Inside fashion photographer Rahul Jhangiani and entrepreneur Shimul Patel’s wedding

In the enchanted city of Paris, where romance writes its own melody, Rahul Jhangiani and Shimul Patel began a love story that unfolded like a breezy Bollywood love story—two strangers meet, fall in love, and find their happily ever after.

Their love story kicked off seven years ago with a chance meeting at a Paris party, where the city's magic and their mutual friend played cupid. Amidst the shimmering lights of the party and the backdrop of the most romantic city in the world, the couple laid their eyes on each other for the first time, and something in them knew that this story was going to go a long way. 

Even though Rahul did go “slightly overboard with the shots”, this meeting carved the way to their beautiful love story, it eventually spun its way through the dazzling cityscapes of Dubai, to the lush landscape of Masai Mara, only to reach a always and forever amidst the beautiful beaches in Goa. 

Well, Paris was just the beginning. The duo ran into each other again in Dubai where Rahul playfully carried Shimul’s bag around while he finally stood mesmerized by her dance moves and realised that she was ‘the one’ for him. 

The year 2021 in Dubai was a landmark year in the lives of the couple as their connection deepened, transcending friendship into a romance written in the stars. A few months later, in Masai Mara, Rahul surprised Shimul with a heartfelt proposal during a hot air balloon ride and love was clearly in the air as she finally said yes!

The invitations were sent and the stage was finally set in Goa. A grand three-day celebration that included a mirror-themed Sangeet sundowner, elegant Mehendi lounges beneath treehouses, and a fairytale wedding against the breathtaking Goan sunset.  

The ceremonies for Rahul and Shimul’s wedding was designed as visual masterpieces that were meticulously curated to capture the spirit and friendship between the bride and the groom. 

The lively Sangeet ceremony kicked off the wedding festivities with a dazzling mirror-themed extravaganza. Floral hoops and towering treehouses transformed the garden into an enchanting stage. The magic of the mirror theme was not just limited to the decor but also the food carts, that were personalised with the couple's unique touch. Tacos and gelatos were specially branded with their initials, SR, which made the ceremony as vibrant as the personalities of the duo. 

As the celebration continued, white mehendi lounges beneath charming treehouses added a touch of elegance to the wedding festivities. 

On the final day, the mandap that stood amidst a sea of white floral arrangements was adorned with delicate baby's breath flower, while the trees at the backdrop made it all the more majestic. To add to the surreality of the scene, the venue, Casa Waters, was adorned with lush green glass houses and shimmering chandeliers. 

Speaking of couture, Shimul was elegance personified or as Rahul would put it—she looked absolutely “breathtaking” in outfits that were custom-crafted for her by renowned celebrity designers like Abhinav Mishra, Sabyasachi, Falguni Shane Peacock, and Shantanu and Nikhil.

Shimul truly stole the show with Falguni Shane Peacock's breathtaking custom-made lehenga, which whispered sheer royalty. For the celebratory cocktail party, Shimul transformed into a dazzling modern bride in a ravishing Shantanu and Nikhil gown that was specially customised for her. Throughout the festivities, Savleen's masterful makeup and Marce Pedrozo's hairstyle artistry ensured that the bride looked picture-perfect for all her wedding ceremonies. 

The groom, too, stole the spotlight with his sartorial choices. Rahul chose Faraz Manan's bespoke ensemble for the sangeet, while on the wedding day he epitomised regal elegance in Falguni Shane Peacock's exclusive sherwani. As the cocktail soirée swayed into the night, Rahul transformed into a suave gentleman in a custom-made black blazer set by Shantanu and Nikhil. Each outfit of the groom mirrored the grandeur of the occasion, adding another layer of refinement to this magical affair.

The wedding festivities of Rahul and Shimul not only created a statement, but also lots and lots of memories for the couple as they exchanged vows, and promised each other a lifetime of support and happiness. For the bride “Each moment felt like a burst of color—filled with laughter, dancing, and heartfelt connections—bringing our dreams to life. The shared happiness, echoed laughter, and enveloping love formed unforgettable memories.” Adding to this she said,“The entire day felt like a dream unfolding, where love, beauty, and happiness blended, leaving us with memories that will forever brighten our hearts." 
Giving us an even more vivid personalized view of the ceremonies, the groom adding to Shimul’s words said, “Each happy moment and the overall joy showed the power of love and togetherness, memories we'll always look back on with a smile.” 

Rahul, while speaking on one of his most cherished memories from the ceremonies reminisced the interaction between him and his father-in-law. He vividly described the moment when Shimul’s father handed her to him and said, “Giving you our daughter, please take care of her. In that instant, a wave of responsibility and maturity washed over me, making me feel ready to conquer the world alongside her and readiness to navigate life’s adventures together." 

Rahul and Shimul, our fairytale couple did leave some words of wisdom for the to-be brides and grooms as they emphasised the importance of engaging right from the beginning to ensure that everything aligns with the vision that the couple has. They went on further to explain the importance of “hands-on” planning, which involved meticulously crafting every detail from conception to execution. They further said “It was a joint effort, from brainstorming creative ideas to bringing them to life. Every decision, whether about decor or selecting vendors, bore our personal touch. Even the minutest detail, like the design of the mandap, was a result of our joint vision and dedication. We were hands-on throughout, meticulously crafting every detail from conception to execution. Being involved every step of the way makes the celebration truly your own.”

Future brides and grooms, take notes from this beautiful couple on how to make your big day even more memorable and timeless. 

Photographer: House on the Clouds
HMU: Marce Pedrozo (hairstylist) and Riddhima Sharma (makeup)
Outfits:
Rahul: Shantanu and Nikhil, Faraz Manan, Falguni Shane Peacock
Shimul: Falguni Shane Peacock, Sabyasachi, Abhinav Mishra