A Royal Affair by Seema Gujral

from The Annual Issue 2024

KRISHNA + PRASHAY | TEXAS

Inspired by the opulence and grandeur of royal heritage, this collection encapsulates the essence of timeless elegance and modern sophistication. In ‘A Royal Affair’, Seema Gujral transports us to a world where fairy tales come to life, where castles stand tall against the horizon, and where unconventional bonds forge timeless stories. This collection weaves a narrative of romance and regality, drawing inspiration from the enchanting allure of bygone eras and the modern fairytales we create today.

Our four-generation family business believes in quality, consistency, and excellence. The same characteristics are carried over into our premier catering brand and each event is treated with personal attention and detail. We curate custom menus and a personalized experience because every bride and every event is uniquely special. Our team of executive chefs excels in preparing all types of cuisine.

Rumit and Anjali fell in love with the Quinta Real Hotel in Oaxaca, drawn by its historical significance and stunning architecture. They used the Jardín de Naranjas for Anjali’s haldi ceremony and La Capilla for their wedding ceremony. The reception took place at the expansive Cardenal Social Venue, a space that allowed them to bring their creative vision to life.

The proposal happened in the spring of 2022, during a trip to Florida as they were apartment hunting. Rumit, waiting for a photographer, tried to stall their walk on the beach by saying it was too hot outside. When Anjali finally insisted they go for a walk, Rumit began speaking about their relationship and then surprised her by getting down on one knee with a ring.

From the outset, they knew they wanted a destination wedding, but deciding on the location took time. They considered many places, from Bali to Portugal, but eventually chose Mexico to accommodate their grandparents. Wanting a unique location, they settled on Oaxaca after watching an episode of “Somebody Feed Phil,” where they were inspired by the local culture and the similarities to their Indian heritage. With Rumit busy in medical school, Anjali’s mother and their planner, Friederike, took the lead in planning, which, despite some stress, was an enjoyable process for Anjali as she focused on the details that made the weekend special.

The wedding day was filled with emotions, beginning with a private first look where Anjali and Rumit shared a quiet moment together. The Baraat was lively, with Rumit’s family dancing their way to the venue, and Anjali’s bridesmaids attempting to steal his shoe in a playful tradition. Walking down the aisle, Anjali felt nothing but excitement. The ceremony, beautifully conducted by a Hindu Pandit, was both meaningful and accessible, with explanations provided in English for all guests. The day continued with a spirited Meet & Greet party, where the DJ had everyone dancing, and Rumit even surprised Anjali by joining in a family dance performance.

RUMIT + ANJALI | MEXICO

For the wedding ceremony, Anjali envisioned a soft, romantic atmosphere, with light pink and white florals complementing the natural beauty of the venue. Later, for the reception, they wanted a more dramatic vibe. The celebration kicked off with a traditional Oaxacan Calenda, where everyone danced through the streets to the venue. Upon arrival, guests were greeted with mezcal popsicles, hors d’oeuvres, and signature cocktails. The reception decor featured a wavy tent, elegant table settings, and a neon sign that read “Just Looking Like a Wow!” which added a fun, modern touch. The dinner was a four-course feast of modern Oaxacan cuisine, followed by late-night food stalls serving churros, tacos, and freshly made potato chips. One of the couple’s favorite moments was their grand entrance to King’s “Maan Meri Jaan (Afterlife),” where they were met with cheers from their excited guests.

Anjali and Rumit’s wedding wardrobe was a blend of tradition and style, with Anjali wearing a fuchsia silk Kanjeevaram saree for the ceremony and Rumit in a sleek ivory sherwani. For the Meet & Greet, Anjali chose a customized lehenga, and for the reception, she wore a lavender floral lehenga followed by a two-tone maroon butterfly style lehenga, while Rumit looked sharp in a Ted Baker suit.

One of the highlights of their wedding week was a mezcal field tour they organized for friends, which helped kick off the festivities and allowed guests to bond. They also arranged guided tours of Oaxaca for their guests, ensuring everyone had the opportunity to explore the city and its rich culture. Anjali’s advice for future brides is to trust their instincts, especially when planning from afar, and to visit the destination beforehand to fully immerse themselves in the experience before the wedding weekend.

Rumit and Anjali’s wedding was a celebration of love, culture, and the union of two families, creating memories that they and their guests will cherish for a lifetime.