Palak and Hari, Kerala
This Kerala wedding saw the couple walk down the aisle that had their wedding vows printed on it.
From the lungi dance, coco pong, flash mobs, traditional feasts, and heartfelt speeches, Palak and Hari’s wedding in a scenic Arabian Sea facing resort in Kerala was a mix of action and emotions. The celebrations were planned by WeddingSutra Favorite – The Doli Diary, and all its beautiful moments were captured in gorgeous frames by WeddingSutra Favorite – Sam & Ekta. The bride shares highlights from the wedding below.
How They Met
“Being an engineer and an MBA, Hari is the brains, while I am the creative bug and work as an architect. We are absolutely complimentary in all respects, and despite being very different individuals; we are bound by the same value system. I found the calm to my chaos in Hari!”
Wedding Venue
“The entire credit of finalizing the wedding venue goes to Neha from The Doli Diary team. After a long process of research and elimination, we arrived at the haven that is The Leela, Kovalam. We wanted a dreamy beach destination that would accommodate our large number of guests under one roof, and The Leela checked off all our requirements. Its picturesque views, great hospitality and luxurious services made the festivities a memorable experience.
Wedding Planning
“We were very fortunate to have The Doli Diary plan and conceptualize our wedding. They were a one-stop destination for me! Our families and guests loved their work and hospitality. Our wedding moments were immortalized by Sam & Ekta who captured emotions like no other and made memories which will remain forever. The whole process, from the portrait shoot to the wedding, captured the essence of who we are.”
The bride was given lovely looks by makeup artist Fatima Soomar, and the invites were designed and created by Expressing Ideas.
Wedding Functions
Starry Night
“Under a sky full of stars, Let’s celebrate this union of ours” – these soulful words welcomed the guests to the magical welcome party that was a profusion of white blooms and lush foliage under a canopy of twinkling lights. A surprise flash mob, ice-breaker games and a whole lot of dancing set the tone for the festivities as everyone got to know one another. The bride shimmered in a sequinned red lehenga, while the groom donned a gold and maroon kurta set.
Holi
The heady beats of the dhol, baskets of flower petals and flaming orange flamingoes kicked off the vibrant Holi function that was high on quirky decor and a carnival-like atmosphere. Guests were treated to a colour bar of confetti, flower petals and organic colours they could play Holi with, as well as colorful potlis of color hung from trees they could pluck and play, alongside finger-licking street food as they participated in fun games. The bride made a statement in her heavy, royal jewellery which she teamed to contrast with a breezy printed top and skirt ensemble by Vasansi, while the groom looked suave in a printed bandi jacket.
Sangeet
Minimalistic decor with a red and gold color palette added glamor to the sangeet night that saw grand performances, including a surprise one by the groom and his squad, the bride’s buddies and a heartfelt speech by the bride’s best friend inspired by Deepika’s speech for Kalki. The groom’s midnight blue sherwani by Telon perfectly complemented the bride’s icy blue Aneesh Agarwaal lehenga.
South Indian Haldi
Quirky signs of “Get Your South Indian Swag On, ‘Cause at Every Chance We do the Lungi Dance” welcomed the guests to a spectacular South Indian haldi celebration, complete with sunny yellow-toned decor, swaying coconut trees and mesmerizing Kathakali dancers. Dressed in vibrant silks and white shirts, everyone had a gala time drinking coconut water, playing coco-pong and dancing. All men were gifted with Mundus with a note of how to tie it, while women were adorned with glass bangles and gajras for the occasion. Decked with sunglasses that were offered as favors, friends and families smeared the couple with turmeric paste before everyone gathered for a Sadhya meal.
Wedding
With soft romantic decor comprising blush hues, the outdoor wedding ceremony took place at sunset in a floral mandap, against the breathtaking backdrop of the blue waters. The groom’s mint and blush ensemble by Kora perfectly complemented the bride’s blush lehenga by Vasansi. The bride entered with her bridesmaids holding colorful parasols while her brother carried the phoolon ka chadar. Staying cool with parasols and hand fans, the guests cheered the bride as she came down the white aisle that was printed with the wedding vows, and showered red rose petals on the happy couple as they exchanged garlands.
The wedding was followed by an elegant seated formal reception dinner, where the newlyweds made their entrance behind their parents and siblings. The evening saw lovely live music by a Kerala based band and emotional speeches by family members.
Advice for couples
“The one thought that drove me and Hari was that it doesn’t matter if your wedding is small or big, just make it your own. And, most importantly, enjoy every second of your wedding.”
The Wedding Makers
Venue: The Leela Kovalam, Kerala
Wedding Planners: The Doli Diary
Groom’s Outfits: Kora (Wedding), Telon (Sangeet)
Bride’s Outfits: Vasansi (Holi, Wedding), Aneesh Agarwaal (Sangeet), Tamanna Punjabi Kapoor (Starry Night)
Jewellery: Fool Jhadi (Holi)
Decor: Manju’s Magical
Makeup: Fatima Soomar
Invites: Expressing Ideas
Photography & Videography: Sam & Ekta
