Well what can I say, I am extremely excited to write about a beautiful wedding where final preparations were made just 3 weeks during lockdown!

Neha (owner of theweddingtouchuk) and Akhil were due to get married this year with 300 guests and all preparations were in hand. Due to the pandemic and for the likes of many other couples, the wedding ceremony and reception couldn’t take place as planned.

Neha and Akhil were confident to go ahead with their wedding date, however with an intimate ceremony and dinner that adhered to government and healthcare guidelines. For the couple, they really didn’t want to put their life on hold, and carry on with their new beginnings together as husband and wife.

Planning
Neha couldn’t stress more to me about how much she preferred to plan and execute a small, intimate wedding;

“Because it was small and intimate, I was able to spend that extra more on finer details. Such as having our food served on gold plated thalis, having rimmed detailing on the glasswear. And we even had extra time for photos – these are going to be the memories that are going to last forever.”

Venue
Millenium Gloucester Hotel, Kensington London – The couple changed their location to a conservatory like room within the hotel. And effectively created the perfect atmosphere for a smaller ceremony.

“The venue were extremely flexible to work with, and the rest of our suppliers too. Even though there was a limitation of 15 people plus our suppliers, it really didn’t feel like a small group of people. Everyone got to know each other very well, and by the end of it, our family and friends were hanging out with all the suppliers!”

Decor
Without surpise, Neha had designed and created her own mandap and venue decoration. There was a theme of pale pink and white tones on the floral elements, to the smaller stationary and detailing. She had the theme and styling in mind beforehand which would work for both outdoor and indoor options. And also be transferable if need be.

The styling was executed to make use of the full room, with placing and using different areas throughout the day. For example, there was an area for welcoming guests, Sehra Bandi, wedding ceremony area and a separate area for dining too.

Social Distancing
For a Covid-19 wedding, there are many precautions which had to be considered. For example, no hugging, hand sanitiser stations and having seated canapés. The couple also ensured the chairs for guests were equally distanced, as well as no more than 4 people to a large table.

Virtual
The couple set up a virtual live stream for their wedding ceremony, where they used an external event platform. It was open to just close family, so that their friends and extended family can enjoy the bigger celebrations next year. The stream was then available to watch afterwards.

“It was so lovely to see all the heartwarming messages and love that was pouring in for the next couple of weeks. It truly felt like a lifetime celebration!”

In terms of bigger and final celebrations, Neha and Akhil are planning to renew their vows next year or when they are able to, with the rest of their family and friends. Congratulations to the beautiful couple!

Take a look at the gorgeous lock down wedding unfold, captured by Mohsin Ali.

Wedding planning, design and decor – The Wedding Touch UK
Photography – Mohsin Ali Photography
Videography – Muse Motion Pictures
Venue – Millennium Gloucester
Florist – Peppermint Poppy
Catering – Chakra Events
Hair & Makeup – Roshni Ladva
Priest – Sundar Madhav
Ceremony Music – Shri Hari Music
Jewellery – Rubina Kapoor
Bridal Outfit – Nikaza Asian Couture
Mehendi – Rouge Henna
Stationary – Polka Dot Creations Wedding
Cookies – Lotus Cakes
Kaleere – Red Dot Jewels