Rhea and Arjun, The Leela Palace Udaipur

Rhea Kakkar and Arjun’s destination wedding at The Leela Palace Udaipur was a dream come true. Planned and designed by the visionary team at WeddingSutra Favorite – Q Events & Weddings, and beautifully captured by the talented lens of WeddingSutra Favorite – Cupcake Productions, the celebration was a tapestry of regal charm, heartfelt emotion, and elevated aesthetics. Every detail was conceived to offer their guests a truly immersive experience of Udaipur’s timeless beauty and lakefront luxury.

How They Met
Rhea and Arjun’s journey began with a chance encounter at MasterCard in the US, where they worked in parallel until a fateful shuttle ride brought them together. Casual conversations blossomed into shared dreams, meaningful connections, and ultimately, a love story grounded in friendship and mutual respect. That deep bond infused every aspect of their wedding, making the celebration feel profoundly personal and emotionally resonant.

Wedding Planning
Under the creative direction of Q Events & Weddings, the wedding unfolded as a seamless blend of cultural tradition and contemporary elegance. Damini Oberoi from Q Events & Weddings shares, “Rhea and Arjun were incredibly involved in the creative process. They had a clear vision, yet trusted us to elevate each moment with bespoke elements. The goal was to craft not just events, but emotions and experiences their guests would carry with them long after.” By utilising both The Leela Palace Udaipur and Trident Hotel Udaipur, the wedding offered contrasting yet complementary settings, allowing every event to shine with its own unique identity.

Wedding Functions
Welcome
An intimate Welcome Dinner set the tone for the weekend—a soulful evening draped in ivory and green, softened by candlelight. The ambience was timeless and serene, elevated by a curated jazz playlist and heartfelt toasts. The bride’s father’s emotional speech was a highlight, drawing tears and laughter, as guests eased into a weekend of heartfelt celebration.

Mehndi
Held in the scenic Guava Gardens, the Mehndi embraced a playful lakeside vibe with vibrant florals, quirky details, and personalised installations. Hand-painted murals, hanging bottle decor, and custom linens lent the event a charming whimsy. The couple’s spirited entrance was met with cheers and waves, sparking an infectious energy that rippled through the celebration. Guests danced and waved handkerchiefs, fully embracing the fun, lively vibe.

Sangeet
Embracing a Boho Disco theme, the décor fused earthy textures with retro glamour, creating a dramatic yet elegant setting. Pampas grass, white florals, disco balls, and LED strip lighting formed the design’s foundation, tied together with a moody palette of white, peach, maroon, and muted greens. Guests entered through a striking floral tunnel of arched and rectangular frames lined with pampas, palms, and blooms. Lit by warm LEDs and candles, the aisle offered a magical lead-in to the main space. The stage was a visual centrepiece with layered LED arches, chandeliers, and pampas installations framing the performances, while dynamic truss lighting added depth and drama. A custom central lounge under an LED-arched canopy featured a green ceiling dotted with disco balls and plush seating. Despite a last-minute challenge with arch sizing, the team ensured the space delivered the intended impact. Rhea and Arjun’s seating echoed the theme, tucked beneath a glowing canopy with pampas, florals, disco balls, and dramatic black, white, and red cushions. Tablescapes blended glamour and boho chic with centrepieces of white blooms paired with mini disco balls on shimmer linens, tall floral stands on round tables, and low arrangements on long banquet tables. White acrylic Chiavari chairs and black shimmer overlays on cocktail tables completed the vibe. The mirror bar was a standout feature, with an arched LED-lit backdrop framed by quirky props like earthen pots and rustic curios, mirrored fronts, and floral accents.

Haldi
The Haldi ceremony brought a vibrant, citrusy twist to tradition in the lush Rose Garden of The Trident. A cheerful palette of yellow, peach, and white met rustic wooden accents, cane baskets, and soft florals to create a breezy, joyful atmosphere. Guests were welcomed by a lemon-laden entrance and a cheeky photo wall reading ‘Squeeze the Day’. The couple’s seating, set under a fabric canopy with cane chairs and vintage rugs, featured a whimsical daisy garden backdrop of oversized florals and greenery. Tables showcased glass domes of lemons, vases with lemon slices, and tiered stands of yellow blooms, while vintage props like radios and gramophones added charm. A bare tree transformed into a striking lemon and greenery installation offered a vibrant photo- op. Lounge sofas with lemon-themed cushions surrounded the dance floor, complemented by rectangular and cocktail tables for dining. The interactive Polaroid Game added playful energy, while custom-printed keepsake coasters lent a personal touch.

Wedding
Set against the shimmering waters of Lake Pichola, the wedding at The Leela Palace was a regal affair infused with emotion and elegance. The Outer Courtyard became a majestic stage for Rhea and Arjun’s union, framed by lake views and ornate detailing. Arjun’s baraat was high-energy and unforgettable, with the DJ keeping the beats going even through a brief Milni delay. Guests arrived via boats and buggies. The entrance dazzled with a floral-laden ceiling and a golden floral-framed mirror flanked by silver elephant props. At Rangmanch, the mandap floated amidst pink petals and candles, adorned with red and pink blooms, brass temple tops, crystal-hung ladis, and glowing lamps.

Rhea’s entrance, followed by Arjun’s entry, set the tone for a moving ceremony under a floral canopy. The varmala unfolded with pyrotechnics and the Sheesh Mahal alcove as a dramatic backdrop. Seating was thoughtfully arranged with chivari chairs, takhats, and canopied lounges, each with ritual-explaining brass bells. Decor featured red roses, Rajnigandhas, and vintage accents, adding depth and richness. As the sun dipped, guests dined at candlelit tables as classical Indian music transitioned into soulful Sufi. Post-rituals, toasts and laughter flowed, culminating in a cinematic sparkler exit—an unforgettable close to a truly magical celebration.

After Party
The after-party paid a stylish tribute to Rhea and Arjun’s New York beginnings, with immersive décor inspired by the city that sparked their love. Guests entered through a pathway lined with LED screens playing NYC subway visuals, setting the urban tone. Inside, dramatic lighting danced across a graffiti wall with New York references and a glowing neon sign. A standout DJ console designed as a yellow NYC taxi added a playful touch. Lounge-style sofas and a balcony bar offered cosy corners to unwind. Interactive elements like a telephone booth for audio messages and a scrapbook for handwritten wishes were instant hits.

The Wedding Makers
Venues: The Leela Palace Udaipur (Mehndi, Wedding, After Party); Trident Hotel Udaipur (Welcome, Sangeet, Haldi)
Wedding Planning & Décor: Q Events & Weddings
DJ: DJ AJ (Mehndi, Sangeet, Haldi, Baraat, After Party)
Bartenders: The Wedding Bartenders (Mehndi)
Make-up and Hair: Bianca louzado

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