Kanica and Chetan, JW Marriott Jaipur Resort & Spa
The epitome of extravagance, their wedding was a meld of luxury and love!
For Kanica and Chetan, the New Year brought a new romance that would last them a lifetime.
Once they’d realized that they were the best thing to have happened to each other, with the help of WeddingSutra Favorite Izhaar by Core Designs, they began inviting their loved ones to their wedding!
The bride shares with us the highlights of their celebrations.
How We Met
At a party in 2014 we exchanged smiles and hellos and that was that. Five days later, on New Year’s Eve, we were at another party and when I glanced at Chetan I thought he was giving me a death stare! Turns out he was only doing that because he wanted to come and talk to me while his sister was holding him back saying, that’s not how we approach people in India.
After six months we liked each other’s pictures on Facebook two or three times simultaneously. That’s when he wrote and posted a poem, which when I read, I knew was for me. We started talking and he confessed he’d written that poem for me and that he really liked me. I wanted to take things slow so I told him that we should get to know each other first. Our conversations continued, we met a few days later in Mumbai and in a month we started dating.
Wedding Venue
While my parents were trying to convince us to host our nuptials in our hometown, Kanpur, Chetan and I were very adamant about having a destination wedding.
But once we started looking at venues across the country, several of those we wanted to book had already been reserved. Our families researched Dubai and Abu Dhabi as well. And then, we made a visit to the JW Marriott Jaipur Resort & Spa. The property was still being finished but when the team showed us around we fell in love with it. We even saw the plan of what the place would look like once it was complete and we knew this was it; more so because my mother and I have always loved Rajasthani architecture. Going ahead with this hotel was a great decision because everyone loved the place.
Wedding Planning
Our wedding was planned by Red Events and photographed by Badal Raja Company.
Izhaar by Core Designs designed our wedding invitations and it was a great experience working with them. My mother was in touch with Ashima from their team and they managed to create a beautiful card that was appreciated by all our guests.
Wedding Functions
Sagan
Our first function, the sagan, was hosted at Kingston Resorts in Kanpur. At this function, Chetan and I were a Sabyasachi couple. I wore an ivory and gold lehenga which I paired with heavy polki jewellery while Chetan opted for a kurta and bandi in earthy tones.
Sufi Night
We wanted the decor to evoke a Mughal vibe so we used a lot of blue drapes and blue lighting. The setup also included large candle panels that added to the beauty of it all. An ensemble by Sabyasachi was my pick for the evening while Chetan wore an outfit by Amit Arora.
Pool Party
Our pool party at the JW Marriott Jaipur Resort & Spa was a day event. Since the hotel itself is so pretty, we avoided additional decor. We did, however, place several white arches decorated with purple vines throughout the area and invited entertainers to add to the cheer of the party. I wore a pastel blue jumpsuit while Chetan opted for navy shorts and a shirt.
Sangeet
This night was truly electrifying. We walked into the event down the grand staircase of the hotel and the setup at the venue was rather striking. Our stage had a mix of ornate frames and LED screens and all of it looked wonderful together. Chetan and I exchanged rings on the stage and the night was filled with performances. I wore a red and white gown for this event while Chetan wore a tuxedo.
Wedding
A regal celebration, right from the start to finish! I entered the venue in a palanquin and the path was lined with dancers. This was followed by a varamala exchange on the elaborate stage decorated with large floral tassels and the ceremony included a classical dance performance. Our mandap was absolutely gorgeous with a lotus-like crown and flowers suspended from the roof. I chose a red lehenga by Sabyasachi for this function while Chetan went with a sherwani by Tarun Tahiliani.
Reception
Our reception, hosted in Kanpur was spectacularly ideated and executed. Red and gold were the colors that dominated the setup. Both of us entered in a carriage pulled by men dressed up like the Queen’s guards. There were large structures covered in flowers that dotted the venue and an ornate stage had thrones for Chetan and me to sit on. Keeping in line with this English inspired decor, I wore a pink ballgown by Manish Malhotra while Chetan wore a black tuxedo by Amit Arora.
Advice For Couples
Take your time while planning your wedding. Explore different themes, ideas and venues, meet designers to get a sense of what they will offer you and whether it is aligned with what you’re looking for. Save pictures that match with your ideas as reference and spend time brainstorming. You don’t have to rush into anything. Make the process fun for yourself.
Wedding Makers
Venues: Kingston Resorts, Kanpur (Sagan), JW Marriott Jaipur Resort & Spa (Sufi Night, Pool Party, Sangeet, Wedding), NRI City Kanpur (Reception)
Wedding Planner: Red Events
Décor: Geeta Samuels
Bride’s Outfits: Sabyasachi (Sagan, Sufi Night, Wedding), Manish Malhotra (Cocktail Party and Reception)
Groom’s Outfits: Sabyasachi (Sagan) Amit Arora (Sufi Night, Reception), Manish Malhotra (Cocktail Party), Tarun Tahiliani (Wedding)
Makeup Artist: Nadia Tharada (Sagan), Mickey Contractor (Sufi Night, Cocktail and Wedding), Daniel Bauer (Reception)
Wedding Invitations: Izhaar By Core Designs
Photography and Videography: Badal Raja Company
