Kiss me in the sun

Eshanka Wahi, the founder of Eshanka Wahi Entertainment (EWE), married Harit Israni in Dubai’s Park Hyatt on 10th October 2016.

She says: “Harit and I were set up on a blind date by family. The first time I saw him was at The Leela Hotel in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. What we imagined would be a quick, 20 minute coffee date turned into a SEVEN hour date, full of real conversations that you just don’t have these days – especially not on a first date! From that moment on, there wasn’t any looking back for either of us. We both knew that we are definitely getting married to each other.... some day! That was two years ago, and the rest is history.”

“The mehndi was held in the spacious grounds of The Park Hyatt, Dubai. I wanted a bright and bold look for my mehndi, so I had my EWE team decorate with plenty of vibrant yellow, pink and purple drapes on the trees and floor cushions to lounge on. Moroccan lamps were strung on wires for that authentic feel. The vibe I envisaged worked perfectly, and looking back now, the pictures look incredible!”

VENUE
“The Park Hyatt, Dubai is one of my favourite hotels. The Grecian architecture is gorgeous and rooms overlook the yacht club. Then there’s the epic view of the Burj Khalifa! It’s the perfect destination wedding venue.”

PLANNING
“I own an events company, so when it came to planning my wedding, I was in my element. My team executed everything to perfection.”

THEMES
“My mehndi was Moroccan themed. For the engagement and sangeet, I chose a sparkly disco ball vibe. When it came to the wedding day, I wanted an enchanted vintage garden and for the reception, everyone wore black-tie and gowns for my Great Gatsby-style celebration.”

CATERING
“My mom spent a lot of time on the menus. She worked with the head chef for months to intelligently curate an exclusive menu for each day.”

TRADITIONAL CEREMONY
“The wedding ceremony was held in the Sea View Garden at the Park Hyatt Hotel overlooking the water, Burj Khalifa and the yachts. It was the perfect amalgamation of a modern, yet traditional setting.”

PHOTOGRAPHY
“Our wedding videographers and photographers were Imprint Studio. They made a same-day edit film to show at the reception. They were the best choice.”

MAKEUP
“Natasha Moor is one of my closest friends. We met in London, but she’s now Hong Kong’s top makeup artist - so who else would I trust with my hair and makeup? She made me look effortless.”

THE GOWNS
“I wore designer for every event. For the mehndi I picked a high waisted pink ensemble by Arpita Mehta. At the engagement I chose a Manish Malhotra grey and rose gold lehenga and cropped choli. But for the wedding, it could only be Sabyasachi. I got married in a blush and gold lehenga and jewels I designed but had crafted by Umrao Jewellers in Jaipur.”

STAR STUDDED
“My brother is the actor and model Karan Wahi, and my best friend is Bollywood actress Shraddha Kapoor, so our wedding guestlist was very glitzy. Both were amazing; super supportive and made me laugh throughout the celebrations. Weddings are the one time when all the people you love most in the world are around you, that’s one of the reasons they’re so magical.”

THE RECEPTION
“Our wedding reception had a roaring ‘20s black tie theme, inspired by the Great Gatsby. My best friend and Bollywood star Shraddha Kapoor made a toast and Imprint Studio made a same-day edit film to show on the reception night, which brought tears to my eyes. I wore Valentino Red, Manish Malhotra backless gown with shoulder fringes and Alexander McQueen stilettos.”

"Although I was ecstatic through my fabulous destination wedding, there were a few moments that choked me up. Before my engagement, the photography team came over for an interview and as I began talking about my parents, my emotions collided and I couldn’t stop crying. I know it’s natural, but it took me by surprise!”

The Bride: Eshanka Wahi, 27
The Groom: Harit Israni, 29 Married: 10th October 2016
The Venue: The Park Hyatt, Dubai
Photography: Imprint Studio