Real Weddings: Truly, Madly, Deeply

Eight years, a heartwarming proposal, and an ongoing global pandemic after, actor Shama Sikander found her forever in James Milliron. On 14th March, the dynamic duo exchanged vows and said their "I dos" at the W Hotel in Vagator, Goa—a close-knit affair that propelled them into the tumultuous albeit memorable journey of matrimony. From a boho-chic themed welcome lunch featuring muted, earthy tones to a let-it-loose pool party that allowed for the perfect opportunity to unwind before the big day, the bride walks us through her tale of undying love via snippets from her wedding album; as the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. 

  • 1/30

  • 2/30

  • 3/30

  • 4/30

  • 5/30

  • 6/30

  • 7/30

  • 8/30

  • 9/30

  • 10/30

  • 11/30

  • 12/30

  • 13/30

  • 14/30

  • 15/30

  • 16/30

  • 17/30

  • 18/30

  • 19/30

  • 20/30

Living Through a Pandemic

"We are perfect together—we are each other’s best friends, lovers, admirers, and supporters—so we have a lot to chat about. Sometimes, we don't talk, we just enjoy each other's company. We've gone through life's challenges together, and have come out stronger each time. Our love always won; it brought us closer."

  • 21/30

My Piece of Advice

"First and foremost, relax and cherish the entire process. While it may be taxing at times, especially if you're doing things by yourself, take a breath every once in a while and enjoy every bit of it. Brace yourself; it gets over real fast, so you have to try and be present in each moment and live it fully."

  • 22/30

(Not) a Smooth Sail

"The only challenge that I encountered was to have to go to great lengths to achieve results congruent to my vision. While it was overwhelming, I would say I managed things pretty well, for which I’d pat my back. James was a great support through the trials and tribulations and did everything he could to lend a hand. We had the most amazing wedding—we are so grateful for it."

  • 23/30

A Touch of Regalia

"Then came the Christian wedding, followed by the royal, sit-down reception dinner. To further add a hint of regalia at the reception, the guests had to dress the part—donning their most exquisite ensembles. That said, it was so much fun, through and through."

  • 24/30

A Lil' Splish-Splash 

"The next day, we commenced the celebrations with a fun pool party that featured flattering hues of white and blush pink. The plethora of functions followed different themes, which required multiple wardrobe changes, but the guests were up for it." 

  • 25/30

An Enchanted Forest Soirée

"The welcome lunch was followed by the sangeet ceremony, the theme of which was centred around a rugged, jungle vibe. I had a very specific vision in mind, and despite a few hurdles—the pandemic being one—I went the extra mile to achieve it as far as possible."    

  • 26/30

A Bohemian Luncheon

"We kicked off the pre-wedding festivities with a bohemian-inspired lunch to make the guests feel welcome. It is important to set the mood, tone, and vibe of a place beforehand."

  • 27/30

The Big Day

"I always knew that I wanted a very intimate albeit glamorous wedding. Since it was a Christian ceremony, I learned that not many Indians were very well versed in how things needed to be done. Hence, I had to step in and make sure that we curate the wedding of our dreams—just how James and I had envisioned it."

 

  • 28/30

Memories That'll Last a Lifetime

"Every single person was buzzing with love and laughter. The ambience lit up with the biggest smiles, and we literally had to push people to go to their respective rooms to change for the following function—it felt like two days weren't enough to celebrate our love with our friends and family. But, if I had to pick a moment, then it'd have to be our wedding vows and reception speeches. It was so pure, it’ll always remain very close to my heart. The space was brimming with love—it changes everything; it makes life so beautiful, so deep, so meaningful."

  • 29/30

The Next Step

"James went down on one knee in Dubai, at one of my favourite restaurants at the Burj al Arab hotel. It was a simple, heart-full-of-love proposal, and I was blown away by the rollercoaster of emotions I was experiencing at the moment. He asked for my hand in marriage in the absence of any fear or inhibition, with sincerity and integrity; it was beautiful." 

  • 30/30

How They Met

"James and I met through a common friend at a restaurant in Andheri, Mumbai, and truth be told, we both felt an intense pull the moment we laid eyes on each other. It was a powerful tug at the heartstrings, something I had never experienced before. Everything about the two of us was easy; no hiding, no pulling back. It was like it was always meant to be—and, here we are today.