Sakshi Chougule and Mithil Raval, Whistling Woods Dandeli, Karnataka

When Sakshi Chougule and Mithil Raval set out to celebrate their union, they envisioned a wedding that honoured both their cultures while reflecting the warmth and joy that defined their relationship. Capturing every moment with sensitivity and ease were photographers WeddingSutra Favorite – Knotty Affair by Namit and Vipul, whose instinctive storytelling preserved the spirit of each celebration exactly as it unfolded.

How They Met
“Our story began towards the end of 2022 during a house move in Boston, while we were in our last semester,” shares the couple. Mithil had been helping a close friend move out of his apartment while Sakshi was moving in as his replacement. Amid the bustle of boxes and conversations, Sakshi sat quietly on the sofa, calm and observant. What Mithil initially mistook for attitude soon revealed itself to be simple introversion.

A few days later, a festival brought them together again. This time, Sakshi texted first. One message led to another and the connection felt effortless. Soon after, they found themselves dancing together at prom night. “Without realising it, we were already writing our story,” they recall.

The Proposal
Sakshi and Mithil’s love story came with not one, but two proposals. “If people know Sakshi, they know she’s always one step ahead,” Mithil shares. When his parents travelled to the US in June for a vacation, he was busy planning their itinerary, unaware that Sakshi had quietly planned something far more memorable.

She booked an entire theatre and screened a short film filled with heartfelt messages from Mithil’s loved ones. As the video came to an end, Sakshi proposed, turning an ordinary day into one of the most meaningful moments of their lives. Not long after, Mithil planned a surprise of his own. With Sakshi’s brother visiting and the timing finally right, he took her to a charming town in Rhode Island, nearly two hours from Boston. A river ran through the centre of the town with historic buildings lining both sides, and a gondola-style boat awaited them, reminiscent of Venice. As the boat drifted to a quiet spot, with close friends waiting nearby, Mithil went down on one knee and asked the question that would shape their future. “Will you marry me?”
“The answer, of course, was yes,” they smile.

Wedding Planning
Planning multiple events that honoured both cultures required careful coordination, but the couple says the experience felt seamless with the right people around them. Documenting every celebration were Knotty Affair by Namit and Vipul. The couple shares, “We honestly haven’t seen photographers who are this dedicated, calm, patient, and involved. They did a splendid job. Both the quantity and quality of photos were absolutely on point, capturing our wedding exactly the way we had imagined.”

From quiet emotional moments to energetic celebrations, the team ensured nothing was missed. “Throughout the celebrations, they were extremely professional yet so easy to be around. It genuinely felt like they were part of our family rather than just the photography team. They guided us calmly, helped with poses, and handled everything with so much patience. Their entire team carried such positive energy, which made a big difference during busy moments.”

Looking back, the couple says it was their ability to capture the small, fleeting moments that stood out most. “Even in all the rush and constant running from one thing to another, they still managed to catch moments, something we will always appreciate.”

Wedding Functions
Haldi
The Haldi ceremony set the tone for the celebrations with a joyful afternoon by the Kali River. Sakshi and Mithil wore soft pink ensembles while their guests arrived in cheerful shades of yellow. The décor was light and fresh with pink drapes, floral hangings, and simple wooden seating placed across the lawn, allowing the greenery and river backdrop to take centre stage. Between rituals, laughter, and games hosted by the anchor, the afternoon unfolded with an easy, carefree energy. “It was fun, effortless, and full of love, exactly how we wanted to begin,” the couple shares.

Sangeet
For Sakshi and Mithil, the Sangeet was the event they were most excited about since dance had played such an important role in their story. Inspired by their love for Bollywood, the evening carried the energy of a glamorous awards night. The décor created a stage-like setting that immediately set the tone for a night of performances and celebration. What followed was an evening filled with energetic dance performances, heartfelt speeches, and spontaneous moments with friends and family. The dance floor stayed packed throughout the night as everyone joined in the celebration.

Kannada Wedding
Set against the river, the décor followed a traditional aesthetic with florals, brass accents, and a mandap that blended naturally with the surroundings. Sakshi made her entry with her bridesmaids while Mithil arrived with his groomsmen, both entrances feeling personal and full of excitement. The ceremony itself was calm and meaningful. “It felt peaceful and deeply personal. It was everything we had hoped for,” the couple shares.

Gujarati Wedding
Later the same day, the celebrations continued with a Gujarati ceremony that reflected Mithil’s culture in a vibrant and festive way. The décor brought in brighter tones and celebratory elements that created a lively atmosphere. Sakshi walked in with her mother and brother by her side, creating one of the most emotional moments of the day. A detail closest to Sakshi’s heart was her phoolon ki chadar, which carried a photograph of her father, making it feel as though he was present and blessing the moment. “And yes, we got married twice on the same day, something we will always smile about,” they share.

Happily Ever After Party
Guests swapped formal outfits for their comfiest pajamas and gathered for a relaxed evening together. With no dress codes or formalities, the party felt easy and carefree. Laughter, conversations, and music filled the evening as everyone unwound after the busy wedding festivities. “Relaxed, laughter-filled, and completely us. It was the perfect way to close our celebrations,” the couple says.

Advice For Couples
“No matter how much you plan, it will always feel like it’s not enough, and that’s okay,” Sakshi and Mithil reflect.

With so much happening before and during the wedding, it is easy to get caught up in the chaos and forget what the day is really about. Their biggest advice is to pause and share those moments.

“It is easy to plan a wedding based on trends or expectations, but remember it is your wedding and your day. Make choices that feel personal to you, even if they do not follow a rulebook. Once the day arrives, everything falls into place. Just be present enough to truly feel it.”

The Wedding Makers
Venue: Whistling Woods Dandeli, Karnataka
Wedding Planner: Wedzy
Photography: Knotty Affair by Namit and Vipul
Décor: Avadhoots Events Studio
Groom’s Outfits: Purusham (Sangeet), Kora (Haldi)
Groom’s Shoes: Needledust (Haldi)
Bride’s Outfits: Aari (Sangeet), Label by Advaya (Kannada Wedding), Kalki (Gujarati Wedding)
Bride’s Shoes: Needledust (Haldi, Kannada Wedding), Crimzon (Gujarati Wedding)
Jewellery: Pallod Jewellers (Gujarati Wedding)
Makeup: Komal Kumavat (Sangeet and Wedding), Bhumi’s Bridal (Haldi)
Emcee: Anchor Shitlesh
Wedding Invitations: Designs by Inaara

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