Real Weddings: Blogger Sonam Babani and Neil Sanghvi's Happily Ever After

The Details

Bride and Groom Outfits: Dolce & Gabbana, Sabyasachi 

Jewellery: Sunita Shekhawat

Event Decor: Devika Narain

Floral Arrangements: Interflora

Catering: SJI Gourmet 

Ground Coordination: Inked Canvas

Photographer: Stories by Joseph Radhik

Videographers: House On The Clouds, ibtida.co

Entertainment: Lavenderskies.inc

Making the Most of the Situation

"Neil and I have been working hard during the pandemic. With a significant increase in consumption of digital content, social media has been booming more so post lockdown, and I have shoots almost everyday. If either of us gets the opportunity, we wrap up work and travel to see each other during the weekends. We have also been enjoying mini-getaways—such as to Maldives and Africa—to spend quality time with each other and to take a break from our crazy work schedules."

A Piece of Advice

"Brides-to-be, if you want to take aesthetic pictures, make sure that you get ready well in advance and aren't rushing in the end. These photographs are the only memories that will remain with you afterwards. So I suggest that you get your pictures out of the way beforehand, so that you can enjoy yourself on the day."

The Not-so-quintessential Indian Wedding

"We're all well-aware that Indians thrive on the big-fat-Indian affair. But for those of you who are planning to get hitched, remember that it’s different having your closest crew with you. You inevitably end up having the most fun with the people who cheer you on!"

#GoodVibesOnly

"When my wedding got pushed, I was craving normalcy. I didn’t want to do anything in an environment where the whole world was undergoing turmoil. Originally, our wedding was supposed to take place in Bodrum, Turkey, and it was heartbreaking to have to change plans in the last moment. But what I realised is that at the end of the day, with the support of your close friends and family, the vibe will still be as amazing. Having an intimate affair with your favourite people is the best possible way to spend your big day."

Love in the Time of a Pandemic

"Due to the constraints brought on by the COVID-19 safety protocols, we had to move the location to our family home in Khandala. Devika’s team did a fabulous job in a short span of time, given the unforeseen circumstances. The Interflora team also pleasantly surprised us with their fruit and floral arrangements. Post the ceremony, we decided to give the lemons away to an old age home, so that they could make pickle out of it; hence, ensuring minimal wastage. All in all, we're so grateful that everything fell into place, perfectly."

Hopping Over the Hurdles

"The biggest obstacle for us was time. Since we didn't have a formal roka ceremony to begin with, we decided to do a small function, in the presence of both families. Going with the flow, I decided to host a mehendi function a day prior to the roka, in accordance with Neil's Gujarati traditions. The time constraints posed to be the greatest hurdle during the process of planning."

Taking the Plunge, Making it Happen

"With respect to planning, I took charge of the event myself—with only 12 days in hand—since it was on short notice. However, Inked Canvas Events helped us with all the on-ground coordination."

Contemporary, with a Hint of Traditional

"Devika Narain was responsible for the decor on both days. I had a vision of lemons and fruits as a part of the decor, with which they worked creatively. Instead of going for a typical Sicilian theme, we wanted to infuse a traditional touch to the overall decor. Devika's team put together terracotta pots, stunning daisies and sunflowers, and brought our vision to life."

Busting a Move

"Neil has never been much of a dancer, and doesn't like a lot of attention. However, during our mehendi ceremony, some of my best friends pulled him on stage! It was an impromptu thing but he had such a great time. For me, this moment was extremely special."

Amidst the sun, sand and sunset, she said "yes!"

"While I was traveling for work, Neil went over to my house and asked my parents for my hand. He then requested both our families to join him in Maldives for a surprise proposal. I had absolutely no clue that he went ring shopping with our respective mothers! Fooling me into believing that we were stepping on a yacht to click pictures, Neil got me to dress up for the occasion. We hopped on a jetty that took us to a villa, where Neil got down on one knee and popped the question. The affair was all the more special, since our families were present to celebrate with us."

Many, many years ago...

"Neil and I studied at the same school. Although we weren't friends then, we did know of each other. Later—for secondary and high school—I moved elsewhere, and so did he! I introduced him to some of my friends and we became a part of the same social group."