Priyanka and Vishal, The Royal Retreat Resort And Spa, Udaipur
Priyanka and Vishal added a beautiful personal touch to their wedding with a 'newspaper' that captured the news of their celebrations and personalized welcome notes customized for each guest.
Priyanka and Vishal were both ready for marriage and were looking for suitable partners online when they first met. Little did they know that a common family friend would play Cupid. Despite being in different cities, their long-distance relationship deepened their love and they got married in Udaipur. Here, bride Priyanka shares the key details and highlights of the three-day celebrations.
How We Met
“Vishal and I met through an arranged marriage setup when a common family friend introduced us to each other. Love finds you in the most unexpected way, but definitely, at the right time. We were both looking for a life partner and even had our profiles uploaded on a matrimonial website. We instantly clicked the first time we met, and our bond just continued to deepen despite the distance between us.”
The Proposal
“One of the perks of a long-distance relationship is the feeling of excitement and eagerness to meet your partner. I remember I was elated to hear about Vishal’s trip to Rajkot. Little did I know that his visit held a huge surprise as the first thing he did when he arrived was propose marriage to me! I was speechless with joy!”
Wedding Venue:
“Vishal’s haldi and mehndi celebrations were held in Ahmedabad. However, for our wedding and sangeet, we chose Udaipur, the ‘City of Lakes.’ We were completely taken in by the serene beauty of the place and found our dream setting on the outskirts of the city at the Royal Retreat Resort & Spa. The property is a magnificent personification of the regal aura of Rajasthan and is adorned with splendid handicrafts and art sculptures that present a gorgeous backdrop and minimize the need to add major decor. As for the food, I’m sure our wedding was a gastronomical adventure for all! While the resort boasts of a handicraft section, everything in the hotel is for sale! So, if you like a door, just ask for it!”
Wedding Planning, Decor, and Theme
“Our planning process was smooth, and we had close friends and family helping us. Our cards were designed by our friends – Chintan, and Ami of Skew Designs in Ahmedabad. Our handmade cards were wax sealed by a customized logo of the family. We had personalized welcome notes, chocolates and roses for the guests as they arrived in Udaipur. These notes included our memories shared with each guest. Vishal and I wrote for our friends and cousins, while our parents drafted noted for older relatives.”
“The mehndi and haldi functions were handled by Hiral and Rajvi of The Tinsel Company based in Ahmedabad. Celebrating under the open skies has always been our preference. The team at The Tinsel Company used trusses, hanging props, lights, and flowers perfectly. The wedding, sangeet, brunch and after parties were organized by Vishal’s close friend, Shilen Sharma of Defacto Entertainment which is also based in Ahmedabad. Being a good friend, Shilen knew our story, understood our personalities and was the best choice for us! The highlight of our wedding was the #PRIVEE Times, a newspaper that summed up the entire wedding and was distributed to all guests when they were checking out. The masterminds behind it were our friends Krina and Siddharth of Ahmedabad-based Creative Drama. They managed to find a printing shop with great difficulty and their creativity impressed all. Our photographers from Studio Beunique did an amazing job too! The team has truly given us a way to relive some treasured moments.”
Wedding Functions
With a small twist in the flow of the functions, their three-day wedding affair saw a reverse of what is typically planned at Indian weddings. At Priyanka and Vishal’s nuptials, the wedding took place on the first day and the sangeet was organized on the last day.
Bride’s Haldi
“Once everyone was settled at the resort, the revelries began in full swing! The first function was my haldi which was celebrated by the poolside, against the scenic backdrop of lofty mountains. Wanting to keep it simple but bright, I chose a grey top and paired it with a yellow skirt for the afternoon.”
Wedding
“Following the pool fiesta was our wedding that took place on the first day itself. With a vintage car, colorful smoke fountains and an ice-cream cycle following right behind, Vishal’s baraat made a memorable entry! Keeping in mind the fresh and pristine surroundings, we wanted minimalistic decor. So we used candles, flowers and fairy lights to exude a magical ambiance. I think our candle entry was the highlight of the event. Adorned with flowers and bright lights, our mandap was set against the backdrop of a vintage ‘chabutra’ (raised platform). I chose to wear red for the pheras and Vishal opted for a green and gold ensemble.”
Reception
“We hosted a reception right after the wedding, with a simple stage assembled under a beautifully lit tree. The decor and food at the function personified a perfect blend of two cultures – Gujarati and Rajasthani.”
Brunch Party
“The following morning was most awaited by our friends! The countryside-themed brunch was all about good music, wine, and beer! With drapes fixed all around to keep the sun’s rays away and a pool to jump in, the event was truly a memorable one. Vishal even had a few things specially planned such as miniature bottles that sported tags stating – ‘Take a Shot, We tied the Knot!’ We even had wrist bands for those entering the party zone! Games such as a life-size Jenga, beer pong and flip glass tables added to the fun.”
Sangeet
“The sangeet was a night of bright lights, vibrant colors and loud music. Lit up with LED pars and sharpy lights, the stage backdrop presented a grand setting. While the special performances by family and friends made each moment precious, singer Balraj Shastri took the function to the next level with his voice. The sangeet was followed by an after party and breakfast the next day.”
The Wedding Makers:
Venue: The Royal Retreat Resort And Spa, Udaipur
Wedding Planners: The Tinsel Company (Haldi and Mehndi), Defacto Entertainment (Wedding, Reception, Brunch, and Sangeet)
Groom’s Outfits: Siddhesh Chauhan
Makeup Artist: Rutu Dalal, Ahmedabad
Entertainment: Balraj Shastri (Sangeet)
Wedding Invitations: Skew Designs, Ahmedabad
Wedding Stationery: Creative Drama (Newspapers)
Photography: Studio Beunique
