Varsha Kalavar and Tejas Gopal, JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa, Thailand
An enchanting combination of tropical beauty and Indian traditions, this couple’s destination wedding on the coast of Thailand was relaxed and elegant!
Varsha Kalavar and Tejas Gopal’s wedding unfolded as a relaxed yet thoughtfully planned destination wedding celebration in Thailand, hosted at the spectacular JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa. Set along an unspoilt stretch of coastline, the resort shaped the tone of the entire weekend, allowing guests to settle in, slow down, and truly enjoy each celebration. With its expansive beachfront, lagoon-style pools, and seamless hospitality, the venue offered the perfect balance of scale and intimacy for a multi-day wedding experience.
How They Met
Their story began on a rooftop in San Francisco during a conversation that quickly veered off script. “When we first met, I expected the usual small talk,” Varsha shares. “Instead, I got a very passionate rant about avocados. Tejas really dislikes them, and he had many reasons ready.” Rather than being taken aback, Varsha leaned into the exchange. “I realised he loved debating, and I enjoy a good argument myself,” she says. What followed was an easy connection built on humour, curiosity, and lively conversations. Soon after, the pandemic shifted their relationship online. With travel paused, FaceTime became their primary way of staying connected. “Before anything else, we became best friends,” Varsha reflects. “By the time we finally met again in person, even everyday things like grocery shopping together felt exciting.”
Wedding Venue
Thailand was a natural choice for the couple, offering easy access for family travelling from India while remaining an exciting destination for friends from the US. Many guests were able to turn the wedding into a longer holiday, pairing the celebrations with travel across Thailand, India, or nearby countries. The JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa stood out immediately. With over 400 rooms, the resort accommodated most guests on-site, fostering an immersive experience throughout the entire weekend. Its varied event spaces, beachfront setting, and warm Thai hospitality made it ideal for hosting multiple functions without repetition. “We both love Thai food and the hospitality here,” Varsha adds. “We eat Thai food regularly back home in New York, so celebrating in Thailand felt very natural to us.”
Wedding Functions
Mehendi and Welcome Dinner
The weekend began on an emotional high. Despite rain throughout the day, the weather cleared just minutes before the outdoor event was scheduled to begin. “It stopped raining right before the start,” Varsha recalls. “We saw a double rainbow, a beautiful sunset, and then perfect weather for the rest of the weekend.”
Haldi and Pool Party
The Haldi and pool party was the most high-energy celebration of the weekend. “It was our favourite event,” Varsha says. Designed as a daytime party, it saw guests of all ages jumping into the pool and fully participating. Matching shirts were created for everyone, ensuring guests felt comfortable and included, and the atmosphere remained lively and carefree throughout.
Wedding
The wedding ceremony beautifully brought together two cultures, Tamil and Tulu. The day began with a Nandi puja, made especially meaningful as Varsha wore her mother’s wedding saree. With the sound of the nadaswaram and jasmine adorning the guests, the ceremony felt deeply rooted in tradition. Family and friends played an active role, singing during the oonjal and throughout different moments of the rituals. “Being able to honour where each of us comes from during the ceremony meant a lot to us,” Varsha shares.
The Wedding Makers
Venue: JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa, Thailand
Wedding Planner: Mantra Events & Promotions Pvt Ltd
Décor: The Decoria
Makeup & Hairstyling: Sejal Sachnakul
Mehndi: Lavina Mehndi Art
Sound & Lighting: Ekachai Lighting & Sound
DJ: Sunny Siri
Bartenders: Flair Mix
Photography: Weddingrams
