Himani Mehta and Henyl Shah, Palghar
This couple’s eco-friendly phera ceremony took place under a majestic mango tree with seeds and plant nutrients as wedding favors for the guests.
Himani Mehta and Henyl Shah’s wedding was a long cherished dream that was brought to life by WeddingSutra Favorite – Zesst Events Weddings. A sustainable union that took place in the backyard of the groom’s farmhouse, this union was beautifully captured by WeddingSutra Favorite – Seventy by Two.
How They Met
Even though the couple studied at the same university in the USA, they first crossed paths in Mumbai. On their first date, Henyl surprised Himani with a homemade picnic at Bandstand, complete with hot chocolate and marshmallows! From then onwards, there was no looking back for the duo.
Wedding Planning
Capturing treasured memories for the couple as they tied the knot was Seventy by Two. Candid moments of sheer joy, heartfelt moments brimming with unspoken emotions and stylised portraits of the duo were photographed effortlessly. The team also filmed the entire wedding and ensured the couple felt completely at ease in front of the cameras.
Aakash Doshi from Zesst Events Weddings shares, “The bride and groom were extremely passionate about the wedding. We had previously planned the groom’s brother’s wedding in Goa. Unlike his sibling, Henyl wanted an intimate wedding close to nature. After brainstorming for venues, the couple finally settled on the groom’s farmhouse in Palghar, two hours away from Mumbai, with endless greenery spread over 13 acres and even a pond! Since it was a privately owned property, we were able to be at our creative best and curate the smallest of details. At the same time, we also respected nature and wove the design story around it. The ground was levelled with enriching manure which was then covered with a carpet. The varmala was hosted by the pond which was extremely unique. The planning took approximately a year as the farmhouse was prepped with civil work and new trees were planted to give the location a more lush look. Even the food consisted of a variety of millet-based dishes. The food and flowers were recycled. An earthen decor was chosen as a result, a majestic tree served as a backdrop for the mandap. Wastage was kept at a minimum keeping the couple’s insistence on sustainability in mind. Only the necessary enhancements were made to beautify the venue.”
Wedding Functions
Haldi
Himani shares, “The wedding started with a haldi ceremony in Palghar. All the guests gathered in the evening with lively dhol beats, bringing friends and family together in celebration. Everyone joined in with laughter and joy, while we were at our playful best!”
Sangeet
Apart from being glitzy, the sangeet was also incredibly romantic as Henyl serenaded Himani with a custom song that described their love story and expressed the affection he felt for her. The couple then exchanged rings onstage and went on to dance to their favorite tunes with their loved ones on the dancefloor.
Wedding
Himani shares, “The wedding day was special as we exchanged vows under the mango tree at Henyl’s farmhouse. The varmala ceremony took place at a natural kund which was decorated with flowers and custom lamps. This became a surreal experience for all the guests as Vedic chants were being sung along with the sounds of the conch shell and bells. The evening ended with a spiritual Jain Aarti by the kund, illuminated with candles and diyas, creating a magical atmosphere.”
Reception
Swathed in hues of white that struck a contrast against the night sky, the couple’s reception exuded soft glam. Candles, foliage and white blooms adorned the venue as the duo mingled with their guests.
Advice For Couples
Himani says, “Everyone wishes to create lasting memories of their wedding, and rightly so. However, couples must present a united front and not lose sight of each other amidst the wedding.” Henyl adds, “While weddings are indeed special celebrations, the true journey begins the day after. Therefore, it’s beneficial to prioritize the creation of unique and meaningful moments that showcase our connection, rather than adhering strictly to societal norms.”
The Wedding Makers
Venues: Mahalakshmi Race Course, Mumbai (Reception)
Wedding Planner: Zesst Events and Weddings
Photography and Videography: Seventy by Two
Décor: 5 Dimensions Events (Haldi, Sangeet, Wedding), Doh Re Mi Co by Shimul Modi (Sangeet, Wedding), Ajay Decorators (Reception)
Bride’s Outfits: Riddhi Majithia
Makeup: Dhruvi Shavdia Makeup Artist
Entertainment: Swapnil Mistry (Vedic Chants – Wedding)
