They both have a penchant for creativity - Khushi Kothari, an NID graduate and founder of custom art studio Studio Jinujinu, and Devansh Pokarna, director of a bespoke men’s apparel brand in Hyderabad. And that love for design and art was the underlying theme that flowed through their stunning wedding this year.
After a fairytale proposal, in Positano, Italy, Bahrain became the canvas for their big day, that unfolded across six distinct experiences, from a Bridgerton-inspired carnival to an intimate vows’ ceremony with oceanfront pheras, and an Arabian Nights-inspired finale, each function making for a stunning contrast to the other.
While a sandstorm added an unscripted Sangeet venue switch-up, the couple’s romance, family and joy took rode over everything else as they take Manifest into their celebrations.
Take us into the start of your love story when you met at a mutual friend’s party. What were the first impressions?
Khushi Kothari (KK): We did meet at a mutual friend's party, but it was barely a conversation. The real story is our first date. Honestly, in my first impression he came across as the chattiest, open, extroverted person, completely like me, and yet so different in so many ways. We were hanging out outside from 5 pm till midnight, until my mom called and I had to leave. We walked through the lanes of Kala Ghoda, and I was talking so much that whenever I crossed the road, he'd sort of pull me back, protectively, convinced I was about to walk into a car. That was very cute. I also thought his shirt was tacky and I left thinking: this guy is going to be my best friend. I wasn't sure I'd date him.
Devansh Pokarna (DP): When I met her, I felt very safe and comfortable, almost instantly. I ended up telling her everything about my life in those few hours, and in her own way, she did too. What I remember most is sitting on Marine Drive, and her getting shy when our hands touched.
Your wedding unfolded across six celebrations: Mehendi, Vows, Carnival, Sangeet, Island Wedding and Arabian Night. Tell us more?
DP: All my life, everyone's called me a travel agent or an event planner, so this was my time to shine! I found the venues first and built each night around them, wherever we felt there was a vibe. We hosted one function in the lobby of the Jumeirah, then we picked spots like the infinity pool deck, and then the Arabic restaurant. We chose a lot of unique venues, and it all came together beautifully, apart from the Sangeet having to move at the last second because of the weather.
KK: I really wanted a vow ceremony, because I wanted that everybody-crying moment, where everyone is talking about feelings and love. It was so emotional, intimate and amazing. The Carnival was my favourite, because I'm the most colourful person on earth. I love flowers, lots going on, everything maximalist, cute, pretty and pastel, and I enjoyed that one the most. And obviously the wedding had to be on the island. It was the most magical thing on the planet.
It’s no small feat managing a multi-fold, six event wedding. Take us into the challenges of doing this, especially with guests travelling from different cities.
DP: The wedding was planned in just two and a half months. In November, Abhinay from Jumeirah called us. We flew down and finalised everything The logistics were pretty crazy, though. We had guests coming in from 30-plus cities and 7-plus countries, and I was so happy that almost everyone made it, from my college friends flying in from across the US to our family friends from all over India and Nepal.
KK: I'd like to add that my groom is such a planner. He takes everything on his own shoulders, and apart from the cutesy decor and the fun stuff, he wouldn't let any of the wedding stress reach me. I was the most stress-free bride because he handled everything. Even by the end of it, I didn't know half the things he'd quietly sorted out; he's amazing!
What was your Mehendi like?
KK: The Mehendi was just family and a few friends, so it felt really intimate, and everyone was breaking the ice for the first time. The sun was setting over the infinity pool, which was such an intimate space to gather everyone. Everyone ganged up on Devansh, while I just sat there in the most colourful outfit getting my mehendi done, with all my best friends right beside me. They did a cute dance, my mother-in-law was pampered by her family, and we did a little garba, because I'm a Gujju and that has to happen everywhere!
Do take us into your Vows Ceremony.
DP: To be honest, I'm not a very emotional person, but I was surprised by so many of the speeches: my friends, my family, my dad's best friend, my Nanasa. And Shashwat! I never thought he could speak in front of three people, and he spoke in front of 200.
KK: And I am the most emotional person on the planet. I cry about everything, but that day I was bawling my eyes out, because my father, my brother, my parents, my best friends, everyone was speaking for us. When we think about our wedding, those words are what stay with us. You feel completely surrounded by love and so grateful for everything. These are the people you grew up with, the people who shaped you, and now they're there on the best day of your life, saying such beautiful things about you. The whole ceremony was just wow.
What were the aesthetics of the Bridgerton-inspired European carnival, like?
KK: This one's for me, not Devansh, because he's really boring! I love everything beautiful, and the decor team did the most amazing job. There were such unique elements: a hot air balloon, a huge photo-booth frame covered in big, beautiful flowers, and even a ball-pit haldi, which was so cute. And we entered on a boat! It was one of the first events after everyone had arrived, so the energy was really high. The host did an insane job. Everyone was dancing and playing games, and people completely let loose. We also created passports, so guests could collect stamps at all the fun activities we'd planned for the day. It's one of my favourite events, because it came out so beautifully.
Khushi, tell us about the boat entry, what was it like to arrive by boat as your friends and family cheered from the shoreline?
KK: Let me tell you a secret: it was so windy that day, and Devansh and I were freezing in that boat. We were also really nervous, because it was our first entry and we had no idea how to go about it. But as soon as we came into the space, everyone was hooting, waving and calling out to us, and I could see us surrounded by all the people who love us. It was such an insane, dreamy moment. "Lover" by Taylor Swift was playing, and at one point the whole crowd started chanting "kiss!" and wouldn't stop until we did. It was so cute, the best thing ever. And then I got yelled at for kissing!
Ankit Bathla guided guests through the significance of the seven pheras. Was it important to you that your guests understood the meaning behind the rituals?
DP: Yes, and Ankit Bathla did a very Gen Z job, I guess! All our friends really enjoyed it and actually understood the meaning, and at the same time, he didn't drag it out. It was short, sweet and simple.
Khushi: I could see 150 people standing right in front of me through that cold, and literally everyone was crying while he explained the pheras so beautifully. The whole moment was surreal
Was the Arabian Night after-party, a fitting end to the Bahrain wedding?
DP: Yes, the Arabian Night after-party at 2550, the bar at the Jumeirah, certainly was the perfect end. Best part was around 6.30 am, when the sun was rising, my friends and I finally relaxed now that the wedding was done, and we watched the sunrise together and just kept the party going.
KK: The best part for me was that all the events were over, so I could just wear track pants to the party! I remember walking in, and Munnu (Devansh) just picked me up and threw me up in the air about five times; it was crazy and it was the best after-party of my life. It went on till 9 am, after which we all went for breakfast.
Looking back, if you had to describe your wedding in 3 words, what would they be?
KK: Fairytale. Grateful. And the third is the best time of my life. If there were one word for that, it would be it. I felt like the main character, so loved, and I had so much fun at my own wedding.
DP: I can't do it in three words. I want to marry Khushi again, just because the wedding was so much fun. Kidding, kidding, I love her!
As the bride sums up, “Bahrain had everything we could want from a wedding venue - beach, a river and a canal, and a beautiful garden pool area. I literally got married on an island, which is insane!”