Drs. Suchet Rao and Roshni Shah met while studying Medicine in Trinidad, and while Suchet was raised in the UK and Roshni in the USA, both value their Indian roots and heritage, hence the mass excursion to Udaipur, the crown jewel of the princely state of Rajasthan to tie the knot. In choosing to do so, they certainly created some unforgettable memories about their special day, not just for themselves but for all the lucky people fortunate enough to attend.

The venue for all the celebrations was Jag Mandir - s situated on an island in the middle of famous Lake Pichola, in Udaipur. It was built in the 17th century and used as a pleasure palace by the Maharanas of Mewar. The superb lake setting also makes Jag Mandir high on romance, and adds to the feel of exclusiveness.

The nuptials spanned a total of five days, gradually building up to a grand finale as each event became steadily more impressive and expressive! The first evening (three days prior to the wedding) in Udaipur was a relaxed affair, giving old friends a chance to catch up

The next day the celebrations began with a Welcome Dinner. two days before the wedding took place. As a guest remarked if you'd just walked in off the street not knowing any better you'd be forgiven for thinking this was in fact the main reception on the wedding day itself!

As the powerful sun set on Udaipur as if to signal the festivities could begin, begin they did, with cocktails and chat, followed by a gigantic, beautiful, gourmet buffet in the open air on a warm Rajasthan evening. As the alcohol flowed the tongues loosened guest began to mingle with the various friends and relatives of both Bride and Groom,. More drinks were followed by a speech by Sandy (Suchet's younger brother and Best Man), and then an extraordinary performance of Indian folk music by the Qawwali Group and dancers.

The next day was the Mehndi Ceremony, accompanied by a bountiful supply of wonderful food, music and dancing. The colours and decoration lit up the Palace grounds of the Royal Family of Rajasthan in such a way they must have mistaken this day as their own. The evening's entertainment was provided by one of India's biggest singing sensations Daler Mehndi, who has to date, the best selling (non-soundtrack) album in Indian music history 'Bolo Ta Ra Ra'. As well as this, a free bar was being tended by a professional cocktail team from Mumbai who'd been flown out and put up for 2 days specially, just to cater the wedding. All the stops were certainly pulled out. The party ran late into the night, the bar staff fuelling the night with their martini's, long islands and flaming The amazing feast of food gave all the energy to dance away relentlessly and carefree.

The wedding day began completely segregated, with the Bride and Groom families each having their own respective pre-wedding ceremonies to complete, as per the Hindu tradition to propitiate Lord Ganesh, the remover of obstacles, to pray for a successful and problem free start to the proceedings

After a brief interlude for lunch, the baraat (Groom's party) paraded down the shoreline to catch boats to Jagmandir Island (Palace on an Island) the music belted out and there was much dancing and rejoicing. After the short jaunt across the lake to the Island, the traditions continued as the Bride's family put up some last minute resistance to test the Groom's resolve. Bartering completed, the entire family was welcomed to join the Bride's family in the Palace and the Ceremony took place as per Hindu tradition.

Blessings made, Rings exchanged and Love proclaimed, the partying resumed. The Bride and Groom were announced to rapturous applause, and the Newly Wedded couple took their first dance. The cake was cut, the toasts made, and then Suchet surprised his new bride with a Solo Serenade of a song he had written, especially for her. He projected his love and devotion harmoniously with his heart melting lyrics that touched everyone and surprised many with his eloquence. Following his performance the reception continued into the late hours of morning, crowning off a fantastic five days filled with tradition, celebration, opulence and above all love.