A Serendipitous Beginning
Elizabeth and Nikhil's love story began with a remarkable twist of fate. Though they resided in the same London building for years, their paths never crossed
until a mutual acquaintance introduced them at a dinner in Dubai. The immediate connection was palpable, fueled by shared passions for adventure, from sailing and skiing to spontaneous travel. Their bond deepened swiftly, leading to a romantic proposal amidst a breathtaking setting on a yacht, adorned with flowers, on the very morning Elizabeth was due to fly back to London. This pivotal moment occurred exactly one year before they formalized their union in Abu Dhabi on November 3, 2025, marking the start of their shared journey.
Udaipur's Royal Embrace
Seeking a wedding venue that exuded authenticity rather than the impersonal feel of a 'wedding factory,' Elizabeth and Nikhil found their perfect setting in Udaipur. Nikhil's childhood memories of Rajasthan guided their search, and upon returning to the city together, it resonated deeply with him and provided a comforting familiarity for Elizabeth. They selected The Oberoi Udaivilas, a property not initially designed for events, which presented logistical hurdles but ensured an intimate and lived-in atmosphere. To accommodate their 215 guests, who traveled from various corners of the globe including America, Europe, Australia, Indonesia, the UK, and India, they also secured rooms at The Leela Palace Udaipur, effectively creating a private haven for their celebration.
Four Days of Festivities
The wedding festivities spanned an impressive four days, commencing with a welcoming lunch and progressing through a vibrant sangeet, a sun-drenched haldi ceremony, a traditional Hindu wedding, and concluding with an elegant English ceremony. To ensure their guests appreciated the cultural richness, Elizabeth ensured each event was accompanied by informative booklets detailing the significance of the rituals. The welcome lunch embraced a playful Rajasthani theme with pastel hues and artisan crafts, while the sangeet transformed into a theatrical spectacle with dazzling backdrops and jewel-toned lighting. A magnificent lotus mandap, seemingly floating on the lake, was constructed for the Hindu ceremony, a feat achieved in a previously restricted area. The English ceremony was a vision in white, with nearly 50,000 white roses creating an ethereal canopy above the reflecting pool.
Culinary Journeys & Attire
The celebration also offered guests a delightful exploration of Indian street food, with popular treats like bhel puri, pani puri, and vada pav served at thoughtfully arranged stalls, providing a novel culinary experience for many. Elizabeth's bridal attire was a masterpiece of craftsmanship, with her hand-embroidered gold thread lehenga evolving from sketches over nine months into a cherished heirloom. Her English wedding gown, created in London, featured a veil personalized with their initials and wedding date. Both ceremonies were adorned with jewelry from Nikhil's family jeweler, a long-time acquaintance. Elizabeth's wardrobe also showcased a variety of designers, including Arpita Mehta, Falguni Shane Peacock, Payal Singhal, and a custom Galia Lahav gown, complemented by Manolo Blahnik heels for the finale. Nikhil complemented her style with ensembles from Jatin Malik and Ricco, including a bespoke tuxedo from Dubai.
