Chicago To Chennai Oru Kadhal Kadhai

Anushya and her prince charming Sharath are both software Engineers in the US. Let's listen to their beautiful journey as the bride herself unravels it at such a beautiful pace for all of us.

 "It was the year 2013 when I was leaving to Chicago to pursue my Master’s. There were a couple of meet-ups in Chennai for students travelling to the same school. Little did I know Sharath was one among them. But, that wasn’t the case with him. 

He had already seen me during the very first meet up and felt a strong connection between us. He had no hopes that he would meet me again but, destiny played the role of Cupid through one of our friends who happened to be my roommate and his good friend. One fine day, Sharath and I met each other and that’s when Sharath realized that this was meant to be. 

Things slowly progressed and we told both our parents during our trip to Chennai. After several meetings over kaapi and kesari both the parents were happy and gave us a big yes!

The wedding date was fixed to be on the 14th of Dec 2017 giving us a lot of time to plan for the wedding.

For the engagement, I got my first saree from Rangeela, Tnagar and the next one was from Kumaran silks, Chennai. 

ishiSharath, got both his outfits from @manyavar#, Chennai. It’s like the one stop shop for grooms.

Both Sharath and I were very particular about what we wanted to wear for the wedding and decided to do all the shopping after we reach Chennai and that was 17 days before the wedding. 

We had exactly 17 days for everything from head to toe!

I got my oonjal saree and 9 yards from Kumaran silks, Chennai. The Oonjal saree was my favorite, it was a custom ordered parrot green with pink border saree. I also shopped at RMKV extensively.

My Reception lehenga was a wine-red velvet lehenga from @kay-the-fashion-bay#. For the Sangeet I wore a pink and gold mastani from @neerus-indiaclothing#.

Sharath wore a navy blue with self-embossed suit for the reception from P.N. Rao, Alwarpet. They are best at what they do. I must say that the suit was the perfect piece we were looking for. For the Sangeet he wore a blue kurta with a bold yellow bandi from Swayamvar, Chennai.

All my gold and diamond jewelry was from GRT, Tnagar. Costume jewelry were from Swarna Prabhu, Mylapore. I also had 2 bangles designed with our names on it. This was done by Mrs. Chitra who happened to be my Mother-in-law’s friend.

Engagement Vritham and Oonjal blouses were designed by Vanitha Prasad. She is amazing and a very humble human. She had each of them done in 3 days.

My Muhurtham blouse was designed by @ishithaa-boutique#. She is very easy to work with and worked with me even late at night to understand what I wanted. I also got our initials embroidered by her on the pallu of my madisar.

I had wanted my mehndi to have some reference to the two beautiful cities where our bond started and where it was solemnized. Fathima of Yafa Mehendi design was the one who brought my ideas to life. I had the skyline of Chicago and Chennai and went on to name our story. 

“Chicago to Chennai oru Kadhal Kadhai” 

Even before my wedding date was finalized, I had decided on 2 things, the photographer and the makeup artist. 

Choosing @ashokarsh-photography# and Prakruthi of @prakatwork# for my makeup was a no brainer. I have always loved their work.

Ashok anna and team were so dedicated and fun to work with. I think the photos speak for their top-notch quality and untiring efforts.

Prakruthi is definitely one the finest makeup artist. Just at one look she knows what would suit you best. Her mom Seetha Aunty is such a humble human. Thanks to Prak and team and Isabelle aunty for doing my muhurtam hairdo.

I had Deepa from “Deepart Makeup” to do my Vritham and Engagement makeovers. Such a dedicated professional she is. Deepa also did my sister and my mom’s makeovers for all the events. I must say she did a fabulous job!

Like I mentioned earlier, we had just 17 days to plan everything that included the sangeet rehearsals as well. We had an instrumental fusion band for our reception by “Pranetra” who also helped us with the entire planning of our sangeet. Right from a horse driven chariot to the lighting, Dhol and music. Special mention to our emcee Gautham Sharma who did an excellent job in engaging the crowd and making it a memorable event.

We wanted something different from the usual. So, apart from the amazing dance numbers by both our sisters and all our cousins. Sharath’s family also had a short comedy drama outlining all the phases of his life. 

We take this opportunity to thank both the families for being a sport and giving us memories to cherish for a lifetime.

For the muhurtham, I had a flower chaadar, which is usually a Punjabi custom, it was lovely to have all our friends and family dance along with me under the chaadar as I got on stage to marry the man of my dreams!

 Right from the day the engagement date was finalized, I was very excited about planning for the different events. So much that it took away all my evenings and sometimes work hours too! 

However, the biggest challenge was the time difference. I had to stay up late or wake up early to talk to people and get things going. 

My family was my best planning team. Especially my Mom, she took boundless efforts to make sure I got only the best in everything. 

Develop a simple and easy to follow skincare regimen suitable for your skin type as early as possible and stick to it.

I ensured that I ate right, drank 2-3 liters of water every day and work out 3-4 time a week.

 Planning in Process to Iceland for our Honeymoon!