Sakina and Joshua, St. Peter’s Church, Mumbai

When two cultures come together in love, the celebration is bound to be extraordinary. Sakina and Joshua’s wedding was a testament to this truth as they began their journey towards forever with an elegant celebration that wove together traditions from their Dawoodi Bohra and Catholic roots. The couple entrusted WeddingSutra Favorite – TailorMade Experiences to bring their vision to life, and every moment was beautifully chronicled by WeddingSutra Favorite – SeventybyTwo, whose unobtrusive yet artistic approach turned fleeting moments into memories etched forever.

How They Met
Sakina and Joshua’s love story began unexpectedly in the summer of 2013 at UC Berkeley. Within six weeks, a bond formed that transcended geography, culture, and later, religion. “I felt so at ease in his presence, instantly drawn to his easygoing, free-spirited nature,” Sakina recalls. Joshua smiles, “A month into us being together, I told her I was very serious about us and that I would get married to her. She laughed and said, ‘That’s cute!’ Ten years later, here we are!”

Wedding Planning
Despite their differing backgrounds, Sakina, a Dawoodi Bohra Muslim, and Joshua, from a Catholic family, never let faith define their connection. “I never even thought about religion,” Josh shares. “It just didn’t matter.” Sakina adds, “I am so grateful that out of eight billion people, and all the parallel universes, we found each other. I hope we cross paths in every single lifetime.” With this spirit of togetherness, the couple’s celebrations honored a decade of love while staying centred on what mattered most: creating heartfelt moments with family and friends. For this, TailorMade Experiences became their anchor. “Working with the TailorMade team was an absolute pleasure from start to finish,” Sakina shares. “Right from our first meeting, they set clear expectations for budgets, so there were no surprises later. They were professional, kind, and supportive. Comforting us when we were anxious, stepping in when needed, and making us feel at ease throughout. On our wedding day, everything flowed seamlessly, allowing us to be fully present with our loved ones while they managed every detail beautifully in the background. For anyone looking for planners who combine thoughtful guidance with flawless execution, we would wholeheartedly recommend TailorMade Experiences.”

Just as integral were SeventybyTwo, who brought the celebrations to life behind the lens. “We couldn’t be happier with SeventybyTwo for our photography and videography,” Sakina says. “They captured every candid moment without ever feeling intrusive, thoughtfully scheduled portraits with family and friends, and somehow managed to cover all our guests. Their patience and calm presence made such a difference. The final video brought us to tears, and everyone who’s seen it has been moved.”

Wedding Functions
Mithi Sitabi
The festivities began with the Mithi Sitabi, a Dawoodi Bohra tradition where Sakina was seated in a place of honor to receive prayers and blessings from family. Intimate and poignant, the ceremony wrapped gave the festivities an auspicious start.

Roce
Drawing from Joshua’s Mangalorean roots, the Roce was a symbolic ritual of blessings with coconut milk, blending prayers and joy. The ceremony began with quiet reverence and ended in music, laughter, and dance, an ode to his cultural legacy.

Mehendi and Haldi
A burst of color and cheer marked the Mehendi. With marigolds, banana leaves, and rituals from Sakina’s Bohra heritage, the day was rich in light-hearted moments. In place of haldi, the Phoolon ki Haldi filled the air with petals, inviting playful laughter and togetherness.

Wedding Mass
The historic charm of St. Peter’s Church set the stage for their Holy Mass. Sakina, radiant in a classic white gown, and Joshua, dashing in a tailored suit, exchanged vows surrounded by bridesmaids in peach and groomsmen in navy. “Standing at the altar, holding Josh’s hand, surrounded by the people we love, was truly memorable,” Sakina shares. The Mass concluded with a Catholic reception, blending solemnity with celebration.

Vow Ceremony
In an intimate setting adorned with whites and greens, the couple exchanged personal vows. For twelve years, Sakina had asked Joshua for a birthday love letter, and on this day, he finally delivered one. “I’ll write one when it truly matters,” he had always said. On their wedding day, it finally did.

Bohri Reception
The finale was a Dawoodi Bohra reception reimagined with thoughtful detail. Traditional thaals were set on tables, making it comfortable for all guests while staying true to custom. Authentic Bohra cuisine brought everyone together, celebrating not just a marriage but a blending of families, cultures, and love.

The Wedding Makers
Venues: Canto,Mumbai (Mehendi); St. Peter’s Church (Wedding Mass); Fairfield by Marriott, Mumbai (Reception); The Bombay Club, Mahalaxmi Race course (Vows); Turf Club (Reception Sit-Down)
Wedding Planner: TailorMade Experiences
Photography: SeventybyTwo
Décor: Ajay Decorators, Fireflies, Mokshiva (Reception)
Groom’s Outfits: CEO Rules, House of Masaba, Telon India
Bride’s Outfits: Sharnita Nandwana, Aisha Rao, Jigar Mali
Makeup: Aashna Shah
Hairstyling: Rekha Hariyani

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