Alice & Aaranan

Set high above the rolling Cotswold hills, this two-day celebration at Kiftsgate Court Gardens brought together Swedish elegance and rich Hindu tradition in a wedding defined by cultural depth, meticulous planning, and a profound sense of place.

Alice and Aaranan wanted to honour both of their heritages without compromise. The brief was clear:
Create a seamless, immersive experience where each ceremony felt authentic, elevated, and visually extraordinary, while ensuring guests could move effortlessly through two distinct cultural celebrations.

The Vision

Friday: The Hindu Ceremony

The lower pool at Kiftsgate was transformed into a breathtaking ceremonial setting. We designed and built a bespoke Hindu wedding stage positioned to frame uninterrupted views across the valley, allowing the landscape to become part of the ritual itself.

As guests arrived to traditional music, they were welcomed with refreshments and a relaxed, sociable atmosphere that gently built anticipation for the ceremony.

At 11am, the ceremony began. Aaranan took his place on the stage before Alice made her first entrance in a traditional saree. Throughout the ceremony, carefully timed transitions, including a mid-ceremony outfit change, were seamlessly managed to maintain flow without disrupting the sacred rituals.

Key moments included:

  • The necklace tying ceremony, marking the couple’s union

  • Guests being invited to the stage to scatter rice in celebration

  • A structured yet fluid transition into family photography and a vibrant buffet lunch

  • Behind the scenes, the team executed a full turnaround of the space, resetting and reconfiguring in preparation for the following day, while preserving the integrity of the gardens.

Saturday: The Swedish Blessing & Reception

In contrast, Saturday embraced a softer, European aesthetic.

A floral arch was installed to frame the blessing ceremony, complementing the natural beauty of the water garden while creating a romantic focal point. The marquee was styled with refined table settings and subtle detailing, allowing the cross-cultural narrative to continue in a more contemporary, understated way.

Guests arrived to a relaxed drinks service before the ceremony began, accompanied by live music. Following the blessing:

  • A celebratory confetti moment flowed into a drinks reception on the lawn

  • Canapés were served as guests explored the gardens and enjoyed the setting

  • Alice transitioned into her evening look while the space evolved for dinner

As the evening unfolded, the experience shifted into a classic wedding reception:

  • Candlelit tables and a carefully timed call to dinner

  • Speeches interwoven with courses to maintain energy and engagement

  • A seamless transition from dining to dancing, led by a DJ and live band

The evening culminated in a lively dancefloor, with the bar and entertainment carrying the celebration through to midnight

Execution Highlights

  • Custom Stage Build: A fully bespoke Hindu ceremony structure designed to maximise the venue’s natural topography

  • Dual-Ceremony Logistics: Two completely different cultural formats delivered across consecutive days without compromise

  • Guest Flow: Carefully choreographed transitions to ensure a relaxed yet structured experience

  • Full Venue Transformation: Multiple resets of key spaces within tight timeframes

  • Cultural Authenticity: Close collaboration with the couple to honour traditions while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic

The Result

A wedding that felt both deeply personal and effortlessly executed—where Swedish minimalism and Hindu tradition coexisted beautifully within one of the Cotswolds’ most iconic private gardens.