Gaurika and Harsha celebrated their union at a 230-year-old warrior fort in Jaipur

When Gaurika Sharma and Harsha Reddy met in New York in 2023 after connecting on Hinge, neither expected a dessert date in Koreatown to become the beginning of something lasting. Sharma had recently moved from Vancouver to build her career in finance, while Reddy had settled in New York after studying at Purdue University. What started as an easy conversation quickly grew into a relationship grounded in shared values, mutual respect, and a strong connection to family.

Their journey was also one of bringing different cultures together. While Reddy’s family had always imagined him marrying within the Telugu community, Sharma won over his family with her warmth. Over time, the relationship became not just a union between two people, but a coming together of two families and traditions.

When it came to choosing a wedding destination, family played a central role in the decision. With the couple living in North America and Reddy’s grandparents based in India, they wanted a location that would make it easier for loved ones to gather. Alila Fort Bishangarh felt like the perfect choice. The restored 230-year-old fort, nestled in the Aravalli Hills, offered history, character, and a sense of timelessness that resonated deeply with the couple's own story.

Before the larger celebrations began, Sharma and Reddy carved out a private moment for themselves at Amanbagh. They exchanged personal vows during a candlelit dinner inside an ancient stone chhatri illuminated by diyas and accompanied by live music beneath the stars.

The wedding was designed and executed by RVR Eventz & Design, with each event carrying its own personality while remaining connected to the larger story of the couple and their families. The festivities began with a vibrant haldi ceremony where the couple chose shades of pink while guests arrived dressed in traditional yellow. The celebration ended in true Telugu style, with a playful water fight that quickly took over the courtyard. 

The sangeet embraced both sides of the family, blending Punjabi and Telugu musical traditions into one energetic evening. A lively jago procession set the tone before guests danced late into the night.

Traditional pre-wedding rituals unfolded across different corners of the fort. Sharma celebrated her Punjabi choora ceremony while Reddy participated in his pellikoduku rituals, allowing both families to honour their customs while sharing them with one another.

One of the most meaningful moments came during the wedding ceremony. While many brides today opt for lehengas, Sharma chose a traditional Kanjeevaram saree sourced from Hyderabad as a tribute to her husband’s heritage. Yet, as she made her way down the aisle, she walked to the beloved Punjabi folk song Madhaniyan, symbolising both sides of her identity coming together in a single moment.

The celebrations concluded with a sophisticated after-party inspired by the couple’s life in New York, bringing black-tie glamour, music, and modern energy into the historic setting. Thoughtful, immersive, and deeply personal, the wedding reflected exactly who Sharma and Reddy are: two people honouring where they come from while creating something entirely their own.

All images: Amrit Photography

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