LARA DUTTA WED MAHESH BHUPATHI

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CANDOLIM ( Goa): It was an evening of roses and romance. With the Arabian Sea on one side and green undulating lawns on the other, the make-shift enclosure dressed in blush pink and lily white - flowers, candles, lanterns, ribbons and varying tapestry - sparking the ambience, the Bhupathi's - Mahesh and Lara - exchanged wedding vows in an intimate Christian ceremony at a luxury resort on Saturday.

Lara made for a stunning bride. Escorted by her father, the former Miss Universe clad in an off-white, form-fitting creation by Elie Saab, drew gasps from the gathering as she entered the venue. Heavy diamond drops adorned her ears. The all-lace outfit with a 10 metre train held up with a diamond tiara was offset by the flower girls in a matching shade. The bridesmaids were in pink and the groomsmen, including the best man, Bhupathi's American coach Scot Davidoff, went for darker shades. The groom wore a black tuxedo.

There was good attendance from the tennis community with the entire Davis Cup team - Leander Paes, Somdev Devvarman and Rohan Bopanna - being present. Former tennis great Vijay Amritraj with son Prakash and Indian Fed Cup captain Enrico Piperno were also present. There was a fair sprinkling from the entertainment industry, but Bollywood's big names were missing in a crowd that was largely made up of friends and family.

The highlight of the evening was perforce the exchange of vows which had the bride in tears. The groom just about held up.

Bhupathi said, "Lara, when I first met you, this day was a dream. Today it is reality. When I'm on the tour, not a day goes by without me wishing I was home with you instead, so even when I'm gone I am with you." Generally, a man of few words, the 36-year-old doubles star went on to add, "you are my companion, partner and best friend. I promise to stick by you through hits and flops. I look forward to growing old with you."

Lara, 32, who did her schooling in Bangalore, started with the customary for better or worse, in sickness and health lines, but went on to firmly establish herself as Bhupathi's 'chief doubles partner'. She added, 'I promise to return your serves and volley alongside you. I will be with you through our many wins and occasional loss." Lara's voice cracked when she called her husband, 'my true north.' The tears came down unabated when she went on to express her feelings for the 11-time Grand Slam champion, who put his arm around his wife's waist in a bid to calm her down.

Hesh and Lara, who were married in a civil function earlier in the week, sat through the rest of the hour-long ceremony holding hands. Dinner and dance followed the Christian wedding, with the pink and white theme spilling over to the reception which was all about dining and dancing. Bollywood mixed with Hollywood as feet tapped to a variety of numbers which was well matched by the cuisine. Variety was clearly the order of the day.


my darling is married

Oh, WOW, what a stunning couple.. I love Lara Dutta, I will never forget her interview prowess and her serene confidence! I wish her the very best. She is really a class act, and even though Venezuela (Claudia Moreno) was second place in MU 2000, I still love and prefer Lara Dutta as MU 2000!

Love her dress!