The sangeet and mehendi was held the same evening in the hotel’s central courtyard. This was a Moroccan-themed affair, where the space was transformed into a chic Moroccan souq, complete with spice barrels, oversized rugs and cushions. “The idea was to give our guests a rustic feel of Marrakech and its charming markets,” says Kohli.
For the evening, the bride chose a jewel-toned, floral Sabyasachi lehenga with statement jewellery and a delicate headpiece, adding to the rustic allure of the themed event. Tunisian and Moroccan entertainers enthralled the guests, coupled with traditional Greek dancing, singing and the quintessential Indian dhol.
The couple wed in a traditional Anand Karaj ceremony the next day, where the hotel’s lobby had been transformed into a makeshift Gurudwara. “This was such a spiritual experience for us. The ceremony was entirely coordinated by the women in Rusna’s family,” says Michael, adding that in true Bollywood style they exchanged varmalas under a shower of rose petals, while he even had a traditional baraat on a white horse.
Kohli wore a custom, pale pink Falguni Shane Peacock lehenga accentuated by hints of red and silver. The jewellery was a focal point, with an heirloom-like polki necklace and earrings encrusted with rubies, along with a maang tikka that has been passed down by brides from her family’s side recently. Michael complemented the look with a traditional sherwani by Qbik. A Moroccan Berber-themed poolside party followed soon after, with grazing tables, barbecues and live stations. Packets of Maggi noodles were especially brought in for friends to indulge in, post-midnight. Kohli’s look for this event featured a vibrant, multi-coloured Anamika Khanna lehenga while Michael wore a suit by French label, Fursac.
The couple wanted to maintain their aesthetic with every wedding function while also staying true to their roots. So, wedding favours included the classic Greek tradition of leaving something sweet for guests to take home, as a sign of good fortune. “Instead of Cypriot sweets, we gave our guests local Moroccan sweets called ma’amoul or butter cookies, along with dates in these gold, tasselled boxes,” the duo says. They wanted their wedding mood board to be diverse across functions, whilst also being reflective of the customs and traditions close to them. “Throughout the course of our relationship and even the wedding, we realised just how many similarities both of our cultures shared. It made it that much easier for us to blend our traditions,” adds Kohli.
The final day of the festivities saw the traditional Greek ceremony called stolisma, where Michael’s father and best men helped him get ready for the reception. Violinists were flown in from Cyprus, folk songs were being crooned and there was much dancing. The evening itself was a sophisticated affair held in the courtyard with the bride donning a bespoke white Galia Lahav gown with a pearl choker, paired with flowy hair studded with delicate pearls, while Michael sported a classic Giorgio Armani tuxedo.
Take a look below at their dreamy nuptials in Marrakech.
