Virat Kohli-Anushka Sharma: From Italy wedding, Finland honeymoon to Mumbai reception

Mumbai: The day is here as the always-happening area of Mumbai’s Lower Parel will be buzzing, with cameras and camera personnels having a busy night on their hands as who’s who of the Bollywood, Indian cricket team and industrialists will trickle in for what could be one of the biggest wedding receptions in recent times in the Maximum City as Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma host their wedding reception here on Tuesday.

Read: From ad shoot, dating, heartbreak to marriage: Here's Virat Kohli-Anushka Sharma's love story

While we will discuss the details of a special evening; let’s first trace how the last few weeks – from speculation of marriage to Italy marriage to Finland honeymoon, New Delhi reception and today’s Mumbai reception – have been for the Team India skipper and his Bollywood actress-producer wife.

Will they or will they not?

Virat had taken a break from his cricketing commitments and he, along with his family members, was spotted at the Delhi airport, Anushka and her parents were clicked and asked for a bite at the Mumbai airport. Her brother was seen accompanying a priest, with whom Virat and Anushka were spotted earlier this year.

While none of the parties involved neither denied nor confirmed anything, the rumour mills had a field day, speculating whether the apparent departure to Europe was for a family vacation or is something big around the corner – something like marriage?

Comes the big marriage announcement:

Virat and Anushka took to their social media channels to make the big announcement on December 11. The two posted a heartfelt message and let the world know about them tying a knot.

As the photos started to trickle in, it was clear that it was a dream wedding in Tuscany, Italy; which was attended only by family members and a select few.

Check out: See photos and videos: Love takes over as Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma marry in Italy

Finland honeymoon:

The newlyweds took off for their honeymoon as the outpouring of wishes from across the globe continued. While the initial reports indicated that the two had taken to Rome, it was later emerged that the two were in Finland. Anushka posted of the duo from their honeymoon destination.

While the photo, like their wedding photos and videos, was loved by many, the photo has since then become a meme sensation too.

Check out the pics: Virat Kohli-Anushka Sharma honeymoon photo is a meme sensation in Pakistan

Return to India:

Virat and Anushka returned to India well in time to gear up for their New Delhi reception. The photos of Virat and Anushka interacting with his elder sister Bhawna Kohli-Dhingara.

The two then went to meet Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, to invite him for the Delhi reception.

New Delhi wedding reception:

The Durbar Hall, Taj Diplomatic Enclave, SP Marg entrance in the national capital hosted the couple’s first reception on December 21. While the likes of Shikhar Dhawan and family and Suresh Raina, with his wife and daughter, attended the grand Delhi reception, the talk of the town was the presence of Narendra Modi.

Then there was song and dance as famous singer, actor, musician and performer Gurdas Maan performed at the reception. Virat and Anushka also danced their hearts out at the function.

Mumbai wedding reception:

With the limited-overs series against Sri Lanka still on, majority of the Indian cricketers could not make it to Virat-Anushka’s Delhi reception. However, expect a bevy of Indian cricketers – from MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma to others, along side Bollywood biggies and industrialists to attend the Mumbai reception.

Here are all the details, from venue to guests to timing of the Mumbai wedding reception of Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma:

Venue:

The wedding reception in Mumbai will take place on December 26 at the St Regis hotel, situated in Lower Parel. The lavish Astor Ballroom of the hotel, which boasts of 23-foot-high ceiling and crystal chandeliers will host the wedding reception.

In pics: Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma arrive in Mumbai for wedding reception

The Ballroom is located on the ninth floor of the hotel and can accommodate around 300 people at one point of a time. Considering the wedding reception is expected to be attended by who’s who of the Mumbai celebrity circuits – from Bollywood stars, industrialists and the Indian cricket team members – the humongous 6,433 square feet-ballroom is divided into three parts - pre-function area, Central Ballroom and the Astor terrace, allowing free movement for the people who will attend the function.

See pics: Virat Kohli-Anushka Sharma's wedding reception in New Delhi

The floor-to-ceiling glass windows at the Astor terrace ensure ample sunlight and moonlight at the Ballroom and keep the venue airy.

Invitation card:

While their wedding card was beautiful and the invitation card for the New Delhi wedding reception won quite a few plaudits, the invitation card for the Mumbai wedding reception is equally stunning. Have a look:

(Photo: Twitter / Kunal Kohli)

Timing:

Like the New Delhi wedding reception, the Mumbai reception too is scheduled to start at 8.30 P.M. IST.

Guests:

While Virat and Anushka had a hush-hush wedding, attended only by family members and a select few, the receptions are grand affairs and cricket stars, Bollywood celebrities and industrialists are going to flock the Mumbai reception.

Check out: Goofy and lovely! These Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma post-marriage photos are winners

It is reported that the members of the Indian cricket team - comprising the likes of Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni and others, Yuvraj Singh, legendary Sachin Tendulkar will attend the reception.

The Big Three Khans of Bollywood – Shah Rukh Khan, opposite whom Anushka made her debut in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, Aamir Khan – her PK co-star and Salman Khan, with whom Anushka featured in Sultan will attend the reception. It is learnt that Anushka’s mentor and head of Yash Raj Films Aditya Chopra, wife and Bollywood actress Rani Mukherjee, film director, producer, TV show host and presenter Karan Johar, Katrina Kaif will be amongst some of the big Bollywood personalities who will be present at the wedding reception.

Mukesh Ambani and wife Nita Ambani are also said to be attending the reception.