When two cultures and two worlds unite, magic happens—and this wedding was nothing short of magical. Imagine the vibrant energy of a Punjabi celebration paired with the rich traditions of a Tamil Brahmin wedding, all infused with love, respect, and personal touches. That’s exactly what unfolded when Sakshi Ahluwalia, a Mumbai-based E-commerce professional and Krishna Sadasivan, a Dubai-based Amazon executive decided to tie the knot. Their multicultural union was a grand, emotional affair that didn’t just combine two people, but also two vibrant cultures, each bringing its own history, traditions, and flair.
A love story that spans continents and cultures
The couple’s story began in 2012 during their undergraduate years in Mumbai, where they met as competitors at a campus event. Little did they know then that their playful rivalry would spark a romance that would withstand the test of time and distance. Their love grew from those early days in Mumbai to long-distance phases spanning across the UK and Dubai. For over a decade, they supported each other’s dreams and ambitions, proving that true love knows no borders.
By the time they decided to take the next step, they knew their wedding needed to reflect not only their personal growth but also the rich cultural heritage that shaped them. With the bride hailing from a Punjabi family and the groom being a Tamil Brahmin, they set out to merge these two beautiful traditions in a way that was meaningful and memorable.
Planning a multicultural wedding: The perfect fusion of intimacy and grandeur
The bride envisioned an intimate yet luxurious affair, something that felt personal but still celebrated the grandeur of an Indian wedding. Over eight months, she carefully planned every detail, balancing the scale and splendour of a traditional celebration with the closeness of a personal gathering. Despite the potential for a much larger guest list, the couple chose to keep it at around 250 guests, focusing on making the experience meaningful for those who were truly closest to them.
Two stunning locations—Goa and Chennai—became the perfect backdrops for their celebration. Goa, with its laid-back vibe and beautiful scenery, was the venue for the lively Punjabi festivities. Chennai, on the other hand, provided a more serene and spiritual setting for the Tamil Brahmin wedding, steeped in tradition.
Mehndi: A vibrant start with intimate vibes
The wedding festivities kicked off in Goa with an intimate indoor mehndi ceremony, a tradition where the bride’s hands are adorned with intricate henna designs. Rather than opting for an extravagant setting, the couple chose to keep the decor simple yet elegant, allowing the warmth of the gathering to shine through. The mehndi was a cosy affair, filled with close friends and family, where laughter and love flowed as easily as the colourful designs being painted on the bride’s hands.
One of the most charming details of the event was the personalised wicker baskets filled with gifts that the bride had specially curated for her bridesmaids. These little touches added a unique, personal flair to the ceremony, making everyone feel valued and included in the celebration.
Sangeet: A boho-chic dance party
The following evening, the couple threw a boho-themed sangeet that was a feast for the senses. Held at the picturesque Alila Diwa in Goa, the venue was transformed into a bohemian wonderland with earthy tones, fairy lights, and whimsical floral arrangements. This was a night of high-energy performances, where family members from both sides let loose on the dance floor.
From Bollywood hits to traditional Punjabi songs, the music was a lively mix that had everyone on their feet, celebrating the couple’s union. The bride and groom’s grand entrance was nothing short of spectacular, setting the tone for a night full of joy, dancing, and shared memories.
Chooda and Haldi: Celebrating under the sacred banyan tree
The morning after the sangeet, the festivities continued with the chooda and haldi ceremonies. Held under a magnificent banyan tree, these ceremonies were steeped in symbolism and personal meaning. The banyan tree, a symbol of eternal life, stood as a witness to their vows, its branches draped in marigold garlands and brass pots filled with fragrant flowers.
During the haldi, family and friends gathered to smear the bride and groom with turmeric, blessing them with prosperity and happiness. It was a morning filled with laughter, lightness, and the unmistakable sense that love was at the heart of every moment.
The Punjabi wedding: A night of glamour under the stars
The crescendo of the Goa celebrations was the Punjabi wedding ceremony, a glamorous and intimate affair that took place under the starry night sky. Held in the embrace of the same banyan tree that had witnessed their haldi, the couple exchanged their vows surrounded by their closest family and friends. The bride, a vision in red, wore a regal Sabyasachi lehenga from the designer’s heritage collection, while the groom complemented her in a stylish outfit from Kora by Nilesh Mitesh.
The decor was ethereal, with cascading flowers and twinkling lights illuminating the night, creating a dreamlike setting for the couple’s union. Despite the grandeur of the event, there was an undeniable intimacy, as if the entire world had momentarily shrunk down to the circle of love created by the bride and groom. Guests were also handed glass bells to ring during the pheras, making the event interactive and adding a fairytale-like touch to the ceremony.
The Tamil Brahmin Wedding: Elegance meets tradition in Chennai
After the vibrant celebrations in Goa, the couple flew to Chennai for their Tamil Brahmin wedding. This event was all about tradition and spirituality, taking place in a more serene and solemn setting. The bride embraced her Tamil roots, donning stunning Kanjeevaram and Nali silk saris, rich in colour and steeped in cultural significance. While the Goan wedding was about energy and celebration, the Chennai wedding was a quiet homage to tradition, spirituality, and family bonds. The minimalist decor allowed the rituals to take centre stage, giving the couple and their families a moment to pause and reflect on the sacred union.
Bridal fashion: A stunning amalgam of heritage and modern style
Throughout the wedding, the bride’s wardrobe was a dazzling blend of heritage and contemporary fashion. For the Goan celebrations, she turned heads in a stunning red Sabyasachi lehenga, the epitome of royal Punjabi style. For the Chennai wedding, she opted for the timeless elegance of Kanjeevaram and Nali silks, perfectly complementing the spiritual tone of the ceremony. Her jewellery was a mix of family heirlooms—gold kadas passed down from her mother—and modern, statement pieces from Amrapali Jewels, creating a fusion that mirrored the blend of traditions in her wedding.
The grand takeaway: Love is the greatest tradition
Ultimately, this wedding was a powerful reminder that while traditions are important, the most important tradition is love. In blending their cultures, this couple created a wedding that honoured both of their families while telling their own unique love stories. From the spiritual Tamil Brahmin rituals to the exuberant Punjabi celebrations, every moment was a reflection of the journey they had travelled together and the new path they were about to venture on.
Their wedding wasn’t just a celebration of their union; it was a celebration of diversity, respect, and the beauty that comes from merging two distinct worlds into one. As guests rang their bells and watched the couple exchange their vows, it was clear to everyone present: this was more than just a wedding. It was a testament to the power of love, family, and honouring where you come from while celebrating where you’re going.
The Bride’s Checklist
The Bride: Sakshi Ahluwalia
The Groom: Krishna Sadasivan
The Venues: Alila Diwa, Goa
Bride’s Outfits: Sabyasachi and The Kanakvalli Edit
Groom’s Outfits: Kora by Nilesh Mitesh and Masaba
Hair: Bibi
Makeup: Sneha Manoj
Henna: Mayuri Oza
Invites: The invites
Photographer & Videographer: Magic Motion Media
Wedding Décor: Diakon Events
Caterer: Alila Diwan, Goa
