photography and filming of the three-day event. Everything from the glamorous portraits to the laughter-filled candids. They are masters of their craft, but they never forget the importance of collaboration. They’ll bring their expertise to the table, but they’re also open to your suggestions and ideas to create a truly personal experience. It felt more like hanging out with friends who happened to be lighting and posing geniuses! Late-night calls across continents bridged the distance, reaffirming our confidence in their expertise.”

Wedding Functions
Welcome Dinner
Aditya shares, “Commencing the festivities, Catherine and Pratik welcomed their international guests with a heartfelt dinner at The Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai. Amidst an intimate setup adorned with the couple’s childhood memories, speeches from loved ones resonated warmly, setting the stage for days filled with cultural immersion and celebration.”

Haldi and Mehndi
Drenched in the vibrant colours of yellow and white, the Haldi ceremony was a spirited affair. Accompanied by the rhythmic beats of the dhol, Catherine and Pratik danced joyously amidst the lively tunes of Bollywood and Hollywood music. Mehendi artists made intricate designs on the hands and feet of the women, while a bangle and funky sunglasses stall provided delightful diversions for guests. A DIY perfume stall allowed guests to craft bespoke fragrances, each bottled with the couple’s wedding logo, adding a personal touch to the festivities. The ceremony itself was a lively fusion of tradition and revelry, where friends playfully added milk, beer, and water to the haldi mixture, culminating in laughter and champagne toasts.

Sangeet
Transforming into a cocktail soirée, the Sangeet night shimmered with a sleek bar and cascading bulbs that adorned the entrance and stage. Catherine and Pratik made a spectacular entrance through an LED foam stick aisle while the bartender delighted guests with personalized cocktails. Anchored by their best friends, the evening was infused with personal anecdotes and heartfelt moments, making it an unforgettable celebration of love and togetherness.

Wedding Ceremony
For the big day, perfection was essential and the planning team ensured that the spirit of Mumbai seeped through the celebrations while making the international guests feel included in every part of the rituals. Aditya shares, “Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Chambers Terrace overlooking the sea and the Gateway of India, the wedding exuded a boho-themed elegance. A Hall of Fame adorned with the couple’s journey in pictures stood tall, accompanied by a guest book where heartfelt messages were penned. Each guest participated in the rituals, ringing bells and showering petals on the couple during the pheras. Pratik entered with flair, accompanied by his squad to a Bollywood anthem, while Catherine, led by her mother and accompanied by a violinist playing her favorite English track, made a graceful entrance. The varmala ceremony was a spectacle of romance under a cascade of red rose petals, as the pandit eloquently explained each ritual in English, ensuring all guests felt a part of the sacred occasion. Saying their vows in Sanskrit added a beautiful touch to the ceremony. Catherine’s heartwarming effort to include Pratik’s heritage, even with a few admitted stumbles, made the moment even more special. The newlyweds mingled with guests after the ceremony.

After Party
The after-party continued the festivities, energized with pulsating beats and illuminated by LED stick bands that adorned the dance floor. Guests indulged in a curated selection of after-party delights, from comforting Maggi to crispy french fries, ensuring the night ended on a high note of joy and camaraderie.

Advice For Couples
The couple shares, “Wedding planning can feel overwhelming, but trust your team and the process! With experts by your side, you can delegate tasks and relax, knowing everything is under control. Remember, this day is about celebrating your love. So when the music starts, let go of worries and soak up every moment. You’ve planned for this your whole life, now enjoy it!”

The Wedding Makers
Venues: Gallops Restaurant, Mumbai (Haldi and Mehndi); The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai (Welcome Dinner, Wedding)
Wedding Planner: Bon Evento
Photography and Videography: The Lightsmiths
Décor: Finale Eventz, New Raj Decor
Caterers: Archana Gupta
Groom’s Outfits: Vagad’s
Bride’s Outfits: Rangoli Designer Studio
Makeup: Dhwani Doshi
Mehndi: Mehendi Artist Komal Kishor Khot
DJ: DJ Aarish (Sangeet), DJ Zal (After Party), Hanosh Dubash

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