Janani and Anirudh, Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty
Proudly showcasing their heritage while embracing modern design, this wedding in Kochi felt rooted and refreshingly contemporary.
Set against the serene backwaters of Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, Janani and Anirudh’s wedding was a thoughtful confluence of culture, memory and modern elegance. Planned and curated by WeddingSutra Favorite – Watermark Weddings, the celebration unfolded as an immersive experience that honoured both their roots. The couple, who met during their time at UCLA, brought together Janani’s Malayali heritage and Anirudh’s Telugu traditions in a way that felt seamless and deeply intentional, with the venue’s expansive waterfront setting offering the perfect canvas for both intimate rituals and larger festivities.
Wedding Venue
With its sweeping views of the backwaters and versatile event spaces, Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty proved to be an inspired choice for the celebrations. The property’s natural beauty lent itself effortlessly to the Mehndi, where tropical elements felt right at home, while its grandeur elevated the wedding ceremony into a culturally rich and visually immersive experience. The balance of open spaces and refined architecture allowed each function to feel distinct yet cohesive.
Wedding Planning
Guided by a singular vision of showcasing their roots in every detail, Janani and Anirudh, along with their families, worked closely with Watermark Weddings to bring this narrative to life. Every element, from décor to rituals, was approached with intention, ensuring that the celebration reflected not just where they come from, but what they value. The planners translated this vision into a series of thoughtfully designed experiences that felt authentic, immersive and deeply personal.
Wedding Functions
Bhajan
The festivities began on a serene note with a Bhajan gathering curated especially for the elders of the family. With the soulful strains of the Nandagovindam Bhajans group filling the air, the setting transformed into a space of devotion and quiet reflection. It was a gentle, meaningful start that brought families together in prayer, setting the tone for the celebrations that followed.
Cruise Party
As the sun dipped, the mood shifted to a more spirited celebration with a cruise party designed for the younger guests. Set against the tranquil waters, the evening unfolded with music, dancing and effortless camaraderie.
Mehndi
Titled ‘Green Elegance meets Timeless Tradition’, the Mehndi embraced the concept of Malabar Blooms with a focus on Kerala’s tropical abundance. The décor drew from locally sourced flowers and organic textures, creating a setting that felt both vibrant and rooted. Designed around the idea of conscious luxury, the celebration balanced visual richness with authenticity, where natural greens and earthy elements framed a lively daytime gathering filled with music, rituals and familial warmth.
Wedding
The wedding, envisioned as the celebration’s emotional centrepiece, was conceptualised around the theme ‘Village of Love’, inspired by the timeless adage, ‘It takes a village to raise a child.’ At its heart was a message of gratitude, with every guest acknowledged as a cherished part of the village that had shaped the couple’s journey. This philosophy informed every design and experiential detail, creating a celebration that was both grand in scale and deeply rooted in the values of community, culture and togetherness.
Drawing inspiration from a traditional Agraharam of Palakkad, where Kerala and Tamil cultures have coexisted for generations, the venue was transformed into an immersive village experience. From the entrance through every pathway, experiential panels recreated the charm of a traditional settlement, culminating in a magnificent temple-inspired wedding hall. Framed by grand temple architecture, intricate floral installations and classical South Indian art, the mandap embodied timeless cultural elegance. Completing the experience was a traditional Kerala Sadhya, served as a heartfelt expression of hospitality, community and shared celebration.
Sangeet
The celebrations culminated in a richly layered Sangeet evening, where warm amber lighting, ornate accents and deep hues created an inviting, atmospheric setting. The night unfolded with heartfelt performances, music and dancing, bringing together friends and family in joyous celebration.
The Wedding Makers
Venues: Vinayaka Mandapam, Kochi (Bhajan); Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty (Mehndi, Wedding); Chakolas Pavilion, Kochi (Sangeet)
Wedding Planner: Watermark Weddings
Caterers: Paragon Speciality Caterings (Sangeet)
Groom’s Outfits: Seema Gujral (Mehndi), Kanakavalli (Wedding)
Bride’s Outfits: Khokee by Parshbha (Mehndi), Seema Gujral (Sangeet), Kanakavalli (Wedding)
Jewellery: Kavya Potluri (Mehndi), DC Jewellers (Wedding)
Makeup: Samson Lei
Entertainment: Nandagovindam Bhajans (Bhajan), Bharath and Punnya Collective (Mehndi), Mylai Karthikeyan (Wedding), Khush – The Band (Sangeet), Bonny Abraham (Sangeet)
DJ: DJ Jonathan (Cruise Party), DJ Savio (Mehndi)
Emcee: Maryann Manasseh (Sangeet)
Choreography: Bhiju Dhwani Tarang (Mehndi, Wedding)
Props and Rentals: Festoon Props & Rentals
Photography: Magic Motion Media
