Jeel Vora and Monil Soni, Raffles Udaipur Resort, Udaipur
From a Dior-themed Mehndi and Garba Raas to the life-size statue of the bride’s father, this wedding was a treasure trove of experiences.
With stellar decor, celebrity entertainment, and emotional moments, Cricketer Monil Soni and Nutritionist Jeel Vora’s wedding saw the perfect blend of tradition, luxury, and modernity. Exquisitely planned by WeddingSutra Favorite – Ties n Knots Weddings & Events, the destination getaway was as rich in memorable moments as it was in traditions.
How they met
From the moment Monil laid eyes on Jeel during the Ganesh Festival, he felt something stir in his heart. “It was a friend who took me to Mahek’s place for Ganpati, and there she was – Mahek’s beautiful sister. She had a bandaged wound on her right cheek which she got from a dog bite. The wound, however, didn’t make her any less beautiful. We were never friends, and I’m glad we weren’t as we got to know each other with intent. For her, initially, I was just another guy hitting on her, till finally one day she agreed to meet me. We went to MCA and hung out in the garden where she lost her jhumkas. She spoke from her heart with no filter, like Geet from Jab we met! A date and a few long conversations later, I knew she was the one!”
Wedding Planning
Hosted at Raffles Udaipur Resort, the wedding festivities were nothing short of a visual spectacle, with each event meticulously planned and executed to perfection by Team Ties n Knots Weddings & Events. From elaborate decor to enchanting themes, every detail was thoughtfully curated to create unforgettable memories. One of the most memorable aspects of the celebrations was the diversity in themes, reflecting the couple’s unique personalities and cultural heritage. From the contemporary elegance of the Dior theme at the Mehendi ceremony to the royal wedding, each event had its own distinct charm.
Every day, guests woke up to find a personalized newspaper waiting for them, filled with updates and pictures capturing the highlights of the previous day’s events. Moreover, A lifelike wax statue of the bride’s father was created as a touching tribute, bringing the whole family to tears. It served as a poignant reminder of his absence, evoking profound emotions and filling the void at this milestone moment.
Wedding Functions
Mandap Muhurat
Imbibed with the motifs and installations of Shrinathji and Rajbai Maa, the Mandap Muhurat saw a blend of traditions and warm family moments. A soft pink palette set a tranquil tone for the occasion, which was completed by an abundance of Indian flowers and floral prints.
Mehndi
The celebrations unfolded with an artistic portrayal of a Dior theme at the Mehndi ceremony. Hosted at the Compass Lawn, the occasion was adorned with soft pastel hues, 3D flowers, quirky elements, and playful designs for a lively atmosphere. Dressed in blush pink suits, the bride and groom had a gala time dancing with their loved ones.
Garba Raas
The second day witnessed the vibrant fervor of authentic Kathiyawadi garba! An explosion of colors filled the space in the form of traditional rugs, dupattas, crafts, and prints, elevated with the addition of bright blooms and stunning shots of local folk. As everyone showcased their garba moves, the enchanting voice of Falguni Pathak filled the air.
Haldi
The second day witnessed the vibrant fervor of authentic Kathiawadi garba! The morning began with energy and excitement as Monil and Jeel’s Haldi ceremony took place at the picturesque English Garden. Bright colors adorned the decor, matching the joy on the faces of the couple as turmeric paste was applied to them for good luck. As everyone showcased their garba moves, the enchanting voice of Falguni Pathak filled the air.
Sangeet
Brimming with neon lights, disco balls, eclectic prints, and more, the sangeet sparkled with glitter and glamor, adding a touch of dazzle to the evening. Guests were immersed in the celebratory spirit, ready to dance to the tunes of celebrity artist Manj Musik! It was an evening filled with love, laughter, and boundless happiness, offering a glimpse into the beautiful journey that lay ahead for the couple.
Ring Ceremony
The ring ceremony was imbibed with the celestial aura of a Sufi night, brought to life with ornate decor and professional artists. With their infectious energy and upbeat music, the bride and groom, along with their lively squads, rocked the night to the melodious tunes of Javed Ali. Amidst the festivities, the couple exchanged rings and cut a stunning white cake. With DJ Vicky spinning groovy tracks, the couple danced the night away surrounded by their loved ones, creating memories to last a lifetime.
Wedding
Commencing with a spirited baraat, the wedding ceremony saw regal decor, a jaw-dropping varmala, and a heartfelt ceremony, culminating in a spectacular display of light crackers to symbolize the union of Monil and Jeel.
The baraat arrived in the afternoon in a lively celebration that seemed to never end. As Jeel made her way to the mandap on a palanquin, melodious music filled the air, but all Monil could focus on was his radiant bride. Amidst the joyful chaos, Monil and Jeel took their pheras as the sun dipped below the horizon, sealing their commitment to each other. It was a moment of pure bliss, surrounded by loved ones, with a sense of contentment like never before.
Lavni Punjabi
The festivities drew to a close with a fusion of Marathi and Punjabi cultures on the concluding night, marking not just the end of beautiful functions, but also the beginning of an enchanting journey for Monil and Jeel.
The Lavni-Punjabi was an extraordinary event where a specially curated act by the choreographer’s team featured Lavni and Punjabi Bhangra dancers, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that left everyone in awe. All the guests adhered to the dress code, adorning Lavni sarees, salwar suits, dhotis, and turbans, to add to the vibrant ambiance and one-of-a-kind experience of the celebration.
Reception
On their return to Mumbai, the couple hosted a Reception soiree at Radio Club Colaba, replete with the striking red decor of flowers, crystal chandeliers, candles, and more. The bride and groom exuded that newlywed radiance as they enjoyed the evening with their loved ones.
The Wedding Makers
Venue: Raffles Udaipur Resort, Radio Club Colaba (Reception)
Wedding Planner: Ties n Knots Weddings & Events
Decor: Gurleen Puri
Photography and Videography: Epic stories
Groom’s Outfits: Anamika Khanna (Ring Ceremony), Shantanu Nikhil (Sangeet), Tarun Tahiliani (Wedding), Raghavendra Rathod (Reception)
Bride’s Outfits: Shyamal and Bhumika (Ring Ceremony), Amit Aggarwal (Sangeet), WNW by Harsh and Ankesh (Wedding), Jayesh and Kaajal Shah (Reception)
Makeup: Varsha Gidwani
Choreography and Videography: Angel Performing Arts