Radhika Hora & Rohan Parecha

#PapaRazzi
4-6 May 2023
The Palayana Hua Hin and Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa

Radhika Hora and Rohan Parecha started their ‘forever’ with their travel-themed wedding, which was held in eminently popular beachside destination Hua Hin, the ‘Hamptons of Bangkok.’ A dream wedding, from the outfits, location, and events, every vision of theirs was brought to life by the invaluable assistance of their wedding planners, with a unique destination theme for each event, and Thai food and desserts as an homage to their host country. They reveal a little more about this magical event.

What makes Thailand so special that you chose it for your wedding, and why did you pick these properties for your events?
We always knew that we wanted to get married in Thailand, and we selected Hua Hin because it was the most convenient option for our family and friends. We chose these hotels because of our personal familiarity with them. Having attended numerous weddings there, we felt confident in their ability to accommodate our guests, and they both have a reputation for their exceptional hospitality and are well-known for their expertise in hosting Indian weddings.

Which bridal designers did you pick, and why?
Selecting my outfits was one of the easiest aspects of wedding planning. I had a clear vision of the two designers I wanted to wear for my wedding functions, Sabyasachi and Abhinav Mishra. The moment I laid my eyes on the outfit at Sabyasachi, it affirmed my decision. It was exactly what I imagined. At Abhinav Mishra, the outfit I picked complemented the ambience of my reception. For my mehendi ceremony, I opted for an outfit by Liz Paul. Trying it on, I was confident that it resonated with my vibe and personality, making it an ideal choice.

Can you expand on the travel theme of your wedding?
Each event was a different destination that held special meaning to either of us. To align with the travel theme, we provided passport key card holders that not only held the itinerary for the functions, but also had a convenient pocket for the room keys. We kicked off with a mehendi and ring ceremony with the charm of Turkey. The haldi ceremony was a beautiful homage to our Indian roots.

For our wedding, we chose a Singapore theme, as it was the place where we first met and spent our university years together, representing a significant chapter in our journey. We even served Merlion popsicles! After the wedding ceremony, we transformed the venue into an airport-themed after-party, symbolising the start of our new adventure as a married couple, with departure and arrival-inspired decorations for the bar. The following day, our pool party exuded the vibrant spirit of Spain, with a thrilling bull-ride activity; while the grand finale was a Lake Como-themed reception cocktail, evoking the elegance and romance of that picturesque destination.

Additionally, we made sure to incorporate dishes from the respective countries, allowing our guests to indulge in the culinary delights that accompanied our travel-themed celebration. We aimed to take our guests on an enchanting journey, with each event reflecting a unique destination that held deep significance in our love story.

Thailand is a one-of-a-kind wedding destination. Having experienced it for yourself, what are its best offerings?
The hospitality in Thailand is exceptional. There are numerous hotels specialising in hosting Indian weddings, offering a wide range of locations including stunning beaches, scenic mountains, and vibrant cities. The vendors in Thailand are incredibly talented and efficient, ensuring that every aspect of the wedding is well taken care of. Thailand has evolved into a well-equipped wedding destination, attracting couples from around the world. Its popularity has led to the development of excellent wedding infrastructure, providing a seamless and memorable experience for couples and their guests.

What were your most memorable wedding moments?
There were numerous unforgettable moments that will forever remain etched in my memory. One of them was the series of surprise dances performed by my family, friends, and, of course, my husband. The moment when my dad walked me down the aisle holds a special place in my heart, but the most significant moment was a surprise my dad orchestrated. He revealed a collage of photos featuring our entire family from inside his coat. This heartfelt gesture really touched me and everyone else.

Any tips for other couples looking to tie the knot?
One valuable tip is to get a wedding planner. With their ideas, hard work and dedication, I was able to transform my dream wedding into a beautiful reality. Another tip is to complete all your planning before the function, and then let go of the stress and be in the moment.

Wedding Makers
Wedding Planner: House of Shehnai
Venue: Sheraton Hua Hin & Spa 

3 days of festivities – 6 events – 500 guests