Sonam and Himanshu, Chandigarh
Hosted in the lap of nature surrounded by acres of lush forest, this couple’s wedding was a vibrant and extravagant celebration.
Defying odds at every turn, Sonam Jain and Himanshu Makhria’s love story found its happiness forever with a serene wedding ceremony in New Chandigarh. Hosted under the clear February sky, their wedding was planned by WeddingSutra Favorite – Big Bash Entertainment who swiftly and surely made the couple’s vision of a dream wedding come to life.
How They Met
Himanshu hails from Hong Kong and worked in Washington, DC, while Sonam, hails from Chandigarh. The chances of their paths colliding were very slim but, as fate would have it, Sonam’s sister Tanya who also lives in Hong Kong was instrumental in bringing them together. The day Himanshu was scheduled to fly back to the US, his parents convinced him to meet Tanya and her husband Kapil, which culminated in phone numbers being exchanged and introductions made.
Himanshu went back to the USA on New Year’s Eve and exchanged messages with Sonam. From then on, there was just no turning back! Two months later, they met in London where future visits were planned. Unfortunately a month later, COVID-19 spread across the globe and like many others, the couple spent hours on the phone every day going on virtual dates, cooking simultaneously on camera, and hosting a Netflix party to stay connected.
The Proposal
After seven long months of separation, Sonam finally traveled to the USA and it was everything both of them had wished for. Swiftly the couple caught up on all the missed date nights and took endless walks around the city to make up for lost time. After a few days, Himanshu took Sonam out for an unforgettable date to the Georgetown Waterfront in Washington where he got down on his knee and professed his love to her and asked her to marry him as the golden sunset lit up the sky. Unknown to Sonam, Himanshu had been planning this magical moment for weeks as he chose the perfect spot, time and photographer. Caught unawares, Sonam was swept off her feet, and with glistening eyes and a wide smile, she uttered a ‘yes!’ and Himanshu slid a ring on her finger!
Wedding Planning
In order to plan the nuptials they had been looking forward to for months, the duo chose Big Bash Entertainment who dedicated themselves to making the couple’s dream come true. Sonam shares, “Big Bash Entertainment was the perfect team. They worked day and night to make our big day happen. Due to the pandemic, both our families were unsure about the wedding date, and then we ended up hiring the entire team just two months prior to the wedding. It was nothing short of a miracle that they were able to pull off our grand wedding given the time that they had. Each function was given a unique personal touch be it the Haldi or the Sangeet night! Moreover, the wedding mandap was just breathtaking. We had such an amazing time working with team Big Bash Entertainment!”
Weddings Functions
Haldi
Vivid and seamlessly combining traditional as well as contemporary elements, the Haldi decor boasted of peppy yellow hues that were perfectly in sync with the sunny environs. Consisting of white and yellow floral arches, a stage flanked by ethnic motifs, wooden furniture and a huge dance floor, this function put everyone in a boisterous mood as they slathered the to-be-weds with turmeric!
Mehndi
With an entrance constructed of multiple bamboo canopies adorned with blooms and pampas grass, the mehndi function brimmed with color. Equipped with a colorful dancefloor under the blazing sun, a stage flanked by ethnic motifs and wooden furniture this event had everyone shaking a leg while raising their henna patterned hands up in the air!
Sangeet
Emanating oodles of glamor, the Sangeet night witnessed everyone shaking a leg under warm golden lights. To ensure that everyone’s spirits were high as they reveled, the colossal stage was occupied by a live band that belted out enchanting tunes. Post that, the guests proceeded to enjoy their meals while seated on a long table decorated by dainty flowers, under a starry sky accentuated by a canopy of twinkling lights.
Wedding
Born in Rajasthan, Sonam has always had a soft spot for the state’s rich art and culture. Combining that with her love for nature and mountains, the duo chose a plush venue in New Chandigarh that would give her desi princess vibes as she walked towards the mandap.
Looking like a dream with its ombre pink-hued roof, delicate lotus buds and rose-adorned flower beds, the mandap was the highlight of the wedding. The airy white gazebos, comfy pastel-hued furniture and flooring completed the dreamy look of the big day. Swati Sabharwal from Big Bash Entertainment adds, “Sonam and her sister Tanya both wanted an equal say in the decor but both have very different styles. But in the end, everything worked out seamlessly. Tanya’s presence at the wedding was miraculous as she had just given birth and the COVID-19 restrictions were in place. But she was determined to attend her younger sister’s wedding!”
Advice For Couples
Sonam advises, “My only advice is to accept the fact that there will be a fair amount of stress for a bride. But when you walk down that aisle and see your better half look at you like you are the most beautiful person that’s ever existed, you will forget about it all and look forward to spending your life together.”
The Wedding Makers
Venue: The Oberoi Sukhvilas Spa Resort, New Chandigarh
Wedding Planner and Décor: Big Bash Entertainment
Bride’s Shoes: Aanchal Sayal
Jewelry: Tanya Jain
Makeup: Hashveen Kohli
Entertainment: DJ Bhanu
Choreography: Sachin and Sandy
Wedding Invitations and E-Invite: Big Bash Entertainment
Bartenders: Spartans Bartending Services
Photography: Click Arts
Furniture: Revamp Rentals
