Mannat and Dikshant, Dubai
It was all fun & games at this wedding that featured stylish themes inspired by Mykonos and Venetian Masquerades.
Mannat and Dikshant’s love story evolved over four years thanks to the internet that kept them connected via video calls and text messages. Skeptical from the very beginning, the relationship was a gamble for both of them but after dedicated efforts on both their ends, the relationship started flourishing, which led to a beautiful wedding in Dubai. They chose WeddingSutra Favorite – Sam & Ekta to capture the lovely moments, and WeddingSutra Favorite – Vivaah Weddings to plan every function flawlessly.
The Proposal
Recalling her breathtaking surprise proposal, the happy bride shares, “We’d gone on a trip to Sardinia, Italy with his family in company and Dikshant popped the question to me in the most romantic manner! There were floating candles in the pool, rose petals, and, of course, Dikshant on one knee. I said ‘Yes!’ instantly.”
Wedding Venue
“Searching for the right venue was a challenging experience owing to the fact that despite being keen on a destination wedding, Dikshant and I weren’t sure of the destination. We finally whittled down a list of venues in the Middle East, and Dubai was easily on the top of our preferences since none of our acquaintances had tied our knot there. Finally, after much scouting, we zeroed in on Jumeirah Zabeel Saray for its beauty and grandeur. With stunning fountains and walls covered in pure gold, the variety of venues this property offered was absolutely amazing. We could have a different venue for each function which, in turn, spurred us to book it instantly.”
Wedding Planning
When it came to choosing their dream team, the couple placed their trust in a team of reliable vendors such as Sam & Ekta for the wedding photography. Mannat shares, “Working with them was an incredible experience. The Sam & Ekta team was supportive, accommodating, and comforting throughout the entire process. Their passion for the craft reflects in all their shots.”
To make sure that everything proceeded smoothly, the duo booked Vivaah Weddings. Mannat adds, “The professionals from Vivaah Weddings were impeccable with their expert planning skills. Their foresight, attention to detail, and proactive attitude ensured that every need was catered to at the earliest.” Adding to the stellar team were makeup artist and hairstylist Noreen Shehryar who gave Mannat stunning looks for each event, while choreographer Shailesh Ranjak made everyone dance to his beats. The creative team at Timeless Events aced the decor for each theme.
Weddings Functions
Pool Party
Following a ‘Travel’ theme, the pool party was a smashing hit amongst the guests as it allowed them to cool off under the glaring sun. Mannat shares, “Keeping in mind that we wanted this event to be very playful and fun, we had different pool themed games and artists in store for the attendees. A dunk tank and glitter artist kept everyone entertained. Also, a thrilling slide leading into the pool led to many boisterous moments.”
Welcome Dinner
Amping up the glamour stakes, the Welcome Dinner had everyone shaking a leg and sharing a laugh. However, the highlight for the evening was a surprise performance by the groom’s father. Mannat shares, “Dikshant’s dad loves to sing and his performance filled everyone with emotion. On a lighter note, staying in line with the Morrocan theme, we also had belly dancers showing off their best moves. Also, Dishkant proposed to me all over again which was an extremely heartfelt moment for both of us.”
Mehndi
Following a ‘Mykonos’ theme, the mehndi exuded fun and cheery vibes with it’s blue and white canopies that mirrored the sky above it. The bride recollects, “To make sure the guests didn’t experience a single dull moment, we included many fun-filled games in this event. From a Wheel of Fortune that challenged them to do whatever was chosen to girls v/s boys competitions like push-ups and a dance-off, everyone got a chance to be involved and enjoy to the fullest!”
Sangeet
On a more formal note, the sangeet was the epitome of glamour after an array of laid back functions and no stone was left unturned in order to make it successful. With aerial artists, a water drummer, and flaming shots that had the guests excited, each arrangement was made to reflect the ‘Glamor & Crystals’ theme of the evening.
Haldi
Traditional and classic, the haldi ceremony was a close-knit and playful ceremony where the couple were smeared with turmeric paste to get their pre-wedding glow on. Dishkant’s mehndi was especially rambunctious as following conventions, his clothes were torn by his best friends with unbridled enthusiasm.
Wedding
Going classic with a pastels palette, Mannat and Dishkant’s beachside wedding had an elegant yet quirky vibe with its boisterous baraatis who cooled themselves down with canned drinks with emojis imprinted on them. However, the highlight of the wedding was the mandap which didn’t just limit itself to the confines of the sandy beach. Instead, it’s skillfully designed structure that was partly on the water gave the duo panoramic views of the stunning scenery. Decorated with delicate pastel pink blooms, the mandap decor was kept artfully simple and contrasted delightfully with the bright blue sky.
Reception & After Party
Following a ‘Venetian Masquerade’ theme, the reception was held in a spacious ballroom decorated with ornate crystal chandeliers that cast their soft glow on the newly married couple. With eye masks covering half of their faces, everyone made the most of the unique props to click endless selfies and later joined the couple on the dancefloor. Injecting a touch of emotion to the evening, however, were the heartwarming toasts by their loved ones that had everyone sharing a laugh and reliving fond memories. A champagne tower and a ‘Who is more likely to…’ game involving the duo had everyone in high spirits.
Following the reception, the after-party began on a more playful note as the duo chose to include a ball pit for the occasion which everyone dived into and unleashed their inner child.
Advice For Couples
When quizzed about the advice she’d give to other couples who dream about a grand destination wedding, Mannat shares, “It’s always best if you start everything early on so that there aren’t any last-minute surprises. Pay attention to the little details before the wedding to enjoy your big day to the fullest. Also, stay hydrated and have food delivered to your room before any event to keep you full and happy!”
The Wedding Makers
Venue: Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Dubai
Wedding Planner: Vivaah Weddings
Decor: Timeless Events
Groom’s Outfits: Govinda Mehta (Mehndi, Wedding), Deepak Parwani (Welcome Dinner, Sangeet), Troy Costa (Reception)
Bride’s Outfits: Iman & Shan (Pool Party), Riddhi Majithia (Mehndi), Gaurav Gupta (Sangeet), Cherie D (Wedding), Dolly J (Reception)
Makeup and Hairstyling: Noreen Shehryar
Choreography: Shailesh Ranjak
Photography: Sam & Ekta
