
When designer bride Kriti Ahuja began planning her wedding with her partner Aditya Ochani, she knew it had to be more than just a celebration—it had to feel like them. Every colour, scent, and sound had to tell their story. Set against the sunlit shores of JW Marriott Khao Lak in Thailand, their three-day destination wedding unfolded like a cinematic poem—equal parts intimate, emotional, and visually stunning.
The celebrations were rich in personal touches and immersive experiences, transforming every event into a unique world of its own. From a Surf & Turf welcome lunch to a rainforest-inspired sangeet and an ethereal beachside Anand Karaj, Ahuja and Ochani's wedding redefined what modern destination weddings could look like.
A 'Surf & Turf' welcome
Guests arrived at a breezy afternoon lunch that felt like a slice of coastal heaven. The Surf & Turf welcome lunch set the tone with its relaxed yet refined aesthetic—white and beige decor, crisp linens, and fresh coconuts dressed in tropical flair. A globe guestbook served as both keepsake and decor, inviting guests to sign their names across continents.
There was an effortless charm to the setup—a juice and beer bar, custom coconut station, and a summery playlist that kept the energy upbeat. Every detail spoke of Ahuja's designer sensibility: simple, tactile, and deeply personal.

As the sun dipped low, the mood shifted from beachy ease to cinematic drama. The ballroom doors opened to reveal the Rainforest Rave, their sangeet night that guests still can’t stop talking about.
The 'Rainforest Rave' sangeet
The transformation was nothing short of spectacular. Imagine walking into a ballroom filled with hanging greens, tropical foliage, and ambient lighting straight out of The White Lotus. The haunting soundtrack from the show played softly as LED visuals transported guests into a lush rainforest, giving the sangeet an otherworldly vibe.

This was not just an evening of dance—it was an experience. Every performance felt heightened against the moody backdrop. The decor, lighting, and soundscape worked together to create a forest-meets-disco fantasy that felt immersive, emotional, and unapologetically bold.
Mehendi and the sit-down Dinner
The next day began on a lighter note with a floral pastel mehendi lunch. Antique accents, muted tones, and cheerful floral installations set a romantic daytime mood. The highlight? A sugarcane and coconut juice counter that had everyone queuing up for a refreshing sip under the Thai sun.

As night fell, guests were invited to an intimate sit-down dinner that redefined understated elegance. The tables glowed with butter candles, which guests lit using custom matchboxes—a whimsical gesture that marked the start of the evening. The dinner unfolded in courses punctuated by heartfelt speeches, laughter, and a hilarious family roast that left everyone in splits.

When dinner gave way to the afterparty, the ambience switched entirely from soft candlelight to the bold opulence of a Roman nightclub. Think towering statues, neon lights, and even a ball pit for the younger (and young-at-heart) crowd. It was decadent, theatrical, and wildly fun, just like the couple themselves.
The beachside 'Anand Karaj'

On the final day, the mood turned sacred and serene. As waves lapped gently at the shore, Ahuja made her bridal entry under a floral chaddar carried by her brothers—a moment that went viral across social media for its beauty and emotion.

The Anand Karaj took place beneath a surreal acrylic mandap dripping with florals, a vision of modern minimalism meeting romance. It was transparent yet grounded, reflective yet real, much like the love story it witnessed.
The heart behind the beauty

Beyond the visuals and the viral moments, what made this wedding truly unforgettable was the heart behind it. Ahuja's creative eye shaped every detail: from the mood boards she designed herself to the way each moment flowed into the next. Her father’s emotional involvement added another layer of depth, reminding everyone that weddings, at their core, are about family and love.
Every guest felt seen, every corner told a story, and every day offered a new sensory experience. It was a celebration that was both deeply personal and visually poetic, proving that when design meets emotion, the result is pure magic.
All images: Knotting Bells
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A designer bride, an acrylic mandap by the sea, and three days of unforgettable celebrations—Kriti and Aditya’s wedding at JW Marriott Khao Lak was a masterclass in meaningful design and emotion.
Enough with the “So, how do you know the couple?”!
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