Kathan and Suvarcha: Bridging the distance

There’s something truly magical about weddings. They bring together families, friends, and of course, two souls destined to be life partners. But behind every spectacular wedding lies a story, a journey of love, friendship, and togetherness that culminates in the big day. Similarly, Kathan Taparia and Suvarcha Kalra’s journey began in 2014, which led them to a breathtaking wedding at the stunning Bhanwar Singh Palace in Pushkar, Rajasthan in India.

Kathan, 28, Associate Vice President at a prominent UAE-based company, and Suvarcha, 27, a freelance make-up & hair artist met in 2014 at an event in Jaipur through a mutual friend. “It was during a surprise birthday party for that friend that we really hit it off,” Kathan recalls. Despite being at different schools, the two managed to stay connected, forming a bond that felt special, even though they didn’t realise just how deep it was at first.

When it came time for college, life took them on different paths. Suvarcha moved to Mumbai for higher studies, while Kathan stayed in Jaipur. This physical distance, however, only served to make their hearts grow fonder. “Kathan would find every possible excuse to visit me in Mumbai, and I eagerly awaited the holidays to see him in Jaipur. It was that phase of new-age love,” Suvarcha laughs. Their bond grew stronger with every passing day, and during a concert they attended together, they realised their connection was for keeps.

But life did what life does best, it threw challenges their way. Kathan’s career took him to Pune and eventually to Dubai, while Suvarcha moved back to Jaipur to establish her own make-up studio. Their long-distance relationship resumed, but it didn’t weaken their love. “We made sure to meet as often as we could, and each reunion was more special than the last,” Suvarcha says. When Kathan secured a promotion and moved to Dubai, it was a significant shift in their lives, but it only reinforced their commitment to one another.

Of course, no modern love story is without its family dynamics. Since it was an inter-caste relationship – Kathan is Maheshwari and Suvarcha is Punjabi – breaking the news to their families wasn’t easy. “It took a lot of patience and understanding, but we eventually won over both sides. We knew that our love would make it through,” says Kathan with a smile. With both families’ blessings, they were ready to take the plunge, and finally tied the knot on December 26, 2023.

The couple had a clear vision for their big day: a royal destination wedding that fused elegance with modernity, reflecting both their cultural backgrounds. With a nine-month timeline to plan everything, they were ready to create a fairy tale. Their wedding festivities began with a Mehndi ceremony on December 24, where Suvarcha stunned in a magenta lehenga while Kathan sported a turquoise Indo-western outfit. The lavender-themed decor brought a whimsical touch to the event.

The next morning was the Haldi ceremony, a day filled with love, laughter, and blessings. The couple wore matching peach outfits. The evening saw them transforming into glamorous avatars for their engagement – Suvarcha in a shimmering golden ball gown, and Kathan looking dapper in a black suit. They wowed each other with surprise performances, turning the night into a true celebration of their love.

The main event – the wedding day – was the epitome of elegance. Held at the majestic Bhanwar Singh Palace, the couple chose beige and maroon outfits to complement the royal golden and maroon theme. “I surprised Kathan with a dance performance, and we couldn’t stop smiling throughout the evening,” Suvarcha recalls. Their friends and family put on performances narrating their love story. To top it all off, the couple exchanged vows in a musical pheras ceremony, adding a modern twist to tradition. “The vibe was absolutely magical,” Kathan adds.

Despite being physically apart, the couple managed to plan every detail over Zoom meetings. “Kathan made every effort to visit India when he could, but a lot of the planning happened online. It was challenging, but we made it work,” says Suvarcha. Both Kathan and Suvarcha wanted their wedding to be a blend of their cultures, and they successfully merged traditional elements with contemporary style, resulting in a day that was uniquely theirs.

The couple wanted to keep their wedding attire simple yet elegant. “We didn’t want to splurge on clothes; instead, we decided to invest in our dream honeymoon to New Zealand, given our shared love for travel,” says Kathan. That said, they still made sure to look their best. Suvarcha’s bridal trousseau was a mix of traditional Punjabi flair, and Kathan’s outfits were coordinated to match hers. The highlight? Suvarcha, being a make-up artist, did both her own and Kathan’s make-up for all the events. “It was such a personal touch that added to the intimacy of our special day,” she shares.

For both Kathan and Suvarcha, the happiest moment of their wedding day was during the Varmala ceremony. “Standing in front of our loved ones, finally tying the knot after all the challenges and distance, was a surreal experience,” says Kathan. “The love and blessings we received made everything worth it.”

After all, it’s the journey, not just the destination, that makes a love story so extraordinary. And Kathan and Suvarcha’s wedding was the perfect celebration of their beautiful journey together.