When global pop sensation Katy Perry met British comedian Russell Brand in 2009, the chemistry was instant. Just a year later, the two were married in one of the most extravagant, and culturally rich, celebrity weddings the world had seen. The wedding, set in the heart of Rajasthan, made headlines for its unique blend of Hollywood glam and Indian tradition. But what began with elephants, fireworks, and folk music ended just 14 months later, with a single text message.
A wedding unlike any other
The couple chose Aman-i-Khas, a secluded luxury resort near the Ranthambhore tiger reserve, as their wedding venue. Brand, known for his spiritual leanings, was deeply influenced by Indian culture and spearheaded the idea of a traditional Indian celebration. Perry, raised in a strict Christian household, was open to embracing new spiritual paths.
Guests at the wedding
Guests included A-listers like David Walliams and Jonathan Ross, while Rihanna stood beside Katy as maid of honor. The showstopper? Diddy performing at the reception, alongside Indian classical dancers and Rajasthani musicians playing sitars, tablas, and nagaras. Perry wore a red saree and took pheras around the sacred fire, while Brand donned a traditional kurta-pyjama. The feast was authentically local, sourced from nearby markets and villages.
Despite the fairytale beginning, the marriage did not last. In 2011, Brand ended the relationship with a text message, a move Perry later called “cowardly.” Their divorce was finalised in 2014. Reports pointed to control issues, clashing political ideologies, and lifestyle differences. Years later, Perry opened up about the trauma of that breakup, revealing that the abrupt ending haunted her for years. While she eventually found love again with Orlando Bloom, insiders say she remains cautious about commitment still marked by the emotional scars of a wedding that looked perfect, but ended in heartbreak.