Bollywood has often set the standard for what a big, fat Indian wedding should look like. Rachna Chotrani and Nikhil Bajaj, too, envisioned a dreamy celebration straight out of a Bollywood movie—from desi dances and vibrant celebrations to making every moment feel larger than life. This was how they perfectly captured their spirit together as a couple.
Was it the big, fat, Indian wedding that most people want to eventually take part in?
Before I tied the knot, I always imagined a Bollywood-style Indian wedding—full of colour and grandeur. I envisioned grand entrances and one of my biggest wishes was to arrive in style. When that big day came, that vision unfolded perfectly at the venue we chose; my grand boat entrance, the high-energy dances, the dazzling décor, and the magical burst of colour in the background as fireworks lit up the sky—it was everything I had dreamed of and more.
What made you decide to celebrate your wedding in Thailand, and why did this particular venue feel like the one?
JW Marriott Khao Lak instantly felt like the one with its stunning beachfront, lush gardens, and the warm, attentive hospitality that made us feel at home from our very first visit. What made it truly special was how seamlessly the venue embraced our vision. Every detail, from the spectacular event spaces to the incredible service, made it the perfect canvas for our celebration.
Was there a special moment that felt uniquely Thai during your celebration?
One of the most uniquely Thai and unforgettable moments was my bridal entry on a boat. It was something so special that only our venue could offer us. We also had authentic Thai tea available round the clock at the 24-hour lounge and fresh coconuts with our logo served at coconut stations at every event.
Which bridal designers did you pick and why?
My lehenga was this dreamy pink-shaded beauty by Dolly J, covered in the most intricate embroidery. It felt romantic and regal. My favourite part? My veil had his name on it. He looked amazing in his Shantanu & Nikhil outfit, a light pink and beige combo with the most gorgeous leather handwork. Together, our looks were in unison.
Any tips for other couples looking to tie the knot?
Prioritise what matters most to you; decide early what’s truly important for your wedding. A lot of people put most of their energy into décor, but for us, entertainment was the priority. We wanted our guests to have the time of their lives and focusing on that made sure the celebrations started with a bang.
2–4 May 2025 Guests: 350 Days of festivities: 3 Events: 6
