This wedding brought a Lake Como-inspired celebration with Swaminarayan traditions to Udaipur

Krishna and Anan Patel’s story began long before they became a couple. Their families had been friends for years, and the two had known each other since childhood, although they rarely spoke. It was a birthday message from Patel on Krishna’s 18th birthday that changed things. What began as a simple greeting eventually turned into a relationship, and the two have been together ever since.

Despite being based in New York, when it came to their wedding, staying connected to their cultural and spiritual roots was important to them. From January 5 to 8, 2026, the couple welcomed approximately 200 guests from the United States and Ahmedabad to Raffles Udaipur for a destination wedding that balanced traditional ceremonies with a relaxed approach to luxury. 

A lakeside setting with European charm

The couple wanted the romance of Lake Como, paired with the grandeur of a palatial setting, without leaving India. Raffles Udaipur offered just that, with its architecture and lakeside surroundings providing the backdrop for their four-day celebration.

Their approach to the wedding was shaped by a preference for clean and minimal design. Rather than leaning on flashy decor, they wanted thoughtful details and a distinct identity for each event. Having attended weddings at Royal Mansour and Oberoi in Marrakech, they were particularly drawn to how every element, from stationery and napkins to poolside details, contributed to the overall experience. They also wanted guests to have enough time to enjoy each gathering without feeling rushed.

The festivities brought together poolside gatherings, Grah Shanti, haldi, an immersive Garba and sangeet, and a traditional wedding ceremony. The Garba was one of the highlights, bringing all 200 guests together for an evening that encouraged participation rather than keeping everyone in the audience. The sangeet featured dance performances, speeches, and dedications from friends and family, adding a personal touch to the evening. 

Swaminarayan traditions at the heart of the wedding

As members of the Swaminarayan community, Krishna and Patel wanted their ceremonies to remain authentic to their beliefs. Traditional rituals, including Grah Shanti, haldi, baraat, varmala and the wedding ceremony, were central to the celebrations.

They also wanted their guests travelling from the US to experience Indian culture beyond the wedding rituals. Local artists brought a sense of place to the festivities, while live flute, sitar, and tabla performances added to the atmosphere.

For the wedding ceremony itself, the couple preferred an elegant, composed setting where guests could be seated comfortably and remain present for the rituals. 

An experience that extended beyond the events

With guests travelling across continents, hospitality was an important part of the planning. The couple wanted their loved ones to feel looked after throughout the four days. Butler services, round-the-clock assistance, all-day lounges, and tuck shops were among the details designed to make the stay comfortable. The celebration was planned by Kkings Events who ensured a relaxed guest experience. 

The celebration brought together the places, traditions, and people that have shaped their lives. The result was a wedding that looked towards a European lakeside escape while remaining firmly rooted in Indian culture, with family, faith, and shared experiences at its centre.

All images: Ombre by HJ

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