Maharanis, today we travel to Uganda to witness the big destination wedding of Rupa and Andrew! The wedding storyteller, Sephi Bergerson Photography joined the couple during their 7-day wedding adventure in Africa and documented the celebrations we are about to show you! The Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort worked as the official wedding headquarters and here the newlyweds welcomed their loved ones with a fantastic African-theme party that showcased tons of amazing elements such as two giant giraffes. After a few other traditional events, a vivacious outdoor sangeet was next on the list! Perfectly decorated with a striking scenery by Silk Events, the decor team surprised the guests with giant marquee letters that illuminated the dance floor, colorful drapery, and charming food stations! Jump into the full gallery and see more wonders of this destination wedding story!
How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
We met through a mutual friend and started dating in 2013.
Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Andrew My husband picked me up from the station after work and was taking me home to have dinner with my parents. When we pulled up to the house, the whole garden was lit up with lights, candles and roses. Andrew got down on one knee and proposed and told me he is taking me to New York the next day.
Tell us how you went about planning your wedding, and your overall experience with the Venues, Hair & Makeup, Outfits, Decor Theme, and all of the other important details.
I always wanted a destination wedding and it was my dads dream that I got married in his place of birth Uganda. We were very lucky that a good family friend of ours Sudhir Ruparelia owned a beautiful report in Kampala called Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort. Both mine and Andrews family travelled to Uganda to see the venue and start planning the wedding in May 2017. As soon as we got there we loved the resort and knew we wanted to get married there. Sheena Ruparelia, the daughter of Sudhir Ruparelia had experience in planning hers and her sister wedding at the resort and took the role of our wedding planner. We worked with her for most of the year on themes, entertainments, décor, food and drinks. Having a wedding in Uganda meant that anything was possible, we made sure each event had a different theme and Sheena and her team pulled out all the stops for each event. We did take a few suppliers from the UK which included our DJ Ravi Dattani part of RV sounds who had the party going every day, My make up artist - Sophia Aafreen would did an amazing job on not only my hair an make up but also my mum and sisters, and we had brilliant live singers come in from Kenya - Sodhi and team. Cake was done by Mira Marsani based in Uganda.
How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
The easiest part of the wedding planning was actually my outfits, my talented sister Sona Jivraj, owner and designer of Sonas Haute Couture created all 7 of my outfits along with Andrews clothes, and all our immediate family clothes. Sona has been in the business for over 10 years and has an amazing eye for what is in fashion and what suits every individual. She listened to all the ideas I had and made each outfit to perfection, her quality and design is definitely top of the range. Sonas clothes were complimented by Red dot jewels Jewellery, Tarun Thalani Jewellery and Amrapali Jewellery.
What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
I loved planning the theme and décor for each event, as I mentioned there was not limit to what could be done in Uganda and the Ruparelia team made it all possible. I was able to be very creative with each event and make them all very unique.
What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
I think they loved everything, the resort, the weather, the food and of course spending a week with family and friends.
Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
I would say when all the guests started arriving, we had African drummers playing as all guest started arriving from all over the world. It was so nice to see everyone and the excitement on their faces.
For events other than your ceremony, please tell us as much as you would like about the decor, style, dances, and all the special details.
We had 7 events which were all very different:
1 - welcome party which was an African themed party, we had Africans drummers, singers and dancers, traditional African food and amazing African décor.
2 - Pithi - traditional pithi ceremony beautifully decorated with pink and orange colours
3- Sangeet -rajasthani theme event which an mind blowing set, I came in on a dholi which all my brothers were carrying, we had various dances and speechs at this event and Sodhi the singer from Kenya.
4 - indian wedding - set by lake Victoria, with a red rose mandup. The ceremony was not a traditional indian wedding and was carried out by my cousin Sawan Gandesha, it was personal, meaningful and entertaining.
5 - pool party - this was a Ibiza themed pool party. everyone was wearing white , Andrew and I came in on a boat. We had massage ladies, a live band and music on till early ours in the morning.
6 - civil ceremony - this was in a stunning location in the resort over looking the lake.
7 - reception - this was by the pool, it was decorated with white roses, candles and was a very romantic setting. we had a lovely fire work display, speeches, and a great DJ playing till early hours in the morning
Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Have a destination wedding
Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
Happy to send you pictures which will speak a 1000 words.
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