2nd December 2018 

The Payalana Hua Hin 

#shlokished

Shloka Hiranandani and Kishan Sagar dreamt of an intimate wedding right by the ocean, so when they visited The Palayana Hua Hin for the first time, it was love at first sight. They bought out the entire property for approximately 100 guests, and made the most out of the picture-perfect venues, setting up a colourful flamingo-inspired ambience for the pool party, and a Garba-inspired look for the sangeet. Shloka shares her favourite memories

Why was Thailand your ideal wedding destination?

“I always wanted to get married in India, but Kishan wanted to get married in Dubai, where we both lived. We finally decided to have a destination wedding, with exquisite food, affordable prices and convenience. Thailand stood out.”

Which event was the highlight?

“The welcome brunch. We wanted this to be an icebreaker between our families and friends, so we had games, mehendi cabanas, chilled beer stations, a DJ booth, and live stations with delicious Thai cuisine. We made our grand entry on a tricycle holding smoke bombs, which was definitely a memorable moment.” 

How did you bring your vision to life?

“Before reaching out to different planners, my husband and I created a presentation that included our vision and the breakdown of events. This made it easier for the planner to understand our concept.”

Which fashion and jewellery designer did you wear and why?

“My mum and I went to India to shop for my wedding lehenga,and when I tried on a piece from Mumbai-based boutique Kalki Fashion, I heard the famous song “Din Shagna Da” from Phillauri (2017) playing in my head, and I knew this was it.My wedding jewellery was from Minerali, Mumbai’s very first multi-designer jewellery store.”

80 to 100 guests 

3 Days of Festivities 

6 Events

Wedding Planner: I Do Etc. 

22nd December 2018 

AVANI + Hua Hin Resort 

#aparty2018

An unbeatable amalgamation of exquisite culture, delicious food and warm hospitality led Pooja Pandya and Akshay Sanghrajka to settle upon Thailand as their destination. After visiting several properties, they walked into AVANI+ Hua Hin Resort and were immediately sold on the hotel’s ambience and quality of service. From the lively and traditional-style mehendi to the tear-jerking walk down the aisle, Pooja’s romantic nuptials encompassed the very best of a destination wedding.

“In Thailand, no request is too big!”

— POOJA

Why is Thailand the ideal wedding destination?

“The hospitality Thai people have to offer – they go above and beyond to make things happen. In Thailand, no request is too big!”

How did the hotel comply with your function needs?

“We wanted an open lawn space for most of the events, a scenic backdrop for the wedding ceremony, and a fully-equipped sound system in the ballroom for the sangeet. The hotel had the best of all these requirements.”

What were the themes for each celebration?

“We had a carnival-themed mehendi with food carts adorned with ethnic décor; a traditional yellow and orange-hued wedding; a Sufi sangeet which featured performances by playback singer Parthiv Gohil; and a reception with a chic semi-formal cherry blossom theme.”

Which event was your favourite?

“I enjoyed each one, so it is difficult to choose just one, but if I had to, I would say the mehendi, since it was the first event,which kicked off the rest of the festivities. All of our guests had just arrived and everyone was in the highest of spirits.” 

What advice would you give other couples seeking a wedding location?

“Don’t settle for something you are not 100 percent certain about.”

350 Guests

3 Days of Festivities 

6 Events 

Wedding Planner: Krish Events

25th October 2018 

JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa 

#buckyfindsnemo 

Having grown up by the beach in Africa, Akshay and Naimi Shah definitely wanted a coastal wedding. They fell in love with JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa, and its stunning indoor and outdoor venues, which set the scene for five immaculate events. The couple had an all-white pool party and a glamorous reception, replete with a silk acrobat and a live violinist. Naimi shares why a destination wedding in Thailand is the ultimate experience.

Why did you choose Thailand?

“Thailand stole my heart more than 15 years ago; I kept coming back every other year for a short holiday, and each time, I grew more attached because of its warm people, breath-taking scenery, and overall cultural experience. I felt like I was truly at my second home in the Land of Smiles, and I knew that this was where I was going to get married.”

Did you incorporate any quintessential Thai elements into your wedding?

“Our welcome dinner had Thai decoration. We also had Thai dancers welcome us to the resort, as well as a spectacular fire show to entertain guests.”

What were your most unforgettable moments?

“Walking down the mandap towards the most incredible sunset. Just 30 minutes before, I was told that it would rain, and the venue would have to be moved. But my great décor and event team managed to hold everything together outdoors, and it turned out great!”

Which bridal designers did you pick?

“I had Chamee & Palak create my wedding ensemble, Natasha Dalal designed the reception outfit, while Gangore Bridal Studio made my pool party and after-party attire.”

What tips can you suggest to couples on finding the perfect location?

“Even if you’re not sure of what you’re looking for, try to visit every location beforehand, and once you’re there, the right venue will speak to you.”

200 Guests 

3 Days of Festivities 

5 Events 

Wedding Planner: Krish Events

Photographer: Anoop. Studio 

9th January 2019 

Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa 

#Vkthaitheknot

Having always dreamed of a destination wedding, Vikash and Kajal Patel found Thailand to be an unexpected treasure. From their nautical-themed pool party to their Moroccan-themed mehendi, the couple brought their own flair to their intimate dream wedding on the beach in Hua Hin. Kajal eagerly shares with us all the details

What was the story behind choosing Thailand?

“We always wanted a destination wedding where our families in both the U.S. and India could travel, but we didn’t consider Thailand until we took a trip there on a whim in 2018. During our visit, everyone was so nice and the beaches were beautiful, but most of all, we completely fell in love with Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa. The cherry on top was the fact that it was relatively close to India so my family could easily attend.”

What made you fall in love with this resort? 

“We loved everything from the halls, to the open space, to the beach right down the stairs. Most of all, we loved the flexibility of Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa to accommodate the fun craziness of an Indian wedding. From the beginning,their hospitality and service were on point, and they went above and beyond in fulfilling our menu.”

Did your wedding include any Thai cultural elements?

“Definitely! Not only did we have Thai welcome dancers and masseuses, Vikash rode in on an elephant during his baraat, although we made sure the elephant was from a cruelty-free sanctuary that we visited. We also used an open tuk-tuk for the vidaai.”

Which bridal fashion designer did you pick and why?

“My beautiful wedding outfit was made by Annu’s Creations in Baroda, India. She made sure I got exactly the dress I wanted in three days, and was very accommodating when I wanted any changes made.”

Any tips for other soon-to-be-newlyweds?

“Don’t upset yourself by being too picky with the details, but also remember that it’s your wedding so be assertive with what you want. Wedding planning is stressful, so choose a phenomenal wedding planner, like we did, who’ll get the ball rolling smoothly, is open to listening to your ideas, and who makes you feel comfortable.”

165 Guests 

3 Days of Festivities 

5 Events 

Wedding Planner: Shanaya Celebrations

14th December 2018 

AVANI+ Hua Hin Resort 

#RUNIN

Desiring an unforgettable mix of lush greenery and crystal clear waters, Varun Ahuja and Anindita Sharma settled on AVANI+ Hua Hin Resort as the ideal location to begin their happily ever after. Newlywed Anindita shares all the memorable details.

What about Thailand as a wedding destination appealed most to you?

“The country’s proximity to India; the large number of facilities available for an Indian-style wedding; and its immaculate natural beauty. We were searching for a place by the ocean that was reasonably priced and Thailand ticked all the boxes.”

Did you incorporate any quintessential Thai elements intoyour wedding?

“Yes, most definitely. We had a couple of dance performances depicting Thailand’s rich culture.”

How did the hotel’s setting complement your wedding vision?

“We wanted enchanting and mystical lush surroundings,as well as a venue by the ocean. The property suited this perfectly, as it provided us with the best of both worlds.”

Which event was your favourite?

“The most fun was the sangeet, as it was filled with dance performances, great food and music. Everyone enjoyed it to the hilt.”

What were your two most memorable moments?

“For me, it was the groom’s speech and song, and the way he came on stage towards me with open arms, as I was completing my guitar and singing performance. These two were very special to me.”

So which designers did you opt for?

“Asiana Couture and Nikhita Tandon, both based in Delhi. With them, I was able to truly visualise my dream outfit and had complete freedom to customise my look.”

250 to 280 guests 

2 Days of Festivities 

7 Events 

Wedding Planner: Urbana Weddings and Events 

19th November 2018 

JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa 

#rakhratui

In a dreamy celebration overlooking the Andaman Sea, Prabhav Rakhra and Anandita Khanijaon tied the knot during sunset with their friends and family from abroad. Every event during their three-day celebration featured a unique theme, including an all-white seaside welcome dinner and a New York-inspired sangeet with drinks based on the couple’s life in the Big Apple. Reminiscing on her fairy-tale wedding, Anandita lets us in on all the exciting details.

Why did you choose Thailand as your wedding destination?

“Because we both wanted a beach wedding, and Thailand has some of the most beautiful beaches.”

Why did you opt for this specific hotel?

“JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa has a sprawling secluded beach with pristine white sand and many venue options.  I also loved that the marquee hall could be decorated from scratch, so we weren’t restricted creatively. Another amazing bonus was having rooms with access to one of Southeast Asia’s largest resort pools, so many of our guests, who travelled more than 24 hours, could relax while celebrating with us.”

What was your favourite event and why?

“The mehendi. We wanted to try something a little different and take advantage of the beautiful sand and ocean, so we set up a rain dance floor right by the beach. We were a little nervous about no one wanting to get wet, but it turned out to be one of the highlights. Everyone had a blast!”

What fashion designer did you wear and why?

“My wedding outfit was a Sabyasachi red lehenga. I knew I wanted to wear red, and I loved it as soon as I saw it.”

Where did you find your jewellery?

“A few pieces were custom-made by my friend and jewellery designer, Monisha Gurbani, whose family deals in diamonds. Everything else I got from India, including my favourites from the ‘Pinkcity’ collection by Anita Dongre, in collaboration with Jet Gems.” 

300 Guests

3 Days of Festivities 

5 Events 

Wedding Planner: Elan Events by Nipunika

19th December 2018

Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa and The Palayana Hua Hin

#sachdave

Having always envisioned a beach wedding, David Curtain and Roshni Sachdev’s dreams came true with an indescribably beautiful three days of beachfront sunrises and sunsets with their loved ones in Hua Hin. Roshni gets candid about this magical ceremony which came to life through the tireless creativity, imagination, and support of family.

What about Thailand appealed as a wedding destination?

“Thailand’s a special place for David and I as it is where we both met. It’s where I was born and raised, and we both call it home. As most of our family and friends live in Thailand, we wanted a place that would be accessible for all our guests.”

Did your wedding incorporate any Thai cultural elements?

“We couldn’t imagine a wedding that didn’t incorporate Thai culture, boast Thai cuisine, and showcase Thai hospitality. We greeted our guests with fresh flower garlands and a Thai herbal drink, we had a performance by traditional Thai dancers and a fire show at our welcome dinner, a bamboo dance at the pool party, and Thai-inspired cocktails at our sangeet and reception.”

Why did you pick these two hotels?

”Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa is a beautiful property that is impossible to fault. The spacious venues and one-of-a-kind lagoon pool provided a variety of different spaces that were fitting for our events. They were incredibly accommodating, and the staff always had a smile on their faces.

The Palayana Hua Hin was the perfect location for our welcome dinner, which was an intimate beach party where we could feel the sand on our toes.”

Which events did you enjoy most?

“The welcome dinner was a great way to kick-off the wedding festivities as we were able to personally greet all of our family and friends. The silent disco, an idea suggested by my brother, was a huge hit – making for a wonderful night filled with music, laughter and great dance moves!”

Who designed your bridal outfits and jewellery?

“I didn’t pick designers based on their popularity, but rather how much I loved and felt comfortable in an outfit. My fun and flirty mehendi outfit was designed by Sumedha Sehgal, my elegant welcome dinner jumpsuit by Ridhima Bhasin, my feminine sharara by Payal Singhal, two gorgeous lehengas by Frontier Raas for my sangeet and wedding ceremony, a lavender Cinderella-esque gown by Dolly J for my reception, and an inspired customised red gown from Selfmade The Label for the after party.

With my mom’s vision and impeccable taste, we bought and customised all of my jewellery through Khanna Jewellers. They were absolutely amazing.

350 Guests

3 Days of Festivities

6 Events

25th January 2019

Angsana Laguna Phuket

#ramangetsraody

Amar Rao and Mitra Raman wanted an elegant, traditional ceremony, as well as a great party for friends and family, and Angsana Laguna Phuket made that vision a reality. From their first welcome dinner, themed ‘Welcome to Thailand,’ the guests were ensconced in both Thai luxury and the Thai party atmosphere. Mitra reveals all behind this most special occasion.

What made Thailand a good choice?

“I’ve always dreamed of a destination wedding in Thailand after watching YouTube videos of Indian weddings there. It has a very vibrant culture, gorgeous weather, and amazing activities for everyone to enjoy. The whole family was on board almost instantly!”

Why did you pick this specific hotel?

“After visiting Thailand, our mums highly recommended Angsana Laguna Phuket because of their amazing amenities beautiful rooms, and great location. They were able to comfortably host all 350 of our guests and provide a different venue for each event. Also, my father was very particular about having traditional South Indian food, and the hotel was very accommodating about us bringing in outside caterers to collaborate.”

Did you have any themes?

“Yes, ‘Around The World.’ We based each event’s theme on a location that was special to us, our invites and signs had maps in the background, we sent luggage tags as part of the invites, and we had a travel-themed welcome area. We even had custom t-shirts!”

Which bridal fashion designer did you pick and why?

“I started a company almost exactly when we got engaged and unfortunately didn’t have time to spare. Everything worked out perfectly, however. I ordered a Nadine Dhody gown for my reception, and bought other outfits from Aashni + Co and other shops at L..A. and Vancouver. We got my wedding sari from a traditional sari shop in Chennai.”

Any tips on choosing a wedding location for other couples?

“Make sure everyone in both families agrees on the location. If you’re having a destination wedding, we highly recommend finding a planner who’s based there. Our planner, Keeran, had a lot of experience planning Indian weddings in Thailand and listened to our requests, so it was smooth sailing for us.”

350 Guests

3.5 Days of Festivities

9 Events

Wedding Planner: Keeran the Wedding Planne