With star-studded performances and 600+ guests, this Indian wedding in Antalya saw it all

If it weren't already proven, this star-studded wedding in Turkiye's hidden gem, Antalya would convince you that nobody does weddings quite like us Indians. The flamboyance, the drama of it all - the big fat Indian wedding didn't get its name in vain. Meet Bhakti and Pratham, childhood besties turned life partners. Indians at heart, but international in approach, they have devised a life for themselves, keeping this thought at the forefront of what they do, from work to their wedding. Celebrities in attendance, and in playing the perfect muse to India's best fashion designers — this wedding may have been memorable to the couple for the right reasons, but what they probably didn't expect was for this wedding to be tagged as one for the books too. 

After years of growing up and sharing a cherished childhood, 16 years to be exact, they decided it was time to give love a chance. "It felt like the most natural thing in the world," said Bhakti. It wasn't long before Pratham planned the dreamiest proposal. A private yacht in the bright azure waters of the Bosphorus with fireworks and a banner that said, "Marry Me, Bhakti?" — the deal was set.

The pressure for the perfect wedding was on. But this was no challenge for the enterprising minds of Bhakti and Pratham. What was meant to be an intimate wedding turned into a grand celebration(s) in Dubai, because there's never really just one wedding function in an Indian wedding setup, is it? Three engagement parties and an intimate mehendi celebration later — the wedding festivities (without end) commenced. With the help of professional wedding planners and the support of family and friends, they were able to pull off a grand wedding with 600+ guests in Antalya, studded with glitter galore and glamour. 

Couture creations customised by the best in the business — from Falguni Shane Peacock, to Manish Malhotra, the fashion splendour was at its peak from start to finish of this grand celebration. No Indian wedding celebration is ever complete without a sangeet ceremony for a night of non-stop dancing. For this wedding, the guests were invited to serenade along the tunes of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Atif Aslam, too. Romance embodied through music and lyrics captured the hearts of all those who were present to celebrate this union of love. 

And finally came the wedding day — love overflowed, a celebration burst into a riot of colours, and in the middle of it all, Bhakti and Pratham became one. To be consumed by love all around is a beautiful feeling and everyone felt it right from the moment Bhakti walked down the mirrored aisle atop the pool. 

Indian weddings have long been the epitome of grand celebrations with their flair and fanfare. This wedding was no exception. But what made this wedding different from the rest was that love was at the core of it all. No wonder they found meaning when they stopped chasing perfection.