The Leela Ashtamudi A Raviz Hotel Kerala: A Vibrant Punjabi Destination Wedding on an Island

When a couple dreams of a wedding that’s equal parts destination, emotion, and and grandeur—you get something as magical as Joth & Vin’s three-day celebration at The Leela Ashtamudi A Raviz Hotel.

Set in the heart of Kerala’s backwaters, The Leela Ashtamudi, A Raviz Hotel offers more than just scenic beauty. It’s a venue that feels like a world of its own. For Joth & Vin, a Punjabi couple based in the UK, this place struck the perfect balance: the charm of old-world architecture, the serenity of water, and the promise of a wedding experience that hadn’t been done before.

Their celebration wasn’t confined to a ballroom or a lawn. It flowed across boats, islands, and cultural traditions—anchored by love, and powered by joy. The wedding was planned and designed beautifully by Unicorn Wedding Planners.

A Soulful Start with Sufi Night

The festivities began with a Sufi night by the backwaters—an evening that felt slow, soft, and full of soul. Live Sufi music was performed, the entire space lit with warm lights and music that drifted over the water. It was the perfect way to ease into the weekend: spiritual, intimate, and reflective of the couple’s love for music and meaning.

From Haldi to Holi

What started as a traditional Haldi ceremony turned into a full-blown water balloon party. Within minutes, friends and family were dancing in the sun, soaked in colour and laughter. It was wild, emotional, and spontaneous—and made for some of the most joyful visuals we’ve ever captured.

Later that evening, the mood turned glam with a Bollywood-style Sangeet. Think choreographed dances, energetic skits, and a dance floor that didn’t slow down until midnight.

Boats, Beats, and a Baraat

This is where the magic of the Leela Ashtamudi destination wedding experience truly came alive. Instead of a regular baraat, the groom and his family arrived by boat, accompanied by dholwalas who stepped off onto the island with beats that echoed across the backwaters.

We captured everything—from the groom’s quiet moments with his family to the unfiltered joy of the baraatis dancing in the sun. The wedding ceremony itself took place on a private island palace, with the lake as the backdrop and gentle winds moving through the rituals.

The Most Cinematic Reception Entry Ever

As filmmakers, we live for the unexpected—and this moment delivered. The couple made their grand reception entry on a speedboat, as a live saxophone artist played in the background. Guests waited on the shore, cheering as the boat approached under the starlit sky.

It was cinematic. It was bold. And it was completely them.

As storytellers, we’re always looking for weddings that feel different—weddings that break the template and lean into who the couple really is.

What made this Leela Ashtamudi destination wedding so unforgettable was the way it embraced both heritage and spontaneity. A traditional Punjabi celebration unfolding in Kerala’s serene landscape; a soulful Sufi night followed by a colour-filled Haldi; a regal mandap on an island and a saxophone on a speedboat. It was deeply personal, wildly fun, and visually rich—a dream for us to capture.

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A Meaningful Minimalist Wedding at Leela Bhartiya City Bangalore | Jahnavi & Akshay

Jahnavi and Akshay’s love story began in the hallways of high school and found its way back to each other years later, in what felt like divine orchestration. After years spent continents apart, they both returned to Calcutta within three days of one another—an alignment too perfect to ignore. That chance reunion slowly unfolded into an enduring partnership, sealed years later under the boughs of a banyan tree in Auroville, where Akshay proposed, ring in hand, with no grand spectacle—just a deeply personal moment of surprise and certainty.

Their wedding was never going to be about spectacle. It was about intention.

The Setting: Quiet Grace at Leela Bhartiya City

The Leela Bhartiya City became the canvas for this vision—an elegant venue that whispers luxury through architectural harmony and understated Indian aesthetics. Its natural light, draped ivory mandap, chandeliers, and warm earthy palette formed the perfect backdrop for what was a contemporary yet soulfully rooted ceremony.

The decor reflected an understated luxury—effortlessly refined, never loud. Muted tones, delicate foliage, and gold accents spoke to a timelessness that echoed the couple’s own values: quality over grandeur, depth over display.

The Ceremony: An Ode to Simplicity

Choosing to forgo traditional wedding excess, Jahnavi and Akshay opted for an Arya Samaj ceremony—a Vedic ritual known for its spiritual minimalism and equal emphasis on shared values over symbolism. There were no mehndis, no sangeets, no baraat—just one day, one ceremony, and an altar where two individuals chose love, consciously and clearly.

The Bride & Groom: A Harmony of Contrast

Jahnavi a family and relationship counsellor, walked in wearing a muted champagne lehenga that caught the light with every step—effortlessly romantic, unapologetically her. Akshay, a commander with Air India, wore a crisp, black suit—classic and powerful.

The getting-ready moments were intimate—a flurry of satin robes, heartfelt conversations with loved ones, and moments with her little flower girl, eyes full of wonder. Laughter echoed in the hallway as women toasted!

The Spirit of Togetherness

From the moment Jahnavi stepped onto the aisle under soft lights and suspended chandeliers, there was a stillness that felt sacred. Vows weren’t spoken but lived, in every glance, every ritual. Later that evening, the couple cut a simple white cake—just the two of them, surrounded by people who felt like home. There was no rush, no race to entertain—only presence.

A Love That Feels Like Light

At 1Plus1 Studio, we believe some weddings are not just about moments—they're about meaning. Jahnavi and Akshay’s wedding was a celebration of values, of knowing who you are and choosing love anyway, every day.

Their story reminds us that the quietest weddings often echo the loudest in memory. We’ve curated some of our favorite moments — scroll down to see the magic unfold.

Alila Fort Bishangarh Wedding, Jaipur - Beautiful Destination wedding

Nestled in the Aravalli Hills, Alila Fort Bishangarh provided the perfect backdrop for the magical wedding of Priyanshi & Shivam. This beautiful journey of love and celebration unfolded over several days, each event filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Join us for a journey through the magical moments that make a wedding unforgettable

THE CRICKET MATCH

The festivities kicked off with an exciting cricket match that brought out the competitive spirit in everyone. Family and friends of the bride and groom formed two enthusiastic teams, ready to battle it out on the field. The air was filled with cheers and laughter as each team showcased their skills, with some hilarious moments and friendly banter adding to the fun. Special cricket-themed decor and custom jerseys for the teams made the event even more memorable.

THE BHAAT CEREMONY

The Bhaat ceremony, an intimate pre-wedding tradition, was a heartwarming affair. Held in a cozy setting, family members gathered to shower the bride with blessings and gifts. The atmosphere was filled with love and joy as relatives offered rice and other tokens of good fortune, symbolizing their wishes for a prosperous and happy married life. The bride, adorned in traditional attire, glowed with happiness, surrounded by the warmth and support of her loved ones. This cherished ritual highlighted the deep familial bonds and the beautiful customs that enrich the wedding celebrations.

THE HALDI CEREMONY

The Haldi ceremony was a burst of vibrant colors and joyful emotions. The venue was beautifully decorated with marigold flowers, and the atmosphere was filled with traditional songs and dances. Family members took turns applying Haldi to the bride and groom, blessing them with love and good fortune. The couple’s radiant smiles and the playful splashes of Haldi made this ceremony a heartwarming and memorable start to the wedding rituals.

THE SANGEET NIGHT

The Sangeet night was nothing short of a grand celebration. The setup was spectacular, with dazzling lights and an elaborate stage ready for performances. Family and friends put on an array of dance performances, each more impressive than the last. The highlight of the night was the couple’s own performance, which left everyone in awe. Choreographed dances, special themes, and props added an extra layer of excitement, making the Sangeet night an unforgettable affair.

The Wedding Ceremony

The wedding ceremony was an enchanting affair held at the stunning Baori Lawn. Ambient candles and chandeliers bathed the space in a soft, romantic glow. The majestic tree backdrop and the gorgeous Baori steps, adorned with floating candles and flowers, created a magical atmosphere.
Guests were seated along the beautifully decorated steps, watching in awe as the bride made her grand entrance. As she gracefully approached, the groom, waiting with anticipation, took her hand, a tender moment that symbolized their journey together.

Under the night sky, they performed the traditional pheras, sindhur, and mangalsutra ceremonies, each ritual steeped in love and tradition. The serene setting, with its twinkling lights and floral elegance, made the night truly unforgettable. Their wedding was a beautiful celebration of love, surrounded by the warm glow of candles and the blessings of family and friends.

A Tale of Two Weddings: Chandni & Sebastian’s Celebrations at The Park, Visakhapatnam and The Leela Kovalam, a Raviz Hotel

Love knows no boundaries, and Chandni and Sebastian’s wedding celebrations at The Park in Visakhapatnam and The Leela Kovalam, a Raviz Hotel, are a testament to this beautiful truth. These two remarkable venues hosted not just a union of two individuals but a blending of cultures, traditions, and families. We are honored to have been chosen as their wedding photographers and videographers, capturing these unforgettable moments.

The Park, Visakhapatnam: A Celebration of Tradition

Nestled on the eastern coast of India, The Park in Visakhapatnam holds a special place in Chandni’s heart, being close to her grandparents' home. The wedding in Visakhapatnam was a heartfelt homage to Chandni’s Telugu heritage, featuring a traditional Hindu ceremony. The ceremony was not just a union of two souls but a celebration of family and cultural values that have been passed down through generations.
Click here for The Best Destination Wedding Venues in Kerala Guide
& our Destination Wedding Locations in India Guide.

Key Moments:

• Traditional Hindu Ceremony: The wedding rituals were performed with great reverence, symbolizing the union of two families and the blessings of the divine.

• Cultural Significance: The use of lotus as the thematic flower added a touch of purity and beauty to the proceedings.

• Family Heirlooms and Personal Touches: Chandni’s parents’ emotions and their moments were beautifully captured, reflecting the deep bond they share with their daughter.

The Leela Kovalam, a Raviz Hotel: A Fusion of Cultures

Kovalam, a picturesque coastal town in Kerala, was chosen for its scenic beauty and accessibility for international guests. The Leela Kovalam, a Raviz Hotel, perfectly embodied the blend of Indian and German traditions, reflecting both Chandni and Sebastian’s backgrounds. The Kovalam ceremony was an exquisite fusion of a German-style ceremony with Indian outfits, symbolizing their union in the truest sense.

Key Moments:

• Fusion Ceremony: The combination of German and Indian traditions made the ceremony unique and memorable.

• Marigold Theme: The use of marigold flowers added vibrant hues, symbolizing warmth, creativity, and passion.

• Exchange of Vows: The heartfelt vows exchanged by Chandni and Sebastian were the highlight of the ceremony, leaving not a dry eye among the guests.

• Couple’s Dance and Celebrations: The couple’s dance, followed by the maid of honor and best man joining, set the tone for an evening of joy and celebration.

Chandni & Sebastian’s Love Story

Their love story began in the early days of 2020 during the first Covid wave in Shanghai. Meeting through a dating app, their first date at Ocean Grounds, Chandni’s favorite coffee shop, was filled with deep conversations and an instant connection. Overcoming challenges and supporting each other through difficult times, their bond grew stronger, leading to a proposal and the dream of building a life together.

Chandni and Sebastian’s love story began with an instant connection over coffee on their first date. Their unwavering support for each other during challenging times in China and Germany strengthened their bond. Together, they overcame the craziness of relocating and building a new life in Germany, solidifying their relationship and future together. Their journey together is a beautiful blend of patience, quick thinking, sharpness, and immense care for others.

As we reflect on these two beautiful ceremonies at The Park, Visakhapatnam, and The Leela Kovalam, a Raviz Hotel, we are reminded of the power of love and the beauty of cultural fusion. Capturing these moments for Chandni and Sebastian was a privilege, and we hope their love story inspires others to embrace the beauty of different traditions and the strength of togetherness.

Special thanks to The Hue Story for their exquisite wedding planning and design, making Chandni and Sebastian’s vision come to life seamlessly.