Set against the sparkling backdrop of the Aegean Sea, Vaishali and Akhil’s multi-day Indian wedding in Mykonos unfolded as a vibrant celebration filled with color, tradition, and unforgettable parties—culminating in a black-tie reception at the luxurious Royal Myconian Resort, captured beautifully by Miguel Ponte.
Location: Mykonos, Greece
Style: Colorful, modern, elegant
Time of planning: 1,5 years
Number of guests: 246
Setting: Resort
Season: Summer
Vaishali and Akhil first met at Northwestern University, where their shared love for dancing and medicine quickly brought them together. Now both physician residents just outside New York City—Vaishali an OB/Gyn and Akhil an orthopedic surgeon—they spent nearly a decade growing together before Akhil proposed during a trip to Madeira, Portugal. He secretly planned the moment with Miguel Ponte, who posed as a tour guide before revealing himself as the photographer capturing the proposal on a cliffside. From there, they began planning their dream wedding in Mykonos—a celebration filled with tradition, vibrant color, and joy.
Day in Mykonos Town
Before the celebrations began, Vaishali and Akhil spent a relaxed day wandering through the winding whitewashed alleys of Mykonos Town. They stopped by the iconic windmills, strolled along Little Venice at sunset, and sat hand-in-hand by the sea. Dressed in light, breezy outfits with ocean tones, they laughed, kissed, and soaked in the scenery—setting the tone for the days of joy and tradition that would follow.
Welcome Day
The wedding festivities began with an intimate and joyful welcome dinner set under a thatched roof terrace, bringing together guests from around the world. The laid-back island vibe came through in every detail—from the tropical surroundings and rustic decor to the warm Mykonian sun that bathed the entire evening in golden light. Guests enjoyed cocktails, laughter, and reunions, while artists from Pinkees added intricate henna designs to the bride and groom’s hands in a relaxed, colorful setting.
Vaishali wore a silky gradient halter dress in shades of ocean blue, violet, and fuchsia, paired with statement sunglasses and glowing skin, while Akhil looked fresh in light blue trousers and a white shirt. The couple moved through the tables, toasting with friends and family, while laughter and music filled the air. The evening offered the perfect kickoff to a weekend of celebrations—casual, stylish, and full of connection.
Ganesh Pooja & Haldi
The morning of the Indian wedding day began with a traditional Ganesh Pooja held under a vibrant canopy of marigold garlands. Surrounded by close family, Vaishali and Akhil performed the rituals dressed in bright pink and yellow hues, their hands folded in prayer as they sat cross-legged in the heart of the mandap. The priest guided them through sacred offerings, chants, and symbolic gestures while sunlight filtered through the yellow drapes, casting a golden glow over the ceremony.
Immediately after, the atmosphere shifted into full celebration with the Haldi. Guests playfully smeared the couple with turmeric paste and milk, covering their skin in joyful chaos. Everyone wore yellow, adding to the visual explosion of color against the blue sky and Aegean Sea. There was laughter, dancing, kisses, and by the end—Vaishali and Akhil ran straight into the ocean, hand-in-hand, their clothes soaked and spirits lifted.
Sangeet
The day pf Sangeet brought everyone together for an unforgettable celebration of color, music, and joy. Vaishali wore a glimmering ivory lehenga with sheer sleeves and statement jewelry, while Akhil stood by her side in a rich navy embroidered sherwani. Set against a panoramic sea view and a striking floral arch of fuchsia, orange, and coral blooms, the evening opened with a romantic walk through the resort and a quiet moment between the couple before the festivities erupted into dance.
"Miguel has the ability to make you feel totally at ease and comfortable while being photographed which is not easy."
As the sun set, lights came on and the terrace transformed into a full-blown stage. Family and friends delivered high-energy performances—from traditional group numbers to fun, choreographed acts that had the crowd cheering. Every moment was packed with energy, movement, and emotion, as the couple beamed from their seats. Later in the night, Vaishali and Akhil joined the dance floor surrounded by their siblings and cousins
“The Indian day should be traditional and at the same time fun, explosive, colorful, and a proper party day.”
Bridal Morning
Vaishali’s morning started surrounded by her bridesmaids in matching white robes, laughter echoing through the sunlit space as they helped her prepare for the day ahead. The room was bright and filled with anticipation, but the atmosphere stayed relaxed and joyful. There was something soft and powerful about the way she carried herself, switching from quiet focus during her mehndi touch-ups to wide smiles when her girls cheered her on. They helped her into her wedding lehenga—rich, red, and covered in intricate mirror work—tying the final threads and clasping the last bangles as sunlight caught every reflective detail.
She chose a bold red lehenga by Vani Vats that sparkled just as she had imagined it would in the Mykonos sun. Paired with a layered gold and green necklace set, matching earrings, and traditional bridal accessories including a matha patti and hathphool, her look balanced luxury with tradition. Her makeup was fresh and defined, with soft contouring and a deep berry lip, while her hair was swept into a sleek low bun under a sheer red dupatta. Every element felt personal—carefully chosen and full of intention. She looked stunning and powerful, stepping into her day with elegance and calm.
Groom's Fashion
Akhil’s morning began in high spirits, surrounded by his groomsmen who kept the energy up as they helped him get ready. Dressed in coordinated green Nehru jackets and white kurtas, the group laughed, adjusted collars, and threw on sunglasses as they prepared for the day. They gathered under the pergola outside, the sun filtering through the slats, adding to the relaxed and festive atmosphere. Akhil looked calm and confident as his closest friends helped with the final touches of his outfit.
He wore a pale pink embroidered sherwani from Tarun Tahiliani, paired with a matching turban, strands of red and gold beads, and a cream shawl draped over his shoulder. A gold watch and pink-tinted sunglasses completed his look, adding personal flair. His attire was clean, classic, and luxurious—exactly what he envisioned. Later, the groomsmen broke into a choreographed dance as part of the baraat, setting the tone for the vibrant ceremony that followed.
First Look
With the sun shining over the Aegean Sea, Vaishali and Akhil shared their first look on a whitewashed terrace overlooking the Mykonos coastline. Akhil stood waiting in his pastel sherwani, facing the water, as Vaishali walked toward him in her striking red lehenga. The moment he turned around, they both lit up. Their smiles said everything—years of love, anticipation, and joy converging in one glance. With a gentle spin, he twirled her into his arms, showing off the details of her mirror-work skirt against the backdrop of blue sea and stone.
Their wedding party joined shortly after, adding laughter and cheer as they surrounded the couple with playful energy. The bridesmaids in sage green and silver mirrored tops twirled alongside groomsmen in deep green vests, making the scene feel like a cinematic celebration. From romantic alone moments to shared joy with friends, this first look perfectly captured what they wanted from their wedding: beauty, fun, and meaning in every moment.
“We blended elements and styles of the Indian culture and traditions together with modern vibes focusing on the guest experience and an all around fun and party atmosphere.”
Ceremony
The ceremony took place on a scenic terrace, with panoramic views of the sea. The couple chose a clear mandap to highlight the landscape, allowing the beauty of the setting to merge with the elegance of the design. Cascading floral arrangements in white and gold lined the aisle and framed the mandap, creating a soft, luminous effect in the afternoon sun. White hydrangeas, roses, and delphiniums were accented with golden leaves, lending the entire space a sense of understated luxury. Every seat was draped in white, while floral clusters along the aisle gave depth and rhythm to the layout.
The guests arrived dressed in bright saris and embroidered sherwanis, fanning themselves under the midday sun. Vaishali made her entrance surrounded by cheering family, walking beneath a red veil held proudly by loved ones. The ceremony combined both South and North Indian traditions, beginning with the varmala exchange and continuing with rituals around the sacred fire. There were gentle smiles, emotional vows, and moments of laughter—especially when the couple playfully tried to outpace each other with their garlands.
Throughout, the atmosphere stayed light and joyful. The couple’s closeness, the backdrop of Mykonos, and the carefully chosen details created a ceremony that felt elevated but deeply personal. Their hug at the hug of the vows said it all—warm, real, and filled with meaning.
As they walked back down the aisle as husband and wife, guests erupted into cheers. The moment ended with a cinematic kiss framed by the soft fall of white petals in the air.
Private Moment
After the ceremony and before the reception began, Vaishali and Akhil stepped away for a quiet moment together. With the golden Mykonos light painting the sky, they wandered through whitewashed paths, danced at sunset, and held each other like no one else existed. Her midnight blue lehenga shimmered with every step, while his tux added timeless contrast. Their kiss, shared smile, and the wind lifting her dupatta all felt candid, intimate, and real.
Miguel Ponte documented this time with quiet precision. “From day one, Miguel was an absolute gem. His photography skills and vision speak for themselves, but what we really loved was his passion, his calming presence, and his ability to blend in with any event, especially multiple events in an Indian wedding. He never missed a moment, and our guests RAVED about him too. He left us with incredible photos to cherish for a lifetime and anyone would be lucky to have him as their photographer.”
Reception
The reception at the Royal Myconian unfolded in a space styled for a refined black-tie evening. Long tables were dressed in crisp white linens and lined with glowing candles. Elegant white floral arrangements with touches of greenery ran down the center, keeping the look clean and classic. Towering cream-shaded lamps stood above the tables, casting soft, warm light that gave the open-air setting the intimacy of a grand living room.
After dinner, the energy shifted to the dance floor as Vaishali and Akhil performed a choreographed first dance, met with loud cheers from their guests. There were heartfelt toasts from close friends and family, full of emotion, laughter, and a few tears.
The couple then cut a sleek, tiered white cake designed to match the overall decor, before everyone joined the party. The night continued with performances by the wedding party, RnB and rap tracks from DJ Vik Toreus, and dancing that didn’t stop for hours.
“Remember to enjoy every second and don’t stress on the day. Everything will be perfect no matter what!"
PHOTOGRAPHER Miguel Ponte | PLANNER NAI I DO Weddings | VIDEOGRAPHER Costa Films | VENUE Royal Myconian Resort | MAKE UP Make Up Mykonos | HENNA & HAIR Pinkees | FLORALS Fiorentino | DECOR Iluminography | SOUND & LIGHTS SoundMykonos | LIVE MUSIC Duo Di Donne | DJ Vik Toreus
