Manasi and Keshav, Exotica – The Tropical Retreat, Mumbai

In a world where destiny is woven with the threads of chance, the love story of Manasi and Keshav unfolded against the vibrant tapestry of Mumbai’s corporate realm. The wedding united the vibrant traditions of Manasi’s Maharashtrian roots with the lively spirit of Keshav’s North Indian heritage, the nuances of which were captured in vivid shots by WeddingSutra Favorite – Zoomin Captured. Watch it all unfold.

How they met
Arriving in Mumbai to fulfill his professional dreams, Keshav was a shy and introverted small-town guy, amazed and dazzled by the pace and glaze of the city. Right when boring routine and formal work days were becoming customary, Manasi crossed his path. Bold, ambitious, and effortlessly captivating, Manasi brought a touch of magic to the otherwise ordinary office days, and he could not help but be piqued by her presence. It was fate indeed that they became neighbors at work. What started with a usual “Hi!” turned into small talk, an exchange of ideas, and long conversations. In only a matter of weeks, they became inseparable besties at work, talking about anything and everything all the time. Despite their differences, they were united by a shared ambition and a progressive outlook on life.

Their paths diverged as they pursued their individual aspirations, but Cupid was not yet done with them. The pandemic brought them back into each other’s lives, rekindling their connection with a newfound intensity. As the world slowly returned to normalcy, Keshav found himself increasingly drawn to Manasi, and before long, he confessed his love, and they finally started dating. What started as a deep friendship soon blossomed into a romance destined to last a lifetime.

Wedding Planning
The wedding was a joyous fusion of two rich cultures, bringing together Manasi’s Maharashtrian heritage and Keshav’s North Indian roots. Over the course of three events, the couple’s families celebrated their union with love, laughter, and a shared sense of blessings.

For their wedding, Manasi and Keshav envisioned a venue that reflected their shared love for nature and minimalism. They found their dream setting at Exotica Retreat in Yeoor Hills, a sanctuary nestled amidst lush greenery, far from the city’s relentless buzz. Every element of their wedding was handpicked by the couple, a labor of love that required immense effort but yielded an event as unique as their love story. They collaborated with a team of passionate professionals who brought their vision to life. Durgesh Parab of Zoomin Captured was entrusted with the task of immortalizing the day’s candid moments. His team seamlessly blended into the background, capturing the essence of each precious moment without intrusion.

Reflecting on their experience, Manasi and Keshav share, “Durgesh Parab and his team were given only one brief– capture us and our loved ones in candid shots– and they lived the brief. Zoomin Captured literally zoomed in into the most intimate moments of our celebration. None of the pre-meetings, the interviews, or the post-production, ever felt like a transaction. They were super proactive and naturally creative with capturing the essence of the moment with minimal disturbance and instructions to us or those being captured. This is precisely why, after working with Zoomin Captured for our engagement, we confirmed them for all our wedding events, and have even appointed them as our ‘Family Photographer’ for all important occasions moving forward.”

Wedding Functions
Engagement
The engagement was hosted in Noida, where the pastel-coloured decor and fragrant white and lavender flowers set the stage for a day of romance and revelry. Manasi and Keshav’s performance together sparked the evening’s energy, leading to a night of dancing and delight.

Wedding
The wedding ceremony at Exotica Retreat was a grand affair, steeped in tradition yet modern in its execution. The mandap, floating gracefully on a serene body of water, was adorned with vibrant flowers that mirrored the golden hues of the setting sun. In a ceremony that honored their shared beliefs, the couple exchanged vows under the guidance of both a male and female priest, blending rituals from Arya Samaj with their own touches of equality. They tied mangalsutras to each other, applied sindoor mutually, and recited vows that resonated with their commitment to a partnership of equals.

Sustainability was woven into the fabric of their celebration. From e-invites to eco-friendly decor, the couple ensured that their wedding left as small a footprint as possible. They repurposed materials, chose glass over plastic cutlery, and even donated leftover food. They had a glass mirror welcome board that is now a cherished keepsake in their home, proving that a wedding can be both beautiful and responsible. The baraat was a festive yet conscious affair, free from fireworks and confetti, with Keshav arriving in a vehicle instead of the traditional horse to avoid animal exploitation.

Reception
The final event, their reception, was a glamorous affair where guests arrived in tuxedos and stunning gowns, setting the red carpet on fire. Manasi and Keshav, dressed in coordinating black and olive green, were the epitome of elegance as they took to the stage. Their outfits, carefully chosen and customized, reflected their individual styles while complementing each other perfectly.

As the night drew to a close, the couple found themselves overwhelmed with love and gratitude, surrounded by friends and family who had witnessed the culmination of their journey. It was a day filled with countless moments of joy and heartfelt emotion, a day that perfectly encapsulated the essence of their love story.

Advice for couples
“Remember that the day is about the two of you. Amidst the opinions and chaos, find moments to pause, breathe, and come back to each other. The wedding day is a celebration of your love, and it will be filled with moments that you will cherish forever. So hold each other close, and savor every moment, for it is a day that will never come again.”

The Wedding Makers
Venue: Exotica – The Tropical Retreat, Mumbai
Groom’s Outfits: G7 Men’s Boutique (Engagement), Nimantran (Wedding), Neeta Collection (Reception)
Bride’s Outfits: Seasons (Engagement), Rangoli Collection (Wedding), Ronit Designer (Reception)
Makeup & Skincare: Jolie Mignon
Photography and Videography: Zoomin Captured

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