28 October 2022
Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, Gurudwara Singh Sabha and Bangkok Hotel Lotus Sukhumvit

Arosha Sehgal and Vicky Arora held their dream wedding in Bangkok, which was an intimate affair with friends and relatives flying in from all around the world. Arosha was a vision as she walked down the aisle in the quintessential red outfit from Mrunalini Rao, the one element of her wedding that she had always envisioned. They both expand on how happy they were with every aspect.

You’re both from Thailand – why didn’t you choose a destination wedding, and why did you pick Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park?

We chose Thailand because most of our family and friends were based here. Although Arosha’s family flew in from India, we were happy to stay in Bangkok. We went with Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park because of their experience with Indian weddings – we knew without a doubt that the food and service they could provide for each event would be great.

Tell us a little about your favourite memory during the festivities.

Honestly, it would be our wedding day. It was such a beautiful moment where two families became one, and we both finally got married to the love of our life!

Which bridal designers did you pick and why?

Surabhi Chopra Label for Arosha’s reception outfit: it was love at first sight the moment she tried it on. Mrunalini Rao designed Arosha’s dream wedding day outfit, while Seema Gujral designed her mehendi outfit; the perfect outfit for the perfect event. Meanwhile, Sarab Khanijou designed Vicky’s outfits, which were all amazing. The colours he chose exactly fit each function!

Any tips for other couples looking to tie the knot?

The best advice we can give every couple is, enjoy every moment!

Which event was most enjoyable?

Hands down, our reception. It was the last function, so we were finally stress-free from all the wedding planning, and we could breathe a sigh of relief. We all partied through the night, and it was so great to see two families, and all our friends and loved ones, come together as one to celebrate our love. I think our happiness at finally being wife and husband really came through.

Why would you recommend Thailand as a wedding destination for other couples?

Thailand has the most beautiful beaches, so while we didn’t take advantage of them, we would definitely recommend anyone hoping for a beachside wedding to consider the golden sands in any of Thailand’s islands. Moreover, the food and service in the Kingdom is unparalleled, and there are a range of events teams here that can ensure that every detail is perfect. We didn’t have an event planner, but we knew that if we did choose to go that route, the ones here were excellent.

Wedding Makers
Venue: Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park
Venue: Gurudwara Singh Sabha
Venue: Bangkok Hotel Lotus Sukhumvit

4 days of festivities – 5 events – 450 guests

7, 9, 11 August 2022
Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park and Holiday Inn Bangkok Sukhumvit

Twinkle Bhalla and Dev Chawla tied the knot with heartfelt ceremonies over a span of three days in meaningful locations across Bangkok, including their respective homes and the Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha. Having seen numerous weddings as part of the wedding industry, the couple’s primary focus was good food, booze, and entertainment, and their wedding ticked all the boxes, to the delight of their family and friends. They reveal more about those magical few days.

What made these two hotels the ideal locations for your wedding events?

Twinkle: At the time, I was employed at Holiday Inn Bangkok Sukhumvit, which acquainted me with the team and the property, and I had envisioned hosting one our events there. On the other hand, Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park boasted a spacious outdoor area perfect for the mehendi and even though it unfortunately rained, we were impressed by their cuisine and excellent services.

What memory from those three days stands out to you the most?

Dev: The moment when Twinkle walked in during our wedding day. I turned and saw an angel walking towards me in her radiant white dress, ready to make our promises of ‘together forever’ with me.

Twinkle: Watching the ‘Same Day Edit’ showcasing all the wedding festivities made my eyes well up with tears. And for both of us, witnessing our parents joyfully dancing melted away any reservations and filled our hearts with pure bliss.

Which event did you both enjoy the most?

Undoubtably the mehendi celebration, which started at lunchtime and continued until past 8.30pm even though the venue was booked till only 5pm! Everyone enthusiastically took to the dance floor and got carried away with the lively games and as the bride, I even forgot to put on my mehendi during the event and had to do it later!

What was one surprising element you added to your wedding?

We gracefully danced our way into the reception, and at the exact moment when the groom lifted the bride, a stunning display of cold pyros illuminated the scene, adding an enchanting touch to the magical moment.

Finally, any tips for other soon-to-be newlyweds?

1. Start planning at least six months before the wedding so you can make arrangements, finalise vendors, and overcome any unforeseen challenges.

2. Communicate and collaborate with your family and friends: It can make the experience more enjoyable and strengthen your bond with them.

3. Trust the process: Wedding planning can be overwhelming, but have faith in your decisions and the professionals you’ve hired to execute your vision. Embrace flexibility and know that imperfections are a part of any celebration.

4. Prioritise enjoyment over perfection: Remember that your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, savour the moments, and don’t let stress overshadow the joy of the occasion.

5. Take breaks and practice self-care.

6. Cherish the present moment: Take a step back to soak in the atmosphere. Appreciate the love, support, and happiness surrounding you. It’s a special time in your life, and you’ll look back on these memories with fondness.

7. Remember, it’s the love and joy shared between two people that truly make a wedding memorable, not the pursuit of perfection.

Wedding Makers
Venue: Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park 
Venue: Holiday Inn Bangkok Sukhumvit

3 days of festivities – 4 events – 400 guests

23, 29 July to 1 Aug 2022
The Botanical House Bangkok and Lé Meridien Chiang Rai Resort, Thailand

Rahul Pawa and Sumedha Sehgal wanted a dream beginning to their new journey together, and were determined to keep their wedding as intimate as possible so that every guest was a person they personally knew and shared memories with. In the end, they got more than they ever imagined because there was a special and indescribable energy in the atmosphere; they could feel the love all around. Sumedha indulges us with more details.

Of all the locations and venues in the world, why Bangkok and Chiang Rai?

We never considered doing our wedding outside of Thailand because all of our close friends and family are here. Being the daughter of Sudeep Sehgal (the owner of Red Catering), it also made sense because we have our industry network and easy access to resources.

Upon arrival, we fell in love with the tree at The Botanical House Bangkok and envisioned getting married under it. Which we did, and it was beyond magical! Especially the bridesmaids’ entrance, the decorated tree, and the slight drizzle at dusk added to the whole enchanting experience.

We chose the Lé Meridien Chiang Rai Resort, Thailand hotel because it had many different venues, which is ideal for multiple functions.

As a designer yourself, give us a brief on the wedding attire.

For our engagement high tea, we chose Shivan & Narresh. Their couture line is so different with their silhouettes and embroidery, and for the venue and event it was just perfect and the colour was to die for. The welcome dinner was CherieD, I love their pearl work embroidery and wanted something custom-made.

Since I am a designer, I wanted to also make something for myself for the mehendi. I wanted to design pieces that were different and what suited my personality. I even designed my bridesmaid dresses to walk down the aisle with me.

In addition, there was Jade by Monica and Karishma. I’ve always loved their neat, subtle, and delicate embroidery and always dreamt of wearing their outfit. I always wanted to wear red for my wedding and they had the perfect shade; it was a dream.

For the pool party, I went with the beloved designs of Surily Goel, and I wore Manish Malhotra for my reception; the glam that the designer gives is second to none.

What was a surprising creative element at the wedding?

Rahul and his family didn’t want the doli to be a sad occasion, so he surprised me with a flash mob, followed by the unveiling of two banners that read out, “Sums, you’ve officially got the pawa – welcome to the family, we love you,” and, “To all the Chachus, ‘Glory Glory Man United’,” since they are all die- hard Liverpool fans.

Wedding Makers
Wedding Planner: Shanaya Celebrations
Venue: The Botanical House Bangkok
Venue: Lé Meridien Chiang Rai Resort, Thailand

5 days of festivities – 7 events – 400 guests

9-13 August 2022
Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, and more

Surangna Chansrichavala and Arthit Naidu began their journey of married bliss in a beautiful and emotion-filled series of ceremonies in locations spanning the bride’s residence, the Namdari Sangat of Thailand, Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse, Abandoned Mansion, and Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River. The events were all unique and heartfelt in their own way, ticking all the boxes for their dream wedding, including the bride’s resplendent Rahul Mishra outfit, which she had always envisioned wearing because of his impeccable craftsmanship. Despite holding the wedding during the monsoon season, not a cloud was in the sky, and they were able to channel a stunning winter- wonderland ambience at their reception, with white floral décor and a snow machine, a cherished dream of the bride. They both reveal more about this special occasion.

What did you take into consideration when choosing the hotel for your grand reception?

We picked Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River because it felt like a destination wedding; the ballroom comes with a big balcony next to the river so you don’t feel like you’re in Bangkok. The property is also known for their great hospitality and good food, and it holds a special place in our hearts as we used to eat and hang out there often when we were dating, and it’s where the proposal took place.

What moments during the wedding are ones that you’ll always remember?

The four rounds of pheras which marked the moment when we actually got married; the heartfelt moment when Arthit assured me that everything would be alright when I sat next to him at the gurudwara hall; and the doli, which we would say was the most emotional event.

Any tips for other couples looking to tie the knot?

● Don’t over index on making every little detail perfect. Savour the moment where your friends and family are showing up for you instead of sweating the small stuff.

● Choose a good planner and décor. Talk to them and see if you vibe with them. Be clear on what you want and see if they can deliver.

● It’s okay to delegate. We both were working full time, 9-6pm jobs right up until two days before the wedding. If you’re like us, make sure you ask friends and family for help so you don’t exhaust yourselves.

What creative parts of your wedding did you feel were very personal or memorable to you both?

A special highlight was having two dancing polar bears in tuxes at the afterparty. They were the life of the party, and everyone still talks about it today. We also had a gin bar and an espresso martini bar as these were our favourite drinks, and we wanted a winter wedding, so we also brought a snow machine to make ‘snow’ happen during Bangkok’s rainy season, with décor by Krungching กรุงชิง.

What’s an interesting anecdote from your wedding?

I had booked a hairstylist for my sisters, mum and me for the whole wedding. However, he didn’t turn up! Luckily our MUA helped and another stylist turned up to do my hair, in between her bridal jobs, trying to fit me in during each day. I’m so grateful for her!

Wedding Makers
Wedding Planner: Be My Guest
Venue: Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River

5 days of festivities – 6 events – 500 guests

•  30-31 January 2023

Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort, Avani+ Riverside Hotel Bangkok and Montien Riverside Hotel

Bangkok

Sunakshi Mahendru and Shreyans Bamb said ‘I do’ by the tranquil waters of the Chao Phraya River at the Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort and the Avani+ Riverside Hotel Bangkok, their third family wedding at the iconic properties. Having both grown up in Bangkok, the wedding was the perfect way for them to show love to the city while surrounded by loved ones, and they made sure to include Thai elements to ensconce guests in the Kingdom’s culture, from local Thai food and khanoms, to Thai-infused drinks and even Thai dancers to welcome guests, while keeping the entire wedding simple and elegant. They both tell us more about these magical few days.

It seems like a family tradition to get married in these properties – what makes them so special?

While Bangkok is home to both of us, these properties are also home to us now. For our guests coming from abroad, they are a great mix of a hotel and resort, and they have multiple venue options, allowing us to cater perfectly for each of our occasions.

Out of all the days of festivities, which one did you enjoy the most?

Our reception night was probably the most enjoyable. It was truly a night of celebration and our family and friends made sure to live up to it. The night started with beautiful performances from our loved ones, and continued the afterparty of our dreams. It was nothing short of a night of love, laughter and celebrations!

You said you wouldn’t get married anywhere but Thailand – why would you recommend it?

Everything you need is right here, from hotels to wedding planners, to a variety of delicious food. With numerous wedding planners easing the process of planning your wedding, everything is easily available and can be sorted.

What were the most memorable moments of your wedding?

Our entire wedding was memorable; it’s difficult to choose one specific moment as both of us made sure to just enjoy each moment throughout. Those few days of the wedding festivities will be a cherished memory for the rest of our lives. Our advice to couples? Enjoy this time, it won’t come back! From the planning stage to the actual wedding festivities, make sure to be 100 percent present, and cherish each moment.

Wedding Makers

Venue: Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort 
Venue: Avani+ Riverside Hotel Bangkok 
Venue: Montien Riverside Hotel Bangkok

2 days of festivities – 4 events – 500 Guests

25-27 February 2023
The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa

Gaurav and Komal had a clear objective in mind: to hold their wedding festivities in the most intimate of settings, in a hidden paradise escape. Off the beaten path of the usual banquet halls and lawns, the couple was fortuitous to find that The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa in Phuket, met all their wedding desires, gathering their close ones in a truly unique experience. They had found immaculate vibes in a serene venue, creating one of the most beautiful beginnings to a married life worthy of their love story.

Why did you choose Thailand instead of going abroad, and why did you pick this specific hotel?

We were looking for venues in India and came across really good properties there, but didn’t get the feeling that, ‘this was it.’ Our families had attended weddings in Thailand so we started exploring options there and we came across this venue, which never had an Indian wedding or a buyout ever, so it was a risky call but our hearts knew this was the place.

The Naka Island is unlike any other resort. It has a very cosy architecture and design, and the vibe is very chill and natural, which aligned with our tastes. Also, the entire team was very keen to have us on board as this would be a first-of-its-kind wedding.

Having flown in in from abroad, did you include any Thai cultural elements in your wedding?

Yes, we welcomed our guests with Thai music and Thai drinks. We had Thai live counters with appetisers and desserts at our functions too.

What was your favourite memory of your wedding?

Too hard to name one. The Anand Karaj was definitely jaw-dropping; to get married on the panoramic backdrop of the vast ocean was enchanting. Having sundowners on the yacht was also spellbinding. The varamala ceremony against the vast ocean landscape was probably the most memorably moment.

Now that you’ve held your wedding in Thailand, would you recommend it to others?

Yes, it ticks all the boxes. Great food, great hotels, very courteous staff, and professional vendors. If someone doesn’t want to have palatial weddings (like in Rajasthan, etc.) then Thailand is a great option.

What was a surprising element of your wedding?

We did not disclose the venue to any of our guests and all of them were amazed when they had to take a speedboat to reach the venue!

Any tips for other couples looking to tie the knot?

– Do what makes you happy
– Design the wedding yourself (with the help of a professional of course) because it is about you and no one else
– Families do have their ideas, which should be respected, but make sure your soul resonates with your festivities
– Make sure the choices you make lead to what makes you smile every time you think about your wedding celebrations

Give us a fun anecdote from your wedding!

Our bartenders from Flair Mix Co. would go to heaven and earth to make sure we were having the time of our lives. The bartender even jumped in the pool to make sure everyone had drinks even inside the pool!

Wedding Makers
Wedding Planner: The Wedding Galore
Venue: The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa

3 days of festivities – 7 events – 180 guests

15-17 January 2023
Pullman Pattaya Hotel G

On the golden sands of Pattaya, overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, Rakesh Chavda and Geetu Jethwani tied the knot in a series of intimate and heartfelt events, surrounded by their nearest and dearest. With the help of Niramti Creations, the ceremonies brought together elements from both couples’ dream weddings: from Rakesh’s ideal of a sunny, beach wedding, great company, and a horse to ride in on; to Geetu’s walk down the aisle with “Din Shagna Da” playing in the background, and her entrance on a boat. Geetu shares more about the vibrant celebrations.

You both hail from different continents – Rakesh from the UK and Geetu from Singapore and India. Why did you both choose Thailand as your dream wedding destination?

We searched the entire globe for destinations which are easy for our families to get to, like Sri Lanka, Italy, Greece, and even Oman! We did our civil wedding in the UK, so we thought Asia would be a good option for the wedding, and after some Google-mapping, we found Thailand and fell in love! To other couples looking for a venue – dream big and do your wedding in Thailand! They have so much to offer and the sky is the limit, or the sea! In honour of our host country, we included Thai dancers to welcome our guests, and Geetu entered in a beautiful Thai longboat.

Which bridal designers did you pick and why?

I sourced most of my outfits from bridal exhibitions in Mumbai, but I must mention that my outfits stood out because of the amazing makeup by the best makeup artist, Kanchan! I was a very picky bride to deal with, but she dealt with me admirably.

What were your wedding event themes, and which ones did you enjoy the most?

We wanted flexibility. Our themes were generic: ‘beach vibes’ for the welcome dinner; ‘summer delight’ for the mehendi, ‘grand elegance’ for the sangeet, ‘royal traditional’ for the wedding, and ‘black tie’ for the reception. The latter was the best and most fun party, as our emcee really kicked it off well, but we had favourite moments from all the functions, such as when Rakesh surprised me by jumping in and dancing with all my friends from Singapore! We also had a surprise dance off competition at the reception, and the crowd loved it! 

Weddings are a great font of creativity – what was the most creative element in yours?

We served personalised drinks named after us: the Chavda libre and the Geets and tonic; that was a favourite element! And my boat entrance was a surprise to everyone else except Raks!

If you had to re-do your wedding, what would you do differently?

We loved it so much that Raks told me he wanted to do it again year after year! So I don’t think we’d want to change anything, especially our amazing planning team, Niramit Creations!

Wedding Makers
Wedding Planner: Niramit Creations
Venue: Pullman Pattaya Hotel G

3 days of festivities – 5 events – 150 guests

16-18 June 2022
InterContinental Pattaya Resort

Sajan Sachdev and Thanisa Sachdev started their ‘happily ever after’ by the beach, at the InterContinental Pattaya Resort, a property that Thanisa had fallen in love with since she saw their two-bedroom villa, perfect for a mehendi and doli ceremony. They exchanged their laavans on the pristine sands overlooking the glittering sea, surrounded by their families and close friends, the pillars of their support system. They reveal more about their beautiful ceremonies.

Since you’re both from Thailand, did you incorporate any aspect of your Thai heritage into your wedding?

One of the ways we celebrated our cultural roots was through the inclusion of traditional Thai sweets and desserts. They hold a special place in our hearts, and we wanted to share the delightful flavours and textures with our loved ones. We carefully selected popular local favourites such as mango sticky rice, khanom khrok (coconut pancakes), and babin (pandan-flavoured jelly).

What was your favourite memory of your wedding?

It is nearly impossible to choose just one, because every aspect was a symphony of love, joy, and unforgettable moments. From the intimate mehendi ceremony with family, the energetic sangeet dances, the magical rain shower experience, and the serene laavans with the sounds of waves as a backdrop, to the fun Sajan ji ghar aaya dance during the doli. Each of these moments contributed to the richness and beauty of our wedding day, creating a tapestry of memories that will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

What’s a fun element that you included in your wedding?

Given our shared passion for beer and my husband’s ownership of a beer-importing company, we decided to personalise beer cans, with ‘his’ and ‘her’ versions featuring our names, with our respective favourite beers.

Now that you’ve done it all, any tips for other couples?

1. Plan and book vendors in advance: This will help you secure your preferred choices and minimise last-minute stress.

2. Communicate and collaborate: wedding planning should be a joint effort between you and your partner. Discuss and make decisions together, and share responsibilities and tasks.

3. Take breaks and enjoy quality time together.

4. Involve and cherish your families: Your wedding day is a celebration of not just your love, but also the union of families. Seek their advice, and let them feel included.

5. Prioritise self-care: Wedding planning can be demanding, both physically and emotionally. Take care of your well-being by staying active, getting enough sleep, and eating well.

6. Embrace flexibility: Despite careful planning, some things may not go as expected on the wedding day. Focus on the joyous moments and the love you share with your partner, knowing that it is the essence of the day.

7. Remember, your wedding day is a celebration of your love story!

Wedding Makers
Wedding Planner: Monique Events & House of Shehnai
Venue: InterContinental Pattaya Resort

3 days of festivities – 4 events – 120 guests

13-16 February 2023
Avani+ Riverside Resort

In a luxe property nestled by the magnificent River of Kings, Ashwin Suniil Wadwani and Maya Kaur Batra tied the knot with several vibrant days of celebration, choosing to start their married journey in Thailand because of their love for Thai culture and mutual desire to have a destination wedding where their loved ones could fly in from all over the world, bond, and celebrate their love together. Maya, who had always dreamt of marrying her best friend, looked radiant as she tied the knot in yellow, another wish of hers from years past, with a special Valentine’s Day sangeet held in a dreamy, rose-coloured ballroom. They both give us a peek into the most important days of their lives.

Ashwin and Maya, you’re Australian and American, respectively, and you both flew in from abroad for this wedding. What made Thailand such an attractive wedding destination?

Thailand is known to be an Indian wedding-friendly country, the hotel was super accommodating, the food is incredible, and the hospitality is unmatched. Our wedding planners, Niramit Creations, went above and beyond for us. Honestly, any vision can become a reality in Thailand. The food and catering opportunities are extremely unique, and will have your guests dreaming of coming back. To celebrate Thai culture, which we both love, and to start the festivies strong, we incorporated Thai food stations and Thai dancers at our welcome dinner. We also had Thai massage stations in our hospitality suite available for our guests to use throughout the four days.

In all four days of festivities, what memory stands out to you the most?

Ashwin: Maya walking down the aisle for the Anand Karaj (Sikh ceremony) to a special version of the Mool Mantar that she sang and produced was a huge highlight. Every single person in the room was silent, and everyone had goosebumps. That feeling carried forward into the rest of the ceremonies and was so special. 

Maya: It’s so hard to choose, but for me it would have to be the actual wedding ceremonies. Walking down the aisle for the Hindu ceremony to Goldie Sohel singing “Aaj Sajeya” live, and Ashwin crying when he saw me, is something I will cherish forever. Even though the song is a viral hit, it was Goldie’s first time performing the song live. No one saw that coming and it was so special.

Which bridal designers did you pick, and why?

I grew up in my family’s beauty salon, Ziba Beauty in Artesia, which is the ‘little India’ of Southern California. The boutique owners have seen me grow up, so it was important for me to represent them when choosing my wedding looks. I wore Manshaa The Designer Studio for the janya, Frontier Heritage for my sangeet, Hindu ceremony and reception, and Varun Nidhika for my Sikh ceremony. I always dreamt of getting married in yellow, and almost didn’t find anything, but big thanks to Yasmin Boutique for styling me and making that happen only 10 days before the wedding!

On a trip to India, I came across a gem of a store called Delhi Vintage and there I bought my mehendi outfit. The work in every panel was hand done, the fabric of the top had been custom dyed, and the skirt was just above my ankles so you could see my mehendi. It was so unique, and I knew it had to be one of my wedding looks. My welcome dinner/couple’s photoshoot was also a copper and beige lehenga from Delhi Vintage. It was so comfortable and light, and it had pockets which is a huge win. 

Now that you’ve been through the whole big, fat, wedding, what are your tips for other couples?

– Don’t sweat the small stuff 
– Write your speech before all the occasions start 
– Make sure you eat at every event, or assign someone you trust to put a plate of food together for you
– Ask your bridal party for help or support when you need it. They can’t read your mind, and it’s okay to ask for support!

What was a surprising element or what was the most creative thing that you did at your wedding (e.g. a personalised drink, unusual dish, etc.)

Maya is a singer-songwriter and producer, so she and her company, The Love Note Studio, wrote us a personalised first dance song, “Saawariya”, which means ‘soulmate’ or ‘beloved.’ The song told our story with such a unique blend of Hindi and English, and created a once-in-a-lifetime moment for us. After the intimate slow dance, we switched up into a Bhangra routine choreographed by Sapnay Entertainment, that had our guests going wild. 

Wedding Makers
Wedding Planner: Niramit Creations
Venue: Avani+ Riverside Resort

4 days of festivities – 6 events – 400 guests