A Story by Sakhi Pol & Co

Pia + Ayush

Alila Fort Bhishangarh, Jaipur | November 2025

A celebration that returned to the roots of Indian wedding traditions, honouring ceremonies, rituals and craftsmanship in their truest form.

The Dhol Night

DDLJ Ki Chatt Wali Mehendi

The Dhol Night celebrated the warmth and nostalgia of old Punjab, or as the bride fondly called it, 'DDLJ ki chhat wali Mehendi.' Vibrant phulkari fabrics transformed the existing terrace, while terracotta pots adorned with jewellery, floral arrangements in lassi glasses, gota strings and fairy lights created a joyful, lived-in atmosphere. Thoughtful details like shagan fruit baskets, mithai thaalis, custom coasters and a wall of handprints symbolising a bride's new beginning added layers of meaning, while a custom tapestry of two swans — an ode to the groom's middle name (Hans) — became a heartfelt surprise for the bride.

Pia & Ayush's Dhol Night mehendi
Pia & Ayush's Dhol Night mehendiPia & Ayush's Dhol Night mehendiPia & Ayush's Dhol Night mehendiPia & Ayush's Dhol Night mehendi
Pia & Ayush's Dhol Night mehendi
Pia & Ayush's Dhol Night mehendi
The Welcome Lunch

Rajasthani Farmer's Market

The Welcome Lunch reimagined the charm of a Jaipur village against the backdrop of a 236-year-old fort. Rather than competing with the venue, we embraced its character through block-printed linens, layered chattai canopies over the artist stage, and floral arrangements of local grasses, hay and native blooms like sarson, kaner and marigolds. Interactive experiences including a pottery station, a traditional lac bangle maker and a haystack bar completed the immersive village market experience.

Pia & Ayush's welcome lunch at Alila Fort Bhishangarh, JaipurPia & Ayush's welcome lunch at Alila Fort Bhishangarh, JaipurPia & Ayush's welcome lunch at Alila Fort Bhishangarh, JaipurPia & Ayush's welcome lunch at Alila Fort Bhishangarh, JaipurPia & Ayush's welcome lunch at Alila Fort Bhishangarh, JaipurPia & Ayush's welcome lunch at Alila Fort Bhishangarh, Jaipur
The Haldi

A Southern Courtyard

The Haldi ceremony was inspired by the native elements and traditions of Southern India — to honour the groom's parents. The courtyard was filled with a curation of brass, copper, and silver props, a barfi-shaped floral rangoli made of yellow marigold flowers. Floral strings suspended from the courtyard corners drew the eye upward, framing the space while preserving the openness of the sky above.

Pia & Ayush's South Indian-inspired haldi ceremony
Pia & Ayush's South Indian-inspired haldi ceremonyPia & Ayush's South Indian-inspired haldi ceremonyPia & Ayush's South Indian-inspired haldi ceremonyPia & Ayush's South Indian-inspired haldi ceremony
The Sangeet

A Quintessential Red Sangeet

This was our take on the quintessential 'Red Sangeet.' Hundreds of candles, disco balls and oversized paper flowers transformed the venue, framing its existing stone arches without overpowering them. Curved sofas and large round tables, each centred around flowers and chandeliers, created intimate pockets of seating, while a mirror-chip-clad central bar added a touch of sparkle. Custom mirror coasters, bespoke menus and a three-sided dance floor completed an evening designed to keep everyone at the heart of the celebration.

Pia & Ayush's red sangeet celebrationPia & Ayush's red sangeet celebration
Pia & Ayush's red sangeet celebration
Pia & Ayush's red sangeet celebrationPia & Ayush's red sangeet celebration
Pia & Ayush's red sangeet celebration
Pia & Ayush's red sangeet celebration
The Chooda Ceremony

Courtyard Of Kaliras

The Chooda ceremony, a deeply rooted Punjabi wedding ritual, drew inspiration directly from the culture and traditions of Punjab. The bride's central seating area was framed by a three-sided rangoli meticulously crafted from coloured rice and makhana (fox nuts) — both staple crops of the region. Overhead, floral strings with kaliraas hung beautifully from the courtyard ceiling.

Pia & Ayush's Chooda ceremony
Pia & Ayush's Chooda ceremonyPia & Ayush's Chooda ceremony
Pia & Ayush's Chooda ceremony
The Wedding

A Stepwell Wedding

The wedding design took inspiration from intricate Kashmiri carvings and tranquil water bodies. The mandap was envisioned as a floating platform, partially submerged in a lotus pond with a majestic tree as its backdrop, accented by hanging florals and crystal chandeliers. The venue's existing stepwell served as natural, tiered seating for the guests. We custom created lotus-shaped ceremony cards, placed burning incense, which blended perfectly with the soulful music of shehnai artists that welcomed the guests to create the perfect ambiance.

Pia & Ayush's wedding on a floating mandap over a lotus pond
Pia & Ayush's wedding on a floating mandap over a lotus pondPia & Ayush's wedding on a floating mandap over a lotus pondPia & Ayush's wedding on a floating mandap over a lotus pondPia & Ayush's wedding on a floating mandap over a lotus pond
Pia & Ayush's wedding on a floating mandap over a lotus pondPia & Ayush's wedding on a floating mandap over a lotus pond
Credits

Concept, Design and Execution: Sakhi Pol & Co.

Structure and Rentals: Goyal Tent House

Florals: Diamond Florist

Props: Shine Collection

Venue: Alila Fort Bhishangarh

Planners: Plush Wedding

Photos: Fourfold Pictures

Next Story

Karnika + Nikhil

A wedding that beautifully balanced heritage, symbolism and modern romance.