From planning big fat Indian weddings to planning their own beautiful wedding Delhi girl Shikha Chauhan of Baraati Inc and Aayush Kumar talks about their love story which started when they met seven years ago.

After we first met at a Baraati Inc wedding 7 years back where I was in charge of the planning and management and he was in charge of the entertainment, we went on to work together on several big fat Indian weddings over the years, become friends, and dated for 2.5 years. Aayush was very steadfast in his refusal to give up on our coffee date. Cut to when it is ultimately made official! As people around put it, our love story has been nothing less than a classic example of destiny and how you can’t fight what is meant to be!

• When did you know that he/she was the one?

Shikha – I always wanted a self-made man whose last name didn’t matter, a hustler so that he could understand the workaholic woman that I am, but that wasn’t all; he also had to have the perfect balance since I’m a sucker for all of the fairy stories out there! Ta da, I discovered it all in Aayush! He’s been my talking and walking checklist for all these years, according to my pals, ahahaha! It’s difficult not to fall for him because he lights up whatever place he walks into and is the most like able person. He has been one of the most reliable individuals I have ever encountered.

Aayush – The main reason I married her was simply because she accepted me for who I am & never expected me to change. She is the anchor I required to balance my life out.When we sat down and talked about life without filters and zero pretense three years ago, I fell in love with her and made the decision that I would marry her if she agreed. I always wanted to marry someone who would support me through all the up’s & down’s of life and understand me, I told myself “Yeh hi hai right choice baby” Shes the best companion I could have asked for on the roller coaster ride called life!

He was based out of Mumbai & Me in Delhi, I had a last minute meeting in Mumbai so I flew down there with a list of 15 things to do across the city post the meeting as had memories from my childhood. He ensured he made it happen. Interesting fact to know about him he loves his 8 hour sleep. That

day he slept for an hour so that we could complete my check as I was there only for 24 hours. Also, every second of our wedding weekend! it was a big party where each and everyone was happy and partied till sunrise. It was a big bubble of a lot of love and good vibes.

I occasionally work with brides because I live and breathe weddings. By the time it was my turn to be the bride, I knew exactly what I did not want. One was that I in no way wanted to wear something that every other bride was wearing because it was popular or fashionable at the time. I wanted my outfit to stand out and feel like an extension of who I am. Second, I wanted it to be ethereal and comfy because my wedding was all about dancing and having a good time. Third, I’ve always known that I don’t want to be a bride who dresses in red or pink on her wedding day. So, all of my filters made it easy for me to choose my outfit.

Seema Gujral was chosen for the cocktail party and wedding because she was simultaneously elegant, playful, stylish, light, and flowing. Anita Dongre was chosen because the outfit from her most recent collection was so me because it was so simple and fresh. Every outfit prompted my friends to comment, “This is so YOU.” Completed the mission. All I wanted was to feel and be myself. My simple request to the designers, the Aza Team, and MUA was to look and act like myself. Everything must reflect my unique identity and sense of flair.

• Wedding Planning & Management – Baraati Inc
• Entertainment & Technical s – Plan My Show