In a whirlwind of excitement, the news of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's extravagant "pre-wedding" extravaganza spread like wildfire after a video of Rihanna's arrival in India went viral on X. The entire world seemed to be captivated by the three-day celebration, which was nothing short of a spectacle.
From the star-studded guest list that included luminaries like Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, and Karlie Kloss, to the breathtaking fashion choices, the event was an internet sensation that left everyone in awe.
Radhika and Anant hosted their now-famous three-day pre-wedding weekend and hastakshar, a traditional Indian prenuptial event, at the Ambani residence in Jamnagar, Gujarat. "Choosing Jamnagar was our way of honoring our roots and the family's legacy," Radhika explains to Vogue Magazine. "It's the place where Anant works, and it's where we spend most of our time, away from the chaos of city life.
The pre-wedding extravaganza was meticulously planned over three months. Anant's mother, Nita Mukesh Ambani, spearheaded the affair, with renowned Indian designer Manish Malhotra serving as the creative director. Their tireless planning and round-the-clock execution brought this event to life, where the bride believed that no one else could have created something of this magnitude and on such a tight timeline.
On March 1, over 1,500 guests descended upon Jamnagar to witness the grand festivities. For the first evening, Radhika dazzled in a custom blush pink Versace dress adorned with bespoke jewelry by Parthiv Mehta of Kantilal Chhotalal. Anant, on the other hand, donned a custom Dolce & Gabbana ensemble.
To preserve an element of surprise, the couple chose not to preview any of the venues. Little did they know that Radhika's mother-in-law and Malhotra had constructed a stunning glass palace reminiscent of the Palm House at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, a place that held a special significance for the bride during her college years in New York City. The palace was adorned with flowers by Jeff Leatham, and a miniature train transported guests throughout the enchanting space. Following dinner, a breathtaking display of 5,500 drones illuminated the sky, narrating the story of Vantara and setting a record as India's largest drone show.
As the night progressed, Radhika slipped into an Ashish dress just in time for Rihanna's captivating performance. A multicolored dress that exuded a sense of fun, freedom, and youthfulness.
For the final evening, Radhika wore a custom Sabyasachi lehenga in shades of ivory and gold, complemented by precious emeralds and diamonds. Anant opted for a traditional sherwani designed by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla. The couple exchanged vows in a lavishly decorated courtyard surrounded by their closest family and friends. The ceremony seamlessly blended traditional rituals with personal touches, creating an unforgettable experience.
The wedding reception that followed was a glamorous affair, featuring performances by international artists and Bollywood celebrities. The couple danced the night away, celebrating their union and the start of a new chapter in their lives.
The Ambani-Merchant wedding extravaganza came to a close with a farewell brunch where the couple expressed their gratitude to all those who had joined them in their celebrations. The guests departed with memories of a truly extraordinary event that will be talked about for years to come.
