An outdoor floral summer wedding
Areshma and Raghav first met over a decade ago. They had been dating for nine years and through the ups and downs of the pandemic they finally tied the knot at one of Auckland’s most stunning vineyards.
Keep scrolling for all the details of Areshma and Raghav’s outdoor floral wedding, photographed by Lion Beats Studio.
The groom and his family brought the energy to the ceremony by playing the dhol and dancing along. Just look at how happy the father of the groom is!
The couple’s Indian wedding took place in the open air, among tall, luscious palm trees. Light pink flower petals were sprinkled down the aisle leading to the Mandap, a four-pillar structure altar structure used in Hindu weddings.
The mandap was decorated with fresh pink roses, white hydrangeas and greenery paired with blush chiffon draping and white and gold hand-painted Indian furniture.
In addition, the duo fulfilled the ritual of lighting a Havan, or fire, to invoke blessings. To signify walking through life together, the couple formed rings around the sacred fire known as Mangal Phere. They also incorporated Saptapadi, which is a seven-step ceremony to bring the bride and groom together.
Their wedding ceremony was led by Pundit Sunil Sharda with perfection and grace.
An Indian bride’s wardrobe is most often a salute to tradition, an opportunity to revisit her heritage and to celebrate them on her big day.
For the wedding ceremony, Areshma wore a watermelon red lehenga with gold embroidery which she purchased from India.
She also wore a nose ring and kaleera, which are jewels that hang from the bride’s bangles and represent good wishes from her loved ones. During her ceremony, she wore her hair in a low bun with a centre part to support the bridal veil.
It is safe to say that Areshma’s vision was to have a traditional Indian bridal look – one that would last a lifetime.
Raghav donned a custom ivory silk sherwani and pagri with gold floral embroidery mirroring that of Areshma’s lehenga. Over top, he wore a five-tiered mala necklace that complemented the green beadwork of the bride’s jewelry set.
Areshma and Raghav took a minute to themselves after the ceremony. Their photographers took some portraits in the vineyard to capture the sunset before the couple met their guests for the reception.
The ceiling of the venue featured greenery, festoon lighting and white draped fabric to complement the venue’s chandeliers. Square rustic tables were topped with luxe white linens, gold candleholders, taper candles, and blush baby’s breath centrepieces.
For Areshma and Raghav’s family pictures, a beautiful backdrop with watermelon red chiffon draping, sequin linens paired with fresh floral arrangements in crystal vases, and a cream and teak loveseat was set up.
The Beat Masters kept guests on the dance floor throughout the night and the master of ceremonies from Mr. MC made sure everyone was having a good time.
As Areshma recalls it, she said her wedding day was one of the best days of her life. Even when trying to navigate their way through the pandemic they celebrated their big day with love and gratitude.
Creative Partners:
Floral Mandap & Styling: Bloom Weddings
Venue: Markovina Vineyard Estate
Photography: Lion Beats Studio
DJ & Dhol: The Beat Master
Emcee: Mr MC
Bloom Weddings offers a consultative approach to wedding design with comprehensive offerings from florals to mandaps/chuppahs to floral arches for the modern style bride. Based in Auckland, New Zealand and available by appointment only.