Shivani and Bartolo, The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur

Despite growing up in different parts of the world, Shivani and Bartolo found common ground in their shared values. Their love transcends borders, and they honored their commitment to one another with a stunning ceremony that celebrated both their cultures. Udaipur, the City of Lakes, became the canvas, its beauty and cultural essence adding a unique dimension to their wedding that comes alive in stunning shots by WeddingSutra Favorite – BluSwan Weddings.

How they met
Shivani shares, “Bart and I both landed in Australia around the same time in 2016, but our paths only collided in April 2017 when we met at a networking night organized by the university. Bart was charming, and with his elegant personality and Italian chivalry, he caught my attention almost immediately. Little did I know I had grabbed his attention too, a while before the networking night when he saw me around the university.”

She continues, “The networking night was for students to come together and chat with business professionals from different companies. Bart and I ended up networking with each other and before we knew it, the night had ended and we went our separate ways. Just when the night was starting to become a distant memory, pictures surfaced on Facebook and everyone was tagged. I clicked on Bart’s profile, and there was no looking back from then!

Did we know we would end up here a few years later? No. Did we intend to? Absolutely not. If there was one thing that Bart and I were clear on, was how different our cultures were, and that a ‘relationship’ would be challenging. But as they say, love conquers all, and it turned out we had more in common than we thought. Our love for our parents, respect for our cultures, evolving thoughts about the current world but clinging onto traditions, it was almost like finding yourself in a different soul.”

The Proposal
“Before Bart popped the question, he took permission from my parents and expressed his honest intention to spend the rest of his life with me. Months later, Bart got me onto a plane to Sydney at just 24 hours’ notice. He had planned the day perfectly. Both of us are very social people but we love to have our intimate moments, and I think that’s where he excelled. The proposal was intimate, he went on his knee, opened his heart to me, and pulled out the most gorgeous ring before asking me to marry him. Because it was just the two of us, I was able to react with all my heart, as I was obviously emotional and so was he. The answer was always going to be a “Yes”. We ended the night with a very romantic dinner at a restaurant overlooking the Sydney Opera House.”

Wedding Planning
As Shivani and Bartolo prepared to celebrate with their guests, many of whom were going to experience the magic of India for the first time, they wanted their wedding to be a cultural adventure, a celebration of who they are as a couple and the beautiful tapestry their families have woven together. The Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur emerged as the perfect setting.

The couple wanted their guests to enjoy the riot that they are, with 5 unforgettable events across 3 days that combined their different cultures, heritage, and background, for a blend of tradition and fun, every moment of which was captured by BluSwan Weddings. Talking about their experience, Shivani shares, “If we had 1 word for the team, it would be “incredible”. They weren’t just there to take pictures, they were genuinely fun and flexible and seamlessly blended into the joyous chaos of our celebration. Their presence was always welcome, but never intrusive. Their kindness and willingness to work around our needs truly made them a pleasure to have by our side.”

She adds, “We knew going into the wedding that being a wedding photographer isn’t an easy job. We saw firsthand the dedication and hustle required. The team tirelessly ran across venues, changed lenses with lightning speed, and positioned themselves artfully, sometimes low on the ground to avoid obstructing guests, all while navigating delays and tight event schedules. Through it all, they remained focused on capturing those precious moments we’ll cherish for the rest of our lives. Their commitment and dedication truly impressed us. We can’t thank them enough for their genuine warmth and the incredible memories they captured. And most importantly, for being the best.”

Wedding Functions
Garba
“As a true Gujarati girl, I could think of no better way to kick off the festivities than a Garba celebration to welcome all our guests! We envisioned a vibrant explosion of color, traditional fabrics, intricate art, and of course, the joyous energy of swirling Garba dances. The décor was a captivating blend of tradition and vibrancy, and every corner overflowed with color. Guests were treated to a delightful selection of traditional attire: oxidized jewelry and colorful dupattas for the ladies, along with kurtas for the men. Live bangle-making and henna artistry stalls added an interactive touch, immersing everyone in the rich cultural tapestry of Gujarat. It was a truly memorable experience, setting the stage for a joyous celebration.”

Haldi
“Following the traditional festivities of the previous night, we craved a relaxed and playful atmosphere for the Haldi morning, thus, the concept of “Phoolon ki Holi” was born! To seamlessly blend this joyous tradition with Bart’s Italian heritage, we embraced a vibrant Amalfi Coast theme. Guests, including ourselves, donned attire in sunny hues, perfectly reflecting the theme and lighthearted nature of the event. The day’s agenda was simple – pure fun! Gaming Gaza added a playful twist to traditional games, keeping everyone engaged, while the ever-energetic Chirag Vithlani ensured no one remained a wallflower. This lively celebration was filled with laughter, dancing, friendly competition (bride versus groom!), and the shared joy of coming together to celebrate our love.”

Sangeet
“The Sangeet was a night of dazzling extravagance, a celebration overflowing with glitz and glamor. We wanted our guests to feel like stars from the moment they arrived. As they walked through a specially designed tunnel, enthusiastic “paparazzi” showered them with attention, making them feel like celebrities on the red carpet. A glamorous Vogue-inspired photo booth continued the theme, ensuring everyone had a chance to capture their own piece of stardust. But the real magic unfolded beyond the entrance. Stepping inside, guests were transported into a dazzling nightscape – a kinetic wonderland filled with twinkling stars, vibrant MI bars, and dramatic LED lighting. The overall effect was pure high-octane drama! The cool, icy blue table and lounge décor offered a sophisticated counterpoint to the vibrant energy of the night.”

The dress code, of course, was all about bling! The guests, adorned in their most sparkling attire, added to the dazzling atmosphere. The Bombay Coalition and the Vishwa Shah Band kept the dance floor hopping throughout the night, expertly blending classic Hindi hits with international favorites, ensuring there was something for everyone. It was a night of pure joy and revelry.

Italian wedding
Drawing inspiration from the picturesque beauty of Lake Como, the Symbolic ceremony was designed to evoke a sense of serenity and romance. Lush floral arrangements and classic décor elements became the pillars of the ambiance. The Oberoi Udaivilas itself played a pivotal role, offering a breathtaking lakeside setting. As soon as the couple saw it, they knew that was the place to pledge their forever.

The ceremony space featured a minimalist, yet elegant altar adorned with fresh white flowers, accented by hints of green. A stunning chandelier added a touch of grandeur, while the transparent acrylic chairs created a sense of spaciousness. The aisle, bordered by vibrant blooms, led the way toward a mirror reflection at the end, further enhancing the beauty of the space.

“The icing on the cake was the weather! Waking up to a hazy, ethereal morning mist blanketing Udaipur created a truly magical atmosphere. It almost felt like we were exchanging vows amongst the clouds, a truly unforgettable beginning to our married life.”

Indian Wedding
“Our wedding ceremony was a grand and regal affair, a vision meticulously crafted by my parents. They envisioned a celebration steeped in the opulence of Indian royalty, and the color red, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune, served as the central theme. Every detail, from the color palette to the intricate adornments, came together to create a truly royal atmosphere, reflecting the grandeur of our Indian wedding in all its splendor.

The heart of the ceremony, the Mandap, was a captivating sight. Its unique hexagon shape offered a distinctive backdrop for our vows. Delicate garlands adorned the ceilings, cascading down like blessings. The supporting poles blossomed with vibrant floral arrangements, creating a stunning visual symphony. Candlelight flickered, casting a warm glow on intricate Indian sculptures crafted from gleaming gold and brass. Hints of white woven throughout the décor added a touch of elegance and ensured the visual feast remained balanced.”

Advice for couples
“Wedding planning can be tricky! There is a lot of advice out there, but everyone’s wedding is unique. It depends on your family, your partner, and your personality. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach.

Our biggest tip? Have fun! Planning can get stressful, especially with a big Indian wedding. We were lucky to have amazing support from our parents and others. Delegating tasks based on everyone’s strengths helped a lot too.

Most importantly, focus on your own dreams and desires. This is your special day! Make sure the wedding reflects your love story and who you are as a couple because that is what will make it unforgettable for both of you and your guests!”

The Wedding Makers
Venue: The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur
Wedding Planner: The Crimson Circle
Décor: Odeyssey Design and Decor
Photography and Videography: BluSwan Weddings
Groom’s Outfits: Paaneri (Sangeet), Oscar Hunt (Italian Wedding), Twamev (Indian Wedding)
Bride’s Outfits: Amit Aggarwal (Sangeet), Jessica Couture (Italian Wedding), Bridal Couture by Hema Waghela (Indian wedding)
Makeup: Shweta Shah
Wedding Stationery and Invites: Metamorph Illustrations by Shivani Shah
Emcee: Chirag Vithlani
DJ: DJ Sam
Entertainment: The Bombay Coalition, Vishwa Shah
Choreography: Angel Performing Arts

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