For the last few months, Archana, brand manager at BMMI, has thoroughly enjoyed being immersed in preparations for her wedding to long-time sweetheart Collin. “We’re both born and brought up in Bahrain,” says Archana, whose Indian-origin family has been living on the island for three generations. “My grandfather started Devji Jewellers in Bahrain, and the family has been here ever since.”
The couple has chosen the Al Areen Palace and Spa to stage their important wedding ceremonies, as they wanted a serene setting away from the city in which to solemnise their love. It all kicks off with the mehendi ceremony attended by close family and friends, at which ladies will adorn their hands and feet with intricate henna designs. The sangeet follows – a musical night replete with song, dance and much laughter, that Indian weddings are so famous for. “We’re having a flash mob with all our relatives joining in the show before the dance floor opens to the rest of the guests,” she reveals.
The wedding procession commences the next evening, heading for the majestic Al Qasr tent, where the couple will tie the knot. This will give way to the reception – dinner, dance and much merrymaking. Archana chose all her outfits for the pre-wedding and wedding rites and ceremonies, from Satya Paul and Sabyasachi, the best-known Indian labels, famed for their breathtakingly gorgeous ethnic wear. “For the sangeet I’ll be wearing an Indian-inspired gown, and Collin will be in an Indo-Western jacket. My wedding outfit is dark maroon, while Collin will be in cream and gold,” she says. Her jewellery is being custom-made by Devji, and will be embellished with precious stones including rubies and emeralds to go with her attire.
In keeping with the traditions of Collin’s side of the family, the couple will exchange their wedding vows at the Sacred Heart Church in Manama. “I’ve picked my bridal gown from Pronovias at Moda Mall and I absolutely love the beautiful design I’ve selected,” says Archana. Over the three days, her hair and make-up will be done by Gloss Salon, and the meticulous bride has already had her trials done with them to nail the look she wants at each of the functions.
The guests have already had a taste of the grandeur that awaits them at this lavish wedding from the beautiful invitation card they’ve received. And they’re in for a gastronomic treat too. “The mehendi is an afternoon do, so we’re going to have high tea and easy-to-eat, bite-sized kathi rolls and paneer amritsari, with our hands going to be hennaed. For the sangeet, there will be a mix of Indian, Italian and Arabic cuisine for the 300 multi-cultured guests. The wedding spread will be similar, although it will be much bigger, to cater to around 500 invitees.”
With both of them having busy careers, planning a grand-scale wedding can translate to hectic days, so we asked Archana what she does to keep calm and carry on. The glowing bride-to-be says, “I’m going crazy with all the myriad preparations – seeing to the decorations, the flowers and other details – and also rehearsing our dance routines for the sangeet. I go for my massage and facial sessions at Dessange every two weeks, and Collin and I go to the gym to look and feel great, but as the date is coming closer, it’s been difficult to dedicate time to that.”
The newly-weds are looking forward to spending some quality ‘we-time’ after their nuptials within the tranquil precincts of the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea and Spa, after which they fly off to the Maldives and Sri Lanka for a romantic honeymoon. We wish Archana the fairytale wedding she has imagined, and much luck for a new chapter in life with Collin.
