Curious bride-to-be
Package in pocket silences bride-to-be
AN impatient Deshni Pillay, 26, ruined 30-year-old Kavir Singh’s surprise proposal when she demanded to see the box in his pocket. DATE NIGHT: The couple met at the gym on April 5 2012. Kavir asked Deshni out a few times and a few weeks later they started dating. SAY YES: Just a few months after they began dating, Kavir, an accounts manager, popped the question over dinner. “It was a little more complicated because I don’t have patience. As we walked towards the restaurant, I felt something in his pocket,” said Deshni, a communications manager. “I stopped in the middle of Gateway and demanded to know what that was. So he showed it to me. I was silent all the way through the night until he popped the question, and then I cried. It was one of our most memorable and special moments ever. And he still talks about how I spoilt his plan by demanding to see the box.” THE DATE: April 28 at Braeside Functions Venue in Ballito. The couple wanted a venue that was unique and elegant. THE INVITATION: The invitations were made by the couple. They decided to use clear plastic containers with lids. On the base they used silver-grey organza on which they placed silver Ganesha figurines. The details of the wedding were printed on shimmer sheets that were rolled into a scroll and wrapped with craft-wired pink roses. The scroll was placed next to the Ganesha. For non-Hindu guests there were either Jesus figurines or the holy Koran. FIT FOR A KING: Deshni was dressed in a peach, cerise and royal blue outfit. The mermaidstyle skirt had a matching cerise blouse that had long net sleeves with Swarovski detail. A peach coat with Swarovski and royal blue detail was draped over the outfit. The veil was peach with royal blue detail on the borders.
Kavir wore a white sherwani with royal blue and gold stones around the neckline and border. His shoes, turban and shawl matched the sherwani. For the reception, Deshni changed into a white net sari with copper detail and Kavir into a black suit with a black silk shirt and tie. CENTRE STAGE: The traditional ceremony took place in the garden under a white gazebo. White, silver and gold were incorporated into the décor. The chairs were covered in white and the gazebo was draped in white with white lilies in hanging vases. The bridal chaise was white and silver. Surrounding a Ganesha statue were an assortment of sweetmeats covered by a crystal umbrella.
The chairs and tables in the reception hall were covered in white. On each table was a box covered with diamante. On the boxes were candelabras and tall bowls of white roses and lilies. Silver underplates added a touch of elegance.
Down the aisle was a red carpet that led to a semicircular white and silver stage. A silver frame with lights formed a beautiful framework to two throne chairs for the bridal couple. GIVE AND TAKE: North-Indian ceremony.
GUESTS: 240. TASTY TREATS: Following the traditional ceremony, the guests were served vegetable samoosas, spring rolls, chilli bites and a selection of sweetmeats as well as cocktail juices, tea and coffee in the garden. After the reception, a buffet main course consisted of spinach, feta and butternut lasagne and vegetable biryani accompanied by dhal, sambals, chutney and pickles. For dessert there were vermicelli and cakes. FIRST DANCE: Dance with Me Tonight by Olly Murs. MEMENTOS: The guests were given white bamboo umbrellas in the garden. At the reception, each place setting had a vanilla cupcake with white and silver frosting in a clear square box with silver organza. Each box had a name tag with a personalised message underneath, instead of a general thank you. “We wanted everyone who was there to feel special and a big part of our big day,” said Deshni. HONEYMOON: Durban’s Hilton Hotel.
EVER AFTER: Phoenix, Durban. LET THEM EAT CAKE: A four-tier silver wedding cake with white embossed flowers. The layers alternated between chocolate and vanilla with fresh cream. On top was a traditional Indian bride and groom cake topper. TREASURED MEMORY: Kavir and Deshni took full responsibility in planning everything for their big day. “It was excellent teamwork and we both discussed our differences in planning when they arose and always compromised with each other. Kavir wowed me even more when we were planning the wedding. He accessorised my ideas and I accessorised his and together we crafted one of the most beautiful weddings and the most amazing day of our lives,” said Deshni.