For Anika and Nishad, love was patiently waiting around the corner since they first met at a birthday party. Once their courtship period began, things naturally progressed towards a happily-ever-after. And when the time was right, “Nishad had no time to prepare for a proposal, he just went straight to my dad” says the bride. “We have been planning the wedding for 12 months. We had our Nikkah ceremony in March 2023 which was followed by the reception and all other pre-wedding functions in September.” The bride and the bridal party poured their hearts into making it happen. “It’s been a whirlwind of a journey. So much planning has gone into the events with extreme attention given to every detail. When the events were finally happening, the 12 months of planning suddenly felt like 12 days!”
The Mehndi
Featuring a ‘mela’ theme, the bride’s mehndi event took place at The Castle Westenhanger. The beautifully-preserved 13th century venue in Kent served as the perfect backdrop. “The staff were so lovely and hands on. They ensured my event went as perfect as one could dream of.” The bride chose A & K, Art and Kraft who designed unique signage for the mehndi event. It featured quirky names for food stalls, traditional motifs and a pop colour palette. “After the incredible job done at our Nikkah, we had to bring in Royal Affairs again who created custom outdoor seating in open air pavilions for our guests with a large water fountain installation. They also created in indoor and outdoor stage keeping with the theme of an Indian street mela.”
The Haldi
The bride’s haldi was an intimate event where she chose to wear a gorgeous outfit by designer Gopi Vaid. The traditional event saw a lot of emotional moments between the bride’s family members, all perfectly captured by Cupcake Productions. 1SW Events created a beautiful backdrop and seating just as Anika had wished for.
The Memories
The couple’s celebration was perfectly executed with the support and help of their family and bridal party who played an active role in the planning process. The bride recalled some special moments from the festivities to share “the mehndi event was the most memorable for me. On the wedding day, when I first walked towards Nishant with my father, it was very emotional. My family applying haldi on me was also a really emotional experience and I will cherish these moments forever.” Based on her planning experience, the bride recommends enjoying the process and remaining calm. “Just know that some things might not go to plan but in the grand scheme of things, no one will notice and will have an amazing time regardless. Plan as much in advance as possible and keep a checklist to tick off for each event.”
The Food & Fun
“We had live stations where chefs from Spice Village cooked chaats, hakka noodles, aloo tikki and lamb boti kebabs, falooda, jalebis and so much more! The live bazaar, a first of its kind in the UK, featured a ‘create your own’ glass bangle station, silk kangans, embellished potlis, jhumkas, bangle boxes and hair accessories as wedding favours for our guests.”
The Wedding
The couple wanted to create a regal ‘Mughal Night Garden’ with the decor colour palettes being deep reds, burnt orange and plum. The decorators created a backdrop of a Mughal balcony overlooking a courtyard with hanging deep red florals, lavish centrepieces complimented with a grand cake by Cake Boulevard.
The Details
Bride Anika chose a custom red Rimple and Harpreet lehenga that took nearly 6 months to make. “I styled my lehenga with a double dupatta for an old world charm” shared the bride who tried on many draping styles to create this dreamy look. Groom Nishad opted for a custom ivory and gold sherwani styled with a silk shawl by Torani. The wedding festivities were beautifully captured by Cupcake Productions who didn’t miss a single important moment. The couple’s portraits captured by the talented team are heirloom-worthy images that tell a story for the books. All the emotions, details and intimate moments between the couple and their near and dear ones were clicked to perfection. Another addition that elevate the experience, live painter Krystyna Nowaczenko of Nowa Art Studio, created a memorable portrait for the couple at the reception. It featured many peculiar and beautiful details from the intricate embroideries on their wedding outfits and to the grand floral backdrop of their stage decorated by 1SW Events.
The Hair & Makeup
“Lipa Makeup did an amazing job for both my mehndi and wedding look. She made me look and feel flawless by following the moodboard and ensuring I was ready on time. My makeup was intact after 10 hours of event! For the wedding, Aamir Naveed did my hair incredibly.”
Khush Tip
Work with wedding décor specialists like Royal Affairs to create your dream personalised themed décor like the bride’s mehndi mela. Opt for custom signage as a finishing touch to enhance the décor.
The Bride: Anika Ullah
The Groom: Nishad Hoque
Photography: Cupcake Productions
Mehndi Venue: The Castle Westenhanger, Kent
Mehndi Décor: Royal Affairs
Wedding Décor: 1SW Events
Catering: Spice Village
Entertainment: Divine Musiq
Live Painter: Nowa Art Studio
Pianist: Farhana Pianist
Furniture: Arabian Tents, House of Hud Events
Chairs, Table Linen, Charger Plates: Chairs On Demand
Glassware: Black Saucers
Props: Hire Love UK
Fresh Florals: Mimi Fleur
Hair & Makeup: Aamir Naveed, Lipa Makeup, Shaista Hairstylist
Art Design & Stationery: A & K Arts
Invitations: Wits Invitation
Bride’s Henna Artist: Ema Arts, KV Mendhi
Guest’s Henna Artists: Jaya Bhudiya, Manraj Tawana, Chetna Kava
