Splendid shindig for only son

Eight months after mechanical engineer Kaylesh Vandeyar Pakiry, 25, asked marketing graduate Shaista Nara Kara, 21, to be his wife, the couple tied the knot.

DATE NIGHT: While studying at Varsity College, Shaista attended many social gatherings at which Kaylesh was, coincidentally, present. They were formally introduced at a mutual friend's house party. After that, they bumped into each other many times until Kaylesh decided to ask Shaista out on a date. Their first date was on November 19 2010 when they dined at Rodizio Brazilian Restaurant in Fourways.

SAY YES: In January this year, Kaylesh and Shaista visited Sun City with friends. During lunch at the Santorini restaurant, Kaylesh proposed to Shaista, who was taken by surprise.

THE DATE: September 7 in the Johannesburg City Hall.

THE INVITE: The couple chose to have two different invites, which allowed them to express their different styles. Kaylesh's card had a gold Ganesha in the centre. His invites were made of sandalwood and enclosed in envelopes with a paisley design. Shaista's card had a bright blue and pink border with a picture of a bride and groom engraved on the right-hand corner of the invite.

FIT FOR A KING: Kaylesh wore a silver-grey suit with a pink shirt and Shaista was dressed in a cerise sari embellished with Swarovski crystals. Following the exchange of rings, Shaista changed into a cream sari adorned with maroon, gold and silver details. Its maroon velvet border was encrusted in Swarovski stones. Kaylesh also changed into a grey suit with a white shirt and red-and-silver tie.

CENTRE STAGE: The venue was decorated in cream, gold and maroon to create an opera-style theme with lots of drapes. Lining the aisle were gold pillars topped with floral arrangements. The backdrop on stage was created with draped gold and maroon fabrics and fairy lights. Behind the couple stood a white and gold Ganesha flanked by two gold pillars. Towards the front of the stage, on either side, were water features. The tables, covered with gold and maroon fabric, were decorated with mirror centrepieces featuring cream and maroon roses.

GIVE AND TAKE: South-Indian ceremony.

GUESTS: 800.

TASTY TREATS: Guests were served vegetable pies, spring rolls, samoosas, patha rolls and chevda for starters. The main course menu featured a selection of curries, including dhal, brinjal and coconut, chana dhal with baby marrow, green beans and potato, and paneer curry with rice as an accompaniment. For dessert, there was vermicelli and sago served with papad.

LET THEM EAT CAKE: A seven-tier fruit and nut cake covered in cream icing and decorated with maroon, cream and gold sugar roses that flowed down the one side.

MEMENTOS: Crystal-beaded serviette holders were used on the tables and guests were allowed to take them as souvenirs. There were also brass Ganesha statues in pyramid-shaped boxes.

HONEYMOON: Two nights at the African Pride Hotel in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg, followed by a week at the Royal Swazi Spa in Swaziland.

EVER AFTER: Winchester Hills, south of Johannesburg.

TREASURED MEMORY: Kaylesh's mother, Sharm, dreamt of having a spectacular Bollywood-style wedding for her only son. Sharm, dad Karuna and Kaylesh's only sister, Sanisha, were responsible for all the planning and choices.

"We cherish everything that was planned by Kaylesh's mom that resulted in our dream wedding," said Shaista.