Karen and Aakash met in 2010 while attending New York University. They first spoke to each other in an NYU’s South Asian Students Organization meeting, where Aakash was “interviewing” Karen to be on the club’s board. Little did she know, Aakash only voted for Karen because she was cute.
While out with their friends in Chicago, they accidentally ran into each other on New Year’s Eve. Following that, they talked on the phone and texted for hours. In February 2011, Karen built up the courage to ask Aakash out on their first date to Caracas Arepas in the East Village.
After 4 years of long-distance love and a total of 8 years together, they finally got married in the presence of their family, friends, and loved ones in Bali. Karen planned everything on her own as she has background in marketing and fashion and is the co founder of lukhstudio.
The Mehendi and sangeet ceremony was a Rajasthani themed event with vibrant colors and zesty vibes. While the mehndi was an outdoor beachside ceremony under canopies, the sangeet was hosted indoors after sunset for the dance performances.
For the ceremony, Karen slipped into a jazzy Papa Don’t Preach top-skirt ensemble with a jacket. The electric blue outfit was replete with sequin and mirror embellishments which she paired up with statement earrings, a floral decked up bun and a bold lip.
Whereas Aakash donned a white kurta set with a blue thread embroidered Nehru jacket from Pawan & Pranav.
Hosted at the Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua the wedding was an intimate affair with the couple’s family and closest friends. While the planners Eventures helped bring the couple’s vision to life along with the decorators Butterfly Event Styling, her MUA & stylist Susmita Patel created all their wedding looks that they’ve always dreamt of.
Photography was done by Axioo Bali and cinematographer by Pacific Pictures.
Karen chose a Sabyasachi lehenga for her special day pairing up her ensemble with a royal collar necklace and rani haar set. With subtle makeup and natural bridal radiance, Karen unquestionably stole hearts.
Aakash, on the other hand, wore a custom made raw silk ivory sherwani done in subtle pastel-hued florals and teamed it up with a pastel-hued safa.
Karen’s bridesmaids wore matching pink saris with gold blouses which were custom made from Sushma Creations in Juhu, Mumbai.
For the reception, Aakash donned a classic Hugo Boss Full Canvas three-piece suit while Karen complimented him in an edgy white crop top and skirt ensemble from Archana Kochhar.
Tips for Future brides: “Don’t worry about what anyone else wants or thinks, except for you and your husband-to-be. Take a moment at each event with your husband-to-be and look at what’s happening. It’s important to take note of the fact that all the people around you are there because they love you and are celebrating your love.”
