If you thought the Ambanis were done celebrating, think again—they’re back, and this time, it’s bigger and grander than ever! The wedding of Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani may be set for July, but the festivities have already kicked off in spectacular style.
The celebrations began with a lavish hastakshar ceremony in March at the Ambani home in Jamnagar, Gujarat. By May, the party had moved to a luxurious four-day Mediterranean cruise, making multiple stops and hosting an astonishing 1,200 guests.
Choosing Europe as the location was an easy decision since many guests, including Radhika’s family and friends from their American college days, couldn’t make it to India for the hastakshar. And finding a single venue to accommodate such a large group? A cruise ship was the perfect solution.
If you’re experiencing major FOMO like us, fret not! We’ve got all the exclusive details for you, courtesy of Vogue India.
1. Starry Night Formal Party
The cruise events kicked off in Palermo, Sicily, with a delightful welcome lunch. As night fell and the ship glided up the Italian coast, the Ambanis hosted a glamorous starry-night-themed formal party.
For the welcome lunch, Radhika donned a stunning gown crafted by designer Robert Wun. The gown’s chiffon fabric was uniquely adorned with a love letter Anant had written to her when she was 22. Isn’t that just the most romantic thing?
“He wrote me this long letter for my birthday about what I mean to him,” Radhika says. “I wanted it for posterity—I want to be able to show it to my kids and grandkids, and say that ‘this is what our love was.”
Radikha
There was even a concert by The Backstreet Boys!
2. Toga Party
After a day exploring the wonders of Rome, the Ambanis transformed their ship into a lively toga party. Radhika and Anant, who first met during their college years, recreated that nostalgic period with banners from NYU and Brown University hanging overhead, while David Guetta energized the crowd with a DJ set.
For this occasion, Radhika wore a custom “toga” designed by up-and-coming New York designer Grace Ling, who attended Parsons School of Design around the same time Radhika was at NYU—a delightful nod to her days in downtown Manhattan. The toga featured an intricate aerospace aluminum breastplate, designed to resemble flowing drapery, which Ling 3D-carved, sculpted, and printed. By the way, this masterpiece required the skill of over 30 artisans to complete.
3. The Masquerade Ball
On the third day of the cruise, the Ambanis docked in Cannes for a spectacular masquerade ball at Château de la Croix des Gardes, orchestrated by event producer The Isle of You. This grand estate, famously featured in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1955 film To Catch a Thief, provided the perfect backdrop for the evening’s festivities.
For this elegant affair, Radhika selected a custom Versace gown in shades of blue, mirroring the serene hues of the Côte d’Azur. Styled by Shaleena Nathani, Radhika collaborated with the Versace atelier for an entire year to bring her vision to life.
Adding to her ensemble was a rare blue opal necklace surrounded by diamonds from Lorraine Schwartz. The opal, her birthstone, and the diamonds, his, made the piece deeply personal. Instead of a traditional mask, she opted for a bridal fascinator, while Anant complemented her look in custom Dolce & Gabbana.
The highlight of the evening was a dazzling performance by Katy Perry. As she belted out “Firework,” the night sky above the chateau erupted in a spectacular fireworks display. But the celebration didn’t stop there—once back on board, guests were treated to a second concert by Pitbull. Talk about partying like royalty—when Katy Perry and Pitbull are your opening and closing acts, you know it’s a night to remember!
4. The Finale
The final night of the Ambanis’ celebration unfolded in the picturesque town of Portofino. They took over the main square, transforming it into a charming open-air market complete with food stalls. Event planner Vincenzo Dascanio curated the event design and florals, incorporating whimsical elements like tomatoes and Vespas to capture the essence of la dolce vita.
For this special evening, Radhika donned a rare piece of fashion history: an archival Yves Saint Laurent for Dior dress, meticulously sourced by stylist Mimi Cuttrell. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the legendary Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli graced the stage, serenading the guests with “Can’t Help Falling in Love” and “I Found My Love in Portofino.” Adding to the enchantment, his son Matteo joined him for a duet.
The Visual Experience Is In The Gallery Below
