Reeba and Pratik at Taj Lands End, Mumbai
Reeba and Pratik wedding at Mumbai's Taj Lands End was organized by family for that personal touch. Even the couple’s trousseau was designed by his enterprising mother!
Our series Featured Weddings brings you wonderful moments from weddings held at the finest venues across different cities. Here, groom Pratik shares memories and insights on his unique love story and wedding celebrations at the luxurious Taj Lands End Hotel in Mumbai
How We Met
Reeba and I met six years ago as graduate engineers at our firm’s Whitefield campus in Bengaluru. It may sound clichéd, but I fell for her the moment I saw her! Destiny played its part by putting us in the same Business Unit – Product Engineering Services. As a result, we got to interact very often. It wasn’t easy to woo her though! However, after a lot of convincing and assurances from my side, she finally agreed to marry me! I would say my office, Bengaluru city and my dedicated efforts all played an equal role in the growth of our relationship. There was no particular proposal as such… we simply decided to get married and are now happily going to complete three years of being together.
Wedding Venue
We were supposed to get married in New Delhi as Reeba hails from the capital city, but we opted for Mumbai as it was more convenient for our guests. After checking numerous properties, we zeroed in on the sea-facing Taj Lands End as it offered a wonderful ambience and huge open spaces alongside impeccable service. The hotel’s team were very accommodating and pro-active. They even went out of their way to customize the dinner menu just to suit our guests’ unique tastes.
Wedding Planning
Since we had planned an outdoor wedding, the poolside lawns at Taj Lands End provided the perfect setting for the event. We were uncertain about hiring a wedding planner as we wanted to add a personal touch to our wedding. Hence, the mammoth task was taken up by my family members. Since my mother is a designer, and my father runs a jewellery business, our wedding outfits and jewellery were designed by them.
Wedding Photography
Photographers Namit and Vipul of the Knotty Affair who captured our wedding memories were extremely courteous, helpful and friendly. They also did a stunning pre-wedding shoot for us and we loved the results.
Wedding Décor
The decor for all our wedding functions was designed by National Decorators. They added a contemporary twist to a traditional setup and designed the most beautifully decorated illuminated mandap . It was the perfect setting for the auspicious ‘vidhi’ and other rituals of our wedding ceremony.
Wedding Outfits and Makeup
Kapil Bhalla did the most fabulous job for Reeba, and also for some of our guests. I can say that with utmost conviction because I couldn’t get my eyes off her during all of the wedding functions!
My mother designed everything, from Reeba’s wedding trousseau to my sherwanis and suits. She took it upon herself to decide our final looks and added that special element that made us both look absolutely stunning!
Reeba’s red lehenga with stunning all-over gold threadwork, dual dupattas and short-sleeved ornate blouse paired off well with her large choker, earring and elegant ‘maang tikka’. Pratik wore a golden sherwani with a maroon sash around the waist and a light yellow safa (turban).
Wedding Functions
Sangeet and Mehndi
Our sangeet and mehndi ceremonies were private affairs. They were organized as simple get-togethers where our entire families could enjoy to the fullest.
Cocktail Party
The cocktail party was held at Hotel Sea Princess in Juhu. This was one of the best parties we hosted as we made sure that the guests were entertained with special dance performances, interactive activities and lip-smacking food.
Wedding
We wanted an outdoor wedding and therefore had our ‘pheras’ ceremony organized at the poolside lawns of the beautiful Taj Lands End hotel. This not only provided for a dreamy setting but could also easily accommodate our ever expanding guest list for the function.
Advice for couples
Start early! If you are getting married in November, start planning your wedding at least six months in advance to avoid last-minute panic. Plan your honeymoon a year earlier so that it is cost-effective. Try and enjoy each moment in the process as weddings get over sooner than you could imagine!
The Wedding Makers
Venues: Taj Lands End & Hotel Sea Princess, Mumbai
Bridal Trousseau: Chetana Zaveri
Groom’s Trousseau: Chetana Zaveri
Makeup & Hair: Kapil Bhalla
Décor: National Decorators
Photos Courtesy: Knotty Affair by Namit and Vipul
