Ayisha Patel married Jekin Patel in June 2016. She says: “We’ve known each other forever – our families have been friends for generations - bu it wasn’t until Christmas 2009 that we really noticed each other. That New Year’s Eve, just as fireworks were bursting across the sky, he asked me to be his girlfriend.”
Planning the day
“We wanted to ensure our Fiji/Bali wedding felt like a holiday for all our guests. It took us an entire year to plan and our main objectives were; amazing food, free flowing Moet et Chandon and great music.
We had four big events, split over two days. First the Vidhi, then the religious ceremony and Sangeet, followed by sunset vows and a reception the next day. We also threw an after-party because.. why not?”
The Wardrobe
“I wore a custom Shantanu and Nikhil lehenga with matte gold Jimmy Choos for the Hindu ceremony, and a La Sposa mermaid cut gowns with white rock-stud Valentino flats as the vow ceremony was on the beach. My bouquet had David Austin roses, pink ranunculus, and silver dust leaf.”
Vidhi
“We wanted a view in every direction, so we held the Vidhi in two six-bed villas at Peppers Luxury Villas. Décor included marigolds, petals and pink and purple cushions and drapes.”
Hindu Ceremony
“We set our mandap on a floating stage over the infinity pool by a cliff edge so we could see the ocean. In the gardens we positioned umbrellas with hanging marigolds, lit floating candles in four pools and fairy lights in the trees. Oh, and flowers everywhere.”
Beach vows
“A villa on the beach was dressed twigs, ivory roses and orchids. There were scattered rose petals and 30 pillar candles in vases.”
The Reception
“We mixed table shapes with bentwood and cross-back chairs. Centerpieces were clusters of crystal and gold vases filled with flowers and illuminated by tea light candles in crystal and gold mercury glasses.
Suspended above the reception was a huge floral chandelier. Our guest’s names were inked in gold on banana leaves to create a garden feeling.
Our first dance was an acoustic piano version of Firestone by Conrad Sewell.”
“The pre- parties, the boat party, sangeet, reception, after-party; everything was planned so our guests would have a week they would never forget. It was full of pinch-me scenes – and as we had two weddings I had the chance to relive the moment twice!”
The Bride: Ayisha Patel, 25
The Groom: Jekin Patel, 30
Married: 25th & 26th June 2016
The Venue: Bali, Indonesia
Photography: Ross Harvey
www.RossHarvey.com
As seen in Khush Wedding Spring 2018 KW18. Buy this issue here