Megha and Aakar, Taj West End, Bengaluru
Megha and Aakar’s wedding functions took place at various venues across Bangalore and were heady with music, color and dancing.
Megha and Aakar’s extravagant nuptials traversed through myriad themes. And as Megha likes to call it, it was a ‘multiple-destination wedding within their city.’ Here, the bride shares highlights of their gorgeous wedding.
How We Met
“Aakar and I studied together at the Center For Management Studies in Bangalore. We met again at a friend’s party and things seemed to kick off from there. A few months passed and both of us moved to Australia to pursue higher education – and that’s where we fell in love. After our graduation, we headed back to India and decided to take things forward in our relationship. Aakar proposed to me in a hotel in Bangalore, and we got engaged.
Wedding Venue
The wedding functions took place at various hotels in the city. JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru was the venue for the mehndi while the haldi took place at ITC Windsor, Bengaluru. For the Bollywood Night, Shangri-La Hotel, Bengaluru played the perfect host to their guests and its elegant interiors helped bring in all the panache that a night dedicated to Bollywood would need. When it was time for the wedding ceremony and the reception, the wedding party shifted to Taj West End, Bengaluru. The heritage charm of the property enhanced the beauty of the duo’s nuptials and the warm hospitality of their team truly made this hotel the ideal place for them to get married at.
Wedding Functions
Mehndi
“The mehndi was the first event of our wedding celebrations and it took place by the poolside of the JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru. The vibe was all about a colorful party. I wore a green Sabyasachi lehenga that was resplendent with floral motifs and to match the outfit, my hairstylist adorned my braid with baby’s breath blooms.”
Haldi
The ‘haldi’ (turmeric application) ceremony for Aakar took place a day after the mehndi. The theme for this occasion was ‘All White’. The venue as Bangalore’s heritage ITC Windsor hotel was buzzing with guests, a live jazz band playing in the background, a lady welcoming guests with floral garlands, and excited guests. Aakar was doused with a lot of turmeric by his loved ones! I wore a yellow lehenga by Astha Narang, and Aakar wore a dhoti and bandhgala ensemble by Manyavar.”
Bollywood Night
We hosted a black-tie event at the Grand Ballroom of Shangri-La Hotel, Bengaluru where the engagement was to take place in the evening. The theme was inspired by The Great Gatsby and the decor included a shimmery stage which was the backdrop for the ring exchange. Aakar’s brother raised a toast to us, and loved ones from both sides of the family performed choreographed numbers. Aakar and his friends from the rugby team performed a ‘haka’ (traditional dance from New Zealand) dance. DJ Jasmeet kept the crowd grooving to the latest hits. I wore an Astha Narang ensemble for this rocking night.”
Wedding
The pheras took place the following day in the Butterfly Garden at the Taj West End, Bengaluru. Aakar’s baraat ‘groom’s procession’ took three hours to arrive at the venue! Once they reached, they were welcomed by my family in a royal manner and they proceeded to the pheras venue which was followed by the ‘vidai’ (farewell to the bride). I wore a golden Tarun Tahiliani creation for this special occasion and Aakar complemented me in his off-white Study by Janak sherwani.
Reception
“Our wedding included two receptions – one was hosted by Aakar’s family and the other was by my family Aakar’s reception was held at the Taj West End, Bengaluru for which I wore a creation by Monisha Jaising. With a massive floral set up, a piano in the backdrop and a fairy tale theme, everything about the event was extraordinary. The next reception was held at the Paratrooper Regiment Center owing to my father’s army background. I chose to wear a Falguni & Shane Peacock ensemble for this event. A grand welcome was presented by the army band who knew how to cheer up a crowd!”
Advice To Couples
“Have fun at your wedding but don’t stress out! Try not to compromise on your wants and wishes as far as possible!”
Wedding Makers
Venues: JW Marriott Hotel (Mehndi), ITC Windsor (Haldi), Shangri-La Hotel (Bollywood night), Taj West End (Wedding and Reception), Bengaluru
Bride’s Outfits: Sabyasachi (Mehndi), Astha Narang (Haldi and Bollywood Night), Tarun Tahiliani (Wedding), Monisha Jaising (First Reception), Falguni & Shane Peacock (Second Reception)
Makeup: Anurita Chandrappa
Groom’s Outfits: Study By Janak (Mehndi), Manyavar (Haldi), Study By Janak (Wedding)
Photography: Roma Ganesh Photography, Short Stories by Harsh, Arjun Mahajan
