When Sheena Satpute and Yash Desai brought planning pro Radhika Nathwani on board just a few months before their destination wedding in Portugal, with several vendors still unconfirmed, most couples would have spiralled. Instead, what followed was one of the most cohesive, visually stunning and emotionally resonant Indian wedding weekends Sintra has likely ever seen. Five events across four days, two historic venues, guests flown in from across the United States, and a celebration that moved fluidly between Indian tradition and European grandeur. This is how a wedding built under pressure became something that looked and felt immersive and seamlessly executive.
A Modern Love Story With A Twist
“Our story began in 2021 with a modern twist when we met on Hinge. Ironically, we both slightly stretched the truth about our locations. Yash claimed he was living in NYC when he was still in California, and I said I was in NYC when I was actually in New Jersey. Somehow, despite the technicalities, the timing aligned perfectly.” Sheena, a solution engineer based in New Jersey, and Yash, a software engineer at a fintech company from Southern California, met the very weekend he moved to New York. “From that moment on, we have been inseparable,” she shares.
Turning Planning Chaos Into Perfect Cohesion
“We got engaged in September 2023 and began planning in January 2024. We went back and forth when deciding what we wanted our wedding to look like.” The final decision to host a larger celebration in Portugal added complexity and depth. Radhika Nathwani of Radhika & You entered the picture under circumstances that would test any planner. With several key elements unconfirmed and a destination wedding in Europe to deliver for a US-based couple, the UK-based planning expert took on the project just months before the wedding date. “From our very first conversation with Radhika, we felt an immediate sense of comfort,” says Sheena. “She was warm, kind, and incredibly relatable, which made the entire process feel far less overwhelming.”
What Radhika received as a creative brief was minimal. A handful of inspiration images, a few ideas and loosely expressed feelings about each event. What she returned was fully realised, cohesive and by every account, exactly what the couple had been trying to articulate. “She quickly assessed what needed to be done, prioritised effectively, and guided us in the right direction. She was able to take those scattered references and turn them into beautifully curated mood boards. Her creative eye and natural sense of style brought a level of cohesion and sophistication.”
Radhika reflects, “The core vision was to create events that reflected the couple’s personalities and concepts, making each celebration feel distinct and memorable.” Her approach balanced logistics with creativity. “Our signature lies in combining calm, strategic planning with a personal approach.” The personalisation extended into every touchpoint. “Guests were welcomed in true resort style, greeted by the hosting families and a traditional Indian dhol player. Production, design and entertainment were tailored to the properties they used,” Radhika explains. Custom stationery ran across keycards and other curated details like room hampers, schedules and keepsakes added more intimacy. Looking back, her defining moment was simple. “Seeing the couple fully immerse themselves in their celebrations, completely at ease knowing our team had everything under control.” By the end of the weekend, the distinction between planner and family had blurred completely. “She no longer felt like just our planner. She felt like family. She became someone we leaned on, laughed with, and trusted completely.”
Why Sintra Felt Like Home
When it came to the venue, the couple chose Penha Longa Resort in Lisboa, Portugal for the wedding festivities, gravitating towards its lush greenery and romantic charm. For the reception, they pivoted to Palácio Correio-Mor, keeping it a surprise for guests. “We completely fell in love with the garden in the back, and honestly, what better place to celebrate than in a palace.”
The Mehndi & Haldi
On May 22nd, Sheena’s mehndi marked the official opening of the wedding weekend. The intricate henna patterns that covered her hands, visible in every subsequent photograph, became one of the recurring visual signatures of the days that followed. On May 24, the haldi ceremony took a distinctive turn with Portuguese-inspired tile motifs woven into the design. Eschewing traditional yellow, Sheena opted for a contemporary palette that aligned with the setting. The menu reflected this cross-cultural approach. “We decided to have paella and Italian food.” The gelato cart became a guest favourite.
The Contemporary Sangeet
The sangeet embraced a bold, modern aesthetic with rich florals in reds, pinks, and black accents. The evening was high-energy, anchored by performances, vibrant décor, and a menu that leaned into comfort and nostalgia. “We went heavy on Indian style street food such as pav bhaji, chaat, chole bature,” the couple shares, along with signature espresso martinis designed to combat jet lag.
The Wedding
The wedding ceremony drew inspiration from cinematic romance. “We were inspired by the aesthetic of Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.” A statement tree installation set within a rustic garden created a theatrical yet grounded setting. Before the baraat, guests were served Bombay sandwiches and free-flowing drinks, ensuring the energy was already high. The baraat itself was electric, with music, dancing, and a sense of collective celebration.
The After-Party
As the ceremony concluded, the tone shifted dramatically. The after-party was designed as a full club experience, complete with immersive AV, neon lighting, and high-energy music. Lychee martinis and late-night sliders and pizza kept guests fuelled well into the night.
The Palace Reception
On May 25, the reception at Palácio Correio-Mor offered a refined, elegant close to the celebrations. The décor leaned into clean lines and abundant florals, allowing the historic venue to shine. “This was the star of the events,” the couple notes. Live food stations, from kebabs to pani puri, created a dynamic dining experience, while dishes like gulab jamun cheesecake added a contemporary twist to traditional flavours. Late-night kati rolls and fries ensured the celebration ended on a high note.
The Wedding Wardrobe
The wardrobe choices mirrored the evolving tone of each event. For the sangeet, Sheena wore Disha Patil, featuring intricate detailing with a cape and vest. Yash opted for a custom Shantnu & Nikhil ensemble. For the haldi, Sheena chose Netri Aggarwal, deliberately avoiding yellow. The silhouette leaned into a contemporary, almost mermaid-inspired aesthetic. The wedding ceremony called for grandeur. Sheena returned to Disha Patil for a royal look, while Yash wore Shyamal & Bhumika. The after-party featured coordinated beige tones, while the reception saw Sheena in Manish Malhotra and Yash in Enzo, closing the wardrobe narrative with classic elegance. Jewellery followed a similar arc with minimalist, modern pieces.
The Bride’s Checklist
The Bride: Sheena Satpute
The Groom: Yash Desai
Venue: Penha Longa Resort and Palácio Correio-Mor
Planner: Radhika &You
Photographer: Didar Virdi
Videographer: VIP Weddings Films
Décor: Happyday Events
Bridal HMUA: Reshma Makeup Artist
Bride’s Outfits: Disha Patil, Netri Aggarwal and Manish Malhotra
Groom’s Outfits: Shantnu & Nikhil, Enzo and Shyamal & Bhumika
Wedding car: @genesiolaranjo
Jewellery: Jewlery by Madhu
Catering: Passage To India Catering
Bar: Luv Laultimaynosvamos
Entertainment: Kudos Music, DJ H Music / Hardeep Singh Kataria, Arvee, Colours Beat and Shubham Dholi96
AV: HMC Audio Visual and Watt Light Events
Rentals: BC Planning & rentals, Festa Aluga and HBCV Eventos
Stationery: Created by GG
