A Swiss Town celebration filled with love letters, flash mobs, and Niko the dog

From a chance meeting in an Illinois dorm room to a decade of shared dreams, Shriya Bhargava and Aman Buddaraju’s journey has been stitched together by laughter, resilience, and a whole lot of love. When it came time to marry, they returned to Shriya’s hometown of Bangalore, choosing Swiss Town not just as a backdrop, but as the heart of their celebration.

Over five days, their wedding unfolded like a homecoming, where 250 guests from across India and the United States came together to witness traditions blending seamlessly, and where even their beloved dog Niko became a star. Captured through the lens of Manvi Gandotra and her team at 1Plus1 Studio, the celebration was more than a wedding—it was a story told in rituals, heartfelt details, and unscripted magic.

A celebration of home

For Shriya, Swiss Town was more than just a location—it was where her childhood unfolded, and where her 97-year-old grandmother could be part of every moment. Villas nestled alongside Clark’s Exotica became both stage and sanctuary for the events, welcoming over 40 American guests into the warmth of Indian hospitality. From poolside laughter to rose-jasmine mandaps and ballroom glamour, every setting reflected a new chapter, yet carried the comfort of home.

Blending cultures and traditions

The wedding ceremonies became a tapestry of North and South Indian customs, tied together with deeply personal details. The Telugu wedding, held in Dr Shastry’s garden under a banana-leaf mandap designed by a family friend, felt intimate and rooted. The North Indian wedding glowed in Ronald Colaco’s gardens, with a hand-painted sign by the bride’s grandmother adding a tender touch. Each event highlighted the joy of blending families and traditions, with jaimala, pheras, and heartfelt blessings tying the couple together.

Personal touches everywhere

Every detail reflected Shriya and Aman’s love story. Handwritten letters, a Jenga guestbook, and cocktail napkins adorned with Niko’s face made the celebrations personal and playful. The haldi ceremony turned vibrant with a smoke bomb entrance, while the welcome dinner transformed their villa into a starlit bazaar with live music from Shriya’s childhood friends. Guests enjoyed hampers filled with Hyderabad sweets, while playful games and surprise dance routines kept the mood joyous and inclusive.

The lens that captured it all

For 1Plus1 Studio, documenting the celebration meant adapting quickly to shifting spaces and light. From the intimacy of a 50-person garden wedding to the glitz and glam of a black-tie reception, the team captured moments that felt authentic and alive. A sudden drizzle during Shriya’s bridal entrance became one such gift, transforming into a cinematic highlight of the film and photographs. Each frame spoke of love, connection, and community.

In the end, Shriya and Aman’s wedding was less about spectacle and more about creating space for togetherness. It bridged families, cultures, and continents, while holding onto the intimacy of handwritten notes, homegrown music, and a grandmother’s steady presence. Their love story shines as a reminder that the most beautiful weddings are not just seen, they are felt—and remembered for the heart they carry.

All images: 1Plus1 Studio

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