When two souls find each other across continents, cultures, and life’s unpredictable turns, the result is nothing short of magic. Bhavin and Umika’s wedding wasn’t just a celebration—it was a tribute to love, legacy, and the beauty of intentionality. With the expert guidance and vision of the bride and groom themselves—Umika and Bhavin—and the artistic lens of DWP Powerlister Sara Sganga, their dream destination wedding unfolded in the heart of Tuscany, weaving together emotion, elegance, and sustainability. From the serene hills of Barga to the vibrant color-bomb backdrop that captivated every guest, each moment was thoughtfully curated with care and meaning. This is the story of how two families, two cultures, and two hearts came together to create something truly unforgettable.
The Love Story: The Couple’s Love Story
Bhavin and Umika’s love story is a beautiful fusion of cultures, comfort, and serendipity—a heartfelt reminder that love truly knows no boundaries.
Bhavin hails from a traditional Gujarati household where calmness, spirituality, and simplicity shape everyday life. His mother was born and raised in Gujarat, while his father’s roots trace back to Kampala, Uganda. Umika, also Hindu, grew up in a vibrant Punjabi family where music, laughter, and endless celebration fill every gathering. Her mother was born in the UK’s Midlands, and her father—like Bhavin’s—was born in Africa, but in Kenya.
In 2019, Umika’s life changed forever when she suddenly lost her father—her best friend and guiding light. Grief brought with it pain and uncertainty, but as fate would have it, that was when Bhavin entered her life—her calm in the storm.
The two met during lockdown through online dating and quickly formed a deep, effortless bond. For two months, they spoke every single day—across FaceTime, WhatsApp, iMessage, and late-night phone calls. It wasn’t long before they knew they had found something special.
Their first date was a sweet twist of fate. Bhavin arrived to pick up Umika, and she skipped to the car carrying Twirls—Bhavin’s favorite chocolate. When she got in, she realized he had brought Twirls, too—her favorite as well. The date lasted over eight hours, and despite the countless conversations they’d already shared, they never once ran out of things to say.
Umika returned home that day with a big smile on her face. She told her mum and family members about “this guy” she had met. Her mother smiled and said, “He sounds exactly like the kind of man your dad wanted you to marry!”
From there, their relationship blossomed beautifully. Umika shares a close and loving bond with her in-laws. Bhavin’s mother shares her love of Gujarati traditions, teaching Umika to speak Gujarati and welcoming her into the family’s culture, while his father often greets her with playful affection, saying, “hello sweetheart,” “alright gorgeous,” “hi love,”—and teases her endlessly.
After four years of being best friends and soulmates, Bhavin and Umika finally tied the knot. Today, they still talk every single day—only now, it’s from their shared flat, as husband and wife.
A love story born in lockdown, strengthened by family, and sealed with understanding—Bhavin and Umika are living proof that when two hearts align, cultures don’t clash—they create something truly extraordinary.



Finding The Perfect Tuscan Haven
After a year and a half of thoughtful planning, every dream and detail finally came together for Bhavin and Umika’s wedding. The journey to their destination celebration wasn’t an easy one — it took months of heartfelt conversations to convince their families that saying “I do” abroad was truly what they wanted. For Umika, though, the decision carried a special meaning. Her father had always dreamed of visiting Italy someday, but that moment never came for him. So, she chose to bring that dream to life in his memory — not just for herself, but for everyone who loved him.
Their perseverance led them to one of Tuscany’s finest venues, nestled in the charming town of Barga — the Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa. The resort’s sweeping mountain views, expansive grounds, and warm hospitality made it the perfect setting for their celebration.


A Welcome Party To Remember
Umika and Bhavin’s dreamy Tuscan wedding began with an unforgettable welcome party that perfectly captured the essence of both worlds. The celebration was a delightful fusion of Italian charm and Indian vibrance, setting the tone for the magical days ahead. Every detail, from the décor to the music, reflected a harmonious blend of cultures, giving guests a warm and joyous introduction to the couple’s love story.


A Celebration of Simplicity & Soul
Bhavin and Umika envisioned a wedding that embodied simplicity, elegance, and authenticity, deliberately avoiding flashy or over-the-top elements like printed dance floors or giant screens showcasing their photos — that just wasn’t who they were. Every decision around the décor and overall experience was made with intention, blending beauty with sustainability.
The delicate gypsophila used during the ceremony was thoughtfully repurposed for the reception, creating continuity while minimizing waste. Furniture and other décor elements were reused creatively throughout the venue, and the menu was carefully designed so that each day offered guests a unique culinary journey without going overboard. Every detail reflected mindfulness and purpose, ensuring the celebration felt personal rather than performative.
One of the most unforgettable sights was the breathtaking color bomb backdrop. A vibrant explosion of flowers and textures, it instantly became the centerpiece of the celebration, radiating energy and joy. Each shade was thoughtfully chosen to complement the Tuscan surroundings, creating a stunning visual that perfectly captured the couple’s lively spirit and the festive atmosphere of the day. Guests couldn’t help but be drawn to it, making it the perfect backdrop for memories, laughter, and countless photographs.
At its heart, the wedding was about family, friends, connection, and joy — celebrating love in a way that felt genuine and true to Bhavin and Umika. The result was a day that radiated warmth, meaning, and a timeless elegance that guests would remember long after the final toast.











An Evening Filled With Fireworks & Glam
After a breathtaking and vibrant ceremony, the celebrations gracefully transitioned into a gorgeous and glamorous evening that radiated warmth, joy, and elegance. Umika looked ethereal in a flowing white gown, while Bhavin exuded timeless sophistication in a classic black and white tuxedo—a perfect reflection of understated glamour.
The venue came alive with music, laughter, and the soft chatter of guests savoring every moment. An exquisite millefeuille cake adorned with luscious strawberries took center stage, a sweet masterpiece that perfectly captured the couple’s refined taste and attention to detail.
As the evening unfolded in an atmosphere of pure celebration, the sky erupted in a magnificent display of fireworks, casting brilliant hues across the night. It was a breathtaking finale—a dazzling testament to their everlasting love story and the beginning of a lifetime together.





Bhavin and Umika’s wedding was more than a union—it was a symphony of love, memory, and mindful celebration. Every detail, from the repurposed florals to the heartfelt choice of venue, reflected their shared values and deep connection. With the spirit of Umika’s father gently woven into the fabric of the day, and the joy of their loved ones surrounding them, their celebration became a living tribute to love that transcends time and tradition. As they continue their journey as husband and wife, Bhavin and Umika remind us that when love is rooted in authenticity, it blossoms into something extraordinary—something that lingers in the hearts of everyone lucky enough to witness it.
List of Vendors:
-
Photographers: @sara_sganga_wedding
-
Wedding Planners: @bhavin1993 & @umika.v
-
On The Day Coordinator: @rachelerosati
-
Flowers: @lillaflorals
-
Venue: @rtuscany
-
Hair: @stylesbysukhi
-
Mua: @_beautybyami
-
Mehndi: @francescagallina_art
-
Bride: @umika.v
-
Groom: @bhavin1993
-
Dj: @teamb.music @dj.vish
-
Dhol player: @dhol_player_italy
-
Videographer: @gabrielecastagnafilms
-
Entertainment: @karanonpiano
-
Live Painter: @inna_illustrator
-
Fireworks/smoke show: @fuochishow









Leave a Reply