Our Big Day

Royal Affair

When you come from a regal background, having a princess perfect wedding is only to be expected, as celebrated by Satish & Anjhula Selvanathan

By fashion_admin | Posted Wed 07 December 2011

Married Name: Anjhula Mya Selvanathan
Bride Name: Anjhula Singh Bais
Groom Name: Satish Selvanathan
Date: 23rd October 2010
Venue: Devigarh Palace, Rajasthan India
Photography: Akash Das, Rahul Dutta, Cimmaron Singh

THE PROPOSAL
Longingly or unexpectedly, every women awaits the day her knight in shining armour drops down to his knees to ask for her hand in marriage. The planning of the Big Day itself to perfection may be the passion of the bride-to-be, but that comes later – the big decision to actually agree to marry is one set up by the man, and for them, setting the scene is of utmost importance.  
Not that Satish had any problems in that department; he made sure he picked the perfect place that would make any girl go weak at the knees. On the beach, facing out into the ocean, Satish made his proposal in the lavish resort of Punta Del Este, South America, known as the St Tropez of Uruguay. Remarked for its pristine beaches, picturesque views and exclusivity, Satish made sure his bride to be, Anjhula, was in a place that looked as close to paradise as possible.
Anjhula revealed: ‘It couldn’t have been more perfect. He knew me very well, it was perfect for us. It was an intimate, beautiful moment in a secluded part of the beach where he proposed. 

THE PLAN
In keeping in with Anjhula’s royal background, the wedding was to be set in India’s largest state and regularly voted one of the world’s most romantic destinations, Rajasthan.
Like a true maharaja and maharani, the couple decided to wed in a setting truly fit for royalty – a breathtaking palace owned by the Maharja of Devigarh, a close family friend of the bride.
Taking the pressure off the often long and arduous process of planning, Anjhula admits: ‘Our Rajput history dates at least 700 years, so it’s understood what is done when it comes to hosting a wedding celebration. Our history is so rich and the palace so extraordinarily beautiful that I didn’t have to worry about those types of things.’
Although unlike many grand royal affairs, Anjhula and Satish decided to keep it a small and intimate affair inviting just 210 of their nearest and dearest.

SANGEET, MEHNDI & RECEPTION
Having come from a royal background, Anjhula believed it was only suited that the build up to the big day and the wedding itself was themed around a regal feel – yellow and pink for the mehndi, and Mughal opulence for the sangeet.
The guests were blown away from the outset. Anjhula explained: ‘It’s fair to say no thought was spared. It was such a thrill to see beautiful baby elephants greeting each guest as they entered.’
The entertainment was legendary, but with the laughter also came a hearty side serving of happy tears. Anjhula recalled: ‘We played an amazing slide show documenting each phase of our lives until the point of the wedding, many people ended up in tears!’
But there was enough pampering on offer to ensure no one was left not feeling utter contentment. Anjhula revealed: ‘Mini stalls full of trinkets, bangles and bindis were set up during the mehndi, as well as Ayurvedic Massages on offer at the Royal Tents, plus 24hour hookah lounges. Guests were ferried in the royal armoury vehicles from one ceremony to another eventually ending up in the Cinnamon Grand in Colombo Sri Lanka for the reception.’