Sagiri Gidwani
Defined by soft palettes, classic craftsmanship, and a global point of view, this bride’s wedding wardrobe balanced Indian tradition with the ease and polish of a life lived across cities.
New York–based Sagiri Gidwani, Director of Communications at Ralph Lauren, and Ankur Patel, Vice President of Corporate Development at music technology company Splice, met at a family dinner in Manhattan in 2021. Gidwani grew up between Manila and Florida; Patel was raised in upstate New York. A proposal on the Côte d’Azur followed two years later, on a terrace at Château de La Chèvre d’Or in Èze, which set the tone for their wedding planning, defined by global influences and deliberate design.
Planned and executed by the couple themselves, Sagiri Gidwani and Ankur Patel’s wedding in Istanbul unfolded across multiple venues, each chosen to reflect their shared appreciation for heritage, music, and thoughtful design. Set against the Bosphorus, the celebrations brought together Indian rituals and contemporary styling, with each outfit responding to its setting rather than following a prescribed formula.
Welcome Dinner
The wedding weekend opened with an intimate mehndi and welcome dinner at Madhu’s Istanbul. For the evening, Sagiri wore a mint-green Tamanna Punjabi Kapoor cape sharara, paired with heirloom jewellery. The look was light, fluid, and well-suited to the relaxed setting. Ankur coordinated a Tarun Tahiliani bandi set that echoed the same colour palette.
Sangeet
The sangeet took place the following evening at the Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, with guests arriving by boat after a slow sail along the water. Sagiri chose an ivory Anushree Reddy organza lehenga detailed with pearl embroidery.
Wedding
On the wedding day, Ankur arrived by yacht with his friends and family, a venue-driven interpretation of the baraat. The ceremony took place along the Bosphorus beneath a mandap dressed in sage, ivory, and blush florals. Sagiri made her entry escorted by her sisters, carrying white orchids and calla lilies. She wore a Sabyasachi Mukherjee lehenga in pale celadon, embroidered with antique gold zardozi. Modern in palette yet rooted in traditional craftsmanship, the ensemble reflected her preference for restraint over excess.
Reception
The reception was held on the Çırağan Palace terrace, with classical violinists setting the tone during cocktail hour. Sagiri wore a powder-blue Natasha Dalal fishtail gown with three-dimensional rose embroidery and a flowing cape, paired with diamonds. Ankur changed into a Ralph Lauren Purple Label tuxedo, a personal nod to Sagiri’s long association with the brand.
The Wedding Makers
Venues: Madhu’s Istanbul, Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Çırağan Palace Kempinski
Planning & Design: Sebnem Mardini, Sebnem Event Design
Bride’s Outfits: Tamanna Punjabi Kapoor (Welcome Dinner), Anushree Reddy (Sangeet), Sabyasachi Mukherjee (Wedding), Natasha Dalal (Reception)
Photography: P Taufiq Photography
DJ: DJ Maj-ik
Band: Paris Select
Makeup: Faces by Chaitali Sengupta
Hair: Ruchi Arya Uppal
Stationery: Rohan & Aparna Invitations
