Inside Chitralekha & Holm-Ingolf’s serene lotus-filled wedding ceremony

In the heart of Rajasthan’s Aravalli hills, where history echoes through the stone corridors of RAAS Devigarh, Chitralekha and Holm-Ingolf’s wedding unfolded like a dream in full bloom. Brought to life by To The Aisle, the multi-day celebration was a tapestry of tradition, symbolism, and storytelling, centred around a breathtaking lotus theme that threaded through every detail, from the mandap to the moments shared.

At the heart of it all stood a lotus-adorned mandap suspended gracefully over a pool of water, symbolising purity, renewal, and love that transcends boundaries. Every element was designed not just to dazzle but to speak—to guests, to tradition, and most importantly, to the couple’s unique journey.

A mandap like no other

At the centre of their Vedic ceremony stood a marvel never before seen—a lotus-adorned mandap suspended over water, framed by floating blossoms and gentle ripples. More than an aesthetic choice, the lotus represented purity, rebirth, and a love that had blossomed beautifully across boundaries. The soft scent of fresh flowers mingled with chants, and as the couple took their pheras under a sky brushed with golden light, the symbolism was impossible to miss: love, like the lotus, rises above, serene and unshaken.

The journey to Devigarh

The couple’s journey began during a serendipitous meeting on a dating app, but their wedding was anything but ordinary. For Chitralekha—a single mother raised by a single parent—this wasn’t just about romance. It was about finding someone who embraced not just her, but her entire world. Holm-Ingolf, who's from Germany, did just that, and when the time came to plan their celebration, he dreamed of something that would honour her roots and heritage with the deepest respect.

After exploring numerous destinations, the choice was clear—RAAS Devigarh, a majestic fort palace nestled in the hills of Udaipur, known for its soul-stirring views and architectural splendour. It became the canvas on which their love story was artfully painted.

Tradition meets personal touches

The multi-day affair was a stunning balance of Indian customs and personal flair. The celebrations opened in the Thar Desert, where guests were welcomed amid glowing lanterns and bold leopard motifs—a nod to adventure and wild love.

The Haldi ceremony transformed into the ‘Forest of Shakuntala,’ inspired by the mythic heroine whose strength and grace mirrored the bride’s. The Mehendi recreated a Zenana Mahal—a celebration of feminine joy and sisterhood. And the Sangeet, ‘Paris in a Palace,’ was an ode to the city where it all began, staged in the palace’s Darbar courtyard bathed in French-inspired lighting and floral artistry.

A union of worlds

Through every ceremony, the lotus made its presence felt—not just in the decor, but as a quiet symbol of what their union stood for: transcendence, renewal, and harmony. In a world that often categorises love into compartments, Chitralekha and Holm-Ingolf’s story flowed like water, crossing borders, merging cultures, and flourishing in full bloom.

The heart of it all

“Love is one thing,” the couple shared, “but being each other’s support system is another.” In every glance, in every ritual, it was clear this was more than a wedding—it was a sacred promise to grow together, to listen deeply, and to honour not just each other, but the traditions and stories that brought them here.

As petals floated on water and music lingered in the air, one truth echoed through RAAS Devigarh: when love is this profound, it deserves a celebration as eternal and graceful as the lotus.

All images: @thehouseontheclouds

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