A union not only between two families but between two different cultures. Yes, we’re talking about when North meets South.
Our South Indian Bride fell in love with a Punjabi North Indian Man. The two families entrusted Vivaah Celebrations to ensure all was planned, managed, and executed to its best level for their celebrations. Rahul Kumar from Vivaah Celebrations, fused various aspects, traditions and rituals to this wedding celebration to ensure that both cultures were comfortable and enjoyed their events.
A memorable few days where both sides of the family could infuse their cultures was what the couple desired.
This was a three-day celebration hosted at the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr- Abu Dhabi, facing the beautiful waters of the Grand Canal and the splendid grand Mosque.
As the guests started checking in, our Dhol waalas greeted them with a blast while 2 south Indian hostesses in beautiful sarees guided them to their check-in desk.
On the first evening, we hosted a serene Welcome Dinner at a gorgeous venue by the waters. Decorated with subtle fairy lights and an array of candles giving it a warm ambiance, the celebrations started on a lighter note.
As the guests entered the venue, they were welcomed with sumptuous arabian delicacies with mediterranean canapes being passed around and authentic live stations from the region.
The evening continued with a renowned duo who sang the night away as the guests enjoyed their dinner.
The following morning, guests made their way towards the Falcon Lawn for a colorful Mehendi and Haldi afternoon. This event was the pure description of North meets South. Subtly both cultures were infused through live station counters, floral selections, color schemes, and much more.
The venue was beautifully decorated with hanging tassels and other traditional ornaments. As the guests entered, they approached a cart with a variety of gifts to choose from. This included items like colorful bangles from the North to jasmine flowers for the guests’ hair from the South of India.
Our mixologists also added to the colors with their vibrant cocktails and coolers, giving flavors of India through their kalakhatta, paan, and other exciting cocktails.
There was a lot of dancing throughout this event while DJ Gautam- An internationally renowned DJ-was spinning at the decks. Soon after, our beautiful couple entered, adorned in the traditional South Indian attire, the women from both sides of the family performed on Sopana Sangeetham – an elegant form of classical music originating in the temples of Kerala. It was beautiful to see both cultures together.
The evening went on to an elevated disco-themed Sangeet. This evening featured silver mirrored disco balls and an opulent bar with a shiny glass body. Moreover, the guests were amazed by the photo booth built outside in the pre-function area of the ballroom. It all began when MC Punit took over the stage and interacted with the guests while they enjoyed their light bites and molecular drinks.
The couple made their entrance and went straight into a north and south dance-off, leading into the enthusiastic Sangeet dance performances by family and friends.
This was just the beginning of the evening; the night took a turn when our renowned international percussionist arrived and took over the floor. Walter Scalzone was the night’s highlight with his LED roaming drums on the dance floor, and his spectacular water drums show.
The evening ended with the famous paan wala serving paan to the guests, after which they danced the night away till the early morning hours.
The next morning commenced with our chirpy bride getting ready for her Big Day, the Wedding Day. The Wedding Ceremony took place at the Grand staircase with views of the iconic structure- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and the backdrop of the royal fountains giving it a palatial feel.
After safa-tying for all the guests, our director Rahul Kumar got the Baraat Procession ready to begin; he led the Baraat along with our Groom in his Excalibur Vintage car. All the guests were amazed to see this rare vehicle as they danced away throughout the Baraat.
On the other hand, our COO Maggi Kewlani ensured the bride’s family was equipped and ready for the grand traditional South Indian welcome of the baraatis and Groom.
The Groom was welcomed in with the traditional brass lamps from the temples of Kerala along with pearl garlands, after which he entered the Mandap and eagerly awaited for his Maharani.
Our brides’ entry was nothing less; she looked breathtaking as she walked down the stairs holding her father’s arm alongside her bridesmaid showering rose petals. Was surreal to see this emotional sight on the Grand Staircase of Fairmont Bab al Bahr.
The rituals then began from the Jaimalas to the Wedding Pheras while colorful fruit pops were served to cool down the heat.
After the Wedding, guests made their way, enjoyed a traditional lunch, and prepared for the last event of the celebrations.
Finally, the much-awaited night arrived; the Grand Reception was a dreamy affair. Tania, our bride, was glowing in her opulent white gown as she walked in with Akash. The venue was decked up like none other, with fresh white rose arrangements giving the entire ballroom a mystical look.
The couple had their first dance, commemorated with their cake cutting and popped a bottle of champagne, and all the guests danced the night away with friends and family as DJ spun behind the decks.
All the themes, concepts, show flows, and artists were planned, conceptualized, and managed by Vivaah Celebrations.
Vivaah Celebrations is a premier Wedding Planning & Management company operating locally and globally for Destination Weddings under the leadership of Rahul Kumar, who has over a decade of experience planning and managing weddings globally.
To plan your next event, connect with us at info@vivaahcelebrations.com #TheREALvivaahteam
Photography by Claude Loren
