Romana (Vareena) and Chandru Sadhwani – Hua Hin, Thailand
Though Romana and Chandru's families have known each other since a long time, it was Facebook that brought the duo together. Romana was raised in Sydney, and Chandru lives in Guam where he runs his own business. They celebrated their wedding festivities in Thailand.
Though Romana and Chandru’s families have known each other since a long time, it was Facebook that brought the duo together. Romana was raised in Sydney, and Chandru lives in Guam where he runs his own business. Says Romana: “I started chatting with Chandru’s mother on Facebook five years ago, and she suggested I get in touch with her three children. Once I added all of them, Chandru and I started talking on Facebook chat, and then we soon began speaking on the phone and on Skype. Shortly after, Chandru flew in to Sydney to meet me, and that’s when it all started! On July 26 2012 ,my family and I flew in to Guam for our Engagement ceremony.”
Wedding Venue
The couple considered a few destinations, including Goa, Langkawi, Cebu and Bali before settling on Sheraton, Hua Hin, Thailand. They felt Hua Hin would be the most central location for their guests from around the world. Also, Romana had attended a wedding at Sheraton, Hua Hin and she felt the venue is perfect for Indian weddings. She says: “The resort is beautiful, the ballroom is big, the staff was friendly and well-trained, and the hotel had all the facilities that we were looking for.”
Wedding Planning
The families hired the services of Bangkok based Wedding Planners Pink Palki to manage the wedding. Says Romana: “Since both our families live outside Thailand, Wedding Planning was a lot less stress-free thanks to the Bangkok based planners.”
Wedding Shopping
Romana traveled to different cities in India for her wedding shopping, Mumbai for jewellery purchases, Delhi for her wedding wear and Jaipur for souvenirs and Mehndi giveaways. She states, “Delhi’s DLF Emporio Mall had a lot of talented designers under one roof. I recall my wedding lehenga took me ages to find because I was very picky, and I was looking for something in the typical ‘sindoor’ shade of red. I happened to stumble upon a beautiful creation at Kimaya, and I knew it was the one.”
Wedding Functions
The wedding festivities commenced with a casual welcome lunch on the first day, followed by an ‘Arabian Nights’ theme welcome dinner and engagement ceremony at night. The second day was event-packed with the thread ceremony in the morning and a tropical sunset lunch after which pujas were conducted by both families. The ‘Mela’ theme mehndi and the sangeet were held in the evening. The ‘Mela’ was a colorful affair with different food stalls, a matka shot bar and a range of fun activities depicting a typical Indian carnival.
On the third day, the beach wedding ceremony took place in the afternoon and the Reception at night. The Reception was a black tie event where the stage was set white floral arches, Victorian candle stands as centerpieces and a bar resembling the Arc de Triumph. In the foyer, a photo booth was created in the shape of a Cinderella-style carriage where guests received instant photographs as souvenirs.
Wedding Details
Wedding Planner- Pink Palki, Bangkok
Photographer & Videographer- Picture Perfect India
Wedding Invitation Designer- Moor Designs, Hong Kong
Make-up Artist- Ojas Rajani
