Meet the Artisan bride : A brides journey to make her wedding 'handcrafted'

It's rare to find a bride who believes in traditional Indian handicrafts strong enough to make it the underlying theme of her wedding but Roopali did just that.  " I personally feel that anything handmade especially for you is the true definition of luxury and there is no better time than your wedding to splurge on luxury" she quips. Everything from her invitations, to favors and even her outfits were sourced from various parts of India and highlighted the work of artisans native to a region.

The Invitations

Roopali and her fiance  explored various art forms and chose "Phad painting" from Rajasthan as an inspiration for the wedding card.  A Phad artist created a 4 ft tall scroll painting, which the couple then digitised into their wedding card. They got this unique card done by reaching out to the Happy Hands Foundation- a non profit organisation in Delhi which is dedicated towards the empowerment of artisans.

 

The outfits 

In keeping with her commitment towards traditional indian handicrafts, Roopali worked with designer Vaishali Shandgule to design her outfits. Roopali says "Vaishali's garments are hand-woven by Artisans and she derives inspiration from various Indian Art forms. I designed just 3 outfits for my trousseau- all of which I felt like I could wear again. My engagement dress was a very unconventional sari in chanderi weaves from Madhya Pradesh, my Sangeet outfit a lightweight cotton dress and my wedding outfit was inspired by the Rabari tribe"

The Jewellery & Accessories

When all my outfits had been handcrafted with so much love, it just didn't seem right for me to wear some imitation jewellery on the big day. So I bought Dhokra Jewelry from Orissa and teamed it with gold jewellery from my family. Other bits and bobs I picked up from FabIndia and Central Cottage Emporium.

Engagement

Wedding

Favors and Gifting

For wedding favors, Roopalis family gave away organic 'Khadi' products . Sagan gifting was done via Madhubani painted trays and baskets 

To ensure more people are aware of these handcrafted products, Roopali has put together a little list of places she used.

• Outfits from Vaishali Shandgule.  
• Invitations from Happy Hands
• Footwear via Aprajita Toor
• Khadi Gram Udyog for Wedding Favors
• Delhi Haat for Madhubani Trays
• Photography by Lakshya Chawla
• Dokra  Jewelry from Orissa and other bits and pieces from Fabindia