Welcome to Maharani Weddings

Hello, sweeties! Today, we invite you into the enchanting world of Nitika & Dominic's wedding. The exquisite Crystal Plaza came alive, setting a heavenly stage for the ceremony. The air was scented with lush floral arrangements by Tradition & Trends, adding a layer of allure to every corner of the venue. Nitika's beauty was accentuated by Aisha Rao lehenga, the masterful touch of Shades with Prithvi LLC, and her hands adorned with the lovely patterns by Henna by Arunika. The revelry moved to The Merion for the reception, where DJ Sargam & Legacy DJs filled the night with vibrant beats. Amidst the laughter and dancing, every moment was artfully captured by Lightyear Studio. Their lenses didn't just record events; they encapsulated the emotion and soul of the day— from Nitika's joyful tears during the vows to the couple's playful first dance. They worked with an eye for timeless moments, ensuring each frame was a portal to these precious memories. Relieve the magic and enjoy.

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
My husband, Dominic, and I actually met while in graduate school at Caltech. He was working on his PhD in electrical engineering while I was working on my PhD in astrophysics. We had many shared interests that brought us closer -- we loved spending time on long hikes in the mountains together, experimenting with new baking recipes, and listening to Taylor Swift. It wasn't very long before we both just felt like each other's best friends, which we both think is the cornerstone to a wonderful marriage :)

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Dominic proposed at Cliffside Park in Santa Barbara, California. He had colluded with both of our families to plan and set everything up. On the day of, we were supposed to be heading out for a nice dinner and he suggested watching the sunset over the water before dinner. We walked to a pretty overlook point where there were fairy lights strung on the trees and flowers and a table set up with music playing in the background. After he got down on one knee (and of course, I said yes!), our parents and sisters jumped out from behind the trees where they were hiding to celebrate with us :)

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
For our wedding reception, I ended up choosing an Aisha Rao lehenga. We wanted me to wear something white for the wedding reception, and I knew I wanted to wear something unique. As a nature lover, when I saw this Aisha Rao lehenga, I was so in love with the embroidered trees and birds, and I loved the pops of color it brought to the outfit. It felt like an incredible fit to my personality, so I was thrilled with it.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
Our wedding ceremony was a traditional Hindu ceremony, but we decided to exchange some personal vows in the middle as well. It was really special to us to be able to express our commitment to each other in our own words and to share the depth of our love with our friends and family. And I know we both nailed it with our vows because both of us kept insisting the other person's vows were the best ones :)

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
In the midst of the stress of wedding planning, it's so easy to feel like lots of little details are SO important - what color palette we should pick, which h'orderves we should serve, how I should arrange the seating chart, etc. The truth is, those things are not what makes the wedding special at the end of the day. Sure, of course, people notice that your decor is pretty and the food is yummy and such, but the #1 thing folks who attended our wedding told us was how obvious it was to them that we were over the moon to be together and that the love was tangible in the air. As a couple, that's what you'll remember too, just the joy of sharing that day together and then sharing forever together. Don't let all the little things bog you down!

We invite you to enjoy the stories that are available on our blog. Prepare to be swept off your feet!

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As the sun dipped beneath the horizon, Anisha & Rishi stood hand in hand, ready to embark on the journey of a lifetime. Set against the stunning backdrop of Los Coyotes Country Club and Terranea Resort, every detail of their special day was meticulously curated by Lavish & Co., from the electric Morrocan Sangeet to the sunny Haldi ceremony at Rishi’s house in Newport Beach. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blossoms, courtesy of Three Petals Design. Andrea Vlaovich created incredible hair and makeup that complemented Anisha's outfits from Sabyasachi and Manish Malhotra. Their dog Kali wasn’t just a guest; she was part of the crew, decked out in Indian outfits that matched the day's vibe. A live painter captured the moments of our wedding, while 3D Sounds lit up our reception with his beats. With Lin & Jirsa Photography capturing every smile and stolen glance, it was evident that this was a celebration of love in its purest form. Their special day radiated charm and romance. 

It was a spellbinding fusion of love and tradition, leaving indelible memories for all who shared.

Amidst the enchanting ambiance of Hilton Pearl River, Sonica & Patrick embarked on their journey of love, surrounded by the intricate floral arrangements crafted by Abhishek Decorators. The venue transformed into a romantic haven, perfectly reflecting the essence of the couple's union. The comprehensive event management of the talented team of KM Events Management played a pivotal role in seamlessly orchestrating the day's events. Mehndi by Anuja created intricate bridal patterns to celebrate incredible memories. Cinderella Bridez added a touch of fairytale magic to Sonica's experience, turning her dreams into reality. The lens of Saroj Studios immortalized every moment and glance exchanged between Sonica & Patrick; every smile, tear, and fleeting moment was preserved, allowing the couple to relive their special day for generations to come. Let's enjoy this wedding!

Their wedding celebration epitomizes the timeless magic of love and beauty intertwined.

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Hello Maharanis! Don't forget to check out Lauren & Kam's wedding in today's Platinum Guide Blog!

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
I worked as a Cardiac ICU nurse and Kam was finishing up his last year of Cardiology fellowship when we first met. We both lived in Philadelphia and decided to explore the city together. Our favorite hobbies are still finding the best spots in Philly to eat at and visiting cocktail bars and wine lounges.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Kam lived in Rittenhouse his last year of fellowship and we enjoyed many days hanging out at his rooftop. When proposal time came around, he recruited my best friends to take me out to brunch. They recommended we go out to Kam's old building to see a mutual friend, and to my surprise, Kam was waiting at the rooftop with both our families and closest friends.

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.
We wanted a wedding that celebrated both our cultures and us as individuals. We decided to have a traditional Hindu ceremony followed by a chic black-tie reception. We chose W Philadelphia in Center City and could not have been happier. W Philadelphia provided multiple sites for our Sangeet, Ceremony, and Reception with modern elegant backdrops.

Nazranaa in Edison, NJ was crucial in helping us with our outfit selections. They went above and beyond in helping Lauren's family wear traditional Indian attire. It was a fun experience for Lauren's family as it was their first time wearing traditional Indian clothes.

Many guests complimented our DJ for the weekend, DJ Shilpa. Our Baraat down Chestnut Street with DJ Shilpa blasting music was a memory many people would never forget. Our dance floor at the reception was packed from the beginning due to DJ Shilpa.

My bridal make-up artist, Pauline from Flawless Beauty by Pauline, helped me feel like the most beautiful version of myself for all of the weekend's events.

Abhishek Decorators built the most beautiful sets for our Sangeet, Mandap, and wedding reception. They truly created the exact vision we wanted for all the events.

Nathan Dang's team from Lightyear Studio provided photography and videography. They were able to capture all the events perfectly and encapsulated the energy and love present all weekend.

And, of course, our weekend would not have turned out so well if not for Evenings of Elegance, run by Dharmi Shah, who was our Wedding Planner. We worked with her for over a year before our wedding day, and she kept us on track in meeting deadlines while navigating our hectic work schedules. Her wealth of knowledge and contacts helped us make decisions, even when we couldn't decide. Due to her attention to detail and timeliness, we were even able to start our ceremony early and finish ahead of schedule (who is able to say that!).

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
All of our guests commented on how seamlessly each event went without any hiccups or problems. This is 100% attributed to the work, dedication, and planning of our Wedding Planner/Coordinator, Evenings of Elegance. There was almost no stress on our part during the weekend, knowing we had Dharmi Shah from Evenings of Elegance in our corner.

Their wedding was not just an occasion but a vivid tapestry of love, joy, and unity.

Shilpa Entertainment, Monaco Experiences and Lightyear Studio are members of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

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Resham & Arjun's journey from a long-distance relationship to the altar is a tale of love, coordination, and surprises. Their proposal story is straight out of a fairy tale. The extensive planning by Arjun, involving Resham's family, friends, and even her boss, culminated in a magical moment at The Wharf, disguised as a cousin's sweet 16 birthday party. Resham's walk up the pier, with red balloons and flowers creating a dreamlike ambiance, led her to Arjun, a proposal that turned her dreams into reality.

Selecting the bridal attire is a crucial aspect of South Asian weddings. Resham's choice was a testament to her elegant taste. She chose a Rimple & Harpreet design, a perfect amalgamation of traditional and modern styles. The bridal lengha, adorned with red and pink hues and peacock designs, was not just a dress but a symbol of regal elegance, evoking tears of joy from her mother.

The planning process, often daunting, turned into a delightful experience for Resham. The joy for her lay not in the planning itself but in witnessing the realization of her dreams and visions. The vendors' kindness and thoughtfulness, along with the overwhelming love from guests from over 15 cities, made the events a perfect execution of her aspirations.

Halfway down, she danced to 'Sau Aasmaan,' a moment dedicated solely to her and Arjun, symbolizing the beginning of their new journey together. Resham shared special moments with each family member, creating unforgettable memories. Her entrance with her brother on a rickshaw during the Sangeet, the father-daughter dance, and wearing her mother's Sangeet outfit and jewelry were poignant tributes to her family's love and support.

Each element was infused with personal significance, from the meticulously chosen bridal lengha to the joyful Sangeet entrance. Resham's decision to honor her family's legacy, from her mother's jewelry to her dance for Arjun, added depth and emotion to the festivities. The thoughtful inclusion of family in every aspect of the wedding festivities honored their past and set a foundation for their future together.

Resham & Arjun's wedding story is a beautiful reminder of the power of love to cross distances, the importance of family in our lives, and the joy that comes from bringing together tradition and personal touches. Their celebration was more than just a series of events; it was a vivid tapestry of love, culture, and family, beautifully woven to mark the beginning of their new life.

Congratulations Resham & Arjun!

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
We spent about 6 months in a long-distance relationship, flying back and forth between the East Coast and the West Coast. Little did I know that while we were always coordinating when to see each other next, Arjun had decided in February 2022 that he wanted to pop the question! Apparently he spent coordinating plans with my parents, brother, and close friends (even my boss at the time was in on it!), and also ensuring that his own family flew in from India for the moment too. While I thought I was going to The Wharf for my cousin’s sweet 16 birthday party, I was actually heading to my own proposal. As I walked up the pier, I realized what was happening as I saw the red balloons, flowers, and everyone gathered around, but all I could feel was giddiness and happiness on the inside as I walked towards Arjun. He took my dream proposal and turned it into the real one: the decor, the location, the people.. It was truly such a perfect moment.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I have always admired Rimple & Harpreet’s designs as I feel they are the perfect balance of elegance, tradition, and modernity. So when the time came to plan my own outfits, I always dreamed of wearing a design of theirs. I tried on about 3 different lenghas at the boutique in Delhi; but I knew this was the one the moment I wore it. Not only was it the only one that made my mom tear up when I wore it, but it was also the perfect balance of the traditional and modern look I was hoping for. It had a balance of red and pink hues, and it also incorporated peacocks into the design giving such a regal feel when worn.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
For me, the best part of the planning wasn’t the planning process itself, but it was watching all my dreams and visions come to life during the events. The vendors that came together to put this weekend into action were so kind and so thoughtful through it all, and I appreciate the effort they put in to make sure the execution was nothing less of perfection.
I also remember feeling so overwhelmed with love as I looked around at all the people who had come together from over 15 different cities around the world to celebrate our love and union.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
For me, the entire wedding flew by in a second. Some moments from the wedding felt so surreal as if I had lived them in a dream. But, there is one moment I remember so clearly, and I think I will remember that moment forever. I knew when I walked down the aisle I wanted to honor my relationship with my father, but also give a moment to cherish my husband to be and the journey I was about to embark on with him. Only my parents, my wedding planner, and the photographer knew about the surprise I had planned for my husband. I walked halfway down the aisle with my dad, and then as I walked down the second half towards the mandap, I danced to Sau Aasmaan for my husband. In that moment, nothing else mattered, and it really truly was just me, him, and our love,

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
To me, my wedding was truly about cherishing and showcasing the bond I have with my parents and younger brother, as well as honoring the bond that I was building with my husband. I made it a point to have one special moment with each of them throughout the weekend. My Sangeet entrance was with my brother; he drove me into the ballroom on a rickshaw as everyone cheered us on. I was able to walk down the aisle with my father and also do a father daughter dance with him at the reception. For my husband, I danced down the aisle for him and also performed a solo performance to emote my feelings of love for him. To cherish my bond with my mom, I took the outfit and jewelry she wore to her own Sangeet and wore them all to my own Sangeet 25 years later.