Sonika and Shilad, The Mansion House, Alibag
This couple’s close-knit wedding celebrations by the coast will take your breath away with its soft hues and elegant design.
For their close-knit wedding celebrations just off the coast of Mumbai in Alibag, Sonika and Shilad kept it simple, sleek and vibrant. Photographed by WeddingSutra Favorite – Knotty Affair By Namit & Vipul, each picture captured the essence of their love and the spirit of their festivities.
How They Met
Sonika shares, “We met at an office party in Mumbai through some common friends. We were at a bar and I asked Shilad if he wanted to have a few tequila shots with me. And after a pause, he said ‘Let’s go’. We didn’t stop talking that night, and the rest, as they say, is history.”
The Proposal
Sonika shares, “We went to Cabo De Rama in South Goa for his birthday last year for a peaceful trip. And just before he turned 36 on the eve of his birthday by the beach, it was a very starry night, he suddenly went down on his knees, and this time I didn’t see it coming at all!”
Wedding Planning
Capturing the precious memories from their big day were Knotty Affair By Namit & Vipul who impressed the couple with their zest and skill. Bride Sonika shares, “They made the whole wedding photography process so fun and playful that it brought out the right emotions at the right time. It didn’t make us feel awkward or cheesy. Their communication was clear and they were always on time! I love candid shots and they have captured so many beautiful ones.”
Wedding Functions
Engagement
White teepees adorned with blooms, colourful drapes and acrylic chairs adorned the couple’s engagement ceremony. As the couple exchanged rings, their friends and family cheered. A close-knit celebration, the starlit celebration brimmed with playful banter and spontaneous dance sessions.
Mehndi
Shades of soft yellow, peach and pink dominated the color palette of the mehndi decor. Baby’s breath blossoms, tropical leaves, pampas grass and roses looked serene under the sunlit sky by the pool. Sonika shares, “ Since the decor was vibrant, we requested everyone to dress up in shades of green to cut a striking contrast in the pictures.”
Haldi
With the sea so close, it’s hard not to appreciate the beauty of the sunshine and sandy beaches. For Sonika and Shilad, this rang true as they orchestrated a beautiful all-yellow haldi ceremony inspired by the sunlit environs. Bright yellow floral arches, white drapes and boisterous haldi flower showers made this celebration a gleeful one.
Wedding
Sonika shares, “We played with tones of soft peachy pastels and hues of whites for our wedding mandap. Since the pool was in the backdrop, we knew the pastel tones would stand out. The wedding mandap with its delicate clooms, lush creepers and wooden pillars exuded a sense of rustic elegance.”
Sangeet and After Party
The couple then transitioned into a glamorous mode for the sangeet and after-party. A chevron-printed monochrome stage, a dancefloor lit up by colourful spotlights and plenty of Bollywood tracks had everyone dancing regardless of their age.
Advice For Couples
Sonika shares, “Keep it simple and intimate. This way your big day is more meaningful and less stressful.”
The Wedding Makers
Venue: The Mansion House, Alibag
Décor: EventShoppe
Groom’s Outfits: Telon (Mehndi), Tasva (Wedding), DMODE By Divine Designz (Sangeet and After Party)
Bride’s Outfits: Anamika Khanna (Engagement), Seema Gujral (Sangeet and After Party)
Jewellery: Renu Zaveri Jewelry
Makeup: Shivani Patel
DJ: DJ AJ
Photography: Knotty Affair By Namit & Vipul
