Shifali Suvarna and Namit Narlawar, Mumbai
This Mumbai-based wedding photographer's Maharashtrian and Tulu fusion wedding beautifully wove two cultures together.
A seamless blend of two vibrant cultures, Tulu and Maharashtrian, Shifali Suvarna, and Namit Narlawar, the co-founder of Knotty Affair by Namit and Vipul’s wedding in February was a fun-filled union where one got to witness the true beauty of a fusion wedding in India. Photographing their big day was the groom’s own company and WeddingSutra Favorite – Knotty Affair by Namit and Vipul who with their keen eye for detail and sharp sense of timing captured dynamic moments at every turn.
How They Met
Shifali and Namit’s parents were intent on looking for a match via the much-beaten arranged marriage route. But the duo had something else on their minds as they took a leap by signing up with an online dating app that led to their first meeting. After several long conversations and drive dates, they were sure that this was it!
Wedding Planning
While the couple was intent on keeping their wedding simple, they were also keen on ensuring that every moment of their wedding got captured in stunning frames. To make this vision of theirs come to life, they entrusted the photography reins to Knotty Affair by Namit and Vipul who artfully captured the beauty of this fusion wedding. From heartwarming candids, traditional wedding shots to impromptu dance numbers, their pictures seized every minute of the proceedings with flair.
Weddings Functions
Mehndi
A merry affair where the bride got henna patterned on her hands and feet surrounded by her besties, the Mehndi event brimmed with laughter. Looking comfy yet stylish in a palazzo set, the bride basked in the love of her friends and family.
Haldi
For Namit, the Haldi was purely a Maharashtrian event as he was playfully slathered in turmeric while wearing a traditional white Maharashtrian groom topi. With everyone wearing yellow hues, his Haldi event had everyone showing off their best moves under the sun!
On the other hand, the bride’s Haldi was hosted separately where she shared several joyful moments with her gal pals. Filled with shenanigans that one so often sees during Haldi, Shifali’s friends also treated her to a dance performance and a floral shower.
Wedding
A fusion of two rich cultures, Maharashtrian and Tulu, Shifali and Namit’s wedding was simple yet beautiful. With each side showcasing the finest aspects of their wedding, the union was nothing short of a fairytale. While the bride donned a stunning Kanjeevaram silk saree and wore flowers in her hair the traditional Tulu way, the groom wasn’t far behind by donning a sherwani with a petha (turban). A lively baraat led Namit towards Shifali while both of them adorned their foreheads with the customary mundavalya that is worn by the couple during a Marathi wedding.
Cocktail
Instead of a formal reception, the couple opted for a glitzy cocktail party to celebrate their new beginning. Taking a break from the traditional, the couple decided to up the glam levels by donning dark hues. While Namit looked dapper in a dark red suit, Shifali was a stunner in her caped, off-shoulder dark blue lehenga.
Advice For Couples
The couple shares, “Delegate as many wedding tasks as possible and concentrate purely on enjoying every moment of your special day.”
The Wedding Makers
Venue: Gurukripa Banquets, Mumbai (Wedding)
Groom’s Outfits: Dargee (Wedding and Cocktail)
Bride’s Outfits: Kadambari (Wedding), Tulsi Studio (Cocktail)
Makeup: Kajol R Paswwan
Mehndi: Charmi Gala Mehendi Artist
Photography: Knotty Affair by Namit and Vipul
