Before you read another word, save this wedding. Not because it’s lavish. Not because it’s set in a castle overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Not even because it features a double baraat, a groom arriving on a Vespa, or a bride wearing a stunning Tamil Madisar saree in the heart of Italy.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Santa Severa Castle, this extraordinary multicultural celebration blended Indian traditions, Italian heritage, and deeply personal storytelling into a wedding weekend that felt less like an event and more like a living love letter. What makes this venue particularly remarkable is that it was never intended to host weddings at all. Beyond its historic walls lies an archaeological treasure filled with Etruscan and Roman history, museums, and centuries of stories. For Valentina, however, it represented something even more meaningful.
It was where she spent precious childhood moments with her parents. Parents who are no longer here. Choosing the castle wasn't about grandeur. It wasn't about luxury. It was about memory. And from those ancient stones, Valentina and Manish built something extraordinary. The celebrations began with an intimate sangeet at PK Bar, where family and friends gathered beneath the Italian sky for an evening filled with music, laughter, and anticipation. The atmosphere felt warm and welcoming, setting the tone for a wedding weekend built around connection rather than spectacle.
Behind every beautifully orchestrated moment was Apsaras Event, whose planning and design expertise transformed an ambitious multicultural vision into a seamless reality. Destination weddings are complex enough. Add multiple cultures, languages, traditions, and international guests, and the challenge grows exponentially. Yet every detail felt effortless, intentional, and deeply personal. Working alongside them, Francesca Stefania Zen Weddings helped coordinate and design an experience that beautifully respected both cultures while creating something entirely unique. And then came the wedding day. Or perhaps more accurately, the wedding experience.
The second day became the emotional heart of the celebration—a vibrant Tamil wedding infused with devotion, artistry, and cultural pride. And it began with what may be one of the most unforgettable baraats we've ever featured. Actually, make that two baraats. Yes, two. While most weddings feature one celebratory procession, Valentina & Manish decided to rewrite the rules. Both bride and groom had their own festive entrances, each accompanied by the electrifying sounds of Punjabi dhol players and the thunderous rhythms of traditional Kerala Chenda Melam drummers.
Imagine centuries-old Italian castle streets suddenly transformed into a joyous explosion of South Asian color, music, and dance. An Italian village festival colliding with a South Asian wedding celebration. It was magnificent. As family and friends danced through the castle grounds, Valentina—herself a former dancer—joined the festivities alongside loved ones before meeting Manish, who made an unforgettable entrance, arriving on a charming Italian Vespa.
Honestly, if there were an award for Most Delightfully Unexpected Groom Entrance, this would be a strong contender. Inside the castle courtyard stood a handcrafted Onjal swing lovingly decorated by family and friends. As chants of "Sita Kalyana" filled the air and Tamil priests guided sacred rituals in both Tamil and Sanskrit, guests witnessed a ceremony rich in meaning, heritage, and emotional depth.
Valentina's bridal look was nothing short of breathtaking. After searching through Chennai's vibrant textile markets, she selected a magnificent 10-yard Ganga-Yamuna Madisar silk saree, worn in the traditional Tamil Brahmin style. The shimmering double-bordered weave reflected the sunlight beautifully, while temple jewelry, fresh jasmine flowers, and classic South Indian styling completed the look. And perhaps that single sentence captures the spirit of the entire wedding.
Every detail throughout the celebration honored both cultures beautifully. Floral and décor artistry by Giri Daniele elevated the historic spaces while preserving their authenticity. Fresh customized South Indian garlands by Rithika Flowers brought meaningful tradition into the ceremony, while exquisite invitations by Cartalia established the wedding's refined visual identity long before guests arrived.
Beauty services by Apsaras Events Team and Silvia Gerzeli ensured every bridal look felt authentic to both traditions, while the Apsaras professional draping team flawlessly executed the intricate Tamil styling. Guests enjoyed an unforgettable culinary journey featuring authentic Indian cuisine by Nura Food, alongside traditional Sardinian desserts crafted by Rita Cardia. Add local Sardinian wines from Cantina Santadi, handcrafted favors, artisan sweets, and even late-night pizza and gelato from Matrimonio Roma, and guests were treated to a cultural experience as rich as the wedding itself.
From Hindustani classical music performances to Bollywood dancers, flash mobs, dhol players, and the high-energy sounds curated by Big L from Apsaras Events, every moment celebrated the joy of bringing worlds together. As evening fell, lighting by Celano Srl transformed the castle into a glowing Mediterranean dreamscape overlooking the sea. Capturing every emotional moment was Nikhil Shastri alongside second photographer Mimosa for Two and cinematographers Kohar Films. Their storytelling beautifully preserved not just the wedding itself, but the feeling behind it—the legacy, the memories, the heritage, and the extraordinary love that connected it all.
Valentina & Manish’s wedding wasn't about luxury. It wasn't about perfection. It was about honoring the past while building a future together. A Tamil wedding in an Italian castle. A bride embracing a culture not born into but deeply loved. A groom honoring his roots while celebrating hers. Two families, two histories, and two worlds meeting by the sea. And honestly? That's the kind of Maharani magic we'll never stop believing in.
How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
HOW WE MET
Swiped Right Instantly. Shared traumas. And now, love, laughs, and cultural integration!
We met online because apparently, fate works through Wi-Fi these days. From the first conversation, we hit it off. Okay, from the second, actually. Our conversations took us many places, but mostly our journeys through grief, Italy, and India.
We started dreaming of a future: a home where pasta meets pav bhaji, and our kids argue over whether idli or cornetto makes a better breakfast. (It's Idli, btw). It was electric—she judged my spice tolerance, and I questioned her commitment to the Roman Empire. True love!
Fast forward a couple of years, and our life is now a delightful mix of chaos, curry, and carbs. We’ve embraced our differences, shared our quirks, and turned diversity into our superpower. Who needs normal when you have amore e masala?
Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
It wasn't a grand, choreographed proposal—it was us.
The first proposal happened over a quiet dinner at one of our favourite Indian restaurants in London. We had an honest conversation about our future and where our relationship was heading. It was simple, heartfelt, and exactly what we needed.
The second one was much more spontaneous—and very us! By then, we were already legally married, but while visiting Venice, he jokingly asked me to give him back my engagement ring. He then stopped a random tourist on the Bridge of Sighs and asked them to take a photo as he got down on one knee and "proposed" all over again. It was completely unexpected, funny, and one of our favourite memories together.
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.
Being the CEO of Apsaras Events definitely had its advantages when it came to wedding planning. So many of our incredible team members, friends, and trusted suppliers were there to celebrate with us, making it feel less like a production and more like a huge family gathering. It was such an artistic and emotional experience, surrounded by people who have been part of our journey for so many years.
Our WP, Francesca Mortale, part of the team of Zen from the Italian wedding company, alongside my guidance and the Apsaras Events team, was exceptional!! She immediately understood our vision and helped bring every detail together seamlessly. We wanted a celebration that truly reflected who we are—a beautifully curated multicultural wedding blending Indian traditions with an elegant international aesthetic.
For the Mehendi, I embraced a vibrant Lahori look wearing a bespoke outfit by my favourite Pakistani designer, Fahad Hussayn. For the Hindu wedding ceremony, I wore a traditional Tamil Madisar sari, something that had never been seen at a wedding in Italy before. Of course, I couldn't resist a quick outfit change into a classic red lehenga from the local boutique Made in Heaven!
One of the most distinctive elements of our wedding was the venue. We celebrated at the breathtaking Castello di Santa Severa, a protected heritage site owned by the Regione Lazio. Securing such an iconic historical location was incredibly special and made the celebration feel even more unique.
The third day was dedicated to my Catholic roots with an intimate Sardinian-style ceremony in the castle's church. After the wedding, I donated my white wedding dress to the nuns of Santa Rita in Umbria, so it could be given to a bride who otherwise wouldn't have the opportunity to wear one—a gesture that was very meaningful to me.
Throughout the celebrations, our guests enjoyed an Italian-Indian culinary journey created by Nura Food, whose signature food truck brought a relaxed, contemporary atmosphere while serving authentic flavours that perfectly reflected our two cultures. Every detail celebrated the meeting of our backgrounds, proving that tradition and creativity can exist beautifully together.
How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I have changed 5 times in three days! Choosing my wedding outfits wasn't simply about finding beautiful clothes—it was the culmination of years of research, travel, and a genuine love for South Asian heritage and craftsmanship.
I had envisioned my Mehendi and Sangeet look for almost two years before the wedding. I even documented the entire journey through dedicated videos and episodes on my YouTube channel, hoping that my experience will inspire and help future brides navigate their own multicultural wedding planning.
Having travelled to India sixteen times and to Lahore twice, I have developed a deep appreciation for the history, textiles, and traditions behind every garment. Heritage and authenticity are incredibly important to me, whether I'm creating performances with Apsaras Events or choosing an outfit for one of the most important days of my life.
For my Mehendi, there was never any doubt—I wanted to wear Fahad Hussayn. I completely fell in love with Lahore, its architecture, colours, and artistic spirit. Wearing one of Fahad's creations made me feel like absolute royalty during our Sangeet, Mehendi, and pizza party. It was pure Lahori magic and exactly the atmosphere I had dreamed of creating.
Then came the Hindu ceremony... and what can only be described as my greatest bridal challenge! Finding the perfect Tamil Madisar was honestly one of the hardest tasks of the entire wedding. It became such an adventure that I ended up writing an entire blog post about it, because no short answer could ever do the story justice. Matching the sari with authentic Tamil temple jewellery and all the traditional accessories felt almost like completing an archaeological expedition! Thankfully, my incredible team was there every step of the way, helping me drape, style, and perfect every single detail.
If anyone is curious about that unforgettable journey, they can read the full story here:
https://www.apsarasevents.com/post/my-wild-dramatic-borderline-mythological-hunt-for-the-perfect-madisar-saree
Compared to that, my other two lehengas were wonderfully uncomplicated. My classic red lehenga was customised by the local boutique Made in Heaven, while my reception outfit came from Mayavaar. That one was a true love-at-first-sight moment—I was taking a break from hours of saree hunting in Bangalore when I walked into a boutique, spotted it on display, tried it on, and within ten minutes it was mine. Sometimes the perfect outfit really does find you!
What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
Being devoted to Indian dance and culture, the most enjoyable part of our wedding was undoubtedly the Sangeet. It felt like a true reflection of who we are and the world we live in—creative, multicultural, and deeply connected to music and performance. Because so many of our friends are artists, the evening naturally turned into an extraordinary celebration of talent. We had everything from Hindustani classical singing and Bollywood vocals to Italian melodic performances and even rap. The dance floor was just as diverse, with performances ranging from Kathak and Bollywood choreography to belly dance.
What made it even more special was seeing so many non-Indian friends embrace the culture so wholeheartedly, performing with such joy and respect. It was funny, emotional, and incredibly moving all at once. Creativity is at the centre of my life, and in that moment I felt completely free to express it in the most authentic way possible.
Another unforgettable moment was the Onjal ritual. The day before, all our friends came together to decorate and prepare everything with so much love and intention. On the day itself, our Vadhyaar was incredibly warm and welcoming, guiding everyone through the poojas with such kindness and even singing, which made the ceremony feel deeply intimate and full of life. It was one of those rare moments where tradition felt both sacred and joyful.
Honestly, I would relive both the Sangeet and the Onjal exactly as they were.
To end everything on the most beautiful note, after the final church ceremony, we all went down to the nearby beach—managed by my cousin—and spent the evening together in the simplest, most grounding way. After all the intensity and emotion of the celebrations, that quiet moment by the sea felt like a deep breath of happiness and gratitude.
What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Our guests often say that one of the highlights of the entire celebration was the experience of getting ready. Being pampered by our incredible team of makeup artists, hair stylists, and creatives turned the preparation into a joyful ritual in itself. There was so much excitement, laughter, and anticipation—it felt like the beginning of the celebration long before the actual events started.
Music, dance, and shared creativity were at the heart of everything. Many of our guests took part in choreographed performances that my best friend, Mardin Nazad, carefully organised in advance by sending out video tutorials so everyone could rehearse. Watching friends and family arrive fully prepared, having embraced the spirit of the celebration, was both hilarious and deeply touching.
Food played an equally important role in creating the atmosphere we dreamed of. Our catering by Nura Food was inspired by South Indian cuisine in honour of Manish, and it brought an authentic, soulful dimension to the experience. Of course, we balanced tradition with indulgence—there was also pizza and gelato, which were a huge hit with our international guests.
The drinks selection was just as thoughtfully curated, featuring Sardinian wines from the Santadi winery and Smeraldina water, often regarded as one of the finest in the world. Every detail reflected both our roots and our journey together.
The dessert table was a true cultural bridge, combining Indian and Sardinian sweets. The Indian desserts were crafted by the artisanal bakery I Dolci di Lola, while the Sardinian creations came from artist Rita Cardia, who designed edible pieces inspired by traditional Sardinian jewellery—almost too beautiful to eat.
One of the most magical moments came when some of our Sardinian guests spontaneously performed traditional dances and recited Trallalera, the polyphonic folk poetry of southern Sardinia. It was completely unplanned, full of emotion, and one of those moments where cultures didn’t just meet—they celebrated each other.
Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
The Onjal ceremony. The Onjal ritual is one of those moments that constantly replays in our minds. It was deeply meaningful for both of our families, bringing everyone together in a shared space of tradition, devotion, and connection.
Even though I couldn’t fully understand all the Tamil and Sanskrit chants, the emotion behind them was unmistakable. There was something profoundly moving in the rhythm of the prayers, the presence of both families, and the sense of continuity they represented. I may not have understood every word, but I felt the love in every single moment.
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.
By the end of the three days, I felt an overwhelming mix of happiness and exhaustion. It was one of those rare experiences where every emotion is amplified—you are fully present, deeply grateful, but also completely physically drained.
I am someone who is almost obsessive when it comes to details and authenticity. I care deeply about truth to tradition, to materials, to meaning. So naturally, I found myself involved in every layer of the wedding—from designing the favours to curating the menus and ensuring that every element felt intentional and aligned with our story.
One of the most meaningful aspects for me was working closely with local communities in the villages around Rome. It was important to me that the celebration was not only beautiful but also rooted in place, people, and collaboration. That connection between cultures, especially between Mediterranean and Indian traditions, was present in every detail.
I often describe myself as a Mediterranean girl with a deep love for India, and that duality lived in every choice we made. It wasn’t about blending aesthetics superficially, but about respecting both worlds and allowing them to naturally coexist.
We were also incredibly lucky with our photographers, Nikhil Shastri and Rakesh Prakash, and the Kohar videographer, who managed to immortalise every moment with such sensitivity and artistry. Looking back now, I’m grateful they captured not just how everything looked, but how it truly felt.
Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Trust your instincts and do things that really resemble who you are not just because is trending on a Reel and 10.000 more people have done the same. I know is hard
Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
For everything else, please do check our special reels contents about all the aspects! From card invitations to jewellery!
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