A wise woman once said “Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman.” I guess Coco Channel knew what she was talking about 😎. And I couldn’t agree more. I came across this stunning woman’s wedding a few years ago and she has been on my mind since then. It’s fair to say she inspired my love for lace and her wedding bouquet was one that I emulated for my own wedding. And most of you will probably recognize her ‘back’ for it went crazy viral all over Pinterest. Let’s say her back put the back in sheer blouses catching up on in Kerala 😁.
Today’s bride needs no further introduction. She is one of the women behind Kochi’s first flea market- On Flea.k and don’t you just love the name and the clever wordplay. I’m such a sucker for wordplays I tell you 😍.
Meet our ‘pretty as a picture’ bride and groom, Leah and David. For the engagement, our bride chose to dazzle by wearing a lehenga ensemble worn as a half saree from Althea Bridals & Bespoke, Kochi. She’s wearing a golden blouse with sheer sleeves embellished with pearls, glass beads and thread work which is paired with a lovely white and thick golden bavanji border worked lehenga skirt. A definite mention to the Disney-like look the skirt exudes. Our bride chose to wear a can-can to give it that flared look. And for all you newbies, can-can is a mesh of net stitched together and added in layers under your lehenga’s skirt to give it that ball gown flair.
To complete the look, she paired it with white sheer dupatta with the same golden bavanji and orange worked border on the edges. This stunning attire is an option for the modern woman looking for an alternative to the traditional saree. The end result will be one of grandeur and beauty personified.
Her lovely cascade of curls (which I just love) and gorgeous makeup was done by Makeover Salon Lounge, Kochi and her stunning statement pearl neckpiece and bangles were courtesy of Kirthi Diamond Jewellery, Kochi.
Our handsome groom chose to exude elegance and class, in a beige tailored-fit single breasted, mandarin collared Jodhpuri suit from Raymonds, Kochi. He teamed it with a pair of dark brown slim fit trousers along with burgundy leather deck shoes from Doc & Mark, Kochi that seamlessly integrate with the outfit.
Muted is the new grandeur. And you’ll definitely second that on seeing their engagement décor. Often stage decorations are known for their exquisite lavishness and strikingly beautiful impact. But with so many types of embellishments to choose from it’s easy to over-decorate. One needs to bear in mind that the bride and groom are the focal points for the guests and the stage setting should complement their look not detract attention away from it. And this is exactly what our bride kept in mind. Leah chose to keep the stage effortless with a simple Kerala theme décor in mind. The backdrop is adorned with jute along with an array of lush greenery and minimalistic jasmine garlands and golden Nilavilakkus.
A pointer for all you thrifty brides from this gorgeous lady herself. Leah had mentioned to me how she chose to go easy on the flower decoration. One because she personally wanted to see more greenery in the décor and two for greenery and foliage in floral arrangements and centerpieces are a sure-fire way to keep costs down.
Now sister and mother of the bride is something I’ve been eyeing on a lot. It is a series I’ve been dying to start seeing how stunning family members chose to dress up on their daughters or siblings big day. Introducing our stunning bride’s pretty as a picture Mother and Sister. I loved what they both wore so I knew I had to give them a shout out. Good taste must be appreciated 😎.
For the engagement, Leah’s beautiful mother chose to go with a simple Kerala sari keeping in mind the Kerala theme. I also love how she chose to adorn the much-loved mullapu flowers on her hair. The multi-talented sister Ann who is incidentally a, graphic designer and illustrator, designed and sketched out her own outfit. Ann chose to wear this striking crushed cream anarkali salwar along with a net shawl with thick bavanji golden worked border from Althea Bridals & Bespoke, Kochi
No Indian wedding is complete without a sari. Saree is the quintessential Indian traditional wear, which women can carry off with great panache but choosing the right one for your big day can be a daunting task. Our bride chose a custom made enchanting lace saree from Althea Bridals & Bespoke, Kochi. I’m sure most of you will probably recognize Leah better now and she finally gets her overdue credit 😃 🙌.
Leah looked exquisite in a beige tulle sari embellished all over with thread work, white sequins and pearls. The blouse was left plain to let the saree shine on its own except for the matching detailing on the sleeves. Her gorgeous neck piece and bangles were again custom made from Kirthi Diamond Jewellery, Kochi.
A definite mention to the lace detailing on the pallu. This sheer lace detailing was a request by the bride herself keeping in mind how evident it would be in all the pictures and also as an ease to show off that gorgeous sheer back. Quite smart, don’t you think ❤️? Her lovely lotus bouquet and makeup was done by Blue Moon Fresh & Dry Flowers,Kochi and by Inspirit Makeovers,Kochi.
Our groom made his presence felt by wearing a custom made single breasted dark grey suit from Raymonds, Kochi. He paired it with a cream yellow shirt, tie and pocket square of the same color and jet black formal shoes from Doc & Mark, Kochi.
For the reception, Leah changed into a captivating rani pink kancheepuram silk sari with mango prints all over from Jayalakshmi, Kochi and left her hair down in cascade of curls again 😍. And not to be forgotten, their big days were captured by the ever talented Ton Abraham Photography.
Their lovely stage décor for the reception had a theme of white and all out they went by choosing white roses to adorn the stage all over.
And not to forget, our lovely mother and sister of the bride. Leah’s mother chose to go subtle and elegant in light baby pink sari from Sonal’s, Bangalore . Don’t you just love how she chose to keep hair down and accessorize with a single statement neckpiece. And Ann chose to Jazz it up with a gorgeous red raw silk sari with silver zari work all over from Sonal’s, Bangalore. I love how she paired it up with these gorgeous statement jhumkas and let the sari and that gorgeous worked blouse shine bright.
And a definite mention needs to go their aesthetically designed wedding invites by the sister of the bride herself. I’m lately loving how experimental brides are willing to go from the usual much seen traditional invites. Check out Ann’s Instagram handle @annaabrahamm to see more of her artistic piquant works.
And as always, if you have any questions for me regarding this post or otherwise, you know what to do. Don’t forget to show us some love on our Instagram handle 
@epokalyanam and Facebook page 
@epokalyanam.the blog. Psst, by doing so you’ll be absolutely making my day.
Lots of ❤️,
Elza
Epo Kalyanam 