Rishika Joshi and Nisarg Bhatt, Vadodara
This couple upcycled their customized wedding mandap fabric into eco-friendly cloth bags, doubling up as unique wedding souvenirs.
Designing their very own decor elements, Rishika Joshi and Nisarg Bhatt’s wedding was set amidst lush greenery that reflected their love for all things natural. Photographing the couple as they took the plunge was WeddingSutra Favorite – Oragraphy.
How They Met
Rishika shares, “Our love story is like something out of a teen rom-com — we first crossed paths in high school when we played for our respective school’s basketball team. Fast forward a few years, and we reconnected, starting as friends before love snuck up on us. Despite the long distance in college, our bond only grew stronger.”
The Proposal
Nisarg popped the question to Rishika in Italy surrounded by the lush countryside. She recollects, “On our dreamy holiday in Italy, Nisarg swept me off my feet with a proposal in Positano, followed by plenty of wine and tiramisu to seal the deal. Eight years of laughter, adventure, and loads of firsts later, we finally said ‘I do’ We’ve grown up together, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to share our journey with you!”
Wedding Planning
Capturing the couple at their candid and stylish best was Oragraphy who impressed them with their skills. The happy duo shares, “We had an amazing experience with Oragraphy. The impact of using the latest cameras and technology can be seen in the final photos. The team comes well-prepared with pose ideas and video concepts that perfectly match our style. They not only understood our vision but also suggested ideas that complement it beautifully. Their quick turnaround time allowed us to share our photos and videos promptly. Everyone on the team has been incredibly kind and delightful to work with, and we’re truly grateful for their exceptional service. We would suggest them to anyone who is looking for exceptional wedding photos and videos.”
The couple also went on to upcycle the decor elements they used in the wedding. Rishika shares, “Inspired by our family heritage, we incorporated hand-block printing into our decor. Designing our blocks and printing the fabric, we added a personal touch. After the wedding, we repurposed the hand-block printed fabric into cloth bags for everyday use, adding a lasting touch of sentimentality to our celebration.”
Wedding Functions
Grahshanti and Haldi
Rishika shares, “We began our wedding celebrations with the Grahshanti puja, seeking blessings for our new journey. Enhancing the natural beauty of the farm, we kept the decor minimal in tones of green and yellow.
This was followed by a fun Haldi ceremony filled with love, laughter, and the vibrant hues of turmeric. Seated on our farm’s iconic swing, against a hand-painted backdrop, Nisarg and I were surrounded by warmth and affection, making every moment unforgettable.”
Mehndi and Sangeet
The bride shares, “I couldn’t wait for the Mehndi event, where we had a blast planned for our guests! We set up a market featuring goodies like candles, essential oils, handmade soaps and customised block-printed scarves. Guests even got to try their hand at block printing their cloth bags! Inspired by earthy rust and blue tones, our cozy decor exuded a free-spirited boho vibe. After Mehndi, the Sangeet was where our close-knit group danced the night away to some incredible performances!”
Wedding
The couple shares, “Our wedding was dreamy! It was the perfect intimate backyard wedding we had envisioned. Immersed in a sea of soft colors, with shades of pink, green, and white dominating the theme, every detail was flawless. Our mandap, adorned with a blend of flowers and our self-designed block-printed fabric, set the scene for our heartfelt vows exchanged at sunset in the presence of our loved ones.”
Advice for couples
Here are some wedding planning tips for all the soon-to-be brides and grooms from the couple:
1. Start planning early to secure your preferred vendors.
2. Sit down with both families to decide on a budget, ensuring accountability.
3. Order any designer outfits 3-4 months in advance to allow time for trials.
4. As the big day approaches, take it easy and enjoy spending time with your guests who have travelled near and far to celebrate with you.
The Wedding Makers
Venue: Vadodara
Wedding Planner: Saturn Events
Décor: Ivy Concepts
Groom’s Outfits: Dhruv Vaish (Grahshanti), Shyamal and Bhumika (Haldi), Countrymade (Mehndi), Nautanky (Sangeet, Reception), Kunal Rawal (Wedding)
Bride’s Outfits: Varun & Nidhika (Grahshanti), Soup by Sougat Paul (Haldi), Gazal Gupta (Mehndi), Varun Bahl (Sangeet), Tarun Tahiliani (Wedding), Mishru (Reception)
Jewellery: Narayan Jewelers (Grahshanti, Mehndi, Sangeet, Wedding), House of Umrao (Haldi),
Makeup: Blush by Devanshi
Entertainment: Amey Phadke (Wedding)
Photography: Oragraphy