Turtles, tides, and Tanzanian charm: Dhwani and Vishal’s off-beat wedding by the sea

Born and raised in Tanzania, Dhwani Rajani and Vishal Vithlani first met when they were 16, during a school sports festival. What began as a teenage friendship eventually grew into a lifelong bond that came full circle years later at their wedding in Dar es Salaam.

Hosted at the picturesque White Sands Resort, their three-day celebration was designed to feel intimate, intentional, and deeply personal. Every event reflected the couple’s shared love for nature, simplicity, and understated elegance.

A unique beginning

Before the wedding festivities, Rajani and Vithlani decided to document their story in a distinctive way. With their shared passion for the outdoors and wildlife, they chose to shoot in a turtle cave in Zanzibar. 

The shoot began in the still waters of the cave, surrounded by calm, gliding turtles. It then moved to a hidden sandbank in the middle of the ocean. With nothing but sea and sky around them, the experience was serene and symbolic, capturing their connection and sense of adventure.

Three days of meaningful celebrations

The wedding festivities unfolded over three days, each designed with thoughtful details and distinct moods. The celebrations opened with a Mediterranean-inspired cocktail evening by the beach. With breezy decor, soft lighting, and a relaxed atmosphere, the event set the tone for the days ahead.

It was followed by the haldi, breaking away from the usual bright yellow palette. Instead, the couple opted for plum and lemon tones, creating a refreshing take on the traditional ceremony. The setting was cheerful yet elegant, filled with warmth and laughter.

The sangeet that evening embraced a modern aesthetic with red and gold hues under a canopy of fairy lights. The energy was festive and heartfelt, bringing together friends and family for performances, music, and dancing.

The wedding ceremony itself took place by the ocean under a soft, minimal mandap. The neutral tones of the decor allowed the natural beauty of the surroundings to take centre stage. The sea breeze, the rhythmic sound of waves, and the golden light of the setting sun created a serene and timeless atmosphere.

The final celebration—a black-and-white-themed reception—brought the festivities to a close. The evening exuded sophistication and grace, marked by heartfelt moments and an ambience of classic elegance.

A celebration true to themselves

From a limited guest list to the refined, neutral colour palettes, every detail of Rajani and Vithlani’s wedding reflected their personality and values. The focus remained on authenticity rather than excess, on meaning rather than spectacle.

Each event felt connected to the couple’s roots and their appreciation for simplicity and natural beauty.

Rajani and Vithlani's wedding was not about grand gestures or elaborate traditions—it was about creating something that felt real. From a turtle cave in Zanzibar to the tranquil shores of Dar es Salaam, their journey unfolded with intention, love, and quiet elegance.

Lead image: Epic Stories

Inside images: Epic Stories

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