Ritika and Suraj, Mumbai

Spanning three days, Ritika Aswani, a chartered accountant, and Suraj Ahuja, a surgeon’s nuptials were serene and close-knit. Hosted in the month of July at a plush hotel in Mumbai, their Sindhi wedding was orchestrated by WeddingSutra Favorite – Perfect Decor who precisely understood the couple’s vision and amplified it with their creativity.

How They Met
Ritika shares, “Suraj and I were introduced to each other through our parents. At the start, our parents preferred using traditional matchmakers but then Suraj’s brother proposed the idea of using an online matchmaking website. One of the first few profiles that Suraj’s mom saw was mine! They were reluctant when they realized I was based in Dubai but still decided to give it a go! When I received Suraj’s profile, I thought he was really cute. He reached out to me on WhatsApp and we had a very formal chat. Possibly the only one we’ve had since then, because once the ice was broken, there was no looking back. I knew he was special from day one, despite that I took some time, but he very patiently swept all my doubts away.”

The Proposal
Ritika recollects, “I knew he was planning something exciting but he neither told me where we were going nor did he take my help in resolving the issues he was facing. He led me to a beach, which is one of my favorite corners of the city that I frequent. Right next to the water, there was a brightly lit area decorated with dazzling fairy lights. A sitting area with a table set for two, and before it, were candles that formed the words ‘Will you marry me?’ I was overwhelmed with emotion! Needless to say, when he went down on his knee to propose, it was a teary-eyed ‘yes!’”

Wedding Planning
When it came to planning the wedding, the couple faced a few hiccups with the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions being enforced. Ritika shares, “We had originally scheduled our wedding for 14th of May 2021 which was the date for Akshaya Tritiya. However, the suspension of flights owing to the pandemic, played spoilsport to our plans. As soon as things started improving and flights resumed, we set sight on the 13th of July 2021 which was the last auspicious day in the Hindu calendar for the season.”

Planned at a short notice, the couple was understandably apprehensive about finding the right professionals for their team. Luckily, they discovered the very talented Perfect Decor, who were unique and fresh with ideas and they ended up orchestrating stunning decor for their wedding. Ritika shares, “Karan Raichura of Perfect Decor was introduced to us by a friend just two weeks before the wedding and they were like a breath of fresh air! We went through their previous work and explained our vision for each function along with pictures of our likes and dislikes. They understood our taste perfectly, and when we saw the wedding décor the night before, we were absolutely blown away! They had surpassed our expectations and delivered our vision way better than we’d imagined. Their entire team was a dream to work with. We loved how they took our ideas and suggestions bringing them to life! In short, we loved all their work and our wedding was just perfect thanks to them.”

When it came to shopping, the couple teamed up and shopped together. Ritika shares, “Suraj accompanied me while I was shopping and picked out his outfits to match mine. For my wedding lehenga and jewelry, I derived inspiration from WeddingSutra’s Instagram page.”

Weddings Functions

Engagement and Sangeet
Swathed in hues of peach and pink, the engagement function looked dreamy. Flanked by fresh blooms, pampas grass and gold vases the couple radiated joy as they mingled with loved ones. They also celebrated a merry Sangeet function where everyone danced to their hearts content! The bride shares, “Since the majority of our functions were during daytime, we opted for a pastel color palette. Both of us consciously shopped for our outfits with the color scheme and decor in mind.”

Ganesh Puja and Mehndi
With a larger-than-life Ganesha placed with fresh flowers in the backdrop and warm lights giving the venue a golden glow, the Mehndi and Ganesh Pooja events were cozy and welcoming. Ritika shares, “For the Ganesh Pooja, Suraj and I had requested team Perfect Decor to keep it simple with no specific brief. But we were pleasantly surprised when they created a charming setup adorned with fresh flowers. The entire decor gave the event a sense of intimacy and all of us were so impressed!”

Wedding
Since their initial wedding plans to tie the knot at Lonavala were abandoned, the couple quickly set about looking for a suitable venue in Mumbai where they could celebrate safely with their loved ones in tow. However, after many brainstorming sessions and meetings, they finally decided to host their wedding at a posh hotel in Bandra Kurla Complex. Once the venue was fixed, the couple went ahead and celebrated their close-knit Sindhi wedding in style! Ritika shares, “Since we also had guests who were non-Sindhis, our family priest explained each ritual in English and Hindi which allowed everyone present to comprehend the wedding proceedings clearly.” Suspended white florals dominated the wedding decor while acrylic, gold-lined lanterns peeked through the blooms. Also, staying true to the pastel theme, the backdrop was a pastel peach hue that perfectly complemented the bride and groom’s outfits.

Advice for Couples
Ritika advises, “Make sure you don’t plan too many functions on the same day, thus ensuring a stress-free environment for you and your guests!”

The Wedding Makers
Venue: Trident Hotel Bandra Kurla, Mumbai
Décor: Perfect Decor
Makeup: Aadya Kapoor (Engagement and Sangeet, Wedding)
Hairstyling: Vinnie Hairstylist (Engagement and Sangeet, Wedding)
Photography: Wedding Krafter

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