The proposal came first. Then came the pilgrimage. Before they finalised colour palettes, guest lists or wedding itineraries, Makaira Purasram and Sailesh Reddy found themselves standing before one of India’s holiest shrines. This decision deepened their spiritual bond and went on to shape every wedding planning decision that followed. Sailesh proposed to Makaira at The Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur in 2025, a destination that celebrated their shared love for India. Soon after, the Johannesburg-based couple travelled to Kedarnath, their first Jyotirlinga, an experience that transformed their engagement into something far more meaningful than a countdown to the wedding day. So when they eventually gathered their closest family and friends at Six Senses Fort Barwara in Rajasthan, the wedding was infused with faith, family and fabulousness.
Memories captured
One of the first things that stands out in their wedding album is how naturally the fort becomes a character within the story. Captured by Vaaibhav Singvi behind The Movie’ing Moments, every frame looks immersive rather than staged, allowing centuries-old architecture, sweeping courtyards and golden Rajasthan light to amplify the emotions. Whether it is Makaira’s bridal entrance framed against the imposing sandstone façade, intimate portraits on the fort terraces at sunset, or softly backlit moments during the pheras, the photography balanced grandeur with intimacy.
“The Movie’ing Moments made the entire process feel incredibly seamless. They captured every emotion with such care and paid attention to even the smallest details, ensuring nothing was overlooked. Sailesh and I especially loved our portrait sessions before each event. The team was professional, well-prepared, technically skilled, and brought our vision to life beautifully,” shares Makaira, adding adds that Vaaibhav’s leadership ensured every image reflected their personalities and showcased every corner of the historic property. “They are storytellers who know how to create magic behind the camera and turn moments into lasting memories.”
A timeless destination
Choosing the venue came naturally. After initially considering South Africa and India, the couple decided to celebrate in Rajasthan, bringing together loved ones from across the world at Six Senses Fort Barwara. Planning began in October 2025, with the help of Blisskraft Weddings, who transformed their vision into reality within four months.
“We are both very private people who value keeping our circle small, which made an intimate wedding with our closest family and friends feel especially meaningful,” says the bride. “More than anything, we wanted our guests to have fun, experience the warmth and grandeur of Indian hospitality, and truly celebrate alongside us.” The property’s restored fort architecture, layered history and luxurious suites created exactly the atmosphere they had imagined. “Choosing Six Senses was an easy decision, as the property perfectly reflected the vision and atmosphere we had always imagined for our wedding celebrations.”
A wedding rooted in heritage
For Makaira and Sailesh, aesthetics were only one part of the planning process. Every ceremony was designed to honour tradition just as much as contemporary celebration. “It was important to us that every ceremony was conducted according to our scriptures and traditions,” says Makaira. Their Guruji, Kirat Bhai, travelled to Rajasthan to officiate not only the wedding ceremony but every pre-wedding ritual, ensuring each celebration retained its spiritual significance. Their brief to Blisskraft Weddings was equally thoughtful. “We wanted a wedding that felt intimate, meaningful, and reflective of who we are. We wanted every event to tell a story about who we are, vibrant, meaningful, and deeply rooted in our Indian heritage.”
Mehendi & Welcome Lunch
The festivities began on April 27, 2026 with an intimate mehndi. “The private mehndi was incredibly special because we were surrounded by our closest family and friends,” Makaira recalls. “It was the moment when the reality of our wedding celebrations began to sink in, and there was an overwhelming mix of excitement and emotion in the air. There was constant laughter, dancing, happy tears, and so much love all around us.”
The following afternoon welcomed guests with a relaxed lunch. “The welcome lunch was equally memorable, as it was the first time we got to see many of our guests together in one place,” she says. Yet the moment that stayed with her most was her dad’s heartfelt welcome speech. “Seeing him tear up for the first time made it even more meaningful and is something I will always remember.” For the occasion, the bride wore Rishi & Vibhuti paired with Amama Jewels.
A glamorous sangeet
Makaira chose a Rishi & Vibhuti ensemble with Amama jewellery for lunch before changing into a glittering Seema Gujral creation for the evening sangeet, accessorised with Preeti Mohan jewellery alongside Cartier and Rolex pieces. Sailesh complemented the evening in Manyavar.
“The sangeet brought with it so many butterflies because of all the performances we had planned. Some routines went perfectly, some steps were forgotten, but none of that mattered because we laughed, cried, celebrated, and had the most amazing time with everyone we love.”
A playful haldi by the pool
The haldi celebrations shifted the mood. Set beside the pool, the décor embraced cheerful colour, abundant florals and playful styling that encouraged guests to fully immerse themselves in the festivities. “The Haldi was such a fun and vibrant morning, and I think the boys especially enjoyed every moment of it,” laughs Makaira.
Her wardrobe reflected that lighter mood. She selected a contemporary Anu Pellakuru ensemble instead of a traditional haldi outfit. The unconventional pairing became one of her favourite looks across the wedding. “It felt unique, effortless, and perfect for the beautiful poolside setting.” The décor by The Petite Project mirrored that playful energy, layering vibrant florals, petals and textured installations.
A wedding ceremony filled with faith
As the sun set over the venue, the celebrations transitioned into the baraat, varmala and wedding ceremony. Against the backdrop of the centuries old fort, Makaira wore a classic red Sabyasachi lehenga with intricate gold embroidery, styled with jewellery by Preeti Mohan and a Bvlgari mangalsutra. Sailesh chose an elegant ivory sherwani by Study by Janak, creating a timeless contrast against the bride’s rich crimson palette.
The décor embraced quiet luxury. A floral mandap draped in cascading white blooms and blush roses became the luminous centrepiece, surrounded by hundreds of candles that cast a soft glow across the historic courtyard. Low seating with oversized ivory daybeds and floor cushions replaced traditional banquet tables, encouraging loved ones to gather intimately around the ceremony. Warm amber lighting accentuated the fort’s centuries-old stone walls, while the restrained palette of ivory, blush and soft greens let the architecture speak for itself.
“The wedding itself feels like a blur in the most beautiful way. There was such a whirlwind of emotions that it’s almost impossible to put into words. It’s something you can only truly feel in the moment. The instant you begin walking down the aisle, everything changes, reality shifts, time slows down, and the moment becomes larger than anything you could have imagined.”
One of their most treasured memories arrived unexpectedly during the pheras. “One of the most unforgettable moments for us was during the pheras, when conch shells from the temple began blowing and the bells started ringing. It felt incredibly divine and symbolic, almost as though the universe was blessing our union at that very moment.” Before the festivities had even begun, the couple had visited Chauth Mata Temple together to seek blessings.
A sparkling finale
The celebrations concluded with one final surprise that illuminated the fort and the Rajasthan night sky. “The wow factor of our wedding was undoubtedly the celebratory fireworks over the fort,” says Makaira. “It was a breathtaking moment that felt almost cinematic. Watching the sky light up above the historic fort while surrounded by our loved ones made the celebration feel truly magical.”
The Bride’s Checklist
The Bride: Makaira Purasram
The Groom: Sailesh Reddy
The Venue: Six Senses Fort Barwara
Photography & Videography: The Movie’ing Moments
Wedding Planner: Blisskraft Weddings
Wedding Décor: The Petite Project
Bride’s Outfits: Rishi & Vibhuti, Seema Gujral, Anu Pellakuru, Sabyasachi
Groom’s Outfits: SBJ, Manyavar
Bride’s Jewellery: Amama Jewels, Preeti Mohan, Cartier, Rolex, Bvlgari
Mehndi Artist: Sudhir
Makeup & Hair: Ishita Batra and Sunil Kumar
Entertainment: DJ Tapan Shah, Vishaal Rasquinah
