Rahul Pawa & Sumedha Sehgal

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