Neha & Laya, Suryagarh, Jaisalmer Part II
Day 2 began with a Haldi set in a lush tropical forest, an oasis created in the middle of the Jaisalmer desert. With laughter, dancing, and vibrant energy, the morning felt alive with joy. As the sun dipped below the horizon, it was time for the wedding—one that redefined traditions in the most personal way. Priestesses led the rituals, Neha’s sisters performed the laja homa, and her mother walked her down the aisle. The night ended with a Cambridge May Ball-inspired reception, filled with live music, deep reds, and an atmosphere of celebration.
📖 Missed Part 1? Read about the Mehendi & Sangeet here
Haldi – A Tropical Oasis in the Desert
Laya took charge of the Haldi decor, creating a tropical oasis in the middle of Jaisalmer’s golden sands—a refreshing departure from the usual yellows and oranges. The Doli Diary transformed their Haldi corner into a little forest, making it feel fresh and lively.
The morning began early, with Neha and Laya getting ready just after sunrise. This gave us some extra time to capture portraits around Suryagarh, taking in the stunning morning light. Meanwhile, Neha’s family held a Mandap Mahurat pooja, adding another layer of significance to the day.
As we photographed in the iconic Suryagarh mandap, we couldn’t help but imagine how breathtaking an early morning wedding would look here—definitely something to manifest for another day.
Then came time for the Haldi entry. Laya’s nephew joined them as they walked in, adding an extra dose of sweetness to the moment.
A Wedding that Redefined Traditions
As the desert sky turned a deep shade of twilight, Neha and Laya’s wedding unfolded in the most personal and heartfelt way. Every moment was intentional, every ritual carried meaning. Priestesses led the pheras, a rare and powerful sight, while Neha’s sisters performed the laja homa, offering puffed rice into the sacred fire—an act traditionally done by brothers.
Her wedding entry was just as meaningful. Instead of the usual bridal procession, Neha walked in under a chadar held by her sisters, with her mother by her side. The moment was filled with warmth, support, and love, making it one of the most unforgettable parts of the day.
It was a wedding that didn’t just follow traditions—it reshaped them in a way that felt deeply personal and true to Neha and Laya’s journey.
Getting Ready & The Saree That Told a Story
Neha’s wedding morning started with quiet anticipation as she got ready in a saree that was as timeless as her vision. She chose an Anjul Bhandari Panetar saree, a masterpiece blending Lucknow’s intricate Chikankari with the heritage of a traditional Gujarati bridal drape. Every detail, from the gold zardozi to the deep red border, was thoughtfully designed to honor both craftsmanship and tradition.
"Neha exuded elegance in this full-jaal chikankari Panetar saree, adorned with our Awadh highlights—gold zardozi, beads, and sequins. A heavy zardozi border and an intricately embroidered blouse completed her look. This ensemble was a perfect balance for a modern bride who cherishes her traditions while making them uniquely her own." – Anjul Bhandari
Adding another meaningful touch, her saree’s khinkhwab border was mirrored in Laya’s dupatta, a subtle yet powerful connection woven into their wedding looks. You can see we had way too much fun with the flatlays—there were just so many beautiful details and personalisations to play with.
The Baraat & A Sleepy Little Guest
The baraat arrived in style, with Laya seated in a vintage car, accompanied by his young nephew—a perfect picture of excitement and grandeur. But amidst all the music and dancing, the little one dozed off, completely unfazed by the revelry around him!
A Mandap Drenched in Color
The mandap stood as a breathtaking centerpiece—a soft ombre of shades, transitioning from pure white to deep red, with every hue of pink in between. It felt like a space created not just for rituals, but for something deeply poetic and personal.
Joota Chupai – A Team Effort
The moment the car reached the mandap, Neha’s brothers carried Laya out, only for her sisters to swiftly steal his shoes mid-procession. A classic joota chupai executed with perfection, leaving everyone in fits of laughter before the vows began.
Neha’s Entry & The Moment Laya Couldn’t Look Away
Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for—Neha’s entry. Under a chadar held by her sisters, she walked toward the mandap with grace and confidence. As she moved closer, Laya couldn’t take his eyes off her. Smiling from ear to ear, completely lost in the moment—he looked at her like she was the only person in the world.
And just like that, with warmth, laughter, and stolen glances, their wedding was set into motion.
A Reception That Reflected Their Love Story
The Western-inspired reception was a nod to one of their first dates at the May Balls in Cambridge. Laya loved seeing this vision come to life, with deep reds, a live English band, and an elegant yet lively vibe that felt just right.
But what made it truly unforgettable was how their guests, who had traveled from all over the world, fully embraced the spirit of celebration.
At the reception, Laya shared, “A few weeks ago, someone told me that never again will I be surrounded by people who love me and support me in one place”. He shared how grateful both of them were seeing so many people come together to celebrate them.
The Portrait Bar by Hiraaya
Set against a moody red backdrop with antique furniture and soft, directional lighting, the portrait bar was our take on a photobooth—but elevated. Guests could step away from the bustle of the reception to have timeless portraits made: solo, in pairs, with friends, or as families.
Some friends brought their sass and silliness, while others turned up in quiet elegance. We even did portraits of Neha with Laya’s family, and Laya with Neha’s—new additions, fitting right in.
The next morning, everyone found beautifully framed prints of their portraits waiting for them—a small keepsake from the night.
The reception evening came wrapped in old-school glamour, heartfelt speeches, and a whole lot of sparkle—but the moment that pulled everyone’s heartstrings? When we played the same-day edit on the big screen. From the joy of haldi to the stillness of the varmala, and everything in between, the film stitched together their day in the most moving way. Laughter, tears, and goosebumps—it had it all.
Neha & Laya’s wedding blog - Part 1
If you haven’t seen how it all began—with a mehendi that felt like a pastel garden party and a sangeet that turned into a full-blown dandiya night under the stars—
📖 Missed Part 1? Read about the Mehendi & Sangeet here
The Wedding Makers
Photography: Hiraaya by Aayushi
Planning and Decor: The Doli Diary
Mehendi Outfits: Anita Dongre
Sangeet Outfits: Tarun Tahiliani, Tisa Studio
Choreography: Lights Camera Dance
Entertainment: Jahnvi Shrimankar
Makeup: Riddhima Sharma Khubchandani
Hair: Ritika Turakhia
Venue: Suryagarh Collection
