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RUHI + NEIL MUMBAI, INDIA // SANJAY THAKKAR PHOTOGRAPHY + NITIN DESAI & TEAM Prem Ratan Dhan Payo translates to “finding the gem of love.” Some people spend a lifetime trying to find their gem of love. For Neil and Ruhi Bhatt, it was love that found them. Their story goes back to their university days. They both attended The University of California, Davis and lived in the same apartment complex, without ever meeting. After graduation, a mutual family friend proposed the idea of the two meeting multiple times, but Neil and Ruhi’s schedules never aligned. Neil spent most of his weekends traveling spontaneously with friends, while Ruhi spent most of her weekends at fashion events. Months would go by until one spring day destiny decided to wave her magic wand and bring them together over lunch. This lunch continued through dinner and the rest is history. Several months later, on Ruhi’s birthday, Neil invited her to the same restaurant where they had their first kiss and popped the big question. Ruhi had always dreamed of a grand wedding in India. When searching for a venue, she had two concerns: (1) She wanted a wedding that was not only a destination for their guests, but also an experience, and (2) She wanted to fulfill her lifelong dream of getting married in a palace. With the help of her family, they found the renowned Prem Ratan Dhan Payo film set at ND Studios, Mumbai. The couple met with Bollywood director, Nitin Desai, and set the details for their big day. Before they knew it, December 2016 had arrived and both families were on their way to India. The couple commenced their wedding by inviting deities to bless them. “Our Mata Ki Chowki was beyond anything I had ever experienced - everyone was dancing, singing, and so in tune with each other,” said Ruhi. “I could just feel the positive energy that surrounded us that night.” The next morning was Ruhi’s Haldi event, where her face was bare and her head adorned with a jeweled flower crown. “The Haldi is usually exclusive to the bride’s family, but I wanted to have my in-laws come bless me,” she said. “Looking back at the photos, it makes me so happy to see that I have that kind of support.” Later that evening was the highly anticipated Mehndi, an event she had been looking forward to since the planning. “I have always loved getting my Mehndi done, so naturally this was an event I was really excited for. When I was wedding shopping, my Mehndi Lengha was the first one I picked out”. The outfit was also one of Neil’s top favorites. “The best part of her entire look was the beautiful five-foot long, fresh flower veil she had on. There isn’t a single word that I have to describe how she looked; all I can say is she looked beyond amazing.” Following the Mehndi was the Sangeet, where Ruhi’s parents invited Sufi singer Bhavin Shastri. Ruhi explained, “the Sangeet was such a fun event and definitely the pre-party of the wedding. We had an open bar, over twelve counters of delicious fusion food, and lots of dancing.” After the pre-wedding events, the big day had finally arrived. On the morning of December 23, 2016, both families drove out to ND Studios, Mumbai. “The venue was two hours out of the city, so we had to leave early. Hair and makeup were waiting for me in Salman Khan’s chalet.” The families got ready for the big day and the Baraat began at 5 PM. “I got a phone call from Neil’s best man saying the Baraat was about to begin. In that moment, my tummy began flipping in every which a way. I was so excited to see Neil as my groom and finally be married to him,” she said. Once the Baraat had entered the palace, it was time for Ruhi’s big entrance. “I was escorted to the top of the palace where this beautiful hand-crafted Cinderella ball was hanging, so I could be lowered into the palace”, she continued, “the entire thing was so magical, especially with Bhanu Vora singing his iconic melodies as I came down.” Ruhi’s entrance was vividly remembered by Neil. “I don’t think I’ll ever forget the moment I saw her coming down into the palace”, he explained. “I could feel the entire room starring at her, but somehow her and I were so connected in that moment. Seeing her calmed my nerves down and after that, I was just excited to finally be married to the love of my life.” Following her entrance, Ruhi walked down the aisle with her parents and younger brother by her side. After the ceremony, guests were escorted to dinner on the palace gardens. The couple made their first debut as Mr. and Mrs. Bhatt with a magnificent fireworks display. Neil and Ruhi’s wedding series concluded with their American-style wedding reception in San Ramon, California on January 28, 2017. Article featuring Ruhi Thakker (Eat Pray Style Blog www.eatpraystyle.com) southasianbridemagazine.com 81