Renowned London-based menswear designer and choreographer Saran Kohli and Preeti Bhanot Kohli, co-founder of Virtually Everywhere, crossed paths the traditional way, “through common friends. We went on our first date in 2016. From there, our fondness for each other grew, despite being so different as people. In fact, our differences have held us together in our best and worst moments,” reveals Saran. On Easter 2021, Saran planned a proposal at Durdle Door. “I was told my brother and sister-in-law wanted to take me out for a picnic, but to my complete surprise, in front of hundreds of people, Saran had set up a romantic backdrop on the beach to propose,” adds Preeti.
The Planning
“We were the wedding planners, and we had 3 months to plan a 3-day staycation wedding for 150 guests. Anisha Vasani helped co-ordinate the events. With COVID-19 restrictions constantly changing, we had many contingencies in place.”
The Pre-Wedding Celebrations
The first day kicked off with a welcome party and civil ceremony. The next day, July 24, 2021, saw Saran’s haldi ceremony and Preeti’s maiyan. “Family members from both sides got involved with decorations. Everyone had a lot of fun, whilst being creative.” The festivities continued with a lakeside sundowner Sangeet party. “An emotional dance performance about Saran’s life story, including his and Preeti’s love story, was performed by his family and friends.”
The Wedding Outfits
The bride wore a traditional red gharara crafted in Punjab and designed by Harkiran Basra, and accessorised with statement jewels by Maala London and kalire by Preeti Bespoke Designs. The groom chose a Saran Kohli creation—a chikankari embroidered sherwani with 100% printed silk lining, with a Lucknowi kamdani embroidered palla and cummerbund, and a pagh by Bespoke Turbans.
The Anand Karaj
“We were honoured to be the first couple to hold an Anand Karaj at Anran, which is a grade 2 listed country house built in 1840. Our favourite moment was sitting side by side at the ceremony, knowing we were about to become husband and wife.”
The Theme
“The wedding day theme was botanical. We held our Anand Karaj in a Plant House, surrounded by bamboo trees, banana plants and Ivy. We added a customised floor and decorated the purpose-built Palki Sahib with pampas and jasmine flowers as well as ivory and pink drapes.”
The Reception
Post the wedding, the couple welcomed their guests for their reception dinner in the Glasshouse, a space filled with fragrant seasonal plants. “We added rustic wooden trestle tables and chairs and fresh ivory flowers and foliage as centre pieces,” shares Saran. Preeti wore a gorgeous champagne gown created by her mother-in-law Mani Kohli, a designer and head of the brand Khubsoorat Collection. Her groom complemented her in a 3-piece soft lavender tuxedo from his eponymous label, Saran Kohli.
The Bride: Preeti Bhanot Kohli
The Groom: Saran Kohli
Venue: Anran, South Devon, UK
Photography: Anna Michell