Weddings are more than just events; they are milestones in life, stitched with moments of love, laughter, and the promise of forever. They are grand spectacles of emotion and artistry, where traditions meet personal touches, and every detail tells a story. Among the many weddings that grace the pages of memory, some stand out for their sheer magic. Jay and Janki Patel’s wedding in Portugal was one such celebration—an amalgam of cultures, colours, and heartfelt moments, woven together into an unforgettable tapestry of love.
This was not merely a wedding; it was a symphony, composed over years of shared dreams and hard work. From the golden sands of Gran Canaria, where Jay proposed, to the lush landscapes of Portugal, where they tied the knot, every chapter of their journey resonated with romance, adventure, and the joy of togetherness.
Meet Jay and Janki
Jay Patel is not your average groom. As the Head of Data Products and co-owner of a marketing company, he thrives in the dynamic world of business and technology. Then there’s Janki Patel, a woman who matches Jay’s brilliance stride for stride. As a Group Head of HR at a global luxury concierge firm, she’s a master of managing people and processes. But there’s another side to her—a creative one. Janki is a sought-after bridal hair and makeup artist, lending her artistic touch to countless brides on their special days. Together, Jay and Janki are a blend of ambition, creativity, and shared values.
Their story began in the midst of an unprecedented global challenge: the COVID-19 pandemic. In an era of uncertainty, they found certainty in each other. Matched on Hinge, their conversations quickly evolved into something more profound. But with lockdowns in place, their first in-person meeting came after three long months of anticipation. The initial spark ignited into a flame as they navigated a romance that thrived against all odds. Their early dates were marked by simplicity: forest walks, sunset beach visits, and takeout dinners during restrictions. Once the world reopened, they ventured on adventures together, beginning with Barcelona and continuing to dreamy destinations like St. Lucia, Madeira, Greece, and Turkey. These shared journeys were not just vacations—they were stepping stones, deepening their connection, and laying the foundation for a lifetime together.
A proposal like no other
Every great love story deserves an extraordinary proposal, and Jay ensured theirs was one for the ages. On March 10, 2023, as the first light of dawn kissed the golden dunes of Gran Canaria, Jay knelt on the soft sand and asked Janki to be his forever. The moment was so idyllic, it felt like something out of a movie. The dramatic backdrop, the glow of the rising sun, and the overwhelming emotions turned this intimate proposal into a memory that would be cherished for a lifetime.
But Jay and Janki’s journey was just beginning. Shortly after returning home, they turned their attention to renovating their first house together. Amidst the dust and paint of home renovations, another monumental task awaited: planning their wedding.
The vision for the wedding
For Janki, who has spent years helping brides look their best, the idea of a traditional UK wedding didn’t align with her vision. Jay, with his penchant for the extraordinary, was all about breaking away from convention. Together, they envisioned a destination wedding that would reflect their personalities, celebrate their love for travel, and give their loved ones an unforgettable experience.
Portugal, with its sun-soaked coastlines, rich history, and vibrant culture, seemed like the perfect choice. After extensive research and visits, they found the venue that embodied their dream: a lush, tranquil estate adorned with manicured gardens, charming swans, and whimsical treehouses. It was a setting straight out of a fairytale—an oasis where the couple could blend Indian traditions with contemporary elegance.
Planning a wedding from afar is no easy feat. In addition to the demands of two high-powered careers and a home renovation, the task seemed Herculean. But Janki and Jay approached it with meticulous organisation. From creating a bespoke wedding website to streamlining guest communications, they left no stone unturned. Every detail, from the colour palettes to the curated menus, was chosen with intention, ensuring that their celebration would be as memorable as their love story.
The bridal trousseau from Mongas
Jay and Janki’s wedding wasn’t just a celebration of love and culture—it was also a breathtaking fashion journey. Each outfit was carefully curated to embody their personalities while honouring tradition and embracing modernity. For the pre-wedding morning ceremony, the couple chose a soft pastel palette. Janki wore a delicate baby pink lehenga, dressed up with contrasting jewellery from Veer House of Fashion, while Jay perfectly complemented her in an ivory kurta paired with a baby pink waistcoat.
Their Pithi ceremony outfits were a vibrant ode to sunshine. Janki dazzled in a bright yellow lehenga with a halter-neck blouse, accessorised with whimsical floral jewellery from a small Etsy business and kaleera-style bangles that added a traditional yet playful touch. Jay kept his look simple yet elegant, allowing the vibrant Haldi ceremony to shine. For the pre-wedding party, bold and rich tones set the mood. Janki stunned in a deep-toned lehenga chosen by Jay from Mongas, paired with exquisite jewellery from Veer House of Fashion. Jay’s Baabul ensemble echoed the same vibrant energy, creating a cohesive look that highlighted their unity.
Their wedding day attire truly stole the show, breaking away from traditional reds to explore softer, more unique hues. Janki wore a jaw-dropping ivory lehenga from Mongas, intricately embroidered with shades of green and pink. “When I walked into Mongas, I just knew I didnt want red, and something towards lighter colours. I showed them an idea of what I wanted and I found it pretty instantly as it was the first outfit I tried on! from there on, we proceeded to take measurements & place the order.”
Her look was elevated by sentimental touches, including her mother’s bangles and a handcrafted nose ring specially shipped from Mumbai. Jay matched her elegance in an ivory sherwani from Omega, adorned with pistachio-green and soft pink threadwork. His custom-made Rajasthani-style pagri, flown in from India, added a royal finishing touch to his outfit.
For the grand reception, the couple’s attire exuded modern glamour. Janki sparkled in a silver-embroidered lehenga with a soft gold base from Mongas, going all out for this final look. Together, their outfits not only reflected their love story but also harmonised perfectly with the aesthetic of their stunning venue, leaving their guests in awe.
The big day unfolds
As guests arrived in Portugal, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. The celebrations began with a series of pre-wedding rituals steeped in Indian customs, each filled with vibrant colours, soulful music, and heartfelt blessings. The wedding day itself was a masterpiece. Under a canopy of azure skies and surrounded by loved ones, Jay and Janki exchanged vows in a ceremony that was as emotional as it was beautiful. “Sitting in the mandap with my in-laws, I felt a strange sense of both calm and strong emotion. The air in the room was different that day. The classical Indian musicians set the tone of the ceremony; it was lively yet filled with emotion”, mentions Jay. The décor, a stunning blend of natural elegance and cultural motifs, reflected their personalities perfectly.
Janki adds “there were so many memorable moments. The venue itself was a ‘wow’ factor, and Jay’s grand entrance on a horse with dhol players brought a true Maharaja vibe to the celebration. Both Jay and I share a deep love for Indian classical music, especially the bansuri, which has a special place in my heart because of my father. He used to take me to classical concerts when I played the sitar, and I wanted to dedicate something meaningful to him. Instead of traditional wedding music, we had live bansuri and tabla performances during the ceremony.
For our entrance songs, we chose pieces from Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s films, as I adore his movies. My own entrance song, ‘Ek Dil Hai Ek Jaan Hai’, couldn’t have been more perfect. Knowing I wouldn’t get to fully express my feelings in the moment, I prerecorded messages for my mum, dad, and Jay. Walking down the aisle was a moment I’d dreamed of my whole life—taking it all in, seeing the emotional faces, my parents waiting in the mandap, my brother by my side, and finally seeing Jay for the first time as the antarpat came down. It was everything I had hoped for and more.”
The festivities culminated in a black-tie reception, where the couple dazzled in glamorous attire, and their guests celebrated late into the night under a blanket of stars. Emotional speeches, a decadent feast, and a lively dance floor made the evening unforgettable.
What set Jay and Janki’s wedding apart wasn’t just the breathtaking location or the meticulous planning—it was the palpable love and joy that radiated from every moment. It was in the teary-eyed smiles of their parents, the laughter of their friends, and the way Jay and Janki looked at each other as if no one else existed in the room. As the sun set on their wedding day, the couple began the next chapter of their journey—one filled with promise, adventure, and the kind of love that inspires.
And so, Jay and Janki’s wedding in Portugal wasn’t just an event—it was a beautifully crafted story, brimming with moments that will echo through time. For their guests, it was an experience that blended the elegance of a destination wedding with the heartwarming intimacy of being part of something truly special. It wasn’t just about witnessing the vows; it was about feeling the love that radiated in every glance, every laugh, and every tear of joy. Jay and Janki’s wedding wasn’t just a single chapter; it was the prologue to a lifetime of stories waiting to unfold.
The Bride’s Checklist:
Bride: Janki Patel
Groom: Jay Patel
Bride’s outfit: Veer House of Fashion, Mongas
Groom’s outfit: Omega
The Venues: Danson House & Claridges, Vila Gale and Quinta Lago dos Cisnes
Photography & Videography: Lindsay Ria Photography and Moises Soares
Hair & Makeup: Janki Patel and Styles by Sukhi
Cake: Funfettilondon and Quinta lago dos cisnes
Entertainment/DJ: Hapsofficial
Invitation: Janki Patel
