When planning a queer wedding, traditions aren’t assumed—instead, couples seek to break free from societal expectations. They rewrite the narrative of what it means for two people to come together and celebrate their love. These unions testify that gender and conventional gender norms don’t define a relationship’s success.
Mrittika Munshi & Viktoria Augustine
In 2021, Mrittika Munshi and Viktoria Augustine embarked on a new chapter by marrying in Austria. It was an intimate affair, attended only by the two of them and the officiant. This wedding wasn’t about grand celebrations but about capturing the moment’s authenticity. “We wanted to preserve the essence of our relationship”, Munshi says. They carefully selected photographers who could document the event without making it appear staged. Fast forward to 2023, the couple decided to host a bigger celebration in Kolkata, Munshi’s birthplace–one that included family and friends. After four years of contemplation, the duo finally decided to host a social event. “It was more beautiful than we could have imagined,” Augustine says. The venue, Rajbari Bawali, was central to the celebration. Interestingly, they had discovered it almost by accident during a New Year’s getaway in 2021 and were so enchanted by it that they chose it for their Indian wedding.
The Kolkata celebration was rooted in tradition but without religious overtones. Instead, the couple incorporated the four elements—water, earth, fire, and wind—into the ceremonies. The first day involved a water ceremony on the Ganges, complete with music and a serene boat ride. The second day featured an earth ceremony under a tree, akin to a white wedding celebration. That evening, five women priests performed a Vedic-style fire ceremony. The final day, themed around wind, coincided with New Year’s Day, symbolising a whimsical start of their journey together.
Planning the wedding was no easy feat. Much of the preparations were coordinated from Austria. The couple had spent years figuring out the details, after all. They wanted a small, meaningful gathering rather than a large, traditional Indian wedding. Each guest was carefully selected based on their connection to the couple. They also worked with Bobo Calcutta to create unique, complementary outfits for the ceremonies.
The couple met in Hong Kong in 2019 during a year-long work assignment. Despite not initially looking for a long-term relationship, they grew close. The protests in Hong Kong and the onset of COVID-19 brought them even closer. “We didn’t expect it, but living together solidified our bond,” Augustine shares. Their wedding journey from Austria to India is a testament to the power of love, tradition, and celebrating with the people who matter most.
Rahul Luthra & Sameep Ved
New Delhi-based Rahul Luthra, head designer at Raabta by Rahul, and Sameep Ved, a marketing professional and podcaster, have a love story that could easily be mistaken for a Netflix rom-com. Known for crafting exquisite bridal jewellery for Bollywood brides like Katrina Kaif and Deepika Padukone, Luthra is a master of his craft. Ved, recognisable from his lively podcast,The Sameep Ved Show, embodies a zest for life. Their paths first crossed in 2015.
Ved, in Delhi for work, unexpectedly encountered an old friend at a mall who invited him over. “The door opened, and there he was,” Ved recalls. Though their initial meeting wasn’t filled with instant sparks, destiny had a different plan. Over time, their connection grew, much like the slow-burn romance of a beloved series. “Rahul’s unwavering support through life’s ups and downs touched me deeply,” says Ved, while Luthra admired Ved’s ability to juggle work with infectious enthusiasm. Their relationship evolved into something truly special.
Family reactions to their relationship added a layer of suspense to their love story. “Sameep’s extended family embraced me, but coming out to his parents was intense,” Luthra says. After an emotional conversation, Ved’s father eventually came around, though not without some initial resistance. Luthra’s family, particularly his mother, had their own emotional journey, ultimately accepting Ved.
The couple’s wedding was a whirlwind of emotions, reminiscent of a high-stakes special episode. After eight years together, Luthra and Ved exchanged vows at San Francisco’s City Hall in 2023. The venue, with its majestic staircase and rich queer history, provided the perfect backdrop for their grand love story. Luthra, ever the visionary, designed their entire wedding look in just 25 days. “It was a plot twist that added magic to the day,” he says.
Their wedding, inspired by their fascination with royalty and opulence, featured a Bridgerton-esque theme. Guests were encouraged to channel their inner aristocrats, donning elegant gowns and fascinators. Luthra kept the meticulously designed ensembles a secret until the last minute. The bespoke ring, featuring an infinity sign with their initials and a crown inspired by their pet dog Simba, added a deeply personal touch.
Choosing San Francisco’s City Hall was like selecting the perfect location for a romantic finale. “We hope our story inspires other LGBTQIA+ couples to embrace their true selves”, says Ved. Among their favourite memories are the pre-wedding shoot in the woods and the dramatic dash to City Hall. The most cherished moment was their vow exchange, where Luthra’s emotional tears made the day unforgettable—a true Netflix-worthy ending to a love story that will continue to inspire.
Vicky Press & Ruzbah
At 25, Mumbai-based Vicky Press never seriously considered marriage. Whether due to his sexuality or his non-conformist outlook, the idea simply didn’t align with his life plan. That changed when he met his partner, Ruzbah, who was also from Mumbai. Their immediate and profound connection helped Press realise that the relationship was special—something that could last a lifetime. The two met in London, where they had both moved for work.
Initially, their discussions about marriage were practical rather than romantic, focussing on issues like taxes and inheritance rather than emotional aspects. Living in London afforded them a level of acceptance and freedom unimaginable in India, where societal expectations around relationships can be restrictive. In London, they could openly embrace their relationship, integrating seamlessly into each other’s families and communities. “Our families knew and accepted us, making our bond feel as solid and real as any conventional marriage,” Press says.
Press’s views on marriage crystallised when he purchased an engagement ring from Cartier during a work trip to Switzerland. He didn’t plan an elaborate proposal. Instead, he carried the ring with him, waiting for the right moment. That opportunity presented itself during a trip to Sitges, Spain, for Press’s birthday.
On a sunny day, while enjoying a bike ride along the beach, Press decided it was the right setting for his proposal. The beach, where they had often relaxed together, seemed like the perfect backdrop. As they sat on the sand, Press nervously presented the ring, expecting it to be a casual surprise. “At first, Ruzbah thought it was chocolate,” Press laughs. When he realised it was an engagement ring, he was overwhelmed with emotion, underscoring the deep significance of the moment.
With their engagement confirmed, Press and Ruzbah began planning their wedding. They chose a picturesque old cargo house in Sitges as their venue. The location, with its charm and history as a place where Spanish champagne and wine were produced, provided a unique setting for their celebration with a close-knit group of 20 to 30 guests.
Their initial wedding date in May 2020 was derailed by the pandemic, leading to a postponement. They rescheduled to October 2022, hosting a beautifully personal and significant ceremony. Opting for a non-traditional approach, they avoided a conventional Indian ceremony due to its heteronormative elements. Instead, they crafted a ceremony that resonated with their unique relationship and values. “For us, the essence of marriage lies not in the ceremony itself, but in the depth of commitment and love shared,” Press reflects.
Their festivities included a pool party, a sangeet, and a grand dinner. For Press and Ruzbah, their wedding was a heartfelt celebration of their enduring commitment—a testament to their journey together and their shared vision for the future.
Read the full story in ELLE India’s Wedding Book, or download your digital copy via Magzter, available free with our latest issue of ELLE India.
