Exclusive: 12 pictures that take you inside Dia Mirza's dreamy, eco-friendly wedding venue

Dia Mirza is easily one of the most committed champions of sustainability; someone who has successfully used her fame and influence to bring about a positive change. The model, actor, producer and social activist’s environment-friendly efforts have also been recognised by the United Nations. So naturally, when it came to her wedding day, the 39-year-old went the sustainable way not just with her bridal look (an heirloom-worthy Benarasi sari) but also with the design and decor of the venue.

On February 15, 2021, the Bollywood star tied the knot with Mumbai-based businessman Vaibhav Rekhi in an intimate ceremony in Mumbai. In a post she shared shortly after, she mentioned that the wedding venue was significant to her. “The garden where I have spent every morning for the past 19 years was an absolutely magical setting and the most intimate and perfect space for our simple and soulful ceremony,” the newly-wed actor said in her caption. She went on to reveal more details on how she was “able to organise a completely sustainable ceremony without plastics or any waste. The materials used for the minimal decor we went for were completely biodegradable and natural.” To know more, we spoke with the woman behind the decor, Aashna Saran, founder and creative head of Aash Studio. From the brief Mirza shared with the decor specialist to the materials used, Saran reveals all.

The planning

“The venue Dia selected is home to her favourite mango tree, which was the highlight of the evening. We wanted to create an Indian garden vibe with an old-world rustic charm,” Saran shares about the starting point. Although social distancing rules have now begun easing up, Saran and her team took every sanitisation, hygiene and precautionary measure into account. “The number of meetings with Dia were reduced. When we met, it would be at the venue, which was outdoors. The teams, too, were tested to detect any signs of contracting the coronavirus. For decor approvals, we prepared presentations, mood boards and created/procured samples to make the process seamless,” she adds.

The floral fantasy

The decor for Dia Mirza and Vaibhav Rekhi's special day was designed to recreate a fragrant Indian garden. Different flower combinations were experimented with before the final setting was zeroed in on. Garlands made using hyperlocal flowers like mogra, rajnigandha and shevanti lent themselves beautifully to set the tone of the setting. “A pop of blush pink roses and wildflowers further elevated the mood. We made a conscious decision to use the Indian flowers and work with the local artisans to encourage the ‘vocal for local’ drive and reduce the carbon footprint,” explains Saran. Keeping in mind the bride’s love for nature, and to further their commitment for an environment-friendly celebration, flower petal cones were crafted using banana leaves. Fresh white fresh flowers were used for the mandap. “We decided to keep the mandap open and airy, versus giving it the traditional four pillars,” she discloses.

“Lots of diyas and candles were added to enhance that magical fairy tale feeling.” Every element was thoroughly thought through, Saran says, whether it was the cut glass candle holders placed on the dining table, the handis with floral arrangements that were suspended from the mango tree, or the candle stands and brass plates placed on the coffee tables. At the bride’s request, plastic was replaced with eco-friendly options like jute. “This natural fibre was even incorporated on the mandap floor and other sitting areas.”

The personal touch 

The best part about working through this process alongside Dia Mirza, Saran says was, “Always being on the same page in terms of aesthetic.” Like any other meticulous bride, Mirza knew that the personalisation would make all the difference for her special occasion. “We added several custom touches to make the wedding truly one-of-a-kind. Bells were placed on every chair for the guests to ring them during the pheras. Dia and Vaibhav gave us personalised notes for every guest to remind them of the important role they played in their lives,” Saran concludes.

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