Erika Farina and Aviraj Rathi, Anand Kashi by the Ganges, Rishikesh
This couple’s red and ivory wedding mandap for their sundowner phera ceremony by the Ganges will leave you enchanted!
Nestled by the Ganges and flanked by the Himalayan foothills, Erika Farina and Aviraj Rathi’s wedding celebrations resembled a serene modern fairytale. Honouring traditions while showcasing their love for elegance, this wedding was planned by WeddingSutra Favorite – Whistling Teel.
How They Met
Aviraj and Erika crossed paths at San Francisco State University at the beginning of 2015. While Aviraj had just landed from New Delhi a few weeks before the start of the semester to settle in and Erika had flown in from Montreal, Canada just shy of a week before her classes were scheduled to begin. As fate would have, they became fast friends as they started exploring the colourful city of San Fransisco together.
Wedding Venue
The couple selected Taj Rishikesh Resort & Spa, Uttarakhand as the venue for their mehndi and sangeet. With its well-appointed rooms, scenic vistas and impeccable hospitality, Taj Rishikesh impressed the couple from their very first recce. Plus, guests were also accommodated at the same property where they were treated to serene views of the flowing Ganges.
Wedding Planning
Planning Erika and Aviraj’s wedding was Whistling Teel, a bespoke wedding planning company specializing in Himalayan destination weddings. Gaurav Chanana from Whistling Teel shares, “We planned and designed the entire wedding which was an incredible experience. It was a stunning fusion of two opposite cultures uniting to celebrate love. We’d already worked with Aviraj’s family before during his elder sister’s wedding. Hence, we were given complete liberty to be as creative as possible while keeping the bride and groom’s tastes in mind.”
Wedding Functions
Engagement
Hosted at the rooftop under a canopy of foliage and a star-studded sky, the engagement flaunted a color palette of green, white and earthy brown tones. Delicate floral centerpieces decorated the tables while a white floral arch flanked the couple. As the duo exchanged rings, a toast was raised to their happiness and health.
Tel Ban
The Tel Ban is a Mrawari wedding ritual where the to-be-weds are slathered with a mixture of turmeric, oil and milk. This ritual, in particular, took place for Aviraj as his closest family members gathered around him to playfully slather him with turmeric and oil to get his wedding glow on!
Haldi
After the close-knit Tel Ban ceremony, the family was at their cheerful best at the yellow-hued haldi celebrations. Sporting a vibrant colour palette of blue and yellow, the haldi decor was dominated by marigolds and sunflowers. White and blue printed tablecloths accentuated the yellow hues against the lush backdrop. Blue pottery vases, wooden flower stands and arches completed the setup.
Mehndi and Sangeet
Going glam for the mehndi and sangeet, this event brimmed with energetic performances, spontaneous dance sessions, a smashing celebrity live singer and flashing lights. Fairylights, white blooms and fuschia decor elements had everyone grooving as they got their hands patterned with henna.
Wedding
Gaurav shares, “The pheras were hosted on a white sand beach surrounded by magnificent mountains and soothing sounds of the flowing river. The red and white wedding mandap surrounded by gilded chairs looked gorgeous against the sunset sky. The groom’s baraat arrived in a white vintage car surrounded by dholwalas who had everyone enthusiastically shaking a leg. Roses, fragrant jasmine and vintage crystal chandeliers added to the traditional decor.”
Reception
After the sundowner phera ceremony, the guests enjoyed an elegant reception. Ivory and green hues were bathed in warm gold lights, paving the way for an enchanting evening. Breezy sheer white drapes sheltered the guests and ivory latticework gazebos made for comfy seating areas. The couple’s wedding hashtag was displayed with LED signage against a foliage backdrop at the entrance.
The Wedding Makers
Venues: Anand Kashi by the Ganges, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand (Haldi, Wedding); Taj Rishikesh Resort & Spa, Uttarakhand (Mehndi and Sangeet)
Wedding Planner, Décor and Hospitality: Whistling Teel
Photography: The Cheesy Diary
Entertainment: Navraj Hans (Mehndi and Sangeet), Aryan Minocha (Haldi), Ankit Batra (Wedding)
DJ: DJ Jerry (Haldi, Mehndi and Sangeet)
