Zaeden and DJ Nina Shah's love story from colleagues to life partners

Singer and record producer Zaeden and DJ Nina Shah went from colleagues to friends to partners for life—a natural progression as symphonic as the best-written melody. Brides Today takes a look at their sweet love story. 

How we met 

“Nina and I first crossed paths through music. Both of us were managed by the same agency and happened to play a college show together in Bangalore when I was a DJ. After the show, we kept in touch through texts and eventually collaborated on a song titled ‘Never Let You Go.’ That project gave us the chance to spend more time together and laid the foundation of our relationship. Dance music was a shared passion that brought us closer, but it was our mutual love for travel and family that solidified our bond.” 

The next step 

“The decision to get married felt like the most natural progression of our journey. I proposed during a holiday in Thailand, which holds a special place for Nina as it’s where she was born. With the help of her best friend and brother, I planned a surprise proposal at Four Seasons Koh Samui. I even got her ring size with the help of her friend and sought her brother’s permission. This was a deeply emotional moment since Nina’s father is no longer with us. When the moment came, I forgot the words I had prepared but managed to sing my song ‘Tere Bina’ for her while a Thai musician played in the background. A light drizzle made it even more magical.” 

Leading up to the big day 

“Wedding planning was an adventure in itself! Our location changed five times before we finally settled on Goa just a month before the wedding. My best friend, Sarthak Sidana, had recently launched a resort, Seré, and graciously offered to host an intimate celebration for our families. We wanted our wedding to be a perfect blend of our Indian and British heritage. From the varmala exchange and haldi to our heartfelt vows, every ritual was infused with meaning. The goal was to create a memorable celebration that honoured both our cultures.” 

Memories that will last a lifetime 

“The intimate setting in Goa made the experience deeply personal. One of the highlights was seeing how both our families came together to celebrate, laugh and create memories. There was something truly special about blending two worlds—our cultures, our loved ones and the energy of the day. Watching Nina walk down the aisle and exchanging our vows under a canopy of flowers are moments I will treasure forever.” 

My advice 

“Trust your instincts and build your relationship on a foundation of faith, trust and mutual respect. For us, keeping God at the centre of our relationship made all the difference. Regarding planning, be flexible and don’t stress over every detail. Things might not always go as planned, but it’s the love, laughter and people that make the day special. Surround yourself with a supportive team—our family and friends made everything come together seamlessly.” 

The details 

Wedding Décor: Sahil Gidwani, Fleuron & Co 
Wedding Planning: Sarthak Sidana, Seré Resort Goa 
Wedding Photography: Stories by Joseph Radhik 
Outfits: Tarun Tahiliani (wedding), Faraz Manan (baraat and sangeet), Shantnu & Nikhil & Ritika Mirchandani 
Jewellery: ANAQA by Nishant Tulsiani & Arctic Star 
Venue: Seré Resort Goa

This article appeared in the print edition of Brides Today, January- March 2025. 

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