"The day wouldn’t have been the same without that intuitive touch—it felt like the music knew us."
Zara & Eli
A Vision Tuned to Restraint
Zara & Eli’s wedding at Amanpuri was a harmony of understated glamour—the kind that hums softly rather than roars, drawing its depth from restraint, balance, and deliberate harmony. Born in New York but rooted in diversity—Zara with Mumbai heritage, Eli from Cape Town—they envisioned a celebration not as a spectacle, but as a melody. One where intimacy, architecture, and atmosphere complemented each other.
Amanpuri’s temple-like pavilions and sweeping sea views offered the ideal backdrop—a sacred blend of space and serenity.
A Monochrome Melody
Their colour palette was architectural and minimal: black, white, gold, and subtle shadows. The mood? Sculptural. Formal. Layered.
I began the day in the Aman Spa Pavilion, tuning my guitar amid the stillness. Zara's dress—a silk column in black and ivory—evoked temple lines and Mughal elegance. Her hair in a sleek chignon, accented by a crimson bindi, paid quiet homage to her ancestry. The suite, styled by Maison Étoile, featured obsidian trays and crystal flutes—I set up early, testing acoustics to make sure my soft preludes would weave seamlessly into the morning calm.
A Ceremony in Sound and Silence
Eli prepared solo. His tuxedo: classic black with silk lapels and heirloom gold cufflinks. As he read Zara’s letter on the balcony, waves provided a natural rhythm—I'd later incorporate that ocean pulse into the recessional.
The ceremony on the sunset terrace featured an altar by Hana Bloom Studio: black branches, pale orchids, sculpted palms like musical notes on a staff. No traditional aisle—just a semi-circle of stone seats. Guests arrived to my gentle acoustic welcome, a custom blend of Mumbai-inspired raga motifs and Cape Town jazz undertones. As Zara entered with her siblings, I transitioned to a live rendition of their chosen processional—"A Thousand Years" reimagined with looping guitar for depth without volume. Vows on black vellum from Ink & Ivory Press echoed in perfect timing, my music pausing just right for silence to amplify the words.
It took weeks of collaboration—learning family songs, balancing cultural fusions, and rehearsing with the venue's tricky acoustics to avoid wind interference. But the result? A ceremony where sound felt like an extension of the sea.
A Dinner Lit by Rhythm and Flame
Post-ceremony, guests moved to a moonlit courtyard, mirrors in pools reflecting my ambient set. Tables in charcoal silk glowed with candles; obsidian plates caught light like echoes. The menu contrasted textures: citrus risotto, lacquered duck, saffron domes—I matched with understated jazz acoustics, volume low for conversations, building subtly for toasts.
The effort? Curating a 90-minute playlist that shifted from intimate dinner vibes to anticipatory energy, all while coordinating wireless mics for speeches and ensuring battery backups for the outdoor setup. No disruptions—just flow.
An Unannounced Harmony
No scheduled first dance, but as my strings softened, Zara and Eli rose instinctively, swaying in the black stone centre. Guests watched in hush as I layered a custom mashup—their grandparents' song fused with a modern beat. Shadows danced like memories.
No cue needed; my read of the room made it magical—months of vibe discussions paying off in that spontaneous grace.
No Finale, Just Resonance
No cake fanfare. No fireworks. Just lingering awe. Guests departed with leather notebooks embossed by Ink & Ivory Press, each holding a Rumi quote handwritten by Eli: “Wear gratitude like a cloak, and it will feed every corner of your life.”
I wrapped up with a fading acoustic outro, packing gear under starlight after 12 hours on-site.
A Tone, Not a Tune
Zara & Eli’s wedding didn’t chase trends. It set a resonance. A black-tie intimacy where music preserved meaning over volume, and silence became the most profound note.
From first consultation to final fade-out, it demanded deep listening—blending cultures, adapting to Amanpuri's acoustics, and personalising every layer. Curated with Hana Bloom Studio, Maison Étoile, Clementine & Co., and Ink & Ivory Press, it was an event not just heard, but profoundly felt. As the musician behind it, I poured in the effort to make their vision sing, proving that true awe lies in the details we honour.
A serene beachfront sanctuary, Amanpuri offers barefoot luxury with dramatic ocean views. Exchange vows on a private beach and dine under palms with the scent of frangipani and the sound of waves just steps away.
