The reference to Kumari Kandam is literary from early classic Tamil texts. And that is the unlikely theme of an upcoming wedding in the city. The predominant motifs are elephants, warriors, temple inscriptions, the majestic Koyil Kaalai … An arched entrance leads into a palace and the spotlight shifts to a grand wedding stage. Muralitharan .K of Vivahhika Bespoke Wedding Decorations points out the details to me on his ipad and he is visibly thrilled. “It’s exciting. We are re-building a lost continent from scratch. We are digging up every information on Kumari Kaandam and the Tamil-Brahmi script to make the set look authentic.” His partners, Santosh Krishnan and Santhosh Kumar, who join us, say that it’s going to be an extravagant affair.
Muralitharan, Krishnan and Kumar have dabbled in designing, photography, and cinematography, and have been in the business of bespoke wedding decorations for over seven years. “Engineering and art complement each other in our projects. We have transformed empty barren grounds and defunct rice mills into grand settings, fit for 10,000 guests and more,” says Muralitharan.
The team has come a long way from their small garage from where they started. Today they are known for the over 200 wedding projects across South India. Their inspiration is drawn from artists on Insta, magazines, blogs and literature. “We focus more on architecture and art. Some of the magazines from China on interior designs are full of innovations. I might walk into a Swarovski showroom and get a design idea. Art always figures in our conversation,” explains Muralitharan. Cinema inspires them too particularly, director Shanker’s films. “The opulence he brings to his films is amazing, Rajamouli’s Baahubali franchise had some out of the world sets. We also bring the skills of people who have worked with artists such as Sabu Cyril and Thotta Tharani.”
They recall their first big project where they rebuilt a miniature Chola kingdom at Sangagiri village in Salem. This was for a wedding in the Jansons Industries family. “The Tamil Conference was our inspiration. We read up a lot on Tamil culture and literature. We erected a 16 ft Yazhi and copied the design and style of the Tirupati Gopuram, complete with mock up Tanjore Art done in vegetable dyes on the side walls,” recalls Muralitharan. It was all so realistic that some guests from Germany mistook it for a temple and left their footwear outside!
Their Zawawi Powertech project was much talked about. Krishnan says how “Three hundred people worked for over a month on 8.5 acres of barren land near Sulur. We recreated the Thiruchendur Murugan temple and the floral décor, a mix of exotic hydrangeas and the jasmines, was a highlight. The guests were treated to a magic show; nail art , and an exclusive Charminar bangles stall. And, an open air concert designed on A.R. Rahman’s ‘Nenje Ezhu’ concert style. With the parking area, the entire project covered about 20 acres. It was intimidating. But, a great learning experience.”
They have blended the east and the west, experimented with floral chandeliers and upcycled design materials. “We make floral curtains with rose petals cut like strawberries, and throw in nandiar vattam , and carnations too,” says Muralitharan. It was an Indian and Thai combination at Sendoor Mahal in Avanashi near Coimbatore. “This was for The Chennai Silks. We called it Lotus Lustre. There were lotus motifs everywhere. The ceiling was covered with fabrics that featured Bandhini and Warli work. There was a lotus pond too,” says Krishnan. There are quirky themes as well as eco-friendly ones. And, of course, then there is Bollywood.
Their other clients include A.S. Babu Sah Silks & Sarees from Kanchipuram and actor Radhika Sarathkumar. Radhika chose a silver lining concept for her daughter Rayane’s wedding in Chennai. Dr. P. Guhan, an oncologist from Coimbatore wanted something majestic and elegant. And, the Codissia Hall in Coimbatore was transformed into grand arena with ornate elephant figurines (from seven feet to nearly 18 feet in height). The colours were grey, beige and white, to keep it subtle.
The wedding market has seen some staggering changes and it is highly competitive, say the designers. “Our focus is on grand weddings as it gives us the creative space to explore more. With digital transactions in place the industry is regularised now. A single grand wedding can support nearly 500 families.”
Though a packed work schedule has made them unpopular among family members, designing larger-than-life sets gives them the thrill. They won a Best Wedding Decorator Award and they swear that the joy of creating something new every time is “indescribable.”
Of forests and skies
A rainforest: Forty thousand sq.ft area was transformed into a jungle. There were exotic flowers, creepers, trees that were the pillars and rain clouds made with rolled wire mesh studded with Swarovski crystal. Birds, water droplets, and more added to the experience.
Patang Utsav: As the name suggests there were kites everywhere.
Call 98940-18099 or follow Vivahhika on Facebook, Insta, Youtube and Pinterest @vivahhikadecor
