The European Cruise - All The Details About The Ambani Pre Wedding Festivities In Italy & France!

They are back!

After the stunning 3-day spectacular celebrations at Jamnagar, the Ambani clan hosted a 4-day European Cruise to celebrate Anant Ambani’s nuptials with Radhika Merchant. Set to get married in July, these pre-wedding celebrations were held on land and on the cruise between Italy and France, mainly Portofino. 

And their wedding (or rather pre wedding) celebrations are getting bigger and more elaborate - this one will literally leave your jaws dropped!

Day 1: Welcome lunch, 'Starry Night'

The cruise’s events commenced in Palermo, Sicily, starting with a welcome lunch. That evening, as the ship journeyed up the Italian coast, the Ambanis hosted a starry-night-themed formal party.

For the first event, Radhika wore a gown designed by Robert Wun. The chiffon fabric was adorned with a printed love letter that Anant had written to her when she was 22. He wrote her this long letter for her birthday about what she meant to him. She wanted it preserved for posterity as she wants to be able to show it to her kids and grandkids and say that ‘this is what our love was.’” As the night wore on, the Backstreet Boys made a surprise appearance with a concert.

Day 2: ‘A Roman Holiday’

After a day exploring Rome, the festivities resumed with a toga party back on deck. Radhika and Anant, who first met during their college years, wanted to revisit those cherished times: banners from NYU and Brown adorned the ceiling while David Guetta energized the crowd with a DJ set.

For this event, Radhika wore a custom “toga” designed by the emerging New York talent Grace Ling, who attended Parsons around the same time Radhika was at NYU. The gown featured an aerospace aluminum breastplate that mimicked drapery, meticulously 3D-carved, sculpted, and printed, a process involving over 30 artisans. “I want people to recognize couture coming from New York, not just Europe,” says Ling. “She is an amazing, amazing person at her craft,” Radhika adds. Meanwhile, Nita Ambani, the groom’s mother, dazzled in a design by Schiaparelli, with accessories that stun.

Day 3: Evening In Cannes

On the third day of the cruise, the ship docked in Cannes for a masquerade ball at Château de la Croix des Gardes, orchestrated by event producer The Isle of You. This grand residence, famously featured in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1955 film To Catch a Thief, provided a stunning backdrop for the formal affair. Radhika donned a custom Versace gown in blue hues, mirroring the waters of the Côte d’Azur, with the help of her stylist Shaleena Nathani. She and the Versace atelier dedicated a year to perfecting the dress.

Adorning her neck was a rare blue opal surrounded by diamonds, crafted by Lorraine Schwartz. The necklace held deep meaning: opal is her birthstone, while diamonds are his. For her “mask,” she wore a bridal fascinator, while Anant complemented her in custom Dolce & Gabbana.

The highlight of the evening was a performance by Katy Perry. As she sang “Firework,” real fireworks lit up the sky above the château. But the night didn't end there: as guests returned to the ship, they were treated to a second concert by Pitbull.

Day 4: 'La Dolce Vita'

The final night of festivities was held in the charming town of Portofino. The Ambanis transformed the main square into a lively open-air market, complete with food stalls. Event planner Vincenzo Dascanio designed the event, incorporating tomatoes and Vespas as la dolce vita decor accents.

For the occasion, Radhika wore a rare archival Yves Saint Laurent for Dior dress, sourced by stylist Mimi Cuttrell. 

As the sun set, legendary Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli performed, singing “Can't Help Falling in Love” and “I Found My Love in Portofino.” His son Matteo joined him on stage at one point. It was the most magical evening!

All images are via Vogue, shot by @josephradhik, @epicstories.in, @germanlarkin, and @signe_vilstrup