A Traditional Indian Wedding At The Natural History Museum in London, England

Sangeeta and Rashim met in London in February 2012. “The moment I met Rashim,” remembers Sangeeta “I could never have imagined what the future would hold for us. But I knew he was very unique and special. He has so many extraordinary qualities and a huge presence and energy about him.” 

Rashim came across as very attractive, engaging, funny and confident. As they got to know each other, she enjoyed his company and it was clear that he was also romantic, loving, caring and considerate. For Sangeeta their relationship developed to a point where she couldn't imagine a life without him. 

Rashim proposed eighteen months into their relationship during a trip to Italy in August, 2013. He had organised a private boat trip across the Amalfi Coast and took Sangeeta completely by surprise when he got down on one knee during sunset as the boat approached the island of Positano. “It was the happiest day of my life,” says Sangeeta.

The couple had dreamt of having a summer wedding outdoors, “a tough task” notes Sangeeta “given the unpredictable British weather.” They decided that August would give them the best chance of a sunny day.

The wedding celebration spanned across several days and events and encapsulated how Sangeeta and Rashim felt, their personal taste and style.

A civil wedding ceremony was held at Coworth Park in Ascot. They took a gamble by planning their event outside in the meadows of Coworth Park without much of a plan b. It paid off. “The day could not have been more perfect,” says Sangeeta. “It was a unique and stunning location which we instantly fell in love with. We felt the beautiful natural setting of the English meadows, the charming white period mansion house and the impeccable standard of modern luxury offered by the Dorchester Group, was an unparalleled combination.

“Our civil wedding was like a dream,” says Sangeeta. “As it was our first event, we were nervous and wanted to make sure everything came together as planned. I woke up to the most picture perfect day as I saw the sun shining over the pagoda where we would take our vows. I walked down the aisle as the harpist played ‘La Vie En Rose.’ It was a very emotional, ceremony. We had written part of our vows together and had chosen specific readings that resonated with us. I felt like the luckiest person in the world!”

Their Sikh traditional Indian wedding ceremony was held at the Gravesend Gurdwara in Kent, close to Rashim's family home. The couple were drawn to the grandeur of the building, which provided a dramatic, regal style setting.

For the wedding reception the couple wanted a grand finale to their celebrations and according to the bride, it certainly was an evening they will never forget. They chose the Natural History Museum in London because they loved the architecture of the building, the intricacy of the world famous Central Hall and the magnificent staircase allowing them to make a memorable entrance. They loved the fact that it was a timeless, iconic venue that they could continue to visit and share with generations to come.

Before the wedding reception kicked off, Rashim and Sangeeta were photographed around the venue. They were both amazed when they walked into the Central Hall and saw the flowers, lighting and decor. The setting looked spectacular.

Instead of place cards, each guest was provided with personalised tea light holders with the couple’s name lit up that served as wedding favors. They worked perfectly in the dark setting.

"“It was amazing to walk down the staircase with Rashim and make our grand entrance,” says Sangeeta. After the incredibly touching speeches, they had their first dance to Nat King Cole's "Love" and opened up the remainder of the evening to a full dance floor. “The energy of the evening was phenomenal” remembers Sangeeta. “We didn't want the party to end and were buzzing with excitement for days.”

“We were elated at the end of our wedding,” she remarks. “We couldn't believe it was real and that we were finally married after all the work we had put into planning. Everything came together perfectly and we were so pleased that our guests enjoyed the celebrations as much as we did. We feel very lucky and blessed.”

The couple wanted to go somewhere beautiful, secluded, romantic, sunny and relaxing after a busy year of wedding planning so they chose the Seychelles for an extended honeymoon.