Suneet and Ashkay’s Modern Hindu wedding

They started as childhood friends, but their relationship grew through their years and across states. Rooted in family friendship, and strengthened over the decades, Suneet and Ashkay’s love story culminated in a breathtaking Hindu wedding ceremony and grand reception across two stellar Brisbane venues.

Suneet and Ashkay got engaged after five years of long-distance love. Ashkay turned to Perfect Proposals to help with the dreamy moment, a setup that overlooked Melbourne city with rose petals, glowing candles, a floral heart arbour and a neon sign with the ultimate question: Will you marry me?

It was magical, and, of course, a resounding “yes” from the bride.

The wedding itself was a big celebration, complete with 280 guests. With this many attendees, the couple would need a space that could host the grand Hindu wedding and accommodate their cultural traditions which include a small ceremonial fire. The solution was in the Grand Chelsea Ballroom at voco Brisbane City Centre.

“Voco ticked every box,” explains Suneet. “From capacity to the Indian catering, they went above and beyond.”

For the colour palette, it couldn’t be anything but bright and bold. Red, pink, white, and silver was woven throughout the venue, with the grand centrepiece a four-pillar mirrored mandap designed by Shivan Wedding Decorators. The styling was finished with elephants, peacocks, candles, and fresh pink and peach florals.

Suneet travelled to Melbourne to find her wedding look. Dressed by Rajashree Bridal Studio, her lehenga was in deep red with pearl and light gold embroidery and accents of lotus flower motifs. It was complemented by kundan jewellery and a traditional nose ring.

Ashkay looked her perfect complement, with a white embroidered sherwani with crystal and pearl work. It was paired with a velvet pagri shawl and kundan pearl mala. Nothing made this look stand out even more than his grand entrance, a black G63 AMG Mercedes.

The couple then exchanged vows in a heartfelt ceremony led by Dr Naveen Sharma. “He kept it short, sweet, and personal,” says Suneet of the ceremony.

Guests were then treated to an incredible Indian feast, prepared by Chef Vijay of voco. The delectable menu included samosas, paneer tikka, malai kofta, garlic naan, and rasmalai for dessert.

To capture all the celebrations, which included pre-events in Brisbane and Melbourne, their wedding and reception, the couple turned to Rolling Canvas. With deep experience in South Asian weddings, the team was able to balance posed portraits and candid emotional detials.

“We loved their style and colour palette,” gushes Suneet. “They understood the intricacies of a Hindu wedding, and the photos reflect every detail.”

The reception took place the next day at Water’s Edge in Brisbane’s waterfront suburb of Hamilton. The guests enjoyed welcome drinks before moving into a night of traditional wedding festivities: speeches, food, and incredible dancing.

The couple’s family and friends surprised them with a choreographed dance with DJ Desi keeping the dancefloor going well into the night.

The couple infused the day with family contributions, including hand-poured vanilla candles crafted by Suneet’s brother, sister-in-law, and cousin. These meaningful details sat alongside the lavish décor, creating a celebration that felt both grand and deeply personal.