Neha and Gaurav, Dusit Thani Pattaya, Thailand
The bride planned her own wedding and we can’t help but swoon over this couple’s nuptials full of interesting yet timeless elements.
The bride planned her own wedding and we can’t help but swoon over this couple’s nuptials full of interesting yet timeless elements.
What happens when the bride is the wedding planner? You witness an epic – and interesting – fairytale wedding! Here, bride Neha Mehrotra – Founder of Foreign Wedding Planners tells us all about her journey of love and highlights from her gorgeous wedding.
How we met
Neha shares, “We met a few years back via common friends.” Gaurav Suri pursued Neha Mehrotra for a year until she agreed and they decided to tie the knot in January 2018.
Wedding Venue
It had to be Thailand. Both the bride and groom adore the country and an intimate wedding at one of their favorite properties – Dusit Thani Pattaya – was exactly what they wanted. It helped that they both love the vibrancy of Pattaya and that’s how the venue was selected.
Wedding Functions
Mehndi
The celebrations were kickstarted with some color – the color of mehndi. After the guests had all rolled in and refreshed themselves, they made their way down to a casual party in the garden which is dotted with goldfish ponds. The décor, traditional marigolds and dozens of bright paper kites, was celebratory and very desi. And to add to the flavor, the bar was done up like a truck, dishing out ice-cold beer as people grooved to the music.
Cocktail Poolside Party
The cocktail party that followed was poolside, later that evening. The color code was white and the dress code ‘beachy’. The décor was all paper lanterns and candles and as the venue overlooked the ocean, it looked dreamy. The highlight of the evening was a tug-of-war in the pool between the bride’s family and the groom’s.
Wedding
Early the next morning, a tiny haldi ceremony was observed for both bride and groom before the baraat started at midday with dhol wallas. The wedding was organized right by the sea on the beach and it was a very romantic setup themed ‘Lavender’. Small pouches in lavender were given to all the guests, filled with mixed nuts. The setting was breathtaking as they exchanged their vows outdoors in the mandap that was created using lavender and white drapes and floral arrangements.
Reception
After the wedding, a formal champagne reception was organized at a venue called ‘The view’ known for its sunsets. Neha Mehrotra says, “We had a brilliant saxophonist who played while we toasted each other with wonderful cocktails made by the famous bartenders – The Flaming Trios.” The party moved indoors for the Sangeet where the ballroom was beautifully decorated with oversized centerpieces of flowers and glass orbs. The couple’s friends and family performed to rocking numbers while a cake was cut and champagne popped again.
Speeches were given followed by a vote of thanks by the bride’s father and then the groom. The guests and couple danced into the wee hours of the morning. Both wore simple ensembles as the wedding was truly a very simple and intimate affair.
Advice for Couples
“Make sure you have done your research well and have a good planner/team to work with. No matter what the resort or venue, it can all happen beautifully with the right management and coordination.”
The Wedding Makers
Venue: Dusit Thani Pattaya, Thailand
Wedding Planner: Neha Mehrotra – Foreign Wedding Planners
Makeup Artist: Anjali Bhasker
Hair Stylist: Witsanu Nu
Bartenders: Flaming Trios
Photography and Videography: Sunny and Shushil Pariani, Goa
