Laxmi and Zakhil Kovalam Destination Wedding

‘When a childhood crush blooms into love and culminates in a beautiful bond of marriage’

“To love or have loved, that is enough. Ask nothing further. There is no other pearl to be found in the dark folds of life.”  –Victor Hugo

The Story

Laxmi and Zakhil’s love story seems like from another era altogether. They met while studying in school and developed a crush on each other back then, however, kept their little secret to themselves only 🙂 This was 2004. Cut to 2018 when they reconnected again and this time they started spending a lot of time together and realised they had actually been missing each other in all the years gone by! That’s when they finally decided to go ahead and take things to the next level. In short, theirs is a sweet, old-school and a happy love story that spans many years and cities.

The Proposal

There was no elaborate proposal as such in Laxmi and Zakhil’s case. They both knew they enjoyed being around the other and wanted to spend the rest of their lives with each other. All they did was convey their desire to get hitched, to their loving families who in turn were more than happy to accept and support the couple.

The Wedding

Just like their long love story, Laxmi and Zakhil’s wedding festivities lasted for nearly an entire month! Starting from a pre-wedding photoshoot all the way in the snow-capped mountains of Kashmir and then heading to the city that played cupid- Mumbai, their pre-wedding photos beautifully capture the essence of their love amidst the background of breathtaking locales.

Theirs was a vibrant mix of traditional and contemporary ceremonies. The couple first got hitched in the presence of their families at a temple. Laxmi donned a gorgeous silk kanjeevaram saree from Jayalakshmi Silks while Zakhil complemented her in a white sherwani from Manyavar. This was followed by a peaceful and elegant (just how the newly weds wanted it) wedding ceremony at the Taj Green Cove. With the lake on one side and the sea on the other, the ambiance was magical!  

A while later an intimate dinner and pool party coupled with toast and speeches was planned at the Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel.

And finally, towards the end of the month Laxmi and Zakhil had a haldi ceremony at home. The bride opted for a lovely yellow long suit and was adorned in floral jewellery. Their Kerala style wedding soon followed the haldi. The bride was dressed in a beige lehenga by Riya Kodali while the groom looked dapper in a black three-piece suit by Javed’s Design Studio. The celebrations ended with their performance with the famous percussion band in Kerala – Ponnan’s Blue Magic.

It was indeed a memorable though unexpected experience for all. And the couple couldn’t be happier receiving all the blessings and support showered to them by their loved ones.

The Photographer

The couple roped in three different photographers to capture their journey from their pre-wedding shoot to their last ceremony. Lumiere Wedding Company was their first choice for the destination events and they did not disappoint. The beauty of the locations and the joy of the moments were perfectly captured by their talented crew. 

Smoke Weddings was the choice of photographer for their Kashmir pre-wedding shoot. Collaborating with Vineesh Vasanthan of Smoke Weddings Laxmi recounts that he delivered more than what they had asked for. And the pictures are proof of this we say!

Anandhu’s Polaroid were chosen for their Kerala style wedding. Laxmi recounts the experience of getting them on board by adding that, “ This team gave us the biggest surprise on the wedding day. They approached us soon after the ceremony, took our contact details, and sent us some lovely pictures the same night. And we still remember blushing for 3 hours straight looking at them during the night after the wedding.”

The Dream Team 

Wedding Film Edited by Handcraft Pictures 

Events: Parinay Weddings 

Bride’s Outfits: Riya Kodali,  Jayalakshmi Silks

Bride’s Jewellery:  Bhima Jewellers 

Groom’sOutfits: Manyavar, Javed’s Design Studio 

Bridal Make-up: Anila Joseph, Bariks Salon & Makeup Studio  

Hair Stylist: Rehan Salmani

Percussion Band: Ponnan’s Blue Magic 

Punjabi Dhol: Mukesh Nath & Co

Wedding Invites: Lens & Cards