Cinematic charm met cultural grace at Dhara and Sidharth’s Udaipur wedding

Some love stories unfold like a slow-burning film—thoughtful, intentional, and full of magic. And when it came time to celebrate theirs, Dhara Patel and Sidharth Sharma chose to honour that spirit. Their wedding at Raffles Udaipur was less about grandeur and more about meaningful moments, shared with the people who shaped their journey.

Patel, a physician assistant born in Queens and raised in New Jersey, and Sharma, a restaurateur known for Aarzu and Ramen Nagomi, share a love story that began during a friend’s birthday getaway in the Poconos. What started as familiarity turned into a partnership rooted in food adventures, thoughtful gestures, and emotional steadiness. Sharma's calm presence and intention showed up in every milestone, from planning surprise food tours to recreating their first picnic date during a proposal in Napa, reflecting their shared philosophy: grounded, enduring, and filled with genuine joy.

That spirit carried into their wedding celebrations from March 5 to 7, 2025, at Raffles Udaipur, following intimate pre-wedding rituals in Ahmedabad and New Jersey. With its private island setting and lakeside serenity, the venue offered the perfect canvas for a celebration that was as personal as it was picturesque.

The festivities began with a Welcome Lunch, followed by the mehndi, which unfolded with colourful birdcages, Rajasthani folk artists, and tropical motifs by day, before transitioning into a twilight garden fantasy for the sangeet, featuring chandeliers and over ten performances by loved ones. Patel's Mayyur Girotra lehenga, embroidered with birds and elephants and her gold StudioSush and Rahul Mishra ensembles reflected her vibrant yet grounded aesthetic, while Sharma's PourLui and custom coordinated looks echoed their playful elegance.

The Haldi was held poolside with sun-washed decor and a teal Mughal backdrop, filled with rose petals and laughter, while the Varmala ceremony took place under a towering floral installation called “The Promise Tree.” Their wedding ceremony was set under a mirrored aisle with a floral-draped mandap, evoking a “Mirror of Forever,” with guests ringing bells during the pheras, creating an immersive, emotional experience that many would remember long after.

For the reception, the couple envisioned “Midnight Opulence,” a black-and-metallic evening with white florals, black crystal chandeliers, and a celestial dance floor, where they danced in sculptural Amit Aggarwal ensembles under curated lighting designed to highlight every movement.

P.Taufiq Photography captured the layered emotions, from quiet glances to joyous dancing, ensuring each moment felt as cinematic as it was heartfelt.

What set the wedding apart was its deeply personal touches: Patel designed their menu-themed invitations herself. Each event was described like a curated tasting menu, and she also set up their wedding website, dharaandsidharth.com, complete with hand-drawn artwork. She wore her mother’s handloom saree and grandmother’s gold bangles for key rituals, and guests received tote bags featuring a watercolor illustration of their dog, Circuit, painted by Sharma's aunt. Cultural experiences like live calligraphy, jutti stalls, and Lac bangle artisans added rooted authenticity to every event.

As the sun set over Udaipur’s lakes, what remained was not just a memory of a beautiful wedding, but a testament to a love story defined by calm, intention, and the joy of celebrating with those who matter most.

All images: P.Taufiq Photography

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