Dimplle and Vishal's eight-year love story is what fairytales are made of
A chance swipe turned into a slow, steady love that led to heartfelt celebrations by the sea.
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A chance swipe turned into a slow, steady love that led to heartfelt celebrations by the sea.
Some love stories begin quietly and grow into something extraordinary. For celebrity makeup artist Dimplle S Bathija and real-estate entrepreneur Vishal Budhwani, it all started with a match on the dating app, Happn. After their first introduction, Bathija never met anyone else from the app, and as it turned out, she never needed to.
What followed wasn’t instant sparks or a dramatic beginning. Instead, Bathija and Budhwani built something steadier: seven years of friendship, showing up in big and small ways, learning each other’s rhythms, and becoming each other’s safe place. By the eighth year, the shift from companionship to love felt natural, almost inevitable.
The proposal
On March 5, 2025, during a work trip to Phuket, Budhwani planned a surprise proposal. Bathija, known for loving every detail planned to perfection, had no idea what was coming.
Out in the middle of the sea, aboard a floating yacht, breeze warm, music soft, sky open, Budhwani went down on one knee. Roses, champagne, a two-heart solitaire ring, and strangers cheering in the background created a moment that felt straight out of a romantic movie.
Each event was a different mood
When it came to their wedding, the couple didn’t look far away. They chose what had always been part of them: their home city, Mumbai, and the eternal comfort of the sea.
Hotel Sun-n-Sand offered everything Bathija had dreamed of—a sunset horizon, a gentle breeze, and waves close enough to hear during the vows. With 350–400 guests, the grand celebrations carried a sense of joy, familiarity, and effortless warmth.
Bathija curated every function with intention and emotion, working closely with her decor friends to translate memories into moodboards.
Her bridal shower sparkled with soft pinks and oranges—light, feminine, and full of laughter. The home mehendi was drenched in tradition with marigolds, warm tones, and a special perfume bar where guests mixed their own scents. For the sangeet, hydrangeas, gypsy florals, butterflies, and organza created a dreamy, almost fairytale-like atmosphere.
The pheras unfolded along a mirrored aisle lined with tall blooms. Bathija's entry under a phoolon ki chaadar floating through soft smoke became one of the most emotional moments of the wedding.
The cocktail night was their glow-up moment: disco balls, candlelight, shimmer, silver confetti, champagne sprays, and a couple’s performance enhanced with laser lights. A hydrangea-and-gypsophila cake wrapped up the night with the perfect sparkle.
Across all events, custom caricature signages of Bathija and Budhwani offered a playful reminder of who the celebration belonged to.
Fashion and makeup that felt personal
Having created countless bridal looks for others, Bathija had always imagined doing her own on her big day. “It felt empowering and emotional,” she says. “Every brushstroke held years of dreams. It was my moment as an MUA bride.”
Her look reflected her personality—soft glam, luminous skin, and makeup that felt true to her identity.
When it came to her outfits, trends took a backseat. Emotion led the way. After months of searching, Bathija found her wedding lehenga at Nivedita Saboo Couture—a soft pink ensemble that felt delicate and completely her. For the mehendi, she chose a colourful corset saree by Sonaakshi Raaj, scattered with butterflies and florals.
What began as a simple match on a dating app grew into an eight-year journey of friendship, trust, and love. Their Mumbai seaside wedding wasn’t just a celebration, it was the story of Bathija and Budhwani told in colour, laughter, and moments that felt entirely their own.
All images: Saazh Photography & Films
Also read: How to ask for your own home after marriage without hurting anyone’s feelings