Hey Girls! Grab your pens to note down the inspiration for your wedding lehenga on the biggest day of your life! Here is the story of blogger bride Kashish Aggarwal Chabbra in her own words. The most exhilarating journey of a bride filled with love and a touch of magic.
I was never the girl who dreamed of a fairytale wedding, with grandeur or simplicity written in the stars. But as trends like being a Sabyasachi bride or a Tarun Tahiliani bride gained popularity, I felt a desire to embrace my own unique creativity on my special day. Undoubtedly, brides donning the creations of renowned designers like Sabyasachi are breathtakingly beautiful. And I, too, chose a stunning white zari saree from his collection for my reception. However, for my wedding lehenga, I yearned for something distinct, something that would leave a lasting impression.
During my research and development phase, I had a stroke of inspiration to blend tradition with modernism. That’s when my dearest masi, a trusted confidante of my mother, Ms. Shagun Pathak, came to my rescue. With years of experience running her own studio and designing beautiful bridal lehengas for esteemed brands like Suemue, her artistic vision and the expertise of her artisans were something to be admired. Adding to the allure, we were in Kolkata, a city where art finds its soul and the birthplace of Sabyasachi’s empire. We had an opportunity to explore our creativity together. In the month of August, we embarked on our journey to create a truly exceptional wedding lehenga. Well, It did take 6 months to get this beautiful piece on!
In our brainstorming sessions, my masi breathed life into my creative ideas, and together we conceived the concept of infusing Pichwai art into my lehenga. Pichwai art, with its origins in Nathdwara, Rajasthan, traditionally portrays scenes from the life of Lord Krishna, particularly his divine dance known as rasleela. By incorporating this art form into my lehenga, I aimed to pay homage to the rich cultural heritage of Indian weddings. The Pichwai paintings on my lehenga would not only captivate the eyes but also symbolize love, devotion, and the eternal bond between Radha and Krishna.
After finalizing the design, the first swatch arrived in September, and I couldn’t help but suggest some changes to enhance its beauty. We opted for a stunning champagne pink color, evoking a romantic and serene ambiance that befits a sundowner beach wedding. The luxurious silk fabric shimmered in the sunlight, creating a magical aura around me. To further elevate its elegance, we adorned the lehenga with the brilliance of Swarovski and the auspiciousness of Navaratna stones. Swarovski stones added a touch of glamour, casting a mesmerizing sparkle, while Navaratna stones, representing the nine celestial gems of Hindu astrology, brought blessings and positive energy to my special day.
Now, let me paint a picture of how I looked on my wedding day. As I stepped into my resplendent creation, I felt like a vision of regal elegance, a bride whose radiance outshone the sun. The 18-Kali lehenga gracefully draped around me, each thread carrying the weight of intricate Pichwai paintings depicting the divine love story of Radha and Krishna. Hand-embroidered pearls and resham work added a touch of ethereal beauty, creating a symphony of textures and patterns that seemed to dance with every step.
Every delicate detail was thoughtfully crafted. The aari and zardozi techniques breathed life into the embroidery, while dori work, mukaish work, and pearl and stone embellishments adorned the ensemble, creating a masterpiece that transcended mere fabric and became a work of art. The low-cut blouse, embellished with a mesmerizing zardozi jaal, exuded sensuality and grace, while the pearl string detailing at the back added an enchanting allure. A digitally-printed satin organza dupatta, showcasing a breathtaking Pichwai painting, flowed gracefully around me, framing the resplendent lehenga with its delicate beauty.
As I walked down the aisle, a three-meter tulle veil trailed behind me, reflecting the ethereal aura that enveloped the moment. The fragrance of fresh mogras delicately woven into my tresses infused a hint of tradition into the modernity of the ensemble. Lustrous pearls and cascading emerald drops adorned me, their brilliance enhancing my natural beauty and adding a timeless touch of elegance.
In the realm of bespoke bridal fashion, my wedding lehenga stood as a masterpiece. A testament to the creative genius of my beloved masi, Shagun Pathak, and her team of skilled artisans and artists from Kolkata. Each meticulous stitch, each intricate detail, was a labor of love that resonated with my innermost desires, transforming me into a living, breathing work of art.
As I embarked on this new chapter of my life, my wedding lehenga became more than just a garment. It became a symbol of love, artistry, and the merging of tradition and modernity. It left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who witnessed its splendor. With every glance, every whispered “wow,” my wedding lehenga captivated their souls and reaffirmed that true beauty lies not only in the eye of the beholder but also in the artistry that adorns it.
Meet Kashish A Chhabra, the friendly next-door girl from Delhi who recently tied the knot with the Chhabra family. Her journey from being Kashish A Aggarwal to Chhabra led her to the vibrant city of Bangalore, where she now heads the marketing department for the Chhabra Group. Armed with an engineering degree from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and an MBA from ESCP Business School, Kashish is a dynamic, outgoing, and beautiful individual, always on the lookout for opportunities to pursue her passions and achieve her goals. With Radisson hotels and other exciting hospitality projects in Bangalore, she continues to make her mark in the industry.
