Shivani Uday and Bala, Sri Ramachandra Convention Centre, Chennai
Whimsical yet glamorous, this couple's French Garden-inspired reception looked straight out of a storybook.
USA-based Shivani Uday, an architectural designer and Bala, a hardware designer tied the knot in Chennai with a line-up of five different celebrations. With each event looking distinctly different, the wedding was planned by the bride who customised the smallest of elements.
How They Met
Shivani shares, “We met at an event, clicked instantly but somehow lost touch for months! However, fate was on our side as he sent me a message on Instagram and we drove six hours across the state to meet up. The first meet we knew this was it as we spent hours and hours talking and discussing topics from passion, design, travel, photography, families etc. We also went to see the sunset and ended up chatting till sunrise.”
Wedding Planning
Helming the planning themselves, Shivani and Bala used their design skills to ensure the wedding looked unique while keeping any hiccups at bay. Concentrating on customisation by adding personalized elements that held significance for them as a couple into the mix, the wedding looked distinct and exuded a whimsical yet glamorous vibe.
Wedding Functions
Haldi
First in line was a yellow-hued haldi where the couple unleashed their playful sides. Shivani shares, “We wanted the events to be highly personalized, be it the decor, food, music, outfits or games that we hosted. Everything was curated by us as a team and we had amazing vendors who helped us at every turn. The haldi was bright, fresh and floral by the ocean. Citrus decor elements added to the beauty and activities, like pottery making, cocktail making and a bangle store kept everyone occupied.”
Mehndi
Bala shares, “For the mehndi, we wanted an organic setup for everyone to move around easily. It was an oceanside event, so the aim was that everyone enjoyed the beauty of the shore. Dried reeds, beige and white hues, soft shimmery elements and a bohemian seating arrangement completed the look. Plus, we fit right into the function with our monotone outfits. Shivani wore a custom-made blue lehenga and I wore a matching hued bandi. We did have to scout a lot to get the colours right for our fabric but the end result was worth it!”
Wedding
Shivani shares, “The wedding ceremony was a combination of events from both our sides. We had the kasi yatra, poo pandhal and many other rituals that took place on that day. Chandolam from Kerala and Mridangam from Carnatic music filled the venue with energy. For the main ceremony, I wore a yellow silk Kanchipuram saree with a beautiful blouse. The entire saree was embroidered with my favorite elements – swans, peacocks and elephants. Bala, on the other hand, made an elaborate entry where he danced spiritedly with his friends. For my entry, my brother held my poo pandhal while my bridesmaids followed along.”
Reception
Flaunting lush decor that enchanted the senses, the reception was an absolute stunner. Shivani shares, “We took inspiration from a French garden for the reception decor that included a variety of greens, french doors and water bodies. Hues of brown, green, silver and gold complemented our outfits beautifully as I donned a fuschia lehenga with purple, red and brown beads!”
After Party
Bala shares, “The after-party was all about glitz and glam. It was an all-white party and for the walls, we decided to go for emerald green that contrasted the soft blush couches. For our outfits, we chose a burgundy hue and Shivani wore a dress while I wore a suit. It was a fun party that gave the celebration a fabulous end!”
Advice For Couples
The couple shares, “There’s nothing more satisfying than planning your own wedding and letting it go with the flow and it’s extremely important for the bride and groom to enjoy and everything else comes last.”
The Wedding Makers
Venues: Sreerosh Beach Villa, Chennai (Haldi, Mehndi); Sri Ramachandra Convention Centre, Chennai (Wedding, Reception); ITC Grand Chola, Chennai (Post Wedding Party)
Décor: Wedding Project India (Haldi, Mehndi, After Party), Vivahhika (Reception, Wedding)
Groom’s Outfits: Tasva (Haldi), Seema Gujral (Mehndi, Reception), His (After Party)
Bride’s Outfits: Intish by Chintya (Haldi, Mehndi, Wedding), JADE by Monica and Karishma (Reception), Tulsi Silks (Saree – Wedding), Nadine Merabi (After Party)
Jewellery: The Amethyst Store (Haldi), Challani Jewellery Mart (Reception, Wedding)
Makeup: Prakatwork Studio (Haldi, Mehndi), Chiselle Makeup and Hair (Reception, Wedding, After Party)
DJ: DJ VeeKay Entertainment Services
Photography: Made in Mono
