It’s not often that you meet the love of your life while going for your regular morning workout. Sonali Narang and Derrick Staten’s love story played out along these lines at a New York City gym. They both shared the same trainer who happened to introduce the two and it wasn’t long before sparks were flying as they bonded over coffee , smoothies, spin classes and workout tips.
What followed was a whirlwind romance as the couple spent time travelling the world; from scuba diving in Bali, Indonesia, to snowboarding in Colorado, USA and exploring the vibrant culture of Taipei, Taiwan. Staten, who is the co-founder of a dating app in the US, whisked away Narang, a data scientist working with a Pharma company, for a special holiday to the South of France . It’s where he intended to propose to her, but there were a few hiccups.
Given his love for wine, he booked themselves a stay in the Rhône Valley, a well-known wine region in France. He chose a picturesque beach with a lighthouse in the distance for the perfect moment to go down on one knee, but when they arrived, it was crowded with beachgoers. “He proposed in front of hundreds of French locals who were sunbathing, so there was definitely some humour to the situation.
The French were not impressed and neither did they applaud when he slipped the ring on my finger,” says Narang laughingly. Scouting for a location for their intimate wedding was easier said than done. They initially considered Los Cabos, Mexico, owing to its easy accessibility, but soon realised that Bodrum, located on Turkey’s serene Aegean coast would fit the bill as a unique venue.
The celebrations were spread over five days, starting with a welcome dinner which was a sunset soirée at the Mirada Exclusive Bodrum—the base for their wedding events. While the couple didn’t have a specific mood board for their functions, the brief they gave to their planners (Tay Weddings from Turkey, Glamorous Event Planners from New York and Morani & Soorma from India) was to create an ambience that was warm and inviting, yet immersed in cultural nuances. A white-themed pool party followed the next day, where the bride chose a stylish, floral-inspired PatBO dress.
The sangeet was another colourful celebration. “We weaved in a Turkish theme for our sangeet with belly dancers, hookah and Turkish cuisine featuring grills, live stations and sweets like Turkish delight and baklava,” the couple shares, adding that they also had a traditional bazaar where guests could pick out goods like evil eye charms, nuts, spices and olive oil. The next day dawned early with a vibrant haldi ceremony with lots of fresh sunflowers dotting the venue.
Narang chose a breezy, yellow-hued dhoti set by House of Masaba, while the groom wore a matching kurta set. As the wedding day approached, the resort’s beach deck was transformed into a floral paradise, complete with pastel-hued flowers in peaches, pinks and white. The pergola-like mandap featured crystal accents, a mirrored walkway and a statement chandelier.
The bride donned an ethereal Tarun Tahiliani ivory-hued lehenga with delicate embroidery and pearl embellishments, interspersed with pastel pinks. For her bridal glam , she roped in makeup artist Pooja Khurana and Archana Rautela for her hair. Her overall look was muted with a nude lip and a dewy base .
Instead, she let her jewels make a statement, wearing a polki-emerald necklace set and maang tikka. She chose to go the unconventional route with her hair, opting for straight tresses softly framing her face. Her beau complemented in a custom ivory sherwani .
As the sun set over the Aegean Sea, it provided the perfect, dreamy backdrop for their pheras. The celebrations ended with a grand reception which was an all-white affair with tons of white florals and bespoke chandeliers. The bride’s mother had envisioned the decor herself, with an elegant sit-down dinner that India-based Foodlink Luxury Catering catered.
For the reception, the couple upped the glam quotient with their ensembles. Narang opted for a bejewelled, gold-hued Falguni Shane Peacock gown with a feathered cape for added effect. Her hair was tied up in a high pony paired with elegant drop earrings to complete the look.
She slipped into a comfortable pair of Prada block heels so that she could enjoy the rest of the night in dance and revelry. The groom wore a sharp black tuxedo by Corneliani. Looking back on some of their favourite moments from the wedding, the couple recalls the after-parties that they hosted for their friends in the hotel’s cave-like nightclub and savouring piping hot bowls of Maggi noodles for those late-night munchies.
An additional reception is now planned in the groom’s hometown of St.Louis, Missouri later this year, along with a vow renewal ceremony..
