t2 curates an exclusive post-monsoon trousseau for a dream ‘I do’ far from home

Destination weddings transform the occasion from a simple ceremony to an experience. The allure lies in exchanging vows against breathtaking backdrops that make the special day even more special for the couple as well as their guests. For guests, it’s a delightful getaway; for the couple, it’s a dream come true amidst nature’s splendour. When thoughtfully planned, from the trousseau to the venue experiences, the charm of a destination wedding is truly unmatched.

For our post-monsoon destination wedding lookbook, we selected the verdant haven of Hotel Sonar Bangla Ajodhya Hills. Its meticulously manicured lawns and beautifully curated natural floral arrangements added a unique mood to every shot, whether it was the serene waterlilies by the pond for the cocktail looks or the vibrant red and orange blooms for the wedding and pre-wedding functions.

Aarbee by Ravi Bhalotia crafted an exclusive destination wedding lookbook for us, featuring a palette that transitions from gentle pastels and elegant ivories to lively turquoise and cobalt — complementing the rich greens and blues of nature. The effortless looks, blending contemporary and traditional silhouette styles, are embellished with cherished Indian crafts, infusing each frame with a subtle elegance and glamour, perfectly capturing the essence of a daytime wedding, enveloped in nature’s embrace.

An Indian wedding is a grand affair, bustling with a variety of pre-wedding functions. For the pre-wedding events, Mohor decked up in an ombre ensemble in mint and baby pink dupion silk, elegantly draped and paired with an embellished jacket that adds a contemporary flair. The outfit is adorned with exquisite zardozi embroidery, intricate threadwork, and delicate pearl accents, beautifully complemented by long statement earrings made of pearls.

Titash complements the frame in a chic peach Indian ethnic three-piece set made from dupion silk, accented by a light organza dupatta. The blend of zardozi, mirror work, and nuanced thread detailing showcases a perfect fusion of traditional craftsmanship. Graceful pearl-drop embellishments along the sleeves and hemline exudes poise and elegance, complemented with a striking polki necklace set.

 While the wedding and pre-function looks feature soft pastels, the cocktail looks in this moodboard are all about vibrant hues that made Mohor and Titash stand out beautifully against the lush greenery of their surroundings. 

On Mohor, a light cobalt blue draped skirt set, blending bold cuts with flowing elegance for a charming cocktail look. The outfit, richly embellished with pearls and beads, features a striking waistband crafted from mirrorwork, thread embroidery, and a mix of pearls and beads. An organza cape, delicately adorned with pearl and bead details, paired with a layered diamond necklace, adds a touch of timeless glamour to the look, perfectly balancing modern sophistication with a classic aesthetic.

On Titash, a classy sundowner look in a turquoise floral organza sari, enhanced by intricate beadwork and hand-embroidery that runs along the selvedge. The elegant look is paired with a polki necklace, featuring cascading teardrop stones for that added charm.

For the wedding day look, Souveck channels regal charm in an off-white georgette sherwani set, featuring exquisite threadwork that celebrates the glam touch of handcrafted detailing. This classic sherwani is perfectly paired with a matching kamarbandh and a Benarasi dupatta, seamlessly blending tradition with a modern flair. The emerald statement necklace amps up the elegance of the ensemble, while the traditional kilangi completes the groom's look.

Sushmita, complementing Souveck's off-white attire, looks stunning in a blush peach silk lehnga. The lehnga showcases a beautiful mix of resham embroidery, mirror work, zari, and delicate beadwork, all dancing delicately on the fabric's natural shine. An organza dupatta gracefully draped over her shoulder, amplifies her elegant style. The look is accessorised with a striking cascading drop kundan choker set, a maangtika echoing the scalloped details of the dupatta, along with earrings, bangles, and bold cocktail rings. Mohor and Titash, as bridesmaids, adds to the dreamy pastel palette in their elegant sage green outfits.

On Mohor, a silk Indo-Western gown featuring a structured silhouette, adorned with hand-embroidered zardozi work. Her look is accentuated with a delicate net dupatta and stunning statement earrings alongside chunky cocktail rings. On Titash, an organza sari, richly embellished with resham embroidery, moti work, and salma detailing, exuding effortless glamour. Her eye-catching single stone necklace with a leaf design makes her outfit truly stand out.

 For the reception look, Sushmita embraced the clean glam trend, donning an ivory pearl lehnga. The lehnga is beautifully embellished with rose gold, bronze, and silver zardozi embroidery, elegantly enhanced with subtle threadwork. A soft net dupatta draped gracefully over her shoulders lend an effortless chic vibe. A layered neckpiece featuring emeralds paired with matching earrings, along with stone bangles and a chunky ring, completes the head-turning look.

Souveck complements the frame in a mint green handloom bandhgala, featuring intricate threadwork that adds a refined touch to the soothing hue. A dupatta draped stylishly on one side added a regal flair, beautifully paired with a multi-layer pearl mala and a striking brooch for an added touch of sophistication.

 “This collection is a reflection of everything we stand for — timeless craftsmanship, conscious design, and effortless elegance. Every ensemble is thoughtfully handcrafted by skilled local artisans, preserving techniques that have been passed down through generations. We believe true luxury lies in creating pieces with purpose, while celebrating the beauty of handcrafted fashion. My hope is that each creation becomes a part of our patrons’ cherished celebrations and is treasured for years to come," said Ravi Bhalotia, designer, Aarbee.

"Hotel Sonar Bangla Ajodhya Hills in Purulia offers a refreshing alternative to beach and city weddings, making luxury more accessible. From vows to valleys, we are committed to crafting a wedding beyond ordinary for our guests looking to celebrate this grand occasion complemented by nature's beauty," said Abhishek Pal Chowdhury, chairman, Hotel Sonar Bangla.

STYLIST SPEAK

“For this destination wedding lookbook, we chose a palette that ranges from trendy whites to soothing pastels, and transitions into vibrant hues like cobalt and turquoise. The idea was to keep the styling glam yet effortless with minimal accessories, suitable for a travel-friendly wedding trousseau,” said Deep Karmakar.

HAIR AND MAKE-UP NOTES

“Despite it being a wedding lookbook, we chose a subtle palette for the entire lookbook to create looks suitable for a daytime wedding occasion and to balance the glamour of the outfits. Dewy fresh finish, with nude and pink tones for the lips, and smokey eyes, completed the looks. The hairstyles ranged from neat buns for the bride to sleek pony for cocktail and natural waves and carefree short for the pre-wedding functions,” said Bhaskar Biswas.

Pictures: Pabitra Das 
Models: Sushmita Roy, Titash Dutta, Mohor Datta, Souveck Saha 
Outfits: Aarbee by Ravi Bhalotia 
Jewellery: D-Jewel Gallery      
Styling: Deep Karmar 
Make-up: Bhaskar Biswas, hair: Surajit Biswas
Location: Hotel Sonar Bangla Ajodhya Hills