A wise man once sang, “I’m on vacation, every single day, ‘cause I love my occupation”. That rings true for us photographers & videographers. And it’s doubly true when we get to do destination weddings!
Imprint Studio is no stranger to destination weddings, having travelled to Paris, Switzerland, Turkey, India, and Azerbaijan in the past. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, though, we didn’t think we’d be able to book another destination wedding until at least 2022. That’s why we were so happy to get a call last month, asking if we can travel to Africa to cover a wedding for Rakhee Kantaria and Ajay Matharu.
We travelled from Dubai to Nairobi, which is a 5-hour flight, and another 1-hour domestic flight to Ukunda. From there, the wedding venue at the Leisure Lodge Beach Resort & Golf Club, which is owned by Dr. Rasik Kantaria, is only a few minutes away. The resort has access to the world-renowned Diani Beach, a 17-kilometer stretch of beautiful white sand, pristine blue waters that come alive during low tide, stunning coral reef formations, and gorgeous greenery.
The wedding celebrations started during the morning of 13th August, with the Janoi ceremony, a ceremony for the boys of the bride’s family, signifying their change from boys to men.
At lunch, a tasteful Mehendi & lunch was held at the Diani restaurant. The function area had beautiful, colorful decor, stunning views, and a wall where guests & family can write messages to the couple.
During the evening, the Sangeet function was held outside the Kileleni Conference Center, where the place lit up with sparkling silver motif. The award-winning ROOH band flew all the way from Dubai to play an electrifying set for everyone, as well as professional dancers from Kenya. The couple, along with their friends and family, danced the night away in celebration for the next day, which is the wedding.
The wedding was held at the beach, where a grandiose mandap was constructed, adorned with bells that rang all throughout the day with the cool wind.
After the wedding, the Bustani Garden lit up with tasteful decor and musical performances from the talented guests & family.
The wedding celebrations concluded once again outside the Kileleni Conference Center, where the classy stage stood for the reception night. A jazz band played throughout the night, and Rakhee and Ajay performed their first dance to swing jazz music.
Overall, the wedding was truly one for the books. Being surrounded by beautiful greenery and blue waters, along with the grace & hospitality of both the Kantaria and Matharu families, and seeing playful & true love with Rakhee and Ajay, made the destination wedding truly memorable.
