The Wedding Designer Behind Virushka’s Tuscan Fairytale

Meet Devika Narain, the wedding designer who made Virushka’s Tuscan fairytale come true.

Devika Narain.

(Photo: Stories by Joseph Radhik)

In love with the gorgeous decor from Virushka’s shaadi? Well, let’s make you meet the creative brain behind it — Lucknow girl and Delhi-based wedding planner Devika Narain.

Narain, who was picked by the wedding planners, Shaadi Squad, says the Virushka Shaadi has been probably the biggest coup of the year for her and that for all those involved, it was great to “have been a part of a grand, super fun conspiracy”.

Narain and her award-winning photographer husband, Joseph Radhik, are part of the Shaadi Squad that helped put together the high-profile wedding of Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma on 11 December in Italy.

While Narain designed the wedding, her husband Joseph Radhik with his team from 'Stories by Joseph Radhik' were behind the lens at the Virushka wedding.

Devika told The Quint about all that went into the wedding.

Virat and Anushka got married at Borgo Finocchieto, a luxury resort which is a one-hour drive away from Tuscany, Italy. The place is one of the most expensive hotels in the world and is known for holding exclusive events.They chose a villa in Tuscany as the backdrop. The property is a family-styled villa, so it felt like a <i>ghar ka shaadi.</i>

Devika Narain, Wedding Designer&nbsp;

Anushka and Virat are very spiritual. The setting was inspired by the idea of growth and prosperity and designed like an overgrown garden [...] For the main ceremony, we chose a palette of lavender, soft pink and powder blue.

Devika Narain, Wedding Designer&nbsp;

Decor done by Devika Narain at the Tuscan wedding of Anushka & Virat(Photo: Devika Narain & Company)

Devika tells us that Anushka was a super involved bride and that she was very clear that this was a celebration for her family and that she had no one to show off to, or impress.

Each detail was custom-made for Anushka and like any regular bride, she was very invested in creating her magical wedding.

Devika Narain, Wedding Designer&nbsp;

Anushka getting mehndi.(Photo: Stories by Joseph Radhik)

An anthology of Rumi’s poems was gifted to each guest.(Photo: Devika Narain & Company)

But how did they keep it a secret for so long? Narain says because it was planned with “military-like” precision.

I remember when we were first signed on, we didn’t know the venue or who was getting married. It’s all been a fabulous ride since then. We’ve been keeping the secret for a couple of months, we were thrilled when it came to life. Anushka chose us because she wanted a very intimate wedding. Our teams worked tirelessly to create this magical wedding.

Devika Narain, Wedding Designer&nbsp;

Full team who put together Virushka’s dream wedding. Devika Narain in red jacket & Joseph Radhik right above Anushka’s left shoulder(Photo: Stories by Joseph Radhik)

After working with a top wedding planning firm, Devika, who did her schooling from Loreto Convent, Lucknow and graduated from Lady Sri Ram College, Delhi started her own venture – Devika Narain & Company – in 2015, specialising in destination weddings. Her husband, well known photographer Joseph Radhik often collaborates with her and was the official photographer for this wedding too.

Devika Narain & her husband Joseph Radhik(Photo: Monica Sarup)

Narain and Radhik got married in February this year.

But which is the most favourite of all ceremonies from the Virushka wedding for Narain?

My favourite ceremony was the wedding and bonfire night on 10 December, which got rained out and when everyone had karaoke around a fireplace!

Devika Narain

The Wedding Makers That Put Virushka’s Dream Wedding Together

Wedding Planner: Shaadi Squad
Decor Design: Devika Narain & Company
Invitation Cards: EDC
Food Consultant: Ritu Dalmia
Outfits & Jewellery: Sabyasachi
Bridal Makeup: Puneet B Saini
Mehendi Artist: Dina Jeshani
The Wedding Filmer
Photography: Stories by Joseph Radhik