Welcome to Maharani Weddings

In the golden light of Downers Grove, Illinois, magic unfolded in the most elegant way—Camila & Rowell tied the knot in a celebration that was the perfect harmony of tradition, glam, and just the right amount of sass. From dazzling bridal details to emotional first looks and jaw-dropping floral installs, this Pakistani wedding was nothing short of a showstopper. And yes—there were happy tears, henna goals, and at least one auntie who tried to photobomb every frame.

Let’s start with Camila. Dressed in a mesmerizing creation by Zeeshan Danish Couture, she looked like she walked straight out of a Mughal fairytale—regal, radiant, and dripping in golden embroidery that sparkled with every step. Her deep maroon dupatta, veiled in crystals, added a mystique that made Rowell’s first look an emotional mic-drop moment. Camila’s makeup? Absolute perfection, thanks to Makeup by Nadia Tikki, who gave our bride that classic glow with a modern twist. Speaking of Rowell—his custom black sherwani, detailed with gold buttons and a standout embroidered collar, gave off serious Nawab vibes. The duo looked like they were starring in their period drama, only this time, the script was written in genuine love.

Their Nikkah ceremony was intimate, emotional, and flawlessly executed thanks to Dream Events by Sonya, the planning powerhouse who brought every cultural and aesthetic detail to life. From timeline coordination to staging moments like a true cinematic director, Sonya made sure the couple could soak in the joy—without once having to check their phones.

The reception at Lakes at Lacey was pure floral fantasy. We’re talking hundreds of white and blush blooms artfully styled by Siblana Events, with soft drapery and a luxe ivory setup that would make even Pinterest blush. The sweetheart stage? A visual poem. And let’s not forget the beats. DJ Chirag USA kept the dance floor lit with a mix of desi bangers and pop hits. If your aunt wasn’t dancing to “Mundian To Bach Ke” next to your college roommate, were you even at a South Asian wedding? 

Rameen Awan Photography captured every radiant smile, tearful glance, and joyous moment to perfection, while Ali in the Air and Is Films Co worked their cinematic magic behind the scenes. Every frame tells a story of love, legacy, and phenomenal lighting, from the dreamy portraits to that electrifying reception exit.

This wedding is one for the books with picture-perfect moments and a love that lit up every frame.

Take a peek into Divya & Sasikant’s stunning Miami wedding on the Platinum Guide Blog!

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
It was a beautiful New York evening, the Manhattan skyline twinkling by the Hudson River, I felt a warmth that seemed to settle in right away. There was something gentle and genuine about our encounter, like we had stumbled upon a quiet understanding. Our conversation flowed easily, weaving together stories of our favorite city spots, food, family and life’s aspirations. It was more like two friends hanging out together, and catching up on all the recent life adventures. I just remember laughing a lot. He had a great sense of humor, the kind that was so comforting and exhilarating. In that moment, I knew I wanted to explore more of life with this person by my side.

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.
Our wedding was a traditional South Indian Brahmin wedding. From the day we decided to tie the knot, we sat down with our parents and learnt about all the rituals and their significance. Several FaceTime calls later, we came up with a date! We started looking for venues in Miami. JW Marriott Turnberry is a beautiful resort, and it was a perfect blend of contemporary and classic architecture. Design and decor were very important to us, we put in a lot of thought into what captures our essence and culture, but also to keep it very modern and romantic. All the colors and aesthetics really complemented our outfits and fit the overall regal-romantic theme very well. All the time we spent with our families to understand the customs, we shared those insights with our guest on the ritual cards, so they could also follow what was happening and the relevance of it, In a way our guest could be a part of it and share those sentiments with us in that moment. We went to several tastings for food, we wanted to serve a wide spread of food, that everyone could enjoy. We curated the menu in a way that it would have some south indian dishes on the menu, some north indian and a few fusion food items.

The ceremony was in the early morning, before the sunrise, and yet so much energy, high spirits, contagious smiles and joy all around, and of course lots of coffee & snacks. We both were dressed in tradtional silk outfits. As I bride, I was adorned in temple Jewelry and some heirloom jewelry that has been in the family for over four decades. I had a long braid that was coiled with strings of jasmine flowers under the gold veil that was draped over the head, which completed the bridal look. The smell of jasmine is also a core memory now, and it somehow takes me back to our wedding day! But as the sun was rising, we walked around the holy fire and soon we were officially Mr & Mrs. After a late night wedding the live dosa station and south indian Breakfast catered by @the fifth element was cherry on the cake.

The sangeet- was the evening after our wedding. We wanted it to be an after-wedding event once all the serious stuff was done, we wanted a more fun, relaxed time with our guests, to enjoy music, food, and dancing. We chose our outfits accordingly, so we could really dance our hearts out. I wore an Archana Shah lehenga that was bright, beautiful, and easy to carry. We had a unique mix of Hindi, English, and Telugu music, and had a great time celebrating our love. Every dance performance was so unique and had a personal story behind it, which made the night even more special. Our hearts were exploding with all the love and joy.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
As a traditional South Indian bride, I knew I would wear a Kanchipuram saree. The madhuparkam- essentially a white saree with Red border, I knew I wanted to do something different for both of us. I picked an ivory gold and lavender silk saree from Gowri Signatures.As for the first bridal saree, I had a red saree in mind. To make it different from the madhuparkam, I opted for a red meenakari saree from a local weaver in Hyderabad with floral patterns and birds on it.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The most enjoyable part of the planning was learning about all the rituals and understanding their significance, what they meant to us and our families. And being a designer myself, I truly enjoyed designing every little detail of our wedding with Betel leaf Co.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Our wedding was a small, intimate family affair. We had our families and both of our closest friends attend our events. It was filled with so much joy and everybody coming together from all over made it a lot of fun. Everybody enjoyed the decor and food that reflected our true Hyderabad essence. Our venue was JW Marriott Turnberry, and the ballroom was reimagined as a beautiful, palace-like, intricate mirror work structure with blush flowers, chandeliers, and candles. It was a perfect blend of Modern and traditional design. We worked closely with @Suhaag Garden.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
I think a moment that is etched prominently in my memory is the "Panigrahanam" ritual from our wedding ceremony. The anticipation on either side of the curtain around the time of Panigrahanam and Jeelakara Bellam unfolds like a timeless poem for us. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous, but the moment Sasikant's hands clasped mine from the other side, it was our first day of forever. Everyone and all the chaos around us faded away, as we looked at each other and promised to love, respect, and laugh a little bit more each day!

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
I always wondered why weddings are so emotional….As a bride, you are standing at the cusp of the past and the future. So you pivot. It’s like a beautiful tapestry of love and heritage. It is natural to get overwhelmed, and get hung up on some small details, customs or missing the most important person in your life. What's important is to ask for help, delegate, or simply take a break from the planning and go on a nice date and enjoy.

It was clear this wasn’t just a celebration, it was a love letter to their families, and to each other.

JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa and Pavan Events are members of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa VIEW PORTFOLIO

Pavan Events VIEW PORTFOLIO

For more information on how Platinum Guide members are chosen, click here.

Hello darlings, see how Ruchi & Shaunak created wedding magic—now on the Platinum Guide Blog!

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
I first met Shaunak as an undergrad at Case Western in Cleveland, Ohio. I was a sophomore and he was a senior when we first became friends while on our college's Bollywood Fusion dance team, Case Kismat! Our friendship blossomed, evolving into something more towards the end of his senior year. However, with Shaunak embarking on medical school in Toledo, we decided to part ways. After a summer apart, we rekindled our connection and decided to give long-distance a try. While we faced challenges, our bond grew stronger.

Shaunak already knew knew from the start that we were destined to be together. I, still focused on completing my undergraduate degree, wasn't quite ready to envision a future with him. Over time, I realized that he was truly 'the one.' Our relationship was built on a strong foundation of friendship and mutual respect. We faced challenges head-on, learning and growing from every experience. We could effortlessly navigate both joyful moments and serious situations together.

Looking back, I am incredibly grateful for our journey. From our initial connection in college to our decision to spend the rest of our lives together, every step has been an incredible adventure.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Shaunak planned the most incredible proposal! Since it was my birthday, everything leading up to it was cleverly disguised as birthday celebrations. My parents flew in, I got pampered with nails and hair, and even picked out a dress with my mom and sister – all under the guise of birthday festivities. Everyone was in on the secret for over two months!

I had a sneaking suspicion that something special might happen that week, but I tried to convince myself it was just an elaborate birthday surprise. Then, right before we left for what I thought was my birthday dinner, Shaunak's sister arrived unexpectedly from out of town. That's when I knew.

Both my sister and Shaunak's sister accompanied me as we walked through downtown Cleveland to the stunning Arcade, a historic landmark. There, I was greeted by both our parents and Shaunak, who had transformed the space with beautiful flowers and printed canvases showcasing our memories together. To top it off, our best friends from out of town surprised me as the photographers!

Shaunak knelt down and proposed, and it was absolutely magical. The entire evening was so perfectly planned, but I secretly wished for a bigger celebration with all of our friends. After a lovely family dinner, I thought the surprises were over.

The next day, we headed to Shaunak's family home for brunch, and that's where the real surprise awaited me! Over 20 of our closest friends from high school and college were there, just as I had hoped. We spent the day celebrating with everyone, and later enjoyed the VIP section at a downtown club. It was the most unforgettable day!

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The most enjoyable part of the planning process was bringing two families and communities closer together. We learned about each other's values, beliefs, customs, and traditions, and explored how to weave the story of our relationship into the wedding.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Throughout the weekend, there was a palpable sense of joy that was a product of our amazing guests. Song and dance was how our relationship started and our guests shared with us that they loved the creative performances that came from the bride and groom, the bridal party, our families, and our friends.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
The most special moment of our wedding was undoubtedly our 'first touch.' Not wanting to see each other prior to the ceremony, we opted for this unique alternative to the first look. Standing back-to-back, we held hands and privately exchanged our vows. Amidst the whirlwind of wedding preparations, this intimate moment provided a much-needed pause. We were able to slow down, connect with each other, and truly be present before embarking on our journey as a married couple. The intense emotions we felt as our hands met, finally experiencing each other's presence on that day, will forever be etched in our memories. This unforgettable experience was made possible thanks to our brilliant photographer, Deepesh, who suggested this unique approach.

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
Jewelry played a significant role throughout our wedding festivities. My maternal grandmother has always cherished fine jewelry, and she carefully selected many of the sets I wore throughout the weekend. While each piece was beautiful, the most meaningful were those worn during the ceremony: a collection of my mother's wedding jewelry, chosen by her nearly three decades ago. I also wore my maternal grandmother's bangles, my paternal grandmother's nath (a traditional Maharashtrian nose pin), and gold hairpins from my great-grandmother. It was a poignant tribute to the generations of women who came before me.

Every detail of this wedding was a heartfelt tribute to culture and connection.

DJ Riz Entertainment and WSS Weddings are members of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

DJ Riz Entertainment VIEW PORTFOLIO

WSS Weddings VIEW PORTFOLIO

For more information on how Platinum Guide members are chosen, click here.

When Ketaki & Ashish decided to tie the knot in San Jose, CA, they didn't just plan a wedding—they choreographed a stunning cultural celebration filled with vibrant flair, tear-jerking moments, and that unmistakable "Wow" factor that stays with you long after the last dance. From their lush floral mandap to that sun-drenched first look, their wedding was a true Maharani moment in every sense of the word.

Let's start with that first look, shall we? Against a golden field bathed in dreamy California light, Ketaki & Ashish shared a quiet moment that felt like time stood still (and let's be honest—when the lighting is that good, the universe knows what it's doing). Ketaki stunned in a fiery red floral lehenga that looked like the fashion gods themselves had handpicked it—delicate embroidery, sheer elegance, and a dupatta that practically floated—chef's kiss. Meanwhile, Ashish looked like the regal groom in a textured ivory sherwani and matching turban, giving off major modern Maharaja energy.

The ceremony occurred at Fairview Weddings & Events, a venue that framed the couple's love story in panoramic beauty. With Saba Decor Rental's enchanting floral installations and a mandap that looked like it had been plucked from a royal garden, it was a perfect fusion of tradition and elegance. Officiated by Nilesh Pandyaji, the ceremony was both sacred and sweet, with a few happy tears (and maybe a little nervous giggle or two).

Now, let's talk about the magic-makers. Bobby Weddings brought everything together with their exceptional planning and design, ensuring every event flowed seamlessly while still feeling deeply personal. Their eye for detail (and ability to make miracles happen on schedule) deserves its own standing ovation. But none of this would have been captured beautifully without Apollo Fotografie. With every frame, they told a story of romance, joy, and the kind of love that speaks volumes without a word. From candid laughter to sweeping landscape portraits, their lens found the soul of this wedding and served it up in stunning style.

The celebrations started with a high-energy Sangeet at SOAC Mexican Heritage Plaza, where the dhol was loud, the dancing was more audible, and the couple's entrance was pure fire. When we got to the reception at Westin SFO, DJ Love had everyone on the dance floor (yes, even the uncles). And can we talk about Ketaki's reception glow-up? With glam by Cali Bridal Hair & Makeup Artist, she was the modern-day queen. Mehndi by Henna Traditions had already sealed the deal—each intricate swirl symbolized the journey she and Ashish were about to begin. There were tender speeches, hilarious dance performances, and one very cheeky moment when Ashish got emotional mid-toast and blamed it on "someone cutting onions." Classic groom move.

 Darlings, this is a reminder of how love, family, and heritage come together in dazzling ways.

Darlings, get inspired by Karthi & Alex’s magical day—explore it now on the Platinum Guide blog!

Karthi & Alex’s love story is what fusion wedding dreams are made of. Come back for more!

Surya Garigipati Photography & Films LLC, Sheraton Nashua and Bhog Caterers are members of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

Surya Garigipati Photography & Films LLC VIEW PORTFOLIO

Sheraton Nashua VIEW PORTFOLIO

Bhog Caterers VIEW PORTFOLIO

For more information on how Platinum Guide members are chosen, click here.