Ritika and Ujjwal, Mumbai
With lush greenery and the backdrop of the sea as key decor elements, the couple hosted a sustainable wedding in style.
They wanted a bespoke wedding where everything reflected their values as a couple. Ritika and Ujjwal got exactly that with a stylish and sustainable wedding that saw fewer functions and invitations printed on recycled paper. Their unique wedding moments were captured in stunning frames by WeddingSutra Favorite – Seventy by Two. Here are a few highlights of the celebrations shared by bride Ritika.
How They Met
Ritika shares, “Packed with lots of drama, romance and humour, our love story is no less than a Bollywood movie. I first met Ujjwal during the dance practice of my cousin’s wedding. We instantly hit it off, but as we were dating other people at the time, we didn’t think much about it and lost touch. The citywide celebration that ensued after India’s historic world cup win of 2011 was when we crossed paths again. We reconnected over texts, and there was no looking back. The next few years saw everything from a long-distance relationship to living and studying in Europe together and travelling the world before we decided to take it to the next level.”
Wedding Venue
“Finding a wedding venue close to nature in Mumbai was a tough job. When Ujjwal and I visited the Army Officers Institute and Hall in Juhu for the first time, we instantly knew we had found the perfect place. Towering trees, soft music, and the azure sea in the background created a magical atmosphere and gave everyone the experience of being one with nature.”
Wedding Planning
“Ritika and I, fortunately, had a clear and unified vision regarding our wedding. We wanted it to be a fun yet sustainable affair in the lap of nature. In short, we wanted a wedding that reflected our identities!” The festivities were planned and executed with great focus on sustainability by Toes and Tunes.
The couple shares, “After combing through Instagram and the internet we eventually found our favorite photography team in Seventy by Two. The team is always focused on bringing to life their client’s personalities as well as the vibe of the wedding. Their bespoke style of film editing truly differentiated them from the rest. We had a wonderful time working with the team, their involvement and their creativity”.
Made from 100% recycled paper, the invites were elegantly designed by Khyati Nandu. The couple opted for few functions and minimal, natural and reusable decor. Everything, from the wedding favors to the couple’s outfits, was handmade and customized using natural materials and ethical practices. WeddingSutra Favorite – Safa Malim gave the bride flawless looks for both functions.
Wedding functions
Wedding
The couple hosted their dream beach wedding at the Army Officers Institute and Hall in Juhu, which infused their grand festivities with a destination wedding vibe right in the midst of the city. The greenery of the venue sufficed when it came to the decor, and pretty string lights and lanterns added a beautiful glow. The bride wore an exquisitely detailed red lehenga by Saroj Jalan, which she teamed with polki and pearl jewellery and soft, nude makeup. The groom donned a self designed intricately embroidered dusty rose sherwani that was bespoke to his personality, accessorized with a pop of red jewellery to match his bride. The entire wedding party was resplendent in coordinated outfits planned and designed by the groom.
Sangeet
Hosted at the IVY Banquets in Chembur, the sangeet ceremony was a night of music, dance and games. An interactive bride versus groom games session had everyone laughing, while the DJ with an LED dhol got everyone on the dance floor. Choreographed by Venisha Shethia, the couple and their loved ones put on splendid performances. With the menu designed by Deepak Limaye, the delectable range of Sindhi dishes was relished by everyone. The bride donned a quirky lavender outfit with sequin detailing by Chetna Jain, while the groom wowed in a self designed turquoise and magenta Jodhpuri suit with a shimmering jacket reminiscent of a burst of confetti and glitter.
Samorta
The groom shares, “Since our native place is Kutch, we decided to keep the decor theme of our most traditional function centered around Kutchi artwork. All our guests dressed in bandhani print outfits which made for a colorful afternoon. Fun games kept everyone entertained.”
Advice for couples
“Stay calm and enjoy the process. The wedding is not just one day of celebration but involves many months of preparation. This is the perfect time to spend with your existing and new family members to forge stronger bonds. It is imperative to not be too stressed or you will miss out on the essence of the whole process – which is having fun with your family and friends”.
The Wedding Makers
Venues: IVY banquets, Chembur (Sangeet); Army Officers Institute and Hall, Juhu (Wedding), Mumbai
Wedding Planner: Toes and Tunes
Groom’s Outfits: P.O.P by Ujjwal Savla
Bride’s Outfits: Chetna Jain (Sangeet), Saroj Jalan (Wedding)
Makeup Artist: Safa Malim
Invites: Khyati Nandu
Choreography: Venisha Shethia
Catering: Mini Punjab
Photography & Videography: Seventy by Two
