When East Met West in Bodrum

For her Bodrum sangeet, Risha Bhukhan Patel chose an Aisha Rao outfit that was as bold, vibrant & unforgettable as the night itself.

                            

Before her wedding shopping even began, Risha Bhukhan Patel knew her look had to stand out. “I envisioned something truly unique — East meets West, reflecting the celebration we were planning in Bodrum,” she says. “I wasn’t keen on traditional, heavily-embellished sangeet lehengas. My ideal was something elegant, modern, and very me.”

That vision led her to Aisha Rao. “From the start, I knew the brand’s contemporary aesthetic was exactly what I wanted. The designs felt fresh and artistic, moving away from the overtly blingy but still vibrant. Finally, I felt like a brand really got it.”                                                     

The Twin Flame Spark

Among the racks, the Twin Flames lehenga — a bold mix of vibrant blue and fiery orange — instantly caught her eye. At first, Risha hesitated. “I wasn’t sure the colours would suit me,” she admits. “But when I tried it on, it was pure magic. I felt an instant rush of joy and excitement.”

The lehenga was tailored to her measurements, while her husband’s look was custom-made to complement hers. “The Aisha Rao team was exceptional. They designed a longer coat for him that subtly incorporated elements of my outfit without being a colour match. It let his style shine while keeping us cohesive as a couple. Their attention to detail — sizing, customisations, everything — was impeccable, even while I was based in America.” 

A Conscious Choice

For Risha, the decision went beyond aesthetics. “Sustainability is incredibly important to me. Growing up in Africa, I’ve seen the impact of scarcity firsthand. Learning about Aisha Rao’s use of upcycled fabrics made my choice even more meaningful."

Even better, her lehenga hasn’t been confined to the wedding closet. “It’s versatile enough to re-wear at other events. It’s not just one-time bridal wear, which makes it even more special.” 

             

A Night to Remember

On sangeet night at the METT Hotel in Bodrum, the lehenga came alive against the setting: Mediterranean blues, bright lemons, pink bougainvillea. “It perfectly matched the Bollywood-meets-Mediterranean vibe of the evening,” she says. Arriving on a boat only heightened the magic. “Everyone said I looked like a real-life mermaid! We truly felt like Bollywood stars.”

But beyond the drama, the outfit delivered comfort. “It let me dance all night and have the time of my life,” Risha recalls. “It was unforgettable.”