Swathy & Anend

I get asked a lot about my writing process. Do I have someone helping me with my content? Do I write for someone else? To all of that I say- I wish 😆. Everything you see on Epo Kalyanam is curated by yours truly 😎 but what helps the process is getting to know the brides better, hearing their stories out. It’s easier when there’s a connect of sorts. And the cyberspace never ceases to amaze me for I’ve met the kindest of women through the world of blogging and for that I’m very grateful 🙏. Just being able to connect with kind, thoughtful women has to be hands down my favorite bit of what I do.

Now, let’s go meet a talented, thoughtful woman and her gorgeously talented husband, Swathy and Anend. Now this duo needs no introduction for I just need to mention two names and the light bulbs will go off 💡. Swathy is the brainchild behind Âme who creates stunning pieces of art that can be gobbled down. Desserts that’s too stunning to be eaten is how I’d put it 🤩.

Her talented husband is a household name among South Indians with his impeccable sight seen in movies such as Premam. Now Premam needs no further introduction, does it? All of that visual beauty seen in that spectacular movie was the work of this gifted cinematographer’s vision. Need I say more 😎?

Their engagement is one that literally will have you weak at the knees. Also, one that flooded my inbox and went viral all over social media. As you see what our belle stepped out in, you’ll understand why so 😄.

Dazzling everyone, our beautiful belle stepped out in this one of a kind sari from the renowned Raw Mango. There’s been this new wave of freshness in the wedding industry thanks to Raw Mango. With a modern take on the classical Indian Sari, they seem to be ruling the top choices for brides today. This exquisite Sari worn by Swathy is a gorgeous handloom silver and gold wove chanderi silk. It is such a unique color to describe so I’m going let the pictures do their magic ❤️.

While what you wear for your big day may take up majority of your shopping time, accessories need to be given their due reverence. A wise man by the name Giorgio Armani once rightfully said 😉“Accessories are important and becoming more and more important every day”.

The icing on the cake putting together Swathy’s outfit were these beautiful custom made jewellery from the famous MOD, Kochi. With the ongoing season of trends constantly changing, all of us bridezilla’s are in search of the inspiration to look different from the crowd. Pairing a choker necklace with a contemporary sari is a sure fire way to look different and Swathy sure nailed it 😍.

Bringing together her exquisite look was the magic hands of Maya’s Beauty Clinic, Kottayam. Something that really stood out to me is our belle bringing into play a hair stylist. When you have a certain vision in mind for your big day, it’s important to have someone on board who gets you . And Sudhi sure gets it and kicks the ball right out of the park. Look at that faboulous braid y’all 😍.

We’ve all seen those stunning Instagram worthy pictures of the bride’s sky high heels. Now unless you’re used to walking in heels all the time, a day spend in heels is going to leave you with undesired aches for sure. Suddenly, flats make a pretty attractive alternative, don’t they 😆? If you’re on the fence about wearing flats on your big day, then look no further and follow our stunner’s route of choosing to wear juttis from Needle Dust. Also, I just realized I sounded like an advertisement there. Needle Dust, I hope your listening and feel free to share some love my way 😇.

Indian attires for grooms-to-be have evolved over the years and the grooms of today have a number of options and look to choose from. And choose wisely our dapper boy did. Sharing in the spotlight with Swathy was our handsome boy in a custom made cream white thread embroidered kurta and patiala designed by a dear talented friend–Vishnu Valsan who made sure Anend shared in the limelight with his gorgeous bride-to-be 🔥.

Showing up in everything, stylish succulents have taken the world by storm. From flower crowns to boutonnieres to wedding favors, they’re everywhere. However, they don’t need to be limited just to these choices. A creative array of succulents can make for an absolutely unique and striking décor backdrop as the one you see here done to perfection by the talented folks at Purple Rain, Kochi.

Speaking of succulents, I think it’s fair to say they are beautiful to look at, in a desert or on a dessert(Word Pun Alert 😇). And nobody does beautiful desserts better than the famed Rumana Jaseel  of Incredible Arts, Kochi bringing forth to life Swathy’s vision.

And not to forget, their engagement snippet is one that’ll leave you smiling like a Cheshire cat. Nothing beats seeing love celebrated with such happiness and joy which was captured so beautifully by Harris Markar while their pictures were shot by Weva Photography, Kochi.

I think, in the current world we live in, the word “tradition” is likely to evoke different responses from different people, be it in the sphere of religion, beliefs and even arts perhaps. I think there is a real beauty to be found in traditions – one that pushes us forth as human beings who are in this together creating memories.

With a profound love for the Christian Madhuramvepu, she chose to infuse the madhuramvepu tradition into her haldi function. Remember, the root of the word religion means to bind together and that is exactly what we see here 😍.

For her madhuramvepu+haldi(halmadhu perhaps? Clearly, I would fail as a lexicographer 😬) our beautiful stepped in this gorgeous number from Asiana Couture, Delhi. The day was set aside to celebrate and make the best of memories and most importantly dance the night away with her closest of friends and family by her side creating memories to cherish for a lifetime.

For their temple wedding, Swathy stepped out in an attire that is held close by Malayalee’s worldwide. She chose this beautiful Kerala kasavu saree embellished with golden zari on the borders which was paired with an elegantly embellished blouse designed and embroidered from Rani Pink, Kochi.

A PSA for all my bridezilla’s. Swathy mentioned to me how hands down they’re the best in town for the much elusive perfectly stitched blouses. Fellow womankind, you know where to be rushing to now, don’t you 😉.

There’s something about heirlooms – their magnitude, their allure and most importantly, the memories they hold. Often family heirlooms can be in the form of jewellery, trinkets, paintings and even letters, passed down for generations.

Remember, an heirloom is what you make of it – the essence will hold deep and trickle down through each of its owners over time. That is the allure and virtue of jewellery that stands the test of time. And stand it did indeed for the maang tikka sported by our belle was the same one worn by her mother on her special day. I think it’s fair to say, Swathy started her life with a worth of memories to take forward ❤️ .

Her gorgeous fresh as a daisy makeup was done by the talented Unni Ps joined by Sudhi who worked his magic on her hair and adding the finishing touch were these beautiful strands of jasmine. Also, what’s a malayalee wedding without jasmine flowers 😄. With its exotic fragrance, jasmines are the perfect accent to a wedding.

Matching his beautiful traditional Malayalee bride, Anend stepped out in the quintessential attire of Malayalee grooms- crisp white shirt and the KASAVU MUNDU. Don’t they make such a striking pair 😍?

Also, do take a lil peek into their wedding video. If you do not smile and get as misty eyed as I did, I’d like to karate chop you 🙅‍♀️.

For their hall wedding, Swathy was a breathtaking vision. It is always so hard for me to choose my favourite among such fabulous different events and you’ll see why just in a minute 😄.

No one can deny that a sari plays a massive role at Indian weddings and choosing the right one is very important. Swathy’s wedding sari is not only special for its significance but also for its special story of serendipity weaved into its fabric. Our stunner found THE ONE while she was getting another sari halfheartedly. Right at the counter was this beautiful pink kancheepuram sari with contrast blue border from Sundari Silks, Chennai and it was love at first sight. I guess if something is destined to be, it’s going pop up your way ❤️.

When it comes to wedding jewellery, many brides-to-be are often overwhelmed by the choice of statement jewellery. Swathy will provide you the right amount of inspiration for choosing the right jewellery. Complimenting her gorgeous saree were these custom made statement pieces from M.O.D, Kochi who needs no further introduction. A special shout out to Asha Mattathil who with her creative talent and hands-on crafting ability has made the innumerable dreams of brides come true.

The wedding bouquet may seem like such a tiny component in the scheme of the big things but flowers truly are an important component of the bride’s ensemble. Remember while your wedding bouquet may only last a few days, the pictures will last forever so choose wisely. Our meticulously planned bride was definite on wanting lotuses to match her intricate jewellery and doesn’t this forethought just pay off? May I repeat on a loop on how brides of today need to be revered 💪!

I think it’s fair to say majority of the focus in weddings are stolen by the bride. Honestly, who can blame them 🤷‍♀️? Decked up in such gorgeous ensembles, brides of today sure do steal the show but we also do have grooms who step up to share in some of that limelight . Looking as stunning as his beautiful bride, Anend chose to shine in a custom made cream silk kurta from Label M, Kochi paired with the traditional kasavu mundu. Don’t these two lovebirds just seem to be radiating their love through the pictures 😍?

While your wedding for sure is extra special. After all, it is when you get to say I do to the love of your life, the reception is where the fun starts. It’s also a way to say thank you to everyone who attended the wedding so plan wisely or maybe just take notes from our dapper duo here 😄.

Now if you’re going to be wearing ethnic and traditional ensembles for your big events then your reception is the right time to switch things up a bit. Our duo not only switched it up but knocked it out of the park. There is an age-old adage that says black and weddings don’t go hand in hand. If you ask me, nothing says CHIC more than black. Looking nothing short of a vision, Swathy looked radiant in this gorgeous custom made black number from Althea Bridals & Bespoke, Kochi. The highlight of this stunning ensemble are the box pleats that run down from the waistline adding such a unique dimension.

After choosing your ensemble, the next on your to-do list is always choosing the jewellery. Accentuating the neckline of Swathy’s stunning black gown were these gorgeous one layered diamond baubles  and stud earrings from Giri Pai, Kochi.

On par with his beautiful wife was Anend all tux-ed up in a dapper tailor made black tux from Arrow, Kochi. Pairing a black shirt with a black tux is a relatively new trend but I sure ain’t complaining 😄. Looking at our dapper boy, I think its fair to say this a trend to stay indeed 💪.

When it comes to wedding décor, the trends truly are changing fast and new to the scene are geometric wedding backdrops. There’s something about a backdrop of hexagons that spells out edgy and glam. Completing our stunning duo’s big celebration was this beautiful minimalistically done backdrop by the gifted folks at Blue Mermaid Events, Kochi.

Last but not the least, ladies and gentleman, let’s take a walk towards my absolute favourite COUPLE FACT. We all know that words are powerful and lasting and everyone loves being the recipient of a compliment. After all, who doesn’t appreciate hearing a heart-felt kind word their way?

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Talking to Swathy really reminded me the power of a kind word. When you’ve been in a relationship as long as they have( for over a decade humans 😍. Slow claps please 👏) and to still hear the love gush right through, it sure is something special. I loved how she mentioned all the kinds things Anend brings to the table. Showing appreciation sure seems simple but it is one that take conscious effort and practice. We’re all so busy and have a tendency to get caught up in our own little worlds but our belle sure reminded me that no matter the number of years, the key to sound relationships is in making the effort to show appreciation to people who matter the utmost to you-not once or twice- but unceasingly as you journey through life.

Let’s send this fabulous duo some extra special love for reminding us something so significant and yet so overlooked, shall we?

And as always, if you have any questions for me regarding this post or otherwise, you know what to do 😄. Don’t forget to show us some love on our Instagram handle  @epokalyanam and Facebook page @epokalyanam.theblog. And please feel free to drop me in a message if you love what you read and see. I always love hearing from you all. Psst, by doing so you’ll be absolutely making my day.

❤️,

Elza