A wedding is more than a celebration; it’s the culmination of a couple’s journey, an event that draws family and friends together, and a day packed with dreams, traditions, and unforgettable memories. For Karan Grewal and Dr. Sonia Rajput, two young professionals navigating the fast-paced worlds of finance and dentistry in London, their wedding was a meaningful intersection of tradition, love, and the modern life they’ve built together. As they took the leap into married life, they brought their loved ones along for a multi-layered experience that intertwined Indian traditions with personal touches, all set against the regal backdrop of Ragley Hall.
A love story nine years in the making
Karan and Sonia’s story began at the University of Birmingham, where they met in their first year. Their connection grew during a period when both were focused on education, career-building, and navigating a long-distance relationship. Sonia, a Cosmetic Dentist and Aesthetics Doctor, and Karan, an Investment Analyst, spent the early years of their relationship apart, committed to their individual growth before taking the next step together. After nearly a decade together, Karan surprised Sonia with a heartfelt proposal in the romantic city of Paris. Her “girls trip” quickly turned into a memory of a lifetime as he planned the surprise with her best friends. This magical proposal set the stage for a wedding that would incorporate their shared dreams and cultures in a beautiful blend of ceremonies and celebrations.
Planning the wedding – A true team effort
Unlike many couples who hire wedding planners to navigate the vast details of a multicultural wedding, Karan and Sonia took on the planning themselves. With weddings already celebrated by both of their siblings, they had a strong foundation to build on. Karan, ever the organised analyst, handled the logistical side with spreadsheets and checklists, while Sonia found herself gathering inspiration from Instagram and Pinterest to bring a touch of flair to their big day. Another part of their planning involved getting their smiles and skin ready. Sonia, who treats many brides and grooms before their special day, ensured both of them had gleaming straight, white teeth and glowing skin with her Invisalign and whitening skills, as well as making sure they both had medical-grade skincare plans in place. Together, they found a rhythm to balance their own personal preparations, as well as their complex family expectations and preferences, using this journey as a chance to further strengthen their bond.
The wedding day – A grand celebration at Ragley Hall
The big day took place on September 1, 2023, at Ragley Hall, an elegant, historical venue that brought a regal charm to their wedding and was placed relatively in between Birmingham and London. Ragley Hall offered a spacious yet intimate setting, perfect for hosting both their Hindu ceremony and the Sikh Anand Karaj on the same day. The stunning venue was ideal for creating memories that the couple would cherish forever.
A true amalgam of traditions and modern touches
Karan and Sonia’s wedding day unfolded like a beautiful symphony of rituals and modern elegance. The day began with a baraat and milni ceremony, the groom’s procession and a ceremonial greeting between families, held outdoors in the scenic grounds. A delicious breakfast was served inside, bringing everyone together before the Hindu wedding ceremony in the elegant hall room. The hall was elevated with pink floral arrangements, embracing the couple’s love for vibrant, natural aesthetics. The Hindu ceremony featured a floral mandap decorated with hanging flowers and a halo of blooms, enhancing the romantic yet traditional ambience. The couple had Krystal Group do the décor and design.
After a short break, the Sikh Anand Karaj was held in an outdoor marquee set up with a panoramic view of the lush gardens. Yellow and pale blue flowers adorned the space, creating a serene and peaceful backdrop for the ceremony. This was a heartfelt and spiritual conclusion to the wedding rituals, celebrated in the presence of their closest friends and family.
Culinary delights and festivities
For lunch, Karan and Sonia chose a selection of fresh vegetarian dishes with live cooking stalls provided by Mahirs, a well-loved catering team known for their exceptional service. Guests enjoyed an assortment of traditional flavours, experiencing the best of Indian cuisine in a lively, interactive setting. Enhancing the cultural atmosphere, live tabla and Indian flute players filled the space with soothing sounds that resonated with the event’s reverent yet joyful spirit.
Capturing the moments with Artisan Photography
To immortalise the precious moments, Artisan Photography was entrusted with capturing the couple’s special day. With Karan and Sonia’s clear vision, “Pete and his team skillfully captured everything, from candid family moments to our intimate portraits. He almost blended in with the family, without being intrusive. We were delighted with Pete and his team’s ability to bring our inspirations to life, and the photo team’s patience and dedication made the experience both memorable and seamless for us. Artisan Photography truly went over and above to excel our expectations,” reveals Sonia. Suraj Verma Cinematography beautifully captured the special occasion on film.
Every look, every detail
Sonia’s bridal look was a reflection of her dream wedding day attire. For her wedding outfit, she chose a red lehenga from designer Payal Keyal. Crafted with exquisite hand-woven threadwork and intricate beadwork, the lehenga was both traditional and modern, giving Sonia the royal look she envisioned. Her visit to the Payal Keyal flagship store in Delhi culminated in a runway-like experience where she knew immediately that she’d found “the one”. Adding to her timeless look was a custom jewellery set created with her family at SK Jewellers in West Bromwich, completing a regal, modern-classic bridal style.
Karan complemented his bride perfectly in an all-ivory ensemble from Manish Malhotra, known for its classy, hand-woven threadwork that subtly embodied the grace and elegance he wanted. His kalgi and turban colour was chosen to complement the ivory look. He also wore a string of red beads chosen to reflect Sonia’s outfit colours, a sweet detail that symbolised their unity.
For Sonia’s hair and makeup, she enlisted the talents of Serena Worldwide for makeup and Hair by Sanj for hair styling. The result was a flawless look that endured the day’s festivities and still looked stunning after her doli. With Kurt Geiger shoes featuring a KG buckle – a playful nod to Karan’s initials – Sonia’s bridal ensemble was a blend of elegance and personal meaning.
Advice for future brides and grooms
Karan and Sonia’s journey to their wedding day taught them valuable lessons that they hope to pass on to other couples planning their weddings. First and foremost, they suggest taking time to explore different ideas without succumbing to the stress of having everything perfect. They recommend obtaining quotes from multiple vendors and asking for videos to see examples of their work. This approach helped Sonia and Karan ensure they were receiving the best quality for their budget. Most importantly, they urge couples to relax and enjoy the journey – even if small things go wrong on the big day, it’s only the couple who will notice.
Cherishing every moment
The wedding was a testament to Karan and Sonia’s shared vision, their respect for each other’s traditions, and their own deep love. When they saw each other that day, amidst all the decor, friends, and family, they knew they had created something extraordinary. The culmination of years of love, planning, and a beautiful blend of two families had come to life, officially marking the start of their new chapter as husband and wife.
In every detail, from the floral mandap to the heartfelt toasts, Karan and Sonia’s wedding was a celebration of love, unity, and cherished traditions – a day they’ll hold close to their hearts forever.
The Bride’s Checklist:
Bride’s Outfit: Payal Keyal
Groom’s Outfit: Manish Malhotra
Bride and Groom’s Smile & Skin Makeover: Dr. Sonia Rajput
The Venue: Ragley Hall
Wedding Décor: Krystal Group
Catering: Mahirs
Photography: Artisan Photography
Videographer: Suraj Verma Cinematography
Henna Artist: Nikita
Makeup & Hair: Serena Worldwide and Hair by Sanj
Entertainment: Virsa Entertainment
Invites: GG for Sonia and RAW Invites for Karan
