Neeta + Shravan by Melissa Clark Photography - Together Journal

White and ivory felt like the perfect colour palette for the ceremony – elegant, timeless, and calming.

Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…

We’re both passionate and driven individuals who found our way to each other in our late teenage years. Together, we manage a fitness club in Sydney – a shared venture that reflects our commitment, teamwork, and love for health and community. We balance each other effortlessly: I bring a calm, creative spark, while he brings humour, logic, and a grounded perspective. Our shared loves – food, nature, music, and travel – have always shaped our relationship. When we’re not working, you’ll likely find us chasing sunsets, indulging in something delicious, or simply enjoying quiet, everyday moments side by side. We genuinely thrive in each other’s company, even the most mundane parts of life feel meaningful when shared. Our relationship is rooted in deep friendship, mutual respect, and lots of laughter, and that foundation made even the chaos of wedding planning feel like an exciting adventure.

How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?

We met at university, and it wasn’t an instant romance, more of a slow-burn connection. We were friends first, which helped us truly get to know each other without any pressure. I remember thinking Shravan had this confidence and kindness that made people gravitate towards him. He was always jovial, grounded, and so incredibly genuine. He says I stood out with my energy – always warm and caring. Our paths kept crossing, and over time, it just felt natural to move from friendship into something more. It wasn’t dramatic or flashy, just a really organic unfolding of something meaningful and a strong connection.

Tell us about the vision you had for the mood and style of your wedding. (theme, key styling elements, florals, colour palettes etc.).

We knew from the beginning that we wanted our wedding to feel grounded in nature – raw, beautiful, and peaceful. The beautiful South Island of New Zealand, particularly Wanaka, gave us that instantly. The mountains, lake, and the open sky created this natural canvas, and we wanted everything else to complement it, not overpower it. White and ivory felt like the perfect colour palette for the ceremony – elegant, timeless, and calming. We added subtle earthy tones to tie in with the outdoor setting. The overall vibe was minimal yet intentional – soft white florals paired with fresh greenery, and a clear mandap that created the illusion of floating blooms. The reception décor showcased a romantic blend of red, pink, and white tones, with lush florals, soft white draping, and glowing candles creating a warm and elegant ambience. We didn’t want a “styled” wedding as much as a feeling – something serene, heartfelt, and intimate.

What styling and visual elements worked best for you? (could be things, the florals, particular hire products or your marquee, etc., something the stylist created or simply just the scenic beauty of your location or the existing design of your venue).

Honestly, the beauty of Wanaka did most of the heavy lifting. The scenery was breathtaking – you didn’t need to do much to make it feel magical. But the styling tied it all together so beautifully. We kept the décor light and elegant, letting the natural surroundings shine. A mirrored walkway added a touch of modern sophistication, lined with soft white florals and delicate greenery for a fresh, romantic feel. The clear mandap gave the illusion of floating blooms, creating a dreamy focal point, while clear chairs blended seamlessly into the landscape, keeping the look open and airy. Every element was thoughtfully chosen to feel timeless and effortlessly beautiful. Soft white draping and cascading florals in red, pink, and white set a romantic tone for the reception. The marquee glowed with candles and cascading blooms, while the grand fireplace in the main hall added a warm, elegant touch. Our stylist did an incredible job weaving those elements through the space. The décor wasn’t trying to steal the show – it just elevated what was already there.

What did you enjoy most about the planning process, and do you have any tips for couples starting their wedding planning journey?

I really enjoyed the creative side – dreaming up the themes, choosing colour palettes, and planning the mood of each event. That part was fun and full of possibility. But I also learned very quickly that execution is everything, and that’s where a good planner makes all the difference. I did the styling and a lot of the groundwork myself, so having someone on the ground to manage logistics and timelines was essential. My advice would be to plan early, delegate when you can, and stay flexible. Things will change, something might go wrong, but it’s the emotion of the day that stays with you – not the missing details or shifted timelines.

When did you first realise that this was someone you’d like to spend the rest of your life with?

It didn’t take long. Just a few months into dating, there was this calm sense of certainty between us. It wasn’t one big moment, but a series of small ones – how easily we communicated, how supported and seen we felt by one another, and how even difficult conversations were met with patience. It’s rare to feel so safe with someone, and we both knew that whatever life threw at us, we’d rather go through it together. The way we functioned as a team, without ego or drama, was all the confirmation we needed.

Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, and is there a story?

My bridal outfit was a very intentional departure from tradition. In Indian culture, red is the colour most brides wear – bold, auspicious, and rich. But I was drawn to ivory. It’s considered non-traditional, but to me, it felt peaceful, soi, and elegant – which really reflected the mood we were going for. It was also a nod to blending the traditional with the modern – staying connected to culture while still making it our own. The embroidery was detailed and intricate, but the overall feel was serene and graceful. It felt like me, in every way. Shravan’s outfit complemented the palette perfectly – sharp, classic, and understated.

What were one or two elements that were most important to you both that you were happy to spend a little more on? (food, photography, florals, the venue, your outfits?).

Food, without question. We’re both massive foodies, and we wanted our guests to really remember the flavours, the experience, and the little details that made each meal special. We worked closely with our caterers to make sure there was a good mix of traditional dishes and unexpected twists. We also prioritised photography – having those moments captured beautifully was so important to us. The right photographer doesn’t just take photos – they tell your story. We wanted images that we could look back on decades from now and feel exactly how we felt in that moment.

Did anything happen on your wedding day that you laugh about in hindsight (even if it was stressful at the time)?

Oh, absolutely. The wind had its own plans that day – it was wild! Before the ceremony, we had to decide whether to go ahead with the outdoor setup or move everything indoors due to the wind. I remember looking up at the mandap florals swaying wildly, and all the ladies’ hair flying around. There was a brief moment of thinking, “I hope this mandap doesn’t fall on us,” but Shravan and I were so in the moment that we just laughed it off. It became one of those spontaneous, “let go” moments. Now, it’s one of our favourite memories – it wasn’t perfect, but it was perfectly ours, and it made the day feel even more alive and real.