Nidhi and Nitya’s vibrant March wedding was a three-day celebration of Indian tradition and modern elegance, brought to life with bold cultural events, heartfelt moments, and timeless charm.
Real wedding
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Please can you tell us a bit about yourselves – where you're from, how you met, etc.?
Born and raised in Mumbai, India, our journey together began nine years ago when we met as undergraduates at university. As college mates studying side by side, we were two driven souls, full of ambition and dreams as bold as they were bright. On 9 September 2016, Nitya confessed his feelings to me. It was a moment of pure magic and the beginning of a beautiful new chapter in our lives.
Over the years, we’ve crossed continents together, attending summer schools at UC Berkeley, LSE, and King’s College London. Our academic paths then led us to London, where we pursued our Master’s degrees at Imperial College London and LSE.
In 2020, life brought a new challenge - the start of a long-distance relationship between Manchester and London just as we were beginning our careers and navigating the uncertainty of a global pandemic. Those late-night Facetime calls became our lifeline, keeping our connection strong through it all.
After three years apart, we finally reunited in London. In August 2023, Nitya proposed in the most magical way at The Savoy, and soon after, we began searching for the perfect wedding venue to bring our dream day to life.
Why did you choose Ashridge House?
We were keen to have our wedding in London - the city that connected us on a deeper level. Having spent the past six years in the UK, it felt only right to invite our loved ones to experience a glimpse of our life here.
When it came to choosing a venue, Ashridge House immediately stood out as the perfect fit. It was truly the most beautiful location we had ever seen. Steeped in history, the grandeur and regal charm of the house felt nothing short of majestic. It felt like more than just a wedding venue - it was a fairytale palace waiting to witness our union under the sacred vows of marriage.
One of the biggest advantages was that Ashridge House could accommodate all our international guests. This made it an easy final decision for us, knowing that everyone would be together under one roof, tucked away in serene greenery, away from the world, to celebrate three unforgettable days of love, joy, and togetherness.
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Did your wedding have a specific cultural or traditional theme? How did Ashridge House help bring that vision to life?
Being of Indian origin, our wedding was deeply rooted in culture and tradition. We hosted seven events in total, each with its own unique theme and energy: the Mehendi Ceremony (Bella Henna Fiesta), Cocktail Party (Bloody Mary Me), Haldi Ceremony (Rang Ke Sang) with Ceilidh Dancing, Grah Shanti (Sukh Shanti Sampoorna), British Civil Ceremony, Hindu Wedding Ceremony (#InLoveInLondon), and finally, our Reception Party.
From the very beginning, the team at Ashridge House was incredibly supportive. They understood the scale and complexity of the celebrations and were fully hands-on, working closely with our wedding planner to grasp every detail of the itinerary. We were lucky to have multiple dedicated planners from Ashridge House, Libby, Sophie, Beth and Georgia & also Laura who was always the overarching support, who truly shared our vision and stood by us through every step of the journey.
Their support was outstanding, from facilitating supplier site visits to welcoming us back multiple times to walk through the venue and fine-tune plans. No request was too small - from adjusting room temperatures to ensuring meticulous attention to health and safety, cleanliness, and security. What stood out most was their genuine effort to understand and embrace each of our culturally diverse events, helping us bring every element to life exactly as we imagined.
Coordinating with over 41 suppliers could have been overwhelming, but the Ashridge House team made it seamless. Every supplier shared positive feedback after their visits, and the communication, especially via email was always prompt, clear, and reassuring. During the three magical days of our wedding, everything ran beautifully, and we truly couldn’t have asked for a better team to bring it all together.
A moment I’ll never forget is when Libby greeted us with the warmest hug at our final event, beaming with pride at how the venue had been transformed. After 12 months of planning, the Ashridge House team felt more like family. They executed every detail with such care and precision, and we carry the happiest memories of those three days with us forever. We truly hold them in the highest regard.
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You chose to extend your celebration across multiple days at Ashridge House. What made that decision worthwhile, and what would you say to other couples considering the same?
Our guest list spanned over nine countries, and we knew the only right decision was to extend our celebrations across three days. This allowed everyone the time to settle in, soak in the breathtaking surroundings, and fully experience the wedding we had lovingly planned for over a year. Our guests were equally delighted. They loved the newly renovated rooms, praised the exceptional breakfast, and couldn’t stop complimenting the warmth and friendliness of the on-site staff.
Ashridge House is perfectly located, with every corner thoughtfully designed. The bespoke event spaces - the LMA Hall, the Old Library, the Repton Hall, and the iconic grand staircase; all come together to set the stage for a truly unforgettable celebration. It’s a venue where your fairytale can genuinely unfold.
To all future couples considering Ashridge House: your wedding day will be one of the most iconic days of your life. This venue adds that essential touch of royalty and magic, making your celebration not just memorable but truly extraordinary.
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Please can you tell us about the highlights and any standout memories from your wedding day?
We were truly blessed with sunshine across all three days in March - something we never expected, and it genuinely felt like a gift from above. One of the most unforgettable moments was our Jaimala ceremony. Walking down the staircase near the fountain, with Ashridge House as the backdrop, felt like stepping into a dream. The entire arrangement was flawless, and that setting elevated the moment into something truly magical.
Each of our events looked entirely unique and spectacular, and we are sincerely grateful to the venue for allowing overnight access to our florists and lighting team - this flexibility was essential in transforming the spaces before each new day began.
The entire Ashridge House team remained fully in sync with our wedding planner, seamlessly coordinating via walkie-talkies, which ensured everything ran smoothly from start to finish. Their professionalism and dedication did not go unnoticed, and it made a significant difference in making our celebrations as perfect as they were.
As we look back on our wedding celebrations, we are filled with nothing but joy, gratitude, and awe. Ashridge House wasn’t just a venue but it became an integral part of our story, wrapping our love in history, beauty, and magic. Every detail was brought to life with care, and every moment felt like a dream.
To the entire team at Ashridge House, thank you for helping us create the most unforgettable days of our lives. And to future couples: if you're searching for a place that feels like it was made just for your love story, look no further. Ashridge House will not only meet your expectations, it will exceed them in every way.
Our hearts are full, and our memories are forever golden.
Key Suppliers:
Wedding Planner - StyledbyShaileeni
Florist - Shagun Weddings
Food Supplier - SNK
Photographer & Videographer - VIP Studios
Lighting & Production - Kudos
Host - Arjun Desai