Swastika and Karan Bhatia, Noor Mahal Palace, Karnal
Engaging activities, vintage-inspired decor and a short guestlist - this couple’s wedding in the outskirts of Delhi was fun yet regal.
Swastika and Karan Bhatia’s close-knit wedding emanated vintage charm with modern accents. The duo’s March wedding with its guestlist of approximately 200 guests was captured by WeddingSutra Favourite – Happyframes, who photographed every joyful moment of the union with their sharp skills.
How They Met
Swastika shares, “We met while pursuing our Masters. Karan was my senior and was assigned as my ‘official buddy’ as part of the ice-breaking programme at our college. We both have nothing in common except for the love for our families and chilli paneer! We are opposites but that has strengthened our relationship and made us better versions of ourselves.”
Wedding Planning
The couple shares, “One clear note to ourselves was that the entire guest list had only people closest to us. Not even one attendee has been invited under any social or professional obligation. Our wedding eschewed traditions on many occasions. The phera time was practically cut to 30 minutes against the usual overnight Indian traditional wedding. We chose to spend more quality time with our close ones through experience-based engagement activities in the entire itinerary. Hence, instead of a formal reception stage, we chose a live performance with a Sufi performer standing in the middle of the crowd. Other functions also had fun ice-breaking sessions aside from rituals.”
The couple was especially impressed by their wedding photographer Happyframes. They go on to share, “We couldn’t have asked for a better team to cover one of the most precious and memorable events of our lives. The team was on point in every aspect. They made us feel comfortable, gave useful suggestions and plenty of space as we savoured every moment. We would gladly work with them again.”
Wedding Functions
Mehndi
The traditional jharokas and Rajasthani folk performers gave the mehndi event a traditional vibe. The decor was kept simple with the lush surroundings highlighting the bright hues of everyone’s outfits. White blooms, banana leaves and green hues merged seamlessly with the venue.
Sangeet
After the simple mehndi, the couple hosted a glam sangeet the following evening. The indoor venue was lit up by LED lights, mesmerizing digital backdrops and an acrylic dancefloor where their family members performed. The bride seated on her dusty rose-hued couch flanked by blooms had a gala time watching her loved ones perform and later, even went up to the DJ booth to play a mix of chartbusters for the wedding party.
Haldi
The couple shares, “The haldi was the standout event for us as everything fell into place seamlessly! Taking the colour-coordinated attires to the next level, each friend and family member had customized hashtags on their outfits, like, ‘mere yaar ki shaadi hai’, and ‘Dulhe ki Behen’, to name a few. As a result, the pictures at this event were so fun! Plus, everyone was at their playful best.”
Wedding
The evening wedding exuded vintage glamour with gold lights and ivory blooms. The couple hosted their phera ceremony under a white-hued mandap whose pillars were adorned with foliage and pastel florals. Velvet carpets, gilded chandeliers and airy gazebos added warmth to the setup, ensuring the guests experienced the best of glamour and comfort.
Reception
After the starlit wedding, the couple hosted a sleek reception indoors. As the newlyweds entered they were welcomed with a round of cheers and applause. Adding a touch of mystique and entertainment to the event was a live Sufi performer, who instead of performing on stage, stood in the middle of the audience for better engagement.
Advice For Couples
The couple advises, “Selecting the right vendors is the most indispensable part of wedding planning. It is where it all starts. We carefully hired each vendor who could understand our vision and imbibe each thought during the wedding days. Give a clear brief and plan every aspect meticulously.”
The Wedding Makers
Venue: Noor Mahal Palace, Karnal
Wedding Planner: Weddings by Saloni
Photography: Happyframes
Décor: ROE Events by Anshul Kataria
Groom’s Outfits: Kunal Rawal (Mehndi), Qbik (Wedding), Masculine (Reception)
Bride’s Outfits: Mahima Mahajan (Mehndi and Cocktail), Ridhi Mehra (Wedding), ITRH (Reception)
Makeup: Anshika Rauthan
Hairstyling: Shalini Hair Artistry
Entertainment: Deepak Bhatt (Sangeet)
DJ: DJ Sandy (Sangeet)
Emcee: Gurjit Singh
