Ritika and Parul
Ritika Aggarwal and Parul Kumar celebrated their wedding on December 5, 2023, at the Hard Rock Punta Cana Resort and Spa in the Dominican Republic, with 225 guests witnessing their extraordinary event.
Ritika and Parul’s story began in 2014 while studying abroad in Aruba. They officially started dating on November 11, 2014. Their engagement was as memorable as their romance. Parul planned a grand proposal at Riu Palace in the Dominican Republic, involving a family vacation where he surprised Ritika with a sunset proposal on the beach. A giant candle heart, a live guitar trio, and a heartfelt note from Parul created a touching moment, celebrated with family holding “Marry Me” signs and a beautifully orchestrated setting.
BANQUET HALLS Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana 809-687-0000 | BEAUTICIANS-COSMETICIAN Beauty and Co Artistry | DHOL PLAYER Sukhdeep Dholi 707-631-4942 | EVENT PLANNER Preety Weddings and Travel 604-828-1059 | FLORIST Merca Flowers 829-712-9518 | INVITATIONS Jasmita Chopra 91-8860740094 | MEHNDI Sonia Summaira | MUSICIAN Flying Nimbus Studios Ltd. 778-320-3425 | PHOTOGRAPHER JSK Photography 209-996-2555 | PRIEST Shastri Jagdish Tripathi 646-251-8050 | VIDEOGRAPHY Maiyan Studios 209-450-0018
The couple chose Hard Rock Punta Cana for its Caribbean allure, accommodating their large guest list and aligning with their vision of a beachside wedding. They enlisted Preety, a wedding planner specializing in destination weddings, to help navigate the complexities of planning an international celebration.
Their pre-wedding events were thoughtfully curated. The welcome party had a boho chic vibe with a relaxed dress code, featuring a large circular ring adorned with boho flowers and fairy lights. The night’s unique drinks included “Easy Lover” for Ritika and “Pushin P” for Parul, with DJ Apojee setting the tone with “Swag Se Karega Sab Ka Swagat” from “Tiger Zinda Hai”.
The Haldi ceremony, held in an air-conditioned gazebo near the beach, featured traditional marigold decorations and encouraged guests to wear shades of pink. Breaking tradition, both families participated in applying haldi, enhancing the celebratory spirit. Following the ceremony, the couple enjoyed playing with Holi colors on the beach and a refreshing dip in the ocean.
The Sangeet night was a highlight, celebrated on the beach with a white dance floor, wooden chairs, and fuchsia tablecloths. The backdrop included a two-person swing covered in bougainvillea and illuminated by purple lights, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. Edison bulbs hung above the party, while two bars and a spectacular firework show, set to Coldplay’s “Hymn For The Weekend,” added to the excitement. Unique drinks for the night included “Let’s
Mango” for Ritika and “Spicy P” for Parul.
The wedding after-party took place at the Hard Rock Punta Cana’s casino club, where guests, including parents and older relatives, danced until 6 a.m., energized by DJ Apogee’s set. A pre-reception pool party allowed guests to relax and mingle under the Dominican sun.
The wedding ceremony itself was an afternoon event on the beach. Parul arrived on a horse chariot, greeted by a Baarat with a Pirates of the Caribbean theme song, while Ritika was driven in by Hard Rock staff. The ceremony featured a white stage with clear glass pillars and an ethereal garden of roses and green vines, set against the clear blue sky and crystal-clear water, creating a serene and picturesque setting.
For the reception, Ritika and Parul desired a sexy and romantic atmosphere. The venue was transformed with dark ambient lighting, starlit draping on all walls, and a gold backdrop with candles and a chandelier. The dance floor
was white, tables were covered in black cloth with gold accent chairs, and ostrich feathers served as centerpieces. The music, a modern blend of Bollywood, bhangra, and EDM, was a hit, complemented by elevated DJ and concert speakers to create a music festival feel. Guests found their seats using tequila shot glasses as part of the seating chart.
The first dance was accompanied by a song that resonated deeply with the couple. The reception also featured a heartfelt performance by family and friends, which received considerable attention on YouTube. An animated wedding video mirrored real-life events, adding a unique touch that impressed guests.
The wedding was marked by several “WOW” moments: the stunning welcome party décor, the innovative Haldi ceremony, the tropical Sangeet night, the breathtaking fireworks, and the romantic reception. The overall experience was described as a fairytale, with guests continuing to share stories and memories long after the event.
Ritika and Parul’s wedding exemplified their personal touch, from the décor and music to the custom outfits and animated invite. Their advice for future couples includes focusing on what truly matters, setting a realistic budget,
and ensuring that every detail reflects their personalities. With thoughtful planning and attention to detail, their
wedding became a cherished and unforgettable celebration.
