Suhani and Shrey, Uttarakhand
This bride, a makeup artist by profession, decided to take charge of the reins by doing her own makeup for all the events and planning them too.
Suhani and Shrey’s love story started with a chance encounter on Facebook where after a rocky start, Suhani was irresistibly drawn towards Shrey’s gentle demeanor. After three months filled with numerous conversations about almost everything under the sky, the two decided to meet and since then, there’s been no looking back for the duo. Hosted at the scenic state of Uttarakhand, their wedding was a joyful family affair where the festivities were captured in enchanting frames by WeddingSutra Favorite – Red Veds, who made each click count with their unbridled skill.
How They Met
Suhani shares, “I’ve always been an introvert and a shy girl, so when a random ‘hello’ from Shrey came to me on Facebook, I was instantly cold towards him. In fact, I was blatantly rude and told him clearly that I wasn’t interested, which to his credit, he took very respectfully. However, I couldn’t get him out of my mind, and curiously decided to pursue a conversation with him. Soon enough, we were constantly messaging back and forth talking about a variety of topics.
After three months, Shrey told me that he wanted to meet me and that too on his birthday. I was still nervous, but he convinced me and even came to pick me up for our first date.”
The Proposal
“Five years into our relationship, Shrey surprised me with a dream proposal in Goa. As we were enjoying a trip there with our friends, I was beckoned by him for a walk on the beach. Just as I approached it, I saw him standing there against the glorious sunset next to an aisle adorned with lanterns and roses. It was one of the most beautiful sights I’d ever seen!”
Wedding Planning
“We decided to take the offbeat path by eschewing the services of a professional planner. Instead, we relied on ourselves, our families, and friends who helped us along every step of the way. Additionally, my uncle, who has a history of planning weddings for our family helped us out quite a lot. From food menus, DJ to the decor, everything was handled within the family just like it was in the olden days.
Our next step was to choose a photographer and being a professional makeup artist, I know how important it is to have a good photography team on the squad. After extensive scouting, I came across Red Veds who amazed me with their skill, patience, and understanding. Their team worked incredibly hard through each event and gave us breathtaking shots that we’ll cherish forever. I don’t think anyone could do a better job.
Being a makeup artist myself, I’d already pre-planned all my looks and used my skills to the best advantage on myself. However, my friend Manu Dheeraj, a talented makeup artist, was present to lend me a helping hand and we did make a great team together.”
Weddings Functions
Welcome Party
Welcoming their guests in style, the duo decided to host a fun-filled welcome party that exuded laid back vibes. Suhani shares, “Our guests got a grand welcome once they arrived at the resort with a welcome show that had Rajasthani dancers, singers, and instrumentalists. Adding an extra dash of peppy Punjabi beats were the dholwale who ensured that everyone shook a leg. Keeping it casual and breezy, both of us wore customized denim jackets while our immediate family members donned identical t-shirts.”
Cocktail
“Keeping our outfits in mind, the decor for all the functions were in sync with what we had decided to wear. For the cocktail, which was held the same evening, we kept it classy, and the decor echoed with us as we chose royal blue outfits and walked hand in hand while fire poppers lit up in the background. Filled to the brim with glitz, we felt like stars as we performed and made merry with our family. It was an intimate, dazzling affair which every member of our family enjoyed.”, shares Suhani.
Mehndi
“Our mehndi was hosted on the second day and its decor resembled a carnival with several ethnic elements peppered across the venue. Replete with color, we included bangles, embroidered umbrellas, and lots of flowers in the decor. To make a smashing entrance, I entered riding a Royal Enfield Bullet Motorcycle seated behind my father with henna patterned on my hands.
Adding more color to the occasion were our bridesmaids and groomsmen who donned identical outfits. For my own outfit, I chose a customized lemon yellow lehenga while Shrey contrasted me in a powder blue bandhgala.”
Wedding
“For the big day, everything was planned thoroughly. Being a sundowner event, the decor was punctuated by pristine white blooms, chandeliers, and fairy lights. The entire set up was absolutely magical and we loved every minute of it. However, the highlight of the day was my entry in which my parents, who’d coordinated their outfits to match mine, accompanied me down the aisle while my brother held my veil behind me. And, heralding my entry were color bombs that were popped by my friends. It remains one of my most treasured memories to date. As the sun went down right next to the river we took our pheras and celebrated every minute surrounded by our loved ones.
For my wedding lehenga, my mom pitched in happily and let her creativity run free as she conceptualized a stunning lehenga that was later brought to life by skilled kaarigars. On the other hand, Shrey’s outfit was from Kushal’s located in Shahpur Jat.”
Reception
“Ending the celebrations on a high note, our last function was hosted in Delhi and the affair was slightly formal but intimate. The decor included several pink and white floral elements with an archway gracefully stretching over the main stage. Making sure my look was different from all the other days, I decided to wear a vivid rani pink lehenga paired with gold jewelry while Shrey donned a bright red bandhgala paired with black trousers.”, shares the happy bride.
Advice For Couples
“Throughout the process of planning the wedding, I realized that dreams can come true even when you are working on a budget. All you need, are happy family members, an agreeable partner, and a sharp focus on the task ahead. Embrace the idea that nothing will be perfect and don’t follow trends. Go with your gut feeling and make sure everyone is having fun along with you.
Today, I reminisce about the stressful moments during the planning process with a smile on my face and realize that I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way!”, shares Suhani.
The Wedding Makers
Venue: Pagoda Manu Maharani Resort, Uttarakhand
Groom’s Outfits: Abhinav and Sunny (Mehndi), Kushal’s (Wedding), Qbik (Reception)
Bride’s Outfits: Gazal Gupta Couture (Reception)
Jewelry: Raabta by Rahul, Royal Jewelers
Makeup: Suhani Sethi
Photography: Red Veds
