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Society heirs Joel and Divia's lavish wedding


April 5, 2006
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A huge celebration in the Thai resort of Phuket has marked the union between Divia Lalvani, the only daughter of UK telecommunications tycoon Gulu Lalvani, and chocolate heir Joel Michael Cadbury.

The couple, who have already made their vows at a ceremony back in Britain, were at the centre of a lavish extravaganza said to have cost over £750,000. More than 500 guests jetted in from the UK to see their friends tie the knot again at a vibrant ceremony in the Royal Phuket Marina.

Divia's father, who originally hails from India, was obviously determined that no expense would be spared when his favourite girl went sailing down the aisle. He also closed hundreds of rooms at his five-star hotel in order to accommodate the guests, not to mention laying on seven days of parties in the waterfront development's lagoon area.

With such stunning preparations being made in her honour, it was easy to understand why the bride seemed to be floating on air when she made her entrance, dressed in a beautiful pink sari, on a purple palanquin. Her fiancé meanwhile looked equally dashing when he arrived on elephant-back in a traditional cream suit and purple turban.

Afterwards a spectacular laser and fireworks show lit up the skies over Phuket as the newlyweds and their guests enjoyed an unforgettable night of revelry. The loved-up pair then boarded a yacht bound for the pristine islands of Koh Kana Yai, where they will spend their honeymoon soaking up the sun on a private beach.

Photo: © Alphapress.com
Divia arrives on board a palanquin borne by eight men in traditional purple garb. Her father, the UK telecommunications tycoon Gulu Lalvani, was evidently determined to make it a truly unforgettable eventy
Photo: © Alphapress.com
The groom, riding high on an elephant like a Maharaja during the days of the Raj, receives a colourful escort from women wearing brilliantly hued saris
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Divia watches the laser show with her new husband and her father

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