Excerpts from Riya // Feature Publications: Vogue India & Junebug Weddings
“Ankur and I met in a very interesting way. It was fate really. We both live in different towns (he lived in La, I lived in San Diego), and we don't have the same schedules or circle of friends. Our parents did not set us up. So it was definitely a random event that occurred leading to our interest in each other. He had come across my profile on Instagram through one of his friends, and just decided to send me a message, which he usually would never do. I also randomly decided to respond, which I usually would never do. We spoke for a bit and he decided to come visit me in San Diego during a orthopedic surgery conference he was attending. We both were pretty comfortable with how our lives were going; we weren't looking for any type of commitment. But when we met, it was one of the best nights of my life. We just walked around the city, went for drink, and genuinely had the best time. Could not stop laughing. After this date, he left back to LA. I did not hear from him for 3-4 weeks, as his medical training took over his time. I was fine with it, because again, I just thought it was a fun evening and left it at that. Sooner or later, we went on a second date, in which he would come with me to work. I was a regional director at the time and he was off for a few days mid week. This was the time he saw me in my real element. No makeup, no dress, wearing workout clothes, and a baseball cap driving from hotel to hotel. My phone did not stop ringing the entire day. I thought he was annoyed and would never call me again! But instead, he told me that was the moment he realized he liked me. Ankur saw a side to me that was raw, and I think I liked him back for that. It was comfortable to know I can truly be me around him. The rest is history!!
Riya on the feelings of seeing the story come alive trough my lens.
The experience behind the lens : “Working with Mili was a breeze. She truly has an art of not only taking exquisite photos, but also keeping us calm and making sure we enjoy ourselves on our special day. She takes the time to get to know our comfort zones, as well as bring out a side of us that is a little outside of our comfort level at the same time. You may not understand some of the direction she gives you at the time, but when it shows on an image, it all makes sense. That’s art.” - (From JuneBug)
A majestic masterpiece. The perfect amount of picturesque storytelling to keep you interested. Smooth to the eyes, heavy on the heart. Only a true artist can make you see and feel emotion in a couple shots and/or minutes of a moment. To go back in time through a lens is truly a blessing we take for granted. We get to visualize the summary of events that we may have missed. It was a tear dropper to see the emotion Mili put back into the most special and important moments of my life. The art direction, thought process, and editing of her work is unmatched. Often imitated, but never duplicated. Experience in front of the lens: Being in front of Mili’s lens is a breeze. What I mean by that is that she makes you feel comfortable and let’s you be you, which is pretty rare in photography. Mili guides you if you need assistance, yet she will let you be if you don’t. She captures you authentically. It’s raw. It’s real. And it’s magical.
Credits:
Planner: Elegant Events : http://www.elegantevents.net
Decor: White Lilac : http://www.whitelilacinc.com
Make up: Brooke Hill : http://www.cherieshbrokehill.com
Hair: George Fragkiodakis
Venue: Trump Golf Course / Terrenea Resort
Entertainment https://www.karmagraphy.com
Outfits and Jewellery: Sabyasachi, Manish Malhotra (Reception), Nivedita Saboo, Masaba, Antar Agni,
Venue: Trump Golf Course / Terrenea Resort
Entertainment https://www.karmagraphy.com
My favorite part of the planning would most definitely have to be the decor. The mandap itself took months of planning. I did not want a four pillar mandap. We love everything about nature, and the natural beauty of the world. So my extremely talented floral team created a mandap built by 4 all natural trees. It was like getting married in a lush forest, and I will never forget how I felt when I first saw it. The team worked on my mandap for 6 days building the trees piece by piece as the leaves yellowed at the right time of the ceremony bringing out a pop of color. My reception had the same concept, all green eucalyptus trees, mixed with a touch of glam. There was a natural scent of nature and jasmine at my events, which truly brought a sense of calmness when you walk in. Overall, it was a blessing to work on creative ideas with one of the best florists around.
10 years down the line when you look back on your wedding day, what is the story you are going to be telling everyone? We will tell everyone that our wedding defined a unique twist to the social norms. We made sure having a great time was the priority, and that bringing people together for a celebration of love should be defined by just that. We will tell them that we made sure our special day was exactly the way we wanted it to be, and not by what we should be doing. Fun, Family, & Laughter!
“When the 'Dil-guldasta' first released, I knew right away that was my wedding dress. I came to Mumbai few months after the release and it was the first dress I put on. Instantly, I knew nothing else would be as good. I am one of those people that know what suits me and what does not, so the intricate detail of patch work on the lengha was more my style. It was love at first sight. Sabyasachi is the quintessential designer I have learned to admire and love growing up. He continues to keep our culture preserved, and defines the true meaning of Indian beauty. I love that his outfits make every Indian woman look like a queen, no matter the body type, skin tone, or waist size. This is what a true designer and artist represents. He continues to stay original to his brand, yet puts a unique edge to every collection.”
