Anirudh and Sahiba’s Udaipur wedding was a regal celebration of love and heritage

When Sahiba Sidhu Dulai first set foot in The Oberoi Udaivilas as a little girl, running through its grand corridors in awe, she whispered to her father that one day, she would get married there. Years later, with Anirudh Vinesh Bakhru by her side, that childhood vision came alive in a four-day celebration in Udaipur, followed by receptions in Delhi and Toronto, seamlessly weaving together their global lives, deep-rooted family traditions, and playful modern details. Planned by Morani & Soorma and captured beautifully by Stories by Joseph Radhik (led by Shivali Chopra), the wedding was an intimate yet striking affair with nearly 195 guests flying in from around the world to celebrate their union.

A match written in the stars (and a swipe right)

Bakhru, an internal medicine doctor in Illinois who moved from India to Canada at age six, and Dulai, a Project Leader at BCG and angel investor in New York, met the modern way—through a dating app, thanks to a swipe by Dulai's best friend. Their conversations flowed effortlessly, and despite their cross-continental schedules, their connection only deepened over time. From sharing margaritas in a rainy Washington, D.C., to dancing at Dear Donna in Delhi, their love story unfolded across cities, culminating in a heartfelt proposal under the rose-petal-strewn Ladies Pavilion in Central Park, followed by a dreamy getaway to Glenmere Mansion.

The celebrations

Welcome dinner and sangeet

The four-day festivities began on March 12 at Udaivilas with an intimate welcome dinner, setting the tone for what was to follow. The next evening, the sangeet transformed into a high-energy night of music and dance, reflecting the couple’s love for celebration, with dazzling décor and live performances that kept the dance floor alive.

Haldi, mehendi, and floral holi

The haldi and mehendi ceremony, themed ‘Jaago’ and ‘Pyaar in the Pind’, embraced vibrant hues of orange, pink, and yellow, coinciding with Holi for a joyful floral Holi celebration. The event effortlessly blended Manga-inspired artwork with traditional Punjabi pind aesthetics, a nod to their heritage and love for playful, contemporary touches.

Sufi night

With both fathers sharing a love for Sufi music, the couple hosted a soulful Sufi night, where classical notes and Sufi melodies floated into the Udaipur air, offering a serene pause in the festivities.

The wedding day

On March 15th, the couple tied the knot in a ceremony that honoured both Sikh and Hindu traditions, featuring a Jaimala before their Anand Karaj, followed by a short Vidaai and pooja. While Bakhru and Dulai have bold, “filmy” personalities, they chose to exchange private vows quietly during a sunrise, just the two of them, before the ceremonies began, marking a deeply personal moment amidst the grandeur.

Receptions in Delhi and Toronto

Following Udaipur, the celebrations moved to Delhi on March 21 at The Oberoi and finally to Toronto on May 23. The reception featured “Sheesh Mahal” inspired décor in ivory and gold with pink accents, a curated cocktail menu with drinks like “Doctor’s Orders” and “The Lazy Girl,” and themed bars that recreated their favorite college club scenes, ensuring the night reflected their personalities and shared stories.

What they wore

The Bride

Dulai's wedding lehenga was a masterpiece by Manish Malhotra in deep red and soft pink with intricate embroidery, with the Anand Karaj mantra “Tohi Mohi, Mohi Tohi” elegantly inscribed along the border. Bhakru's name, along with the names of the people who raised her, was delicately embroidered on her dupatta, encircling her like a blessing. Her 130-year-old heirloom jewellery, sourced from both her royal and farming family lineage, added to the regal look. For the reception, she wore custom diamond earrings crafted by Kanjimull Jewelers, reflecting her timeless yet contemporary style.

The Groom

Bhakru matched Dulai's regal energy, wearing meticulously tailored sherwanis and tuxedos that reflected his love for fashion, ensuring each look was sharp, elegant, and personal, down to the last detail.

Personal touches

Every part of the wedding featured elements close to the couple’s heart. They designed a bookshelf-themed seating chart with custom “book boxes” containing photos, handwritten notes, and table tickets named after significant dates in their journey. They honoured their families’ love for card games with custom playing cards depicting their parents as maharajas and maharanis, themselves as Jacks, and siblings as Jokers.

Each guest received a Diptyque Baies candle, symbolising the first gift Bhakru gave Dulai, paired with heartfelt notes explaining its significance. Even the napkins were personalised for every event—from navy and gold invitations to dance at the sangeet to playful “Two Truths and a Lie” games at the reception—infusing each moment with warmth, nostalgia, and joy.

A celebration that came full circle

For Dulai and Bhakru, this wedding wasn’t just a union but the culmination of a journey marked by family, adventure, and a bond strengthened by shared values and traditions. Hosting their wedding at the venue of Dulai's childhood dreams, surrounded by loved ones from across the world, and infusing every detail with heartfelt meaning, their celebrations truly embodied who they are—as individuals and as partners stepping into a new chapter, together.

All images: Stories by Joseph Radhik

Also read: Meera and Vishal’s journey from Bengaluru's tranquility to San Francisco’s grandeur

Also read: Joti and Vin's backwater fairytale: A royal Punjabi wedding in Kerala