What happens when an American groom and an Indian-American bride decide to bring 300 of their closest friends and family to the hills of the state of Rajasthan in India? For Trishna and Liam, the result was a four-day cultural immersive experience in Udaipur, India, that beautifully honored vibrant Eastern traditions with a Western flair.

How They Met: From Hinge to the Altar

The couple’s journey began on the dating app Hinge while Trishna was “killing time” during an airport delay. After a brief lapse in communication, Liam reached out a month later. Trishna’s response was direct: “Sooo, are you going to ask me out or what?” Their first date at a dive bar in Murray Hill lasted six hours, covering every topic from AI to family values.

Choosing a Destination with Meaning

Trishna, a product manager, put her professional organizational skills to work for her destination wedding, a logistical feat of a lifetime. Having visited Udaipur as a young girl, she knew the “City of Lakes” was the perfect backdrop for their union.

“I knew I always wanted a destination wedding, because there is something so special about everyone staying at one place and just giving it their all for four days,” Trishna says. “From late-night parties, to choreographed dances, to shiny Indian outfits, it was clear our guests were so happy to be immersed in the culture!”

They selected the Taj Aravali, a resort nestled in the hills and kept fully private for their guests. When they discovered the indoor ballroom was too small for their 300 guests, they turned the challenge into a creative opportunity by building massive custom sets outdoors for every single event.

Four Days of Celebration

The wedding was a marathon of themed events designed to give guests a taste of both worlds:

Day 1: The Mehndi

An Indian carnival-themed evening featuring traditional henna alongside American carnival games like “pin the tail on the donkey.”

Day 2: The Haldi & Sangeet

Following a pink-themed poolside Haldi, the evening Sangeet took guests “Around the World” with decor inspired by five countries the couple had visited together.

The Surprise: “Liam wowed the crowd by kicking off the dances by speaking to me in Hindi, ‘Tum Kya Mile, Hum Na Rahe Hum, Tum Kya Mile,'” Trishna says, “which means, I wouldn’t be myself without you.”

Day 3: The Enchanted Forest Wedding

Liam arrived via a traditional baraat truck, dancing to Punjabi tunes with his groomsmen. Trishna made a daring entrance, walking down a massive stone staircase by a picturesque waterfall, something the venue staff noted few brides had ever attempted.

Day 4: The Gatsby Reception

The final night felt like a classic “American wedding” with a high-fashion twist. Trishna wore a gown by Galia Lahav while Liam opted for a red velvet tux.

Personalizing the Sacred

While the ceremony followed traditional Indian rites like the pheras (walking around the fire) and jai-malas (exchanging garlands), the couple added elements that reflected their specific bond.

“We decided to bring in ‘us’ by having spoken vows and a ring exchange during the ceremony,” the bride tells us, “which is not common for Indian weddings. This way, we could have the best of both worlds!”

Advice for Future Couples

Reflecting on the planning process, Trishna emphasizes the importance of a pre-wedding site visit and hiring a local planner to bridge the gap when planning from afar. Above all, she encourages couples to trust the process.

“The people who want to make it work and be there for you WILL show up. I feel like we were so stressed about planning for everyone else’s visas and flights, and we should have just trusted them to take care of it.”

Vendors: Venue: Taj Aravali; Planner: Dome India; Photography & Videography: Magic Motion Media; Floral Design: The Ivory Door; Hair & Makeup: Bijoyjeet Saikia; Bride’s Reception Gown: Galia Lahav; Groom’s Designer: Kanishk Mehta Design; Entertainment: Sukhvinder Singh, Progressive Brothers, and A26; Cake: Cake Fantasy by Priyanka