There are destination weddings, and then there are weddings that are curated like a fully immersive world built around the couple’s personality. For London-based couple Jayni Desai and Shahil Pattni, Verona became exactly that setting. Over three days in August 2025, London-based doctor, Jayni and Shahil Pattni, a South London finance professional, transformed the Italian city best known for Romeo and Juliet into the setting for a multi-layered, multi-sensorial celebration, where each event had its own identity, aesthetic, soundtrack and emotional rhythm. There were Aperol Spritz cocktails at golden hour, fountain fireworks under the stars, spontaneous cannonballs into the pool and Indian rituals against panoramic vineyard views. At the centre of it all was a couple determined to create “our wedding to feel like an unforgettable holiday experience for our guests.”
From Online Match To A Proposal Beneath The Dolomite Stars
Jayni and Shahil’s story began in the most contemporary way: online. After more than a month of talking, they finally met for their first date. Just as the relationship began gaining momentum, Jayni left for Guatemala on a trek before extending her travels elsewhere. But the distance only strengthened their connection. “Absence makes the heart grow fonder and sensing the potential, we were reunited after six weeks. It felt as though I had never left and we were captivated by each other all over again.” Travel would continue to define their relationship. Shahil became known for his “practice proposals”, often getting down on one knee to jokingly ask, “What shall we eat?” Then the real proposal came during a trip to the Dolomites, where Shahil proposed beneath the stars on the balcony of their hotel.
Planning A Big Fat Indian Wedding
A month after their engagement in October, the couple flew to Verona to begin venue scouting. Villa Rizzardi immediately stood apart. “The very first venue we visited completely captured our hearts,” says Jayni. “We could immediately picture the entire wedding unfolding there,” she says. “My grand entrance descending the amphitheatre steps, surrounded by our family and friends, in a setting where India and Italy would come together so beautifully and effortlessly.” After securing the venue, the couple planned the entire wedding in just seven months. Working alongside planner Sonia Rovetti of Foorevents, they crafted a celebration that “retained all the colour, energy, and traditions that make Indian weddings so special, whilst allowing the breathtaking Italian scenery and architecture to shine through naturally.” The couple also wanted every event to feel visually distinct. Rather than relying on one overarching theme, each celebration unfolded with its own mood, colour palette, and styling language.
Capturing The Feeling, Not Just Photographs
Photography played a central role in preserving that atmosphere. Zeeshan Ali Photography documented the wedding with a style that leaned heavily into natural emotion, movement and architectural storytelling. “From the very beginning, he was professional, approachable, and incredibly easy to work with. During the festivities, he blended in naturally with our family that it never felt intrusive or overly staged. He managed to capture many genuine, emotional, and candid moments that we will treasure forever, whilst also guiding us effortlessly during the posed shots so everything felt relaxed and natural. What really stood out was his attention to detail and ability to capture the atmosphere and emotion of each event so beautifully. Looking through the photos genuinely feels like reliving the celebrations all over again.”
A Bollywood Welcome Party
The celebrations officially began on August 6, 2025 with a sunset welcome dinner and mehndi party titled ‘Namaste Italy’ at Byblos Art Hotel Villa Amistà. The décor embraced bold colour, eclectic florals and vibrant Indian styling. “From energetic choreographed dances to talented mehndi artists and some of the most incredible Indian street food catered by Haveli Florence, every detail reflected the joy and excitement of the days ahead,” says the bride. For the evening, the couple opted for contemporary Indo-Western looks that coordinated without feeling overly matched.
A Pastel Hindu Ceremony
The following morning, guests gathered at Villa Rizzardi’s marble amphitheatre for the Hindu wedding ceremony. “The theme for the ceremony was soft pastels accented with delicate pops of colour, allowing the surrounding greenery and vineyards of Villa Rizzardi to make everything feel even more vibrant and romantic. The panoramic vineyard views created the most incredible backdrop for our special moment.” Jayni wore a cream lehenga with pastel pink, orange, and green detailing paired with a pistachio dupatta, while Shahil complemented her in a coordinated sherwani. Her jewellery from Pravin A Pattni Jewellers added traditional grandeur.
“Our priest, Milan Mehta, kept guests captivated throughout the ceremony with the perfect balance of tradition, warmth, and humour,” says the couple. Bollywood classics performed live by Shyam Music filled the amphitheatre, creating a nostalgic atmosphere layered with emotion.
One of the wedding’s most emotional moments came during Jayni’s entrance. “One of our favourite moments from the entire wedding was seeing Shahil’s reaction as I walked into the Hindu ceremony. In that moment, everything felt so real.”
Romeo And Juliet Meets Poolside Pizza Party
That evening, the mood shifted for a sunset pool and pizza party inspired by Verona’s most famous fictional lovers. “We created our own playful version of the Montagues versus the Capulets, the Desai’s vs Pattni’s, with poolside games bringing out everyone’s competitive side. We also created a vintage-inspired photo area with a classic Vespa scooter, adding to the Italian charm of the evening.”
Décor moved into deeper tones of red and gold with candlelit styling surrounding the pool. DJ Irf transformed the evening into a high-energy dance party. The styling became more experimental too. Jayni wore a grey-blue jumpsuit with braided hair with bright ribbons and glitter accents for a festival-inspired energy. As the night progressed, guests jumped into the pool fully clothed. “It was the point where every guest truly let go,” says Jayni. “Carefree, happy, and full of joy.”
A White Wedding Beneath Cypress Trees
The final day began with a Western white wedding ceremony at Villa Rizzardi’s Belvedere. Guests sipped Hugo and Aperol Spritz cocktails as live singers performed beneath the Italian sun. The ceremony itself was personal, officiated by Shahil’s brother and featuring self-written vows. Jayni wore a classic white bridal gown for the vow exchange.
She later changed into a fully embellished reception dress for the evening celebrations. Shahil remained timeless in a tailored cream tuxedo. Dinner took place beneath an illuminated tree-lined avenue where tables dressed in white, green and gold created an elegant contrast against the natural landscape.
Their entrance arrived with dramatic fountain fireworks erupting behind them. It was a fitting finale for a wedding that balanced spectacle with sincerity.
The Bride’s Checklist
The Bride: Jayni Desai
The Groom: Shahil Pattni
Photographer: Zeeshan Ali Photography
Wedding Venues: Villa Rizzardi and Byblos Art Hotel
Wedding Planner: Foorevent Wedding
Wedding Décor and Florist: Alessandro Piacenza
Bride’s Outfits: Rasaya World
Groom’s Outfits: Kora by Nilesh Mitesh
Bride’s Jewellery: Pravin A Pattni Jewellers
Catering: Haveli Florence (Indian), Food & Sweet Catering (Italian)
Videographer: Wed In Motion
Mehndi Artist: Alice Henna Tales
Makeup & Hair: Tasneem Kanji
Entertainment: DJ Irf, Dhol Player Italy and Shyam Music
Content Creator: The Storia
Priest: Milan Mehta
Invitations & Stationery: Bride Jayni Desai
