A wedding in rhythm: Kanchi Shah and Kartik Jaishankar’s vibrant celebrations in Jaisalmer

When wedding choreographer Kanchi Shah met Kartik Jaishankar during a dance rehearsal, their story quite literally began in step with one another. What started as a shared love for movement soon grew into a partnership shaped by creativity, travel, and moments that unfolded naturally, whether it was attending a dance and art retreat in Goa or a proposal overlooking the sea. When it came time to plan their wedding, the couple knew they wanted a celebration that felt just as instinctive.

From February 19 to 20, 2026, Kanchi and Kartik brought their vision to life at Taj Gorbandh Palace. With the help of Shreem Events, the two-day destination wedding was carefully designed to honour both Kanchi’s Marwari Jain heritage and Kartik’s South Indian roots. The result was a celebration that felt immersive yet deeply personal, allowing both cultures to unfold naturally across the festivities.

The couple chose Jaisalmer for more than its scenic charm. The sandstone architecture, quiet courtyards, and expansive desert surroundings created a setting that felt both majestic and welcoming. With just 180 guests in attendance, the wedding maintained a sense of intimacy despite the grandeur of the venue. The palace layout allowed guests to move easily between their rooms and the celebration spaces, creating an atmosphere that felt relaxed and organic rather than overly structured.

The festivities opened with a welcome lunch that introduced guests to traditional Rajasthani flavours. Traditional dishes such as dal baati, gatta, ker sangri, and pascuta paid homage to the bride’s heritage while setting the tone for the destination. Soon after came a vibrant phoolon ki haldi, filled with colour and laughter. As evening arrived, the celebrations shifted into an intimate mehfil featuring Rajasthani folk musicians, including Kutle Khan and his band, whose performance infused the night with a sense of place and authenticity.

The wedding ceremony itself became the most powerful reflection of the couple’s blended traditions. Set beneath a tree mandap framed by the palace’s iconic sandstone arches, the rituals began with South Indian customs before transitioning seamlessly into Marwari Jain ceremonies. Rather than separating the two traditions into different moments, the couple allowed them to flow into one another, creating a shared experience for their guests.

After the ceremony, the celebrations continued with a traditional South Indian sadhya lunch, honouring Kartik’s heritage and completing the cultural exchange woven throughout the wedding. In an unexpected twist, the couple chose to host their sangeet after the wedding ceremony rather than before it. The evening took on a high-energy disco theme, bringing a celebratory close to the festivities with music, dancing, and an atmosphere that felt joyful and carefree.

Captured by Raabta by Shrey Bhagat, the wedding photography reflected the same philosophy that guided the celebration itself, authenticity over spectacle. Instead of heavily staged moments, the team focused on documenting the spontaneity and warmth that defined the event.Kanchi and Kartik’s Jaisalmer wedding offered a refreshing reminder that meaningful celebrations are not defined by scale alone. By focusing on intention, cultural storytelling, and the comfort of their guests, the couple created an experience that felt immersive without ever losing its intimacy. 

Ultimately, their wedding mirrored the way their relationship began, guided by rhythm, connection, and a sense of effortless harmony.

Image credits: Raabta By Shrey Bhagat (@raabta.studios)

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