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"I will get old. You will get old. But I will always look into your eyes the way I did when we were young."

They say that childhood romances are, perhaps, one of the purest forms of love to ever exist. Medha and Akshay's love story is much like that. A tale of love that blossomed out of innocence and one that has no room for pride or ego. Childhood sweethearts Medha and Akshay have been a part of each other's lives since the year 2008. And only recently did the two tied the knot, after realising that what had started as a childhood crush had evolved into something more endearing and mature. 

Scroll down to check out the couple's gorgeous Udaipur wedding captured by ShaadiSaga's vendor Shutterdown Photography and get ready to pin down your favourite moments!

Introducing Medha & Akshay

The #AMinlove story begins in the year 2008 when avid debaters and school representatives Medha Khanna met Akshay Kohli each other, "I was naturally nervous as I shared the arguments that I had copiously spent hours preparing. He shot them down & asked me to say my debate out in the middle of a teeming & chaotic playground of students in recess!"

What seemed like an incident of being ragged in the middle of the playground has now turned into an endearing memory for the two that still makes the couple laugh. Though their story began as a mere and innocent childhood crush, their relationship soon evolved into a more mature and committed relationship that withstood years of long-distance, different time zones, countless ups and downs along with multiple crisis and victories.

"Today, everything around us might go through a paradigm shift, but the foundation of love, respect & friendship that we've built over nearly 12 years of being together, continues to remain rock solid," Medha adds. 

Medha and Akshay's wedding took place at the Royal Retreat Resort & Spa, Udaipur which was a full-blown extravaganza with vibrant decor, elegant outfits and wedding guests that never hesitated to tap their feet to upbeat music. 

Fun Family Ice Breaker Party

First on the list was a fun family ice breaker where we saw a beautiful fairylight decor with a gorgeous white and yellow fabric wedding decoration. Decked up in trending shirt blouse lehenga, bride-to-be Medha looked stunning with this intricate mehendi. While, groom Akshay looked dapper in this midnight blue Nehru jacket piece for the event. 

Peppy Mehendi Ceremony Doused in Aqua Green

The first event of the wedding was the Mehendi ceremony. Doused in aqua green, peacock blue and yellow decor, the mehendi was peacock themed given the bride's inexplicable obsession with peacocks! The wedding planners Pitara and WDNE painstakingly put together each element keeping the various colours & aesthetics of a peacock in mind. Both Medha and Akshay wore matching blue-green outfits to complement the gorgeous mehendi decor. In fact, the bride helped design the groom's outfit along with designer Nasir. Adding more charm to the event was the surprise flash mob prepared by the bride and her tribe for her groom!

Glam Bollywood Cocktail Night

Instead of holding a traditional sangeet, the couple held a cocktail party which they meshed with stunning dance performances. Channelling the whole Bollywood glam vibe, the cocktail night witnessed glitz and glamour in shades of black, gold and red. Medha wore a gorgeous embroidered red lehenga, while Akshay chose an embroidered black bandhgala. With performances by both sides & an after-party that lasted till morning, the bride and groom confessed about having the time of their lives, after all not many can recollect much of it!

An Emotional Haldi Function

The haldi and pooja ceremony was an attempt to bring everyone into the fold of wishing the bride & groom the best with the symbolic blessing of the mangal sutra by everyone present. Medha looked like a dream in a banarasi suit and a green bandhej dupatta while Akshay complemented her with an orange kurta.

Beautiful Wedding Conducted by Two Panditains

Medha and Akshay's wedding day was truly an unparalleled celebration with unique elements that came together to create the perfect day. The décor was rustic with pink & white-hued florals, fairy lights & beer barrels! Medha wore a breathtaking pink lehenga by Anita Dongre along with gold jewellery while Akshay wore a blush pink sherwani by Sawan Gandhi. 

Akshay surprised Medha with a flash mob of his own with his friends and danced to 'Gulabo' to celebrate her favourite colour. Medha, on the other hand, chose to walk down the aisle with her parents, a moment that was truly overwhelming for both the bride and her family. 

Setting another special president with their wedding, the couple had their ceremonies conducted by two panditains, proving that knowledge knows no gender barriers and stereotypes! Replacing patriarchal traditions like "kanyadaan" & "vidaai", the couple chose empowered rituals tailored to what Akshay, Medha and their families believe in. The couple's wedding, instead, celebrated the coming together of two equal individuals without placing any pressure on building and upholding the relationship on just one gender.

Fun-filled Reception Party

The couple's reception took place in Delhi at the Taj Mahal Hotel. Medha wore a gorgeous blue Anita Dongre lehenga with ancestral Kundan jewellery that has been in the bride's family for over 100 years, while Akshay wore a neo-traditional bandhgala along with an ancestral stole. Marking the night with music, dance and lots of fun, the reception was the perfect way to conclude their wedding with a bang. 

Final Words by the Bride

Bride Medha Khanna says, "Your wedding must be a celebration of the coming together of you & your partner. But, most of us in the vigorous planning to our wedding days, forget that above the wedding will always be the marriage! So, plan those days keeping in mind the fundamental principles of life you and your partner want to come together based on, the life you aspire to build and the people that you are. The wedding is just a few days but your marriage together is for a lifetime. We went into this marriage as Medha Khanna & Akshay Kohli and we retain our names as it is even today. Gaining a new chapter in our lives did not entail having to lose our essence & identity (unfortunately something only the woman is expected to do often in the garb of symbolising her love for her husband). For us, this union is a beautiful extension to our individualities, our identities & who we aspire to grow into together in future."

Wedding Vendors

Wedding Photographer: Shutterdown Photography | Wedding Venue: Royal Retreat Resort & Spa, UdaipurTaj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi | Wedding Planner: Pitara EventsWDNE | Bride's Outfits: Vasansi Jaipur (Mehendi); Divya Goyal (Cocktail); Anita Dongre (Wedding, Reception) | Groom's Outfits: Nasir Bespoke (Mehendi, Cocktail & Reception); Sawan Gandhi (Wedding)  | Bridal Makeup Artists: Isha KhannaKashika Kapur | Hairstylists: DabluSantosh Pokharel | Mehendi Artist: Kishen Mehendi Artist | Bridal Jewellery: Mortantra (Mehendi); Ajnaa (Cocktail); 925 Silver Jaipur (Wedding) | Wedding Choreographer: YSDC Choreography | Entertainment Company: Desert Rock (band)

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A Wedding of Childhood Sweethearts Conducted by Two Panditains!

by Shivani Singh

A Wedding of Childhood Sweethearts Conducted by Two Panditains!