Jessica and Shiv, Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Autograph Collection

Showcasing their love for contemporary design while retaining their love for traditions, Jessica and Shiv’s destination wedding sported a myriad of themes. The union was planned and designed by WeddingSutra Favorite – Ikigaii Planners who ensured the couple had plenty of time to savor the festivities while they took the lead on the planning front, ensuring the couple’s dreams came true.

How They Met
Jessica shares, “We met at a NYE party in 2016. We quickly realized we had a lot in common – from food (both of us are vegetarian), to music, to travelling, to similar professional backgrounds, to name a few. Our families also knew each other, so it made things a lot easier!”

The Proposal
For the couple, the wedding proposal took place in the nick of time. Jessica recollects, “The proposal happened during Covid! It was a couple of days after the lockdown eased in London in October 2020 and Shiv took the chance to propose in Primrose Hill, Regent’s Park in London. It was the most magical yet simplest proposal – just the way I wanted it to be. A few days later, the UK went back into lockdown so we got lucky!”

Wedding Planning
The couple shares, “Working with Team Ikigaii was dreamy. From the brainstorming to the actual execution on the big day, we had so much fun and honestly felt at ease. Planning a destination wedding is no joke, so having a team like Ikigaii Planners by our side throughout the process to advise and guide us and take the stress off our shoulders was incredible. We will forever be grateful to them for putting our needs first and ensuring our families and we could enjoy the events, whilst team Ikigaii did all the running around. If we could do it all again, we’d do so in the blink of an eye!”

Wedding Functions
Haldi and Mehndi
Sporting a tropical theme inspired by the lush environs of Hawaii, the haldi and mehndi were swathed in hues of pink and orange. Marigolds, a white dancefloor printed with the couple’s monogram and pink latticework leaves adorned the venue. With the haldi hosted in the morning, the same setup was lit up by fairy lights for the mehndi in the evening.

Sagan and Chooda
A traditional ceremony where both sides of the family get to know each other, the sagan ceremony includes the ritual of the bride’s side bestowing the groom with gifts. The couple combined the sagan and chooda ceremony so that their family members could mingle with each other freely. The Arabian Nights-themed event included white latticework arches, magenta blooms, brass larger-than-life Arabic lamps and a starry stage backdrop.

Wedding
Earthy decor comprising of wood, pampas grass and delicate pink florals adorned the floral bohemian-themed wedding. The wedding mandap with its white aisle and wood mandap was especially unique, expressing the couple’s love for modern as well as traditional elements.

Reception
After the traditional lineup of events, the couple ended their wedding festivities with lots of glitz and glam. The neon-themed sported neon LED arches, signage and a vast, sleek black dancefloor where the couple performed their first dance. The couple also made a dashing entry with dholwalas in tow with their loved ones cheering them on.

Advice For Couples
The couple shares, “Enjoy every moment of the planning. From experience, we can tell you it won’t be easy and smooth sailing throughout. However, as long as you both understand each other and work together as one team, nothing is impossible. You need two people to make one dream come true. So take this challenge on as one team and enjoy the ups and downs that come with it. It will all be worth it.”

The Wedding Makers
Venue: Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Autograph Collection – Dubai
Wedding Planner and Décor: Ikigaii Planners
Photography: Geeshan Bandara
Makeup: Nehaa Shah
Hairstyling: Vaishali Panchal
Mehndi: Henna by Shabnam Khan
DJ: DJ Ace
Emcee: Punit H Lalwani
Wedding Invitations: SonalStudio Designs

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