The dual celebration of Anna and Amit’s union was nothing short of enchanting. The couple opted for two distinct venues, each reflecting their desire to blend family, culture, and intimacy. The initial gathering in Manchester was an intimate affair with just 16 close friends and family, setting the tone for a relaxed, modern atmosphere. In contrast, the larger celebration at Styal Lodge in Cheshire embodied traditional elements while still conveying the couple’s laid-back essence. The day unfolded with vibrant colors, authentic Hindu rituals, and loved ones from far-flung corners of the world, culminating in an unforgettable experience. The floral design was particularly noteworthy, featuring a bespoke Mandap with silver birch trees, flowers, and foliage, as well as exotic pink Proteas and whimsical table arrangements with berries, pine cones, and delicate roses. Warm candlelight and Indian brass accents added a touch of elegance. Personal touches abounded, including handmade stationery by the bride and groom, cherished photographs of loved ones afar, personalized seed packets, and bangles and bindis for all to enjoy. As the day drew to a close, wisps of orange smoke, late-night pizzas, and camper van photobooths left everyone with full hearts.
THE PROPOSAL
It was November 6th when Amit surprised Anna with a memorable weekend getaway to the Lake District, marking their 7-year anniversary milestone. The trip coincided with Bonfire Night celebrations, which only added to the romantic ambiance. To make the experience even more special, Amit booked a luxurious stay at the Rum Doodle boutique hotel in Bowness on Windermere. But little did Anna know that the highlight of the trip was yet to come – an unforgettable proposal amidst the fireworks display at Kendal Castle, with Amit getting down on one knee in a muddy puddle for a truly unique and intimate moment.
THE VISION
We opted for a unique blend of intimate gatherings and grand celebrations, tailoring our two-day extravaganza to suit our laid-back yet distinctive style. The smaller, more subdued celebration took place at Manchester’s registry office, where we exchanged vows with just 16 close family members, sans frills or fanfare. Following the ceremony, we indulged in a relaxed wedding breakfast at Jamie’s Italian within an old bank vault, which cleverly echoed our stationery and favor designs inspired by Anna’s dress and the building’s architectural charm.The second day, dubbed ‘Bow ties and Bindis,’ allowed us to merge two cultures and traditions with a vibrant, carefree atmosphere. Given Amit’s Hindu heritage, incorporating a Hindu blessing was essential. We aimed for an accessible, modern twist on traditional Indian weddings, complete with delicious Indian cuisine. Our guests were treated to a colorful palette, featuring navy blue, gold, and a range of pinks that seamlessly transitioned from the bridesmaids’ shawls to Anna’s stunning Indian outfit.
THE PLANNING PROCESS
As planning began in earnest, we first focused on securing ideal venues for our two-day celebration. Styal Lodge stood out as the perfect fit, serving as the foundation for the rest of our planning. To stay organized and on track, we leveraged a wedding spreadsheet to monitor our budget and track progress. This allowed us to maintain a comprehensive list of tasks, allocating responsibilities to each individual and identifying shared activities that we could enjoy together. In addition to online research via Pinterest, we also drew inspiration from various wedding magazines, gathering ideas and insights to inform our decisions.
THE VENUES
Our journey began with two unforgettable weddings, each meticulously planned to perfection. The first celebration took place at the iconic Manchester Registry Office, followed by a delicious reception at Jamie’s Italian and an evening stay at King Street Townhouse Hotel. In contrast, our second wedding extravaganza unfolded at the picturesque Styal Lodge in Cheshire, offering a unique blend of elegance and rustic charm.
THE READINGS & MUSIC
The ceremony was made even more special by our Hindu priest, who brought a lighthearted touch with his jokes and conducted the proceedings in Gujarti, Sanskrit, and English. A traditional entrance, sans elephant or horse, was provided by two Dohl drummers as they brought Amit into the Lodge. To set the tone for the celebration, we invited Lauren Charlotte to play her violin for a few hours, following up with a beautiful performance that played us out of the ceremony. As guests enjoyed canapés and drinks, Lauren’s classical repertoire blended seamlessly with classic Bollywood tunes. Our first dance was a romantic rendition of Jessie Ware’s Wildest Moments. We curated our own playlists but left it to Dan Soulsmith from Wedding Jam to get the party started in the evening. Working closely with Dan, we created a 20-minute ‘megamix’ that featured non-stop Bollywood-inspired tracks and traditional Indian circle dancing ‘Garba’ music. This unexpected surprise had everyone on their feet, dancing and having the time of their lives.
GROOM’S ATTIRE
A stylish ensemble consisted of a stone-colored, slim-fitting three-piece suit from Reiss, paired with classic tan/brown brogues courtesy of Loake. The finishing touch was a floral navy bow tie from Mrs Bow Tie, adding a touch of sophistication to the overall look. For a change of pace, an Indian-inspired outfit was sourced from Preetis on Soho Road in Birmingham.
THE DETAILS & DÉCOR
As a designer and photographer, Amit brought his creative touch to every aspect of the wedding stationery, from the invites and menus to the save-the-dates, table numbers, seating plan, Hindu ceremony guide, and signage for the day. With Anna’s expertise in exhibition design, the couple was able to get hands-on with the finishing touches, ensuring a personal and intimate touch throughout. To make sure all family members could celebrate with them, they created a warm welcome by placing a ladder shelf at the entrance of their venue, adorned with Ganesh statues and framed photographs of their grandparents. Additionally, they took the time to craft personalized sweetie bags, seed packet favors, and supplied bangles and bindis for guests to enjoy.
THE FLOWERS
We collaborated with Sian from Didsbury Flower Lounge to fulfill our floral requirements at Styal Lodge, including both bridal bouquets. Sian crafted an impressive bespoke Mandap, a four-posted structure we exchanged vows under, incorporating silver birch trees, flowers, and foliage. The vibrant and exotic color palette of our wedding was largely defined by the use of pink Protea as the primary flower, artfully combined with berries, pinecones, delicate whites, blush, and peach roses. To adorn our 15 tables, we placed small arrangements on antique glass vases or Indian brass tree slumps that Anna had meticulously sourced from charity shops.
THE CAKE
Pink Pepper Catering crafted our cake, which we had specifically requested be a subtle lemon and poppy seed design. The result was spot on – understated yet delightful.
BEAUTIFUL BRIDESMAIDS
Discovering a harmonious balance between style and practicality, we stumbled upon the stunning navy blue Jenny Packham dress and clutch bags at Debenhams, perfect for accommodating the needs of both moms-to-be. One of our bridesmaids was even nursing her 1-month-old baby, showcasing the versatility of this beautiful ensemble. The bouquets, smaller yet equally lovely versions of the bride’s, added a touch of elegance to the overall look.
THE DRESS & ACCESSORIES
As Anna prepared for her dual celebrations, she sought a bridal gown that would transcend the occasion. The Monsoon dress didn’t quite fit the bill, but a serendipitous discovery at The White Closet in West Didsbury stole the show with its exquisite veil. A beaded clutch bag from John Lewis provided the perfect finishing touch.Anna’s bridesmaids were dressed to impress in Jenny Packham designs, complete with matching clutches. Handmade details on John Lewis items added a touch of elegance. Meanwhile, Anna’s Indian outfit was a carefully curated ensemble, comprising a Leicester-bought dress, a bespoke blouse crafted by her mum, and a Lengha (skirt) tailored by a local seamstress.Anna’s practical yet stylish approach led her to seek out pieces that could be worn on both wedding days. Her desire for a versatile dress ultimately resulted in the purchase of a stunning beaded gown from an unexpected source. This inspired choice allowed her to indulge in shoes, accessories, and a veil from high-end boutiques, guilt-free and with no regrets.
YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
As the day unfolded, two special women shared their joy with loved ones. The first to take her vows was Bec Lupton, whose love story culminated in a celebration of commitment and devotion. Later that evening, Emilie May exchanged rings and sealed her future with her partner, surrounded by warmth and happiness.
THE HONEYMOON
Savoring the essence of Croatia, I embarked on a journey that spanned an entire week. The adventure unfolded as I meandered between islands, indulging in the breathtaking beauty of each one. Amidst this island-hopping escapade, I also allowed myself a few precious days to immerse in the ancient charm of Dubrovnik.
MEMORABLE MOMENTS
As I prepared for my big day, it was a joy to share the experience with loved ones. My mum, bridesmaid, and I spent quality time together choosing the perfect white dress, creating cherished memories. On the other side of the aisle, Amit’s mum and sister-in-law joined me in selecting an exquisite Indian outfit, marking a special bonding moment. The icing on the cake was seeing my groom at the top of the aisle just before he laid eyes on me for the first time – pure magic! Meanwhile, our guests traveled from far-flung destinations like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, and Dubai to join us in celebrating our union. And then, there was the thrill of receiving our wedding photographs, reliving the joyous moments we’d shared.
ADVICE FOR OTHER COUPLES
Start planning early and organize your thoughts with a dedicated folder and notebook – it’s crucial to keep track of your ideas and avoid losing them. Embrace your unique style and don’t feel pressured to follow traditional wedding norms or trends. This is your special day, after all.Make the most of the pre-wedding period by cherishing quality time with your loved ones. Schedule fun activities like trying out outfits, makeup tests, and food tastings together – these memories will become precious mementos in the years to come.On your big day, be sure to carve out some quiet time as a couple, away from the hustle and bustle of guests. It’s astonishing how quickly the hours can slip by, so take a moment to revel in your new status as husband and wife.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
Photography played a pivotal role in capturing the essence of [Anna and Amit’s] special day, courtesy of Emilie May Photography. The shoes worn by the bride were none other than Charlotte Mills’ creations, perfectly complementing her veil from The White Closet. Her bridesmaids looked stunning in Jenny Packham dresses, while the bride herself shone in a beautiful Monsoon gown. Adding a touch of elegance was Isaac Charles’ exquisite tiara. Meanwhile, Didsbury Flower Lounge brought the garden to life with their breathtaking floral arrangements. Pink Pepper Catering ensured that every guest left with a full heart and happy belly. Special Days went above and beyond to create an unforgettable atmosphere, complete with a photobooth courtesy of Birdie Campervan and Small Day Photography’s stunning shots. Lauren Charlotte Violin provided the perfect musical accompaniment, while Dan Soulsmith got everyone on their feet with his infectious beats. And let’s not forget the dhol drummers from D6 Dholis, who kept the energy high throughout the night. We’re honored to have been a part of [Anna and Amit’s] love story.