Kanakavalli Bride : Archana

Archana weds Innogen

Kanakavalli Bride Archana and Innogen first met when they were fifteen or sixteen years old. She came to know him as “that guy who does YouTube covers”. They only got to know each other in university, when they were in their early twenties, and that’s when they realised there was more to their relationship.

Innogen proposed to Archana on a trip to Australia. He was flown out to perform with an Australian Tamil band called Eastern Empire and she decided to join him as she’d always wanted to visit the country. One evening, he took her for a walk in the park at sunset. He had set up a beautiful proposal spot where he surprised Archana by popping the question!

Archana’s favourite part of wedding planning was rehearsing dances with her friends and family. It was the best way to take a break from the chaos of planning, she says.

The couple had a mehendi party at home, a small Hindu ceremony, a civil wedding and finally, a reception. They chose neutral colours and décor that felt truly timeless.

The moment that both Archana and Innogen will never forget is the moment he tied the thali. For them, it felt like the most pure and beautiful part of the ceremony; one in which they could feel the love of their guests. Archana will also cherish the memory of seeing Innogen for the first time as she entered the wedding hall.

Archana says that Kanakavalli is very popular in the UK so she always had it on her list of shops to visit when it was time to shop for her own wedding. She wanted a unique koorai sari – something she would continue to love and wear even thirty years after her big day. At Kanakavalli, she says she found the most flattering shade of deep red; a colour she didn’t find anywhere else. She says the team at the store were friendly and helpful, patiently showing her saris and ensuring she had a wonderful experience.

A big thank you to Archana for being a beautiful Kanakavalli Bride and sharing the story of her wedding with us. We wish her and Innogen a lifetime of love and laughter.