As 2024 draws to a close, we at Maharani Weddings want to take a moment to thank all our maharanis worldwide for sharing their stunning wedding journeys with us. This New Year's Eve, we are thrilled to feature a wedding that celebrates the love of Nisha & Shivam and ushers in the new year with joy and splendor.
In spring 2022, Nisha & Shivam first crossed paths on the Dil Mil app. From their very first FaceTime date, Nisha felt comfort and ease with Shivam, who told her he was her forever person. Their love story took a picturesque turn during a cross-country road trip, where Shivam planned a surprise proposal in Nashville's Centennial Park, complete with Bollywood instrumentals and a hidden photographer capturing every moment.
With her background as a wedding planner, Nisha orchestrated her wedding with a deeply personal touch. The choice of venue, the Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport, provided a stunning backdrop for their celebration. Nisha's bridal lengha was chosen after a heartfelt trip to India, a red lengha that won her heart and her mother's approving smile.
The wedding day was marked with vibrant traditions and modern flair. Guests entered a scene of enchantment under a garden-themed mandap adorned with wisteria and crystal globes, thanks to the creative prowess of Om Event Decor.
Each moment of Nisha & Shivam's special day was artfully captured by the talented team at Mystic Moments Studios. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the emotional resonance of a wedding, their photographers and videographers worked seamlessly to document every smile that brightened the room, every tear of joy that glistened under the soft lights, and every heartfelt embrace shared among loved ones.
The reception was nothing short of spectacular. The couple's first dance was illuminated by the twinkles of fairy lights and the cheers of loved ones. A highlight was the Friends-themed dance performance by Nisha's family, celebrating her journey and bidding a symbolic farewell to her Maryland roots.
As we celebrate Nisha & Shivam's union, we reflect on the incredible stories of love and joy we've been privileged to share over the past year. Their wedding marks the culmination of 2024 and sets a hopeful and vibrant tone for 2025.
How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
We met in May 2022 through the Dil Mil app. I knew within three weeks that something felt different from anyone I had met before. Our first Facetime date lasted an hour, and I felt extremely comfortable talking to him. The ease in our interactions made me feel early on that this was my forever person.
Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Shivam was moving from Dallas to New Jersey, and we were in the middle of a cross-country road trip. He had pre-planned to propose exactly halfway through this trip to Nashville. He had set up a romantic picnic in Centennial Park in Nashville. We are both huge fans of Bollywood, and there were instrumentals playing in the background. A professional photographers were on site to take photos of this moment.
Tell us how you went about planning your wedding, and your overall experience with the Venues, Hair & Makeup, Outfits, Decor Theme, and all of the other important details.
As a former wedding planner, I was able to execute all of this myself. I was also lucky to know the vendors personally from my time in the wedding planning industry. I had a great experience with all of my vendors and that helped ease the stress of the day.
How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I went to India originally thinking I would pick a red sari; however, once I got there and tried options I started to change my mind. I only tried on three lenghas before finding the right one. I had always picked red as the traditional color that I wanted the outfit to be. I picked that lengha because it felt comfortable, and I knew it was the one. My mom's reaction helped seal the deal!
What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
We were able to create lasting friendships with all of our vendors, including photo/video and entertainment. Those relationships were the best part of the wedding planning process, and we still keep in touch with those who played an integral part in our special day. We recommend them highly to friends.
What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
We spent a good amount of time deciding and crafting food menus for all of our events. I think that paid off, and our guests really enjoyed the variety of options.
Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
For years, since I was much younger, I knew what song I wanted to walk down the aisle to. I loved walking into the traditional Gujarati song that I had always imagined. That moment will continually stay with me.
For events other than your ceremony, please tell us as much as you would like about the decor, style, dances, and all the special details.
My friends and family did a special dance with the theme of the TV show Friends during our Sangeet night. They sequenced our whole relationship with "Friends episodes" and had a corresponding dance to that phase. All of my friends and family from across the country participated. It meant the world to me as we were moving to another state shortly after the wedding and this plays as the perfect goodbye to my time in Maryland.
Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Don't stress over the things you can't control. The day goes quickly, and the more you let go and enjoy the day, the better your memories will be.
Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
Our venue was the BWI Hilton which played as a beautiful canvas for our decor team to create our vision. The mandap was open with a garden theme. The backdrop was green with whimsical wisteria hanging and crystal globes.
Here's to more love, laughter, and happily ever afters in the new year!
