Selangor, MY Indian Wedding by Iris Photography

There are love stories—and then there’s the story of Sangitaa & Surendar, which quite literally took flight. When a romance begins under a tree, takes shape mid-flight, and culminates in a temple bursting with color, culture, and connection, you know you’ve stumbled upon something magical. It all started with a dinner at Big Tree Cafe—yes, under an actual enormous tree. (Plot twist: her parents also met there. We smell a Netflix special.) Sparks flew, words flowed, and Sangitaa & Surendar’s paths intertwined. Cue destiny’s next move: Sangitaa’s medical posting whisked her away to Teluk Intan. Surendar’s response? Oh, nothing major… just quitting his job and relocating to be by her side. No big deal. Two years, one state, and endless support later, she realized—this man didn’t just walk into her life. He ran in, sat down, and brought snacks.

Soon after, Sangitaa received her posting as a Houseman Doctor in a different state. While she braced herself for two years of long-distance challenges, Surendar had other plans. Quietly and determinedly, he prepared to resign and move with her. That gesture wasn’t just romantic—it was defining. What began as a family getaway quickly turned into the surprise of a lifetime. After a series of romantic adventures, Surendar led Sangitaa to an unexpected location—an airstrip. Before she knew it, she was flying beside him in the sky in her own plane. Then came the moment: her pilot’s radio buzzed with Surendar’s voice asking, “Sangitaa, will you marry me?” As the aircraft tilted, she saw him holding a banner on the ground, popping the question in bold letters. She said yes when her feet hit the ground, but her heart had already taken flight.

After visiting multiple venues, it was the Midlands Sri Maha Mariamman Devasthanam Temple in Shah Alam that captured their hearts. The spiritual energy, detailed murals, and intricate sculptures made it clear—this was the place. The design, by Brother’s Creatiion, featured a North Indian-inspired palette of soft pinks, rich reds, and elegant rose gold. Elephant statues adorned the setup, blending seamlessly with the groom’s traditional veshti. The pastel apricot accents and dazzling pink tones perfectly contrast with Sangitaa’s stunning bridal look. Following the sacred ceremony, the celebration continued at India Gate, where their reception radiated warmth, elegance, and plenty of joy. Guests were treated to heartfelt speeches, a couture-inspired lehenga cake, and unforgettable cuisine.

Sangitaa always knew she wanted to wear a lehenga, and Surendar had dreamt of seeing her in a vibrant red one. Together, they made that vision a reality with a bespoke piece from Rooted In Tradition Boutique. Crafted over two months, her lehenga featured detailed Aari work, gold threading, and dazzling stonework. It was more than just an outfit—it was a personal statement. Her jewelry from Dhillon Jewelry Boutique included turquoise accents that modernized the traditional silhouette. With timeless makeup and draping by Jiera MUA, Sangitaa’s look was a flawless blend of tradition and elegance.

Other standouts included a 10-hour mehndi session by Mehndi by Indu that delivered flawless detail, and a two-month search for the perfect traditional bangles, chosen to match Surendar’s veshti design. Capturing the full spectrum of this multi-day celebration was Iris Photography, whose lens brought every emotion to life. Their team preserved the quiet, sacred moments during the ceremony, the candid glances between rituals, and the energy and exuberance of the evening celebration. From temple steps to dance floor twirls, each image felt like a frame from a love story—authentic, artful, and profoundly moving.

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
We met while having dinner on a casual encounter at Big Tree Cafe which was under an actual huge tree (interesting fact, my parents actually met each other at the same place too years ago!). It was such a fateful encounter, that it's so vivid in my mind. We spoke a lot, and I instantly felt a click!

Soon after getting to know each other close enough, I received news of my posting (as a Houseman Doctor) in a different state (Teluk Intan). When I shared the news with him, he quickly realized that we would be separated for the next 2 years and assured me that everything would work out. What I did not realize at that time was that he actually made preparations to tender his resignation and was getting ready to leave with me! My entire 2 years of Medical Housemen journey was really challenging, but knowing that I was not all by myself in a State that was foreign to me gave me great comfort. Once I moved back to Kuala Lumpur as a Medical Officer, I realized to myself how our lives have been so intertwined and it's inseparable at that point! His not being in my life would make me feel as if a part of me disappeared, and it would be the same for him. At that point, I felt that he had completed me in the most beautiful way.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
"Love is in the Air"

It was a sudden vacation planned by my husband a few months before our registration. At first, I did not suspect anything as our brothers were invited as well, so that made me think that it was a family trip. The trip started off amazing, with boat rides, island hopping, and a romantic candlelight dinner by the ocean. Then, we stayed at an amazing place by the sea (literally, our view was the ocean). The next morning, he woke us all up and told us to get ready to leave for a place that was quite a drive, but never told us where. We finally arrived after a 30-minute drive to a huge open space (which seemed like an air strip). There was a hangar with small planes parked, and we were approached by someone guiding us to their office. There, he made me sign some insurance documents and got me geared up for the flight! It all happened so quickly, and the next thing I knew, he convinced me to fly with a professional pilot, and we both had one plane each! Takeoff was super thrilling, and the moment it hit the air, I felt so exhilarated felt so free as the winds hit my face as we gained altitude. On air, both pilots (mine and his) performed some stunts and flew next to each other, where we could see each other while in the air. Soon, my pilot took me for a you,r which was about 30 minutes around the famous Penang bridge, forest view, and some (inactive) volcanic mountains as well! The next moment was such a memorable moment. My pilot was getting near the air strip, and I heard Sangitaa on the radio (which was connected to my helmet)! Will you marry me? I was surprised, and as my pilot panned to the side, it was clear to me. There he was with a huge banner displayed. It wrote, "To the Love of my life, Sangitaa, Would you Marry Me?". I was speechless and overwhelmed as tears escaped my eyes! It was such a romantic proposal "on air". As soon as i landed, i ran towards him and he hugged me the tightest he could. A crowd gathered around us all excited as i screamed YES to him! He had a beautiful diamond ring prepared, and we exchanged rings and took lovely pictures by the plane! Indeed, I have heard it many times, but to have felt it myself, I wholeheartedly agree with the saying now. Love is in the air!

Tell us how you went about planning your wedding, and your overall experience with the Venues, Hair & Makeup, Outfits, Decor Theme, and all of the other important details.
After numerous venue visits, compared to all the fancy exclusive ballrooms and outdoor scenic venues, we both felt such a strong and authentic vibe at the Midlands Maha Mariamman Temple at Shah Alam. The energy we felt during our first visit completely made us fall in love with the beautiful Indian traditional sculptures and murals. It was then we decided that we'd be tying the knot at that very place, in front of the Maha Mariamman Goddess as our witness.

Our Decor theme was beautiful North Indian inspired design from Brother's Creation, with hues of Dazzle light pink, and elegant red tone. The elephant statues, was planned to go along with the groom's "Pallaq veshti design" and the pastel pink, apricot tones with rose gold was to contrast with my wedding lengha.

Hairdo and Make up was by an amazing MUA which i had known for years. Her simplistic make up touches really brings out the inner goddess in oneself. I felt that her make up was perfect in bringing out my natural beauty. The accessories for my outfits was also planned to compliment my lengha with a modern look and contrasting turquoise stone to give that unique contemporary vibe against my bright red lengha tone.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I've always been fixed to wear a lengha compared to a saree for my wedding, and my husband has shared with me that he has dreamt of seeing me in the brightest red lengha as he tied the knots. Together we decided, why not make it come true? My bridal outfit was from the famous boutique Rooted In Tradition, where the store owner assisted me for an entire day patiently until I made up my mind on the perfect bridal piece I wanted. To me, what I wore for my wedding wasn't just an outfit, it was a statement piece perfectly curated for me with skillful craftmanship, traditional patterns, unique tones of stones, and a my love story represented in it. I have had Aari work done as well, with gold thread and the most sparkling stones, which took 2 months to complete, but was worth every dollar and time! I will not forget the look on my husband's face as I walked into the temple with my lengha. He was speechless, and I found myself lost in his admiring eyes.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The most enjoyable part was planning and curating every single detail with my husband. Every part of the wedding plans ad our joint involvement in it, which made it something which is completely our very own creation. It will always be the most memorable event of both our lives, and to top it off, the feeling we felt after the ceremony instilled a very special type of bond between us.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
The vibe of the temple, the decoration and the food! Of course, all attendees loved seeing us and kept telling how beautiful and amazing we look, but we also did get a lot of comments on how the decor was amazingly well planned, and the food was so amazingly authentic that they felt like they were in India!

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
This may be cheesy, and as all brides may agree, the most special moment that constantly replays in my mind is the most important ceremony of tying the knot (thali). This symbolic ritual followed by holding each other's fingers intertwined as we walked around the fire (agni) was an extremely emotional moment. That was the exact moment we had dreamt of for so long, and to finally be in that ritual and to be traditionally bonded as wedded truly captures a special place in our hearts.

For events other than your ceremony, please tell us as much as you would like about the decor, style, dances, and all the special details.
Our ROM (registration) reception, and our Wedding Dinner was another amazing part of the entire wedding phase. We had pink decor theme and a beautiful lengha cake to compliment my dusty pink lengha which created an elegant, classy theme overall. The food was amazing too which was made by India Gate Malaysia.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Keep calm and follow your heart. Never rush into a relationship, and most definitely marriage. You will never get the feeling of "he's the one" at times. Marriage is a leap of faith, and it will never work unless two amazing souls are able to completely trust and love beyond any other feeling in this world against their significant other. It is more than just two people being together. It is two people sharing each other's lives into one, and it does not stop there; it also goes beyond the union of two individuals and is the union of two families.

There is truly one thing I wish to share with all future Maharani, and that is to think of this exact statement to get the answer your heart truly has for you.

"Do not marry the one you can be with. Marry the One You Absolutely Cannot Be Without!"

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
The Mehndi was so perfectly executed, which is exactly how I wanted it to be. My Mehndi artist took a whopping 10 hours to finish the intricate detailing, and that was such an exciting experience during the wedding. My husband was also amazed at how perfectly designed the artwork was. Another amazing aspect of the wedding is the bangles that we spent 2 months searching for, until we found the perfect traditional design with Palaq design to match my husband's theme. It was so unique, unlike any bangle usually worn, which I really liked!

Rooted in tradition and elevated by love, their wedding was a true celebration of soulmates.