Real Weddings: Me and You, Just Us Two
Wedding stylist Tania Chackumkal and data analyst Jacob Kottoor felt an instant connection the first time they set eyes on each other. Three years later, Tania ‘woke up’ engaged! Find out what went down in this roller coaster of a love story.
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The bride getting ready for her Knanaya Mylanchi and Chantham Charthal ceremonies
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The couple at their reception.
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The bride’s mother and sister helping Tania get ready for the reception ceremony.
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The Details
Wedding Conceptualization and Styling: Tania Kottoor Wedding
Planner: Saguzo Events
Photographer: Joseph Nance and Daniel Lopez Perez
Bridal Outfits: WEST X EAST
Floral Designers: Bea De la Roca, Escenica Events, Expressions Artes Florales
Makeup Artist: Jocelyn Biga
Mehendi Artist: Henna by Inde
- 15/20
Living Through a Pandemic
Jacob and Tania have been spending their time gardening, cooking, and watching shows and movies together. The newlyweds often go on long walks to Prospect Park in New York City and have been visiting their families in Chicago and San Antonio.
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My Advice
“I believe it is essential to create vision boards for all your events and mood boards for the outfits. Always begin with the colour palette. This process helped me conceptualize 75 custom outfits, as well as design four events,” said Tania.
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Memories That Will Last a Lifetime
For their first dance, Tania and Jacob performed a Latin ballroom rumba to one of their favourite Michael Bublé tunes. Surprise fireworks at the end were the perfect way to commemorate the once-in-a-lifetime experience.
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The Big Day
The couple hosted traditional Knanaya Mylanchi and Chantham Charthal ceremonies amidst the ruins of an ancient convent. Featuring an oceanic colour palette, foliage, and warm wooden accents, the wedding décor served as a reminder of their tropical, Kerala homeland. For their ‘buddymoon’ in Lake Atitlan, the newlyweds invited their loved ones for a Mayan wedding ceremony and boat party.
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She Said ‘Yes!’
Three years later, in May 2019, Jacob surprised Tania with a ‘glamping trip’ to Governor’s Island in New York City. They biked across the isle, ate dinner at sunset, and ended the night with a romantic bonfire. He slipped the ring on her finger while she was asleep—and she woke up happily engaged!
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How They Met
Jacob and Tania first met at a mutual friend’s birthday party in New York City, in July 2016. The moment Tania walked into the soirée on that fateful summer evening, she and Jacob locked eyes and they both felt a magnetic energy that attracted them to each other. It was kismet, they say.