Bekal, a small town in Kerala, is known for its spectacular beachesy, lovely backwaters, and forts. Its beauty and allure attracts travellers looking for a romantic escape. No wonder Vishnu and Sonia selected the Taj Bekal Resort & Spa, Kerala for their destination wedding.  

The bespoke location ensured the guests enjoyed their stay and the wedding. Vishnu, who is of mixed Malayali and Tamilian heritage, tied the knot with Sonia, who has both Indian and Swiss roots, in a beautiful ceremony at the Taj Bekal Resort, surrounded by a serene canopy of abundant greenery and scenic backwaters.

The destination wedding, attended by people from all over the world, started with the welcome dinner. Amid the refined luxury, the guests were treated to a glimpse of Kerala's rich culture, where local artists performed for the guests.   

The picturesque venue allowed the us to take many gorgeous shots of the couple. 

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A Colourful Mehndi

For the mehndi, the couple arrived wearing colour-coordinated outfits, accompanied by the sounds of the dhol. Smoke bombs created a surreal ambience, and they made a stunning entry amidst jovial singing and dancing. The marigold decorations served as a spectacular backdrop to the event.

Special performances by Kathakali artists added a traditional charm to the event. Vishnu and Sonia joined the merriment and grooved to the pulsating music.

As the couple stood mesmerized by the enchanting beauty of Bekal, our photographers took the opportunity to click some fantastic photos of the couple, with the candid shots near the waterfront being some of our favourites.

A Lively Cocktail Night

Everyone was in high spirits as the beauteous evening faded into the night. Popular Kerala multi-genre music band Thaikkudam Bridge entertained the guests at the cocktail party with their power-packed and moving performance.

As the fusion band belted out one song after another from their repertoire, they lifted the audience's mood, who danced the night away to the band's live gigs. The joy-filled night became even more memorable with the illumination, songs, and the couple's dance.

A Traditional Wedding

The Taj Bekal Resort has a very calm and beautiful aura to it. The serene backwaters and the ocean were the perfect setting for Vishnu and Sonia's wedding.

The beautiful bride arrived in a strikingly-decorated raft wading through the river. The awe-inspiring scenery, vibrant culture, and outstanding beauty created an idyllic setting for the wedding.  

Sonia was welcomed with a surprise flower shower and made an entry along with Mohiniyattam dancers. Pretty women clad in Kerala Kasavu saree received her with thalam and garland.

Sonia changed to a traditional silk saree for the muhurat. Her family and friends carrying the flower canopy guided her to the stunningly decorated mandap abutting the river. 

Sonia's dad welcomed the groom, Vishnu, with a garland. Vishnu looked dapper wearing the veshti in traditional style with a silk angavastram.

Sonia's dad cajoled Vishnu not to take up the Kashi yatra. Instead, he assured the groom of his daughter's hand in marriage. After the impressive oonjal ceremony, the couple went to the mandap for the thali.  

They performed all the wedding rituals, including the pheras, saptapati, sindoor, and garlanding. The guests had fun lifting the groom and bride in the air. There was much laughter and merriment.

Brimming with traditions naturally blended with contemporary elements, Vishnu and Sonia's nuptials against the lush beauty of Bekal were a joy to behold.

The colourful wedding ceremony offered plentiful opportunities for our photographers to capture various shots to be etched in memories. 

A Happening Sangeet

A musical night celebrated the union of the bride and groom and the bonding of both families. The highlight of the event included lots of speeches and dance performances.

After his speech, Vishnu raised a toast to his bride, followed by the guests who toasted the happy couple. What followed was a crazy after-party.  

Interestingly, it rained post the Sangeet, but that did not deter the spirit of the party. Everyone moved indoors and partied till dawn!