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In a country known for its spectacular weddings, only a few ceremonies transcend the boundaries of tradition, wealth, glamour, and global attention. This year, the wedding of Netra Mantena and Vamsi Gadiraju in Udaipur achieved exactly that. What began as a family celebration turned into a worldwide social-media takeover, a showcase of India’s rising luxury landscape, and a reminder that the country’s billionaire class is evolving—now driven not only by Bollywood fame but by entrepreneurship, technology, and global influence. For three glittering days, Udaipur became the epicenter of celebrity performances, couture fashion, royal venues, and unprecedented international star power. What unfolded was more than a wedding—it was a cultural statement.

The Families Behind the Spectacle

The bride, Netra Mantena, is the daughter of Rama Raju Mantena, a U.S.-based pharmaceutical industrialist and Chairman & CEO of Ingenus Pharmaceuticals, a company with operations across the U.S., Switzerland, and India. The groom, Vamsi Gadiraju, is a Silicon Valley tech entrepreneur and the co-founder and CTO of Superorder, a platform that helps multi-location restaurants manage deliveries. In 2024, Gadiraju earned the distinction of being listed in Forbes 30 Under 30. Together, the families represent the new face of global Indian success—rooted in entrepreneurship and connected across continents.

A Destination Wedding That Transformed Udaipur

The celebrations unfolded across Udaipur’s most iconic royal venues. Jagmandir Island Palace, situated in the middle of Lake Pichola, served as the wedding venue. The sangeet lit up the historic Zenana Mahal inside the City Palace, while the haldi ceremony took place at the Taj Lake Palace. The Leela Palace hosted one of the grand reception nights. Security was tight, chartered flights brought in guests, and Lake Pichola itself had restricted access. Luxury hotels were booked out entirely, turning Udaipur into a temporary, high-security wedding destination. The logistical orchestration was monumental, involving chartered flights, royal-style hospitality, and top-tier security to manage the influx of high-profile international and domestic guests.

A Guest List That Reflected Global Power Networks

Much like an Ambani wedding, the guest list included international personalities, business leaders, and Bollywood superstars. Among the notable attendees were Donald Trump Jr. and Bettina Anderson, Ram Charan, and, of course, a long list of Bollywood celebrities. The presence of global icons underscored how Indian weddings have evolved into international cultural events that bridge worlds of business, entertainment, and diplomacy.

Performances That Lit Up Social Media

One of the biggest talking points was the entertainment lineup. Jennifer Lopez flew to Udaipur for a high-octane performance, delivering hits such as Waiting for Tonight, Get On the Floor, and Ain’t Your Mama. Bollywood provided its own glittering showcase. Ranveer Singh, Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, Varun Dhawan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Nora Fatehi, and Janhvi Kapoor delivered performances that went viral instantly. Celebrity fees reflected the event’s scale:

• Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh reportedly charged over $400,000 each.
• Other performers charged close to $200,000 apiece.

Karan Johar added another layer of glamour by recreating his iconic Koffee With Karan segment live on stage—something never seen before at an Indian wedding.

Fashion That Defined Luxury Bridal Aesthetics

Netra embodied the classic royal Sabyasachi bride in a red lehenga with intricate zari work and heavy traditional jewelry. Her reception look—a rose-gold gown with feather accents—reflected modern glam with international appeal. Vamsi complemented the aesthetic with an ivory sherwani for the wedding and a sleek black-and-white tuxedo for the reception.

A Masterpiece of Design: The Nine Gems of Decor

Every detail of the Mantena-Gadiraju wedding was meticulously conceptualized, adhering to a magnificent blend of royal grandeur and contemporary elegance. The decor, designed by Ambika Gupta, was inspired by the ‘9 gems,’ with the theme for each event built around a specific gemstone. The themed events demonstrated remarkable creativity:

The Haldi at Taj Lake Palace:

• The haldi adopted a “St. Barts meets India” lakeside theme, complete with cane textures, rattan accents, and handmade coconut trees.

The Mehndi (“Cirque du Mehndi”) at Manek Chowk:

• The mehndi followed a “Cirque du Mehndi” concept with Baroque elephants, Venetian elements, mezzanine lounges, projection mapping, and a gem-themed carousel dessert counter. A whimsical carnival featuring Venetian-Cirque elements, Baroque elephants, and dazzling performances by a massive 115-member international crew for a Cirque du Soleil-style show.

• The Reception: Adopted a glamorous “Desert Noir” theme.

A Cake That Was Itself a Work of Art

Paris-based luxury cake artist Bastien Blanc-Tailleu created a monumental wedding cake featuring miniature domes, jharokhas, chhatris, and motifs inspired by Rajasthan’s architectural heritage. Elephants, tigers, and peacocks adorned the structure, making it a visual spectacle rather than just a dessert.

The Ultimate Confection and the Astronomical Cost

No detail was spared, right down to the wedding cake, which became a viral sensation. The custom creation was flown in and designed by Bastien Blanc-Tailleu, the Paris-based luxury cake artist. This was not a mere cake; it was a sugary monument to Rajasthani architecture, featuring intricate miniature domes, jharokas, and chhatris. The total cost of this royal affair confirmed its status as one of the most expensive in recent memory, with estimates ranging from $8.3 million to $8.8 million. The sheer expense was evident in the venue breakdown:

• “The total cost for the exclusive wedding at the main venue came close to $400,000.
• Venue rooms cost between $555 and $1,110 per night, with the total room cost estimated to reach $44,400 with personalized arrangements.”

Beyond the astronomical cost, this wedding provided a significant economic and social boost. The scale of the event invigorated multiple industries—including entertainment, luxury hospitality, and event production—proving the profound cultural and economic influence of extravagant Indian festivities on a global scale.

Why This Wedding Captured the Global Imagination

Beyond glamour, this wedding said something profound about India today:

1. The Rise of Entrepreneurial Power Families

India’s most influential families now include pharma innovators, tech founders, and global investors—not just film stars or industrial dynasties.

2. The Fusion of Indian Heritage With Global Luxury

Royal palaces, Mewar motifs, and marigolds fused with international design teams, international performers, and couture houses.

3. A Massive Boost to the Tourism & Events Industry

“Luxury hotels, charter operators, designers, entertainers, and event agencies saw a surge in business and global visibility.”

4. Social Media Turned It Into a Global Festival

Instagram and YouTube became saturated with dance clips, designer looks, behind-the-scenes footage, and star performances.

More Than a Wedding—A Cultural Moment

The Mantena–Gadiraju celebration was more than a union of two families; it became a symbol of India’s rising economic strength, its global cultural influence, and its rapidly expanding luxury landscape. It demonstrated how Indian weddings today serve as platforms for showcasing heritage, identity, and international connections. In the end, Udaipur didn’t just host a wedding—it hosted a moment that will shape the standard for billionaire weddings for years to come. 

Hemangi Patel and Mitesh Patel’s wedding on September 27, 2025, was a heartfelt celebration rooted in tradition, family, and the unmistakable joy of two people beginning a lifelong journey together. Held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando at SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida, their ceremony welcomed 200 guests—each one an important part of the couple’s story. Although they chose not to host a reception, their Garba night became the centre of all festivities, making the celebration uniquely personal and memorable. 

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BANQUET HALLS DOUBLETREE BY HILTON 954-367-1281 || BEAUTICIANS-COSMETICIAN A Touch Of Fierce By Laylay Duchatelier 407-232-5743 || Henna Allure 321-444-5911  || CATERING Khasiyat Indian Restaurant 407-252-8756 || DECORATOR Maharani Designs 813-569-9052 || DISC JOCKEY Awaaz Entertainment 407-902-9639 || EVENT PLANNER Elite Dream Creations 407-466-4247  || MEHNDI Henna Allure 321-444-5911  || PHOTOGRAPHER Jamie howell photography 404-786-7062 

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The couple’s story began at the mandir, where a chance meeting blossomed into something deeper. After dating for seven months, they knew they were meant to be. Their engagement became an unforgettable moment when Mitesh proposed on Hemangi’s birthday, May 6, 2024. The day started with a stay at a Hilton hotel and an early morning trip to Celebration Town near Disney in Orlando. Despite a last-minute change from a hot air balloon proposal due to weather, Mitesh created a beautifully decorated lakeside picnic where he got down on one knee. Hemangi, who had been both excited and nervous, was overwhelmed with happiness as the surprise unfolded.

For wedding planning, the couple turned to Elite Dream Creations, a decision they wholeheartedly recommend to others. Their planners handled every detail with precision, easing stress and ensuring smooth execution. Hemangi and Mitesh chose their venue for its convenient distance from the airport, abundance of amenities, and photogenic surroundings—ideal for capturing memories of a lifetime.

Their pre-wedding festivities included the Vidhi ceremonies and a vibrant Garba night. The groom’s Vidhi featured a cream backdrop with a burgundy-red Ganesh, while the bride’s Vidhi used a similar cream backdrop paired with a golden rose Ganesh. Garba décor included draping in orange, fuchsia, violet, and mint green, a Radhe Krishna statue at the entrance, and special seating arrangements for the couple on stage. They also arranged entertainment such as a 360° photo booth and a caricature artist—something especially meaningful to them after having a caricature drawn during their first trip to Universal Studios.

The wedding ceremony took place indoors, with the Baarat in the Majestic parking lot and the ceremony in the Majestic Hall. The décor featured a haveli-style open-wall mandap adorned with red and burgundy flowers, a raised aisle lined with 75 floating candles, fresh rose petals, and two floral elephants at the entrance. A Ganesh statue greeted guests, adding a traditional blessing to the event. Music played a special role, with Indian tunes energising the Baarat. Mitesh entered with his parents to the Game of Thrones theme, the flower girl walked to Jashn-E-Bahaaraa instrumental, Hemangi entered to Aaj Sajeya, and the couple exited to Neha Bhasin’s Jutti Meri folk version.

Instead of a traditional reception, the couple turned their Garba night into a lively celebration filled with speeches, entrances, and dances. Family members entered first, followed by the bridal party, and finally the couple. Their first dance was to a mix of Indian songs, followed by a touching father–daughter dance to Dilbaro and a mother–son dance to Tu Kitni Achhi Hai. The evening featured multiple dance performances—and a surprise performance by Mitesh and his friends dedicated to Hemangi.

The couple added personal touches like custom trays for their engagement rings, mangalsutra, and gifts. Their biggest “wow” moment was their emotional first look—an instant they will cherish forever.

For future couples, Hemangi and Mitesh strongly advise hiring a wedding planner or coordinator. For them, Elite Dream Creations made the entire process seamless, from vendor coordination to décor decisions. While they didn’t have nightmares or major calamities leading up to the big day, they now look back fondly on the beautiful moments that made their celebration truly theirs.

Their wedding was a blend of culture, colour, heartfelt moments, and family traditions—an unforgettable beginning to their life together.

 

Some love stories unfold slowly, like a gentle sunrise—warm, certain, and meant to be. Aneesh and Priyanka’s journey is one such story. What began as a simple Facebook connection in 2017 soon blossomed into a bond powerful enough to bring two families together after years of patience, hope, and unwavering commitment. Aneesh, a calm and focused software engineer, and Priyanka, an ambitious digital influencer marketing head, found in each other not just love, but a shared vision of life, dreams, and partnership.

Their first interactions were filled with curiosity and long conversations that made miles feel meaningless. Over time, friendship deepened into something undeniable. But for them, the path to togetherness was not an overnight affair. Convincing their families became a journey of its own—one that tested their resolve, strengthened their relationship, and ultimately brought everyone to a place of acceptance and joy. After eight years of companionship, countless conversations, and quiet promises to stand by each other, 2025 finally became the year of “yes” for both families.

The wedding that followed was nothing short of a fairytale. Held on 22nd November 2025 in the historic city of Prayagraj, the celebration reflected elegance, devotion, and the cultural richness both families cherished. Prayagraj, with its timeless ghats, sacred confluence, and vibrant heritage, became the perfect backdrop for their union. The atmosphere was filled with warmth as relatives from near and far gathered to witness the culmination of a love story years in the making.

Their wedding festivities began with traditional pre-wedding ceremonies—each moment crafted with care, emotion, and colour. Priyanka’s Haldi was a vibrant affair, with marigolds draped across the courtyard and her close friends teasing her as turmeric and rose water lit up her smile. Aneesh’s Haldi mirrored the same exuberance, filled with laughter, music, and the playful chaos that makes such ceremonies unforgettable. The Mehendi night was a dreamy celebration where Priyanka’s intricate designs revealed tiny personal elements from their story—her love for digital creativity, his world of code, and the Facebook logo that cheekily nodded to their beginning.

The wedding day embraced a regal yet serene theme. The mandap drew inspiration from traditional North Indian architecture, adorned with fresh red and ivory roses, soft golden drapes, and classic brass lamps. As the sacred chants echoed through the air, Aneesh made his Baraat entrance with joyful music and dancing as his friends and cousins matched him step for step. Priyanka’s bridal entry was a moment that left everyone still—she walked in gracefully under a phoolon ki chaadar, draped in a lehenga that shimmered softly in the morning light.

Every ritual, from the varmala to the saat pheras, carried the weight of years spent waiting for this blessing. Their families, once hesitant, now looked on with pride and emotion. The couple’s eyes held both the present joy and the memories of every step that brought them here.

Just a few days later, on 26th November 2025, their grand reception became the celebratory finale to their union. Held in Prayagraj as well, the evening shimmered with elegance—twinkling lights, soft music, and a palette of champagne gold and emerald that created a luxurious ambience. Aneesh and Priyanka entered hand in hand, radiating happiness as guests lined up to bless them. Heartfelt speeches from siblings and cousins, a few nostalgic stories from friends, and a surprise dance performance added warmth and flavour to the night.

What made their wedding truly special was the personal touch woven into every detail—moments that reflected who they are as individuals and as a couple. From customised décor elements inspired by their eight-year-long journey to candid photographs capturing their most spontaneous smiles, every second felt authentic, lived-in, and deeply emotional.

Aneesh and Priyanka’s wedding was more than a celebration—it was a testament to patient love, mutual respect, and the belief that some bonds are worth fighting for. Their story, rooted in digital beginnings and strengthened by real-world determination, reminds us that when two people are meant to be, time only deepens the connection.