After only her third date with Raj Aditya, Tara Nyack realized that he had become the measure to which all bachelors would be compared. In the end, she says, he was the winner.

While knowing he had won her heart, Rajs proposal on June 3, 2006two and a half years latercame as a surprise. During a Napa Valley trip, Raj arranged for a private hot air balloon ride. Raj asked me three times if I was enjoying myself, Tara recalls. After the third time, I gave him a strange look of why do you keep asking me that and then he popped the question and my heart stopped.

Now engaged, Taras girlhood dreams of marrying in a palace were about to come true. Udaipur, India, with its centuries-old palaces and beautiful lakes, was the perfect location for the destination wedding. Says Tara, It was exactly what I was looking for and I felt like it was just waiting for me to find it. Marrying there allowed the couples extended family in India to join in on the celebration and for the two to share their culture and traditions with friends.

Tara and I wanted to give our friends, most of whom had not been to India, a taste of what a magical place India can be, so I organized a pre-wedding tour, says Raj. The couple, along with 20 friends, toured New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur before flying to Udaipur. There, the festivities began with a mehndi ceremony at Shiv Niwas Palace Hotel lawns.

The village bazaar-themed ceremony included a snake charmer, palm reader, live Rajasthani folk music, puppeteering and mehndi artists painting guests hands. That evening, for an East meets West twist, the couple had a Sangeet masquerade ball at Zenana Mahal. Guests were treated to a surprise performance from world-renowned artist, Prem Joshua. And Mumbais famous Flaming Trio bartenders kept the party going.

Wanting the following days Baraat procession to be in royal tradition, Raj included four camels, four horses, a marching band, Rajasthani dancers and an elephantwhich the groom rode. The group then traveled via decorated boats to Jag Mandir Palace while fireworks lit the sky.

Prior to the Hindu ceremony, while exchanging jaimala garlands, Raj teased Tara. As she attempted to place the garland over me, I would step back. After two failed attempts, Tara finally threw the garland in the air, which landed over my head, lassoing me perfectly, says Raj.

A peacock-themed reception followed. Before the couples first dance to Louis Armstrongs What a Wonderful World, the two snuck away for a private gondola ride. Guests dined on more than 40 dishes and then celebrated all night on a lighted dance floor. I remember admiring the marble fountain adorned with fragrant blooms and the Moghul architecture and thinking it was all mine for one night, recalls Tara. We felt like Rajput royalty.

A farewell brunch was held at The Oberoi Udaivilas the next day before the newlyweds embarked on their honeymoon to the Maldives, Thailand and Cambodia. The greatest gift, says Tara, was being able to share India with my closest friends and bearing witness as she touched their hearts and created lasting memories.

Written by April Miller