Inside Kanchi Shah and Kartik Jaishankar’s Cross-Cultural Wedding in Jaisalmer

Not all love stories begin in coffee shops or a mutual friend’s house; some love stories begin on the dance floor, during rehearsals, absolutely in sync. Kanchi Shah and Kartik Jaishankar’s love story was one such. Their story began in rhythm when they met each other at a dance rehearsal. What followed was a relationship shaped by movement and shared experiences, from attending a dance and art camp in Goa to a thoughtfully planned proposal overlooking the sea on May 14.  Less than a year later, the couple set out to create a wedding that felt instinctive to who they are, while bringing their two cultures together in a way that felt natural and immersive. 

“We met at his best friend’s wedding dance practice,” Kanchi shared. “I was there to teach, and he was there to learn.” 

And their first date was every bit the most perfect date one could imagine. “We went to Eau Bar, and from the moment we met, it felt as though we had known each other forever.”

Many small moments led to the realisation that the two were each other’s person. “But it truly became clear during our first trip to Goa.”

Kanchi shared that their relationship was shaped by movement and shared experiences, including attending a dance, music, and art camp in Goa together. “Another special memory is sneakily meeting during the wedding rehearsals where we first met - we wanted to keep things discreet in the beginning.”

Talking about how their proposal happened, Kanchi and Kartik shared, “We both knew marriage was on the cards for us, but we weren’t sure when or how.”

Kanchi revealed, “Kartik planned an entire proposal in Goa at the private villa where we were staying. His parents kept me occupied while he arranged everything - the decor, the food, the vibe, the music. I wasn’t prepared for it at all; I didn’t even have an outfit. That candid, truly surprising nature is what made it so memorable and spectacular.” 

Their relationship dynamic is all about how well they understand each other. “We are best friends - we fight and love deeply. We communicate openly and enjoy spending quality time together, whether it’s working out, going on walks, travelling, or exploring food. We truly value the simpler experiences in life.” 

Kanchi shared that Kartik sang for her during their Goa camp, in front of about 30 strangers, accompanied by live music under the stars, and that was the most romantic thing he had done for her. “It was incredibly beautiful.” 

“We wanted to create a wedding that felt instinctive to who we are, while seamlessly bringing our two cultures together,” the couple shared when asked about the kind of wedding they had envisioned. “It was important for it to feel wholesome and intimate, surrounded by our closest people, while honouring both cultures in a natural and immersive way.”

Talking about what influenced their wedding style and aesthetic, the couple revealed, “We both love nature and the outdoors, but we also enjoy fun nights out. So our wedding wasn’t limited to one particular style - it was shaped by many things we love.”

Kanchi added, “Additionally, we wanted to bring together my Marwari Jain roots and Kartik’s South Indian traditions, not as separate moments but as a continuous exchange throughout the celebration.”

A venue is one of the most important elements of wedding planning, and Kanchi and Kartik chose Taj Gorbandh Palace in Jaisalmer because it felt like a space that could hold both their worlds with warmth and ease. “We were drawn to its natural beauty - sandstone arches, winding alleys, lush greens, and intimate courtyards - which made the celebration feel both expansive and deeply personal. The outdoor spaces and traditional Jaisalmeri architecture made it an incredibly stunning setting. We even spotted a tree in one of the lawns and instantly knew that’s where our mandap would be. The venue truly resonated with us - and it turned out to be one of the older properties in Jaisalmer.”

Talking about their outfits, Kanchi shared that a lot of research and effort went into finding the perfect wedding outfits. “We visited numerous wedding exhibitions and stores, but everything finally came together at Pernia’s Pop-Up, where we could curate almost everything under one roof - about 80% of our and our family’s outfits came from there. For the sangeet, I had a vision of something bold, glamorous, and fun - and the moment I stepped into the Tarun Tahiliani outfit, it just spoke to me. I instantly knew it was the one.”

Was there a particular ceremony that became especially meaningful to them? “The wedding morning became the most defining expression of our cultural blend. It began with South Indian rituals and transitioned into Rajasthani Marwari ceremonies, allowing both traditions to unfold within the same space. It was a five-hour ceremony - exhausting, yet incredibly enriching. Seeing our closest people participate in all the rituals, the fun banter, and the overwhelming love made it so special that we didn’t even realise when it all came to an end.”

Kanchi reminisced about how they incorporated traditions from their cultures into their ceremonies. “We brought together my Marwari Jain roots and Kartik’s South Indian traditions throughout the celebration. We had two styles of wedding - a traditional Tamilian wedding and a Marwari Jain wedding.”

Every wedding has a few moments that are unplanned and come as a fun surprise. “We hosted our sangeet after the wedding, turning it into a high-energy, disco-led celebration to close the festivities.”

Kanchi then revealed, “I also planned a surprise dance performance, fully choreographed by me, to the track Ranjha for the Sufi night - something no one expected. Additionally, my family surprised me with a flash mob on Kudi Nu Nachne De, which truly touched me, especially since I’ve taught them dance and choreography over the years.”

Talking about the moments that only the couple knows about, Kanchi shared, “One of the groom’s function outfits wasn’t ready until a day before we were due to leave, and we had no backup. It was stressful, but thankfully, it arrived just in time.”

When asked if there was anything that the couple would’ve done differently, they denied. “It was perfect.”

Advising other couples who are planning their wedding, Kanchi and Kartik said, “You can’t have it all, no matter how much you plan. Enjoy the process and go with the flow. The imperfections and spontaneous moments often become the most beautiful parts of the wedding.”