On the 16th of September 2023, I had the pleasure of working with the delightful bride, Ahaana Khosla, at the Majestic Four Seasons Hotel in Hampshire. The initial contact for this potential bridal booking came through the lovely Gigi from Chakra Events, who reached out to me on Instagram. Following a sequence of direct message interactions, the booking confirmation with Chakra Events was finalised. Despite not having information about the bride's identity or her chosen attire at that time, my confidence in the smooth execution of the event was enhanced by the reputation of Chakra Events as a prestigious event planning company. Anticipating the need for detailed discussions, we opted for a Zoom consultation, a common practice among most of my brides who prefer it over traditional trials—a testament to the trust developed over my years in the industry.

 

Ahaana's Denim Lehenga: A Fashion Forward Fusion

Upon our Zoom consultation, I learned that Ahaana, a Dubai-based fashion trend forecaster, and her father, a renowned menswear Indian designer from Bangalore, had taken a bold step in fashion. The bombshell dropped – Ahaana planned to wear a denim lehenga! This unexpected twist in traditional bridal attire sparked excitement, making her destination wedding in England even more extraordinary.

Ahaana's decision to wear denim was more than just a style statement. It was a testament to her individuality, embracing a fusion of contemporary fashion with traditional roots. The denim lehenga became a symbol of breaking free from conventional norms and crafting a wedding attire that mirrored her personality and style.

 

 

The Journey of Crafting the Unique Ensemble

As the renowned menswear designer, Ahaana's father, Manoviraj Khosla, embarked on crafting this unconventional bridal lehenga, it marked the fusion of creativity, tradition, and modernity. The denim fabric, usually associated with casual wear, was transformed into an exquisite bridal ensemble, adorned with intricate embroidery and embellishments.

The process of creating this unique piece of art involved meticulous attention to detail. From selecting the right shade of denim to choosing complementary embroidery patterns, every step in the creation of Ahaana's lehenga was a collaborative dance between father and daughter, blending their individual aesthetics into a harmonious masterpiece.

 

Ahaana's Personal and Cultural Connection to England

Ahaana's decision to have a destination wedding in England was not merely about selecting a picturesque venue. It held a profound connection to her personal journey. Having been educated in England, she developed a deep bond of love with the country. The decision to tie the knot in England was a beautiful culmination of her fond memories, cultural blend, and the desire to create new moments in a place that held a special place in her heart.

 

Chakra Events: Orchestrating a Dream Wedding

The involvement of Chakra Events, a prestigious event planning company, added an extra layer of assurance and excellence to the entire wedding planning process. Their reputation for curating flawless events and their collaboration with Ahaana for this extraordinary wedding showcased their commitment to turning dreams into reality.

Chakra Events ensured that every aspect of the wedding, from the venue selection to the coordination of various elements, aligned seamlessly with Ahaana's vision. Their professionalism and attention to detail played a crucial role in bringing the denim-themed fairytale to life.

 

Ahaana's Unique Bridal Look: The Vision and Collaboration

As a makeup artist with 16 years of experience, my collaboration with Ahaana was not just about applying makeup but about understanding and enhancing her vision. The initial Zoom consultation, where we discussed her preferences, inspiration, and the overall theme of the wedding, laid the foundation for the creative journey that lay ahead.

Ahaana's desire for a minimal and natural look reflected her appreciation for simplicity and elegance. Drawing inspiration from Alia Bhatt's wedding look, we carefully curated a makeup style that accentuated Ahaana's features without overshadowing the star of the show – her denim lehenga. The collaboration was not just a professional engagement but a shared passion for creating a look that resonated with Ahaana's unique style.

 

Behind the Scenes Moments: Preparing for the Big Day

On the day of the wedding, I was welcomed warmly into the bridal suite, surrounded by love not only from the radiant bride but also from her family. The atmosphere was filled with joy, laughter, and a sense of anticipation for the magical moments that awaited us. The suite was adorned with an array of delectable food and beverages, creating a relaxed and celebratory ambience. As we engaged in conversations, I gleaned insights into Ahaana's journey, her family dynamics, and the significance of this union. The personal connections and stories shared during these backstage moments added depth to the entire experience, reinforcing the notion that a wedding is not just an event but a celebration of love, culture, and individuality.

 

Creating the Minimalist Bridal Look: Ahaana's Radiance Unveiled

In adherence to Ahaana's wishes for a minimalist look, the makeup application was a careful balance of subtlety and impact. The natural beauty of Ahaana served as a canvas, and the makeup was applied to enhance, not transform. I worked to enhance her appearance by applying a dewy base, accentuated with a golden shimmery eyeshadow, pink nude lipstick, flushed cheeks, and highlighted cheekbones. The loose, bouncy curls added a touch of softness, creating a harmonious synergy with the understated makeup. Ahaana's veil, more reminiscent of an English veil than a traditional Indian one, added a whimsical touch to the ensemble. The choice to let the outfit do the talking was a deliberate one, allowing the denim lehenga to shine as the centrepiece of this unconventional bridal look.

 

The Unveiling: Mesmerising Moments on the Aisle

The first glimpse of Ahaana in her denim lehenga was a moment frozen in time. As a makeup artist, witnessing the transformation from preparations to the final look is always a magical experience. The denim lehenga, meticulously crafted by her father, stood out as a masterpiece, embodying the perfect balance of tradition and innovation.

Ahaana's radiance was undeniable as she walked down the aisle, turning heads and leaving an indelible impression on everyone present. The reactions from the onlookers mirrored my own sense of awe, affirming that this was not just a wedding; it was a celebration of individuality, creativity, and the beauty of breaking free from convention.

 

Capturing the Ceremony: A Front-Row Seat to Love

As the makeup artist, I had the privilege of not only contributing to Ahaana's transformation but also being a part of the ceremony itself. Positioned strategically, I captured the key moments – the exchange of vows, the symbolic rituals, and the joyous union of two souls.

The Majestic Four Seasons Hotel provided a backdrop that seamlessly blended old-world English charm with modern luxury. The enchanting surroundings elevated the ceremony, creating a visual spectacle that complemented the uniqueness of Ahaana's denim-themed wedding.

 

A Groom's Touch: Coordinating Attire for the Perfect Pair

The groom's attire, a custom-made denim jacket, added an endearing touch to the overall aesthetic. The coordination between Ahaana and her groom showcased a delightful synergy, emphasizing not only their individuality but also their shared commitment to creating a wedding that mirrored their personalities.

The custom-made denim jacket, echoing the theme of Ahaana's lehenga, symbolised the harmonious union of tradition and contemporary style. It was a subtle yet impactful detail that added layers to the narrative of this extraordinary wedding.

 

Bride's feedback: A Serendipitous Bridal Journey from Destiny to Delight!

 

Ahanna shared the most touching testimonial with me, and we have maintained contact since her wedding day. 

"For me working with Annie was a story of fate, one of those meant to be’s :). I had actually booked someone else, but I stumbled upon Annie’s page and I just knew she was the one I wanted for my wedding makeup. From the get-go, she made me feel so at ease and completely understood exactly what I wanted. Without any need for a trial, I knew that I could trust her completely to give me the soft, natural makeup look I always wanted. Many of my friends asked me how I was so relaxed on my big day, and I think a huge reason for that was Annie. She made the whole experience so fun and enjoyable and completely removed the stress from a usually very stressful experience. Thank you Annie, you executed my vision so beautifully and truly made my getting ready experience something I will always cherish."