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!

Lightyear Studio is a member of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

Lightyear Studio VIEW PORTFOLIO

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

Immerse yourself in the enchanting tale of Anisha & Kesar's wedded bliss at the exquisite JW Marriott in Tampa. Anisha collaborated with the creative minds at InStyle Events to orchestrate a wedding day that seamlessly melded tradition with contemporary elegance. Dreams to Reality (Mejoo) transformed the venue into a magical wonderland with luxurious drapery, shimmering chandeliers, and romantic backdrops. As guests entered this breathtaking scene, they were greeted by the melodic beats of Awaaz Entertainment and enjoyed the delicious treats from JW Marriott in Tampa. The delicate artistry of Henna Allure graced Anisha's hands with intricate mehndi, enhancing her natural beauty, further illuminated by the expert touch of Beauty Marked's hair and makeup team. The presence of Sona Photography was notably profound. Their calm demeanor and ability to capture serene, heartfelt moments allowed Anisha & Kesar to be in the moment. The photographers' knack for catching the soft glances and joyful smiles between the couple against the beautifully curated settings resulted in visuals that tell a love story and encapsulate the essence of joy and unity.

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.
After deciding to get married in Florida, we first decided on InStyle Events to help us with the coordination from afar. We only made two very short trips down to Tampa, but Neethu was able to help us narrow down our venues and vendors.

After visiting four venues in three days, we decided on the JW Marriott in Tampa. We loved that it was a new hotel, and the event spaces fit our style choices.

We selected Photo and Video as the first of our vendors, and I couldn't be happier with our decision to go with Mona of Sona Photography and Orlando of Storybook Films. Mona was so calm and easy-going during our events, helping Kesar and me to really slow down and be in the moment. Orlando and his team captured some truly magical clips and shared their excitement with us as they filmed.

All the other details came together slowly but surely. Mejoo of Dreams to Reality went above and beyond to make sure our decor was stunning. Sangeen of Awaaz Entertainment brought the most energy to the dance floor, catering to the tastes of our guests. Most importantly, everybody raved about the food from Saffron!

My dad also played a big role in wedding planning with his store, Backers of Orange, Connecticut. He arranged all the immediate family's tuxedos for the Reception and Kesar's outfit for the welcome dinner. Both my dad and grandmother helped with the tailoring of my outfits as well. It was a special moment to have them involved in one of the most important parts of wedding planning.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I went to India for the very first time to meet Kesar's extended family in December 2022, not planning to spend time looking for wedding outfits. His cousin's wife, Radhika, took us on a whirlwind tour of India. In between visiting the Taj Mahal, Golden Temple, and Wagah Border, she also managed to take me shopping.

We ended up finding my wedding outfits in Mumbai. I knew that I wanted a classic red lehenga for my bridal look. It was important to me to find outfits that catered to modern taste and elegance. It can be overwhelming to visit India for the first time and also pick out your wedding outfits in a language you don't understand, but Kesar's family extended a hand and helped to make the process as seamless as possible.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The most enjoyable part of the planning process had to be the food tastings!

We picked Saffron as our caterer. The food was great, and we loved that they had both Gujarati and Sindhi chefs on their team.

For our reception, the JW Marriott catered a buffet, and that tasting experience was definitely one to remember. We walked into a banquet hall where the chef presented each dish with a wine pairing. That was definitely one of the more fun moments of planning!

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
The most important part of our wedding was our guests. Our family and friends traveled from all parts of the world to be with us in Tampa. Whether it was reuniting with aunts and uncles, which we hadn't seen in years, or seeing the new generation of cousins meeting their family for the first time, the love and joy in being together was the most memorable part of our wedding.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
Walking into our Sangeet and seeing all the pieces come together was so special. It was incredible to see all our family and friends join together just to celebrate us.

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.
The Reception was my favorite event to plan. We wanted the room to look romantic, with dark backgrounds and champagne accents. Mejoo had the idea of using hanging chandeliers, which brought the whole look together.

The Sangeet dances are always some of my favorite moments from weddings. Our siblings, cousins, and aunts all planned such amazing dances. My mom even joined one of the dances to surprise us!

Darlings, get ready to be utterly enchanted with the stories we have compiled for your enjoyment.

Sona Photography and Dreams to Reality are members of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

Sona Photography VIEW PORTFOLIO

Dreams to Reality VIEW PORTFOLIO

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

Maharanis, under the enchanting sunset at JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa, Roma & Vinay's wedding unfolded like a fairy tale. The venue, renowned for its exquisite beachfront views and opulent interiors, served as the perfect canvas for their union, providing a backdrop that was as breathtaking as it was serene. Apsara Events ensured a seamless flow from the heartfelt vows to the lively celebrations, while Milly's Flowers and Events adorned the space with vibrant florals that complement Roma's radiant smile. Capturing every tender moment with masterful photography and evocative cinematography, Rivers Studios meticulously preserved the beauty and emotions of the day. As evening descended and stars emerged, the symphony of laughter, music, and ocean waves celebrated Roma & Vinay's union. It was a splendid celebration of love, set in a dreamlike locale that echoed every promise of their new life together. Let's enjoy the gallery of today's feature!

This magical day was a union of hearts and a beautiful testament to the joy love can inspire.

JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa is a member of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa VIEW PORTFOLIO

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

Hello, sweet ladies! Sumaiya & Ratul's wedding was a breathtaking blend of tradition and romance, meticulously crafted by talented vendors. Set against the stunning backdrop of the NYIT de Seversky Mansion, their day unfolded gracefully and elegantly. Sumaiya's dream of a traditional Bangladeshi Mehendi ceremony came to life in her backyard, thanks to Tizarah Co's exquisite decor and RZM Glam's artistry. Henna by Tehrim created a bespoke pattern to celebrate the beauty and significance of Bangladeshi bridal traditions. Sumaiya radiated beauty in her red Benarasi silk bridal sari from Art of Liza, adorned with Omkar Jewelers' gold jewelry, honoring her heritage with each step down the aisle. Captured in timeless perfection by Ninjabi Studios, every moment, from the vibrant floral arrangements to the heartfelt Nikkah ceremony, was a testament to their love story. Their approach combines a keen eye for composition with the ability to capture candid moments, creating a visual narrative that tells a story beyond the posed images. Relieve the magic through the gallery! 

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
I met my husband on Salams, and I swiped right at him because I thought he was very attractive! I messaged him first, saying I thought he looked familiar, and the conversation took off from there. I lived in New York, and he lived in Florida, so we spoke via FaceTime and iMessage. He sent me flowers after talking for 3 weeks, and we made plans to meet in person. I flew down to Florida and knew after spending a day with him that I wanted to marry him. He was funny, and the conversation never had a dry spot. He was also family-oriented, kind, and patient. I told him I did not want to do long-distance and that we should get married. I was surprised he felt the same way and said he would speak to his parents about the next steps.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
I flew down to Florida for a second time to meet his family. Little did I know, he had already spoken to his brother about setting up a proposal for me. He took me to downtown West Palm Beach, and his brother had set up a 'marry me' sign, and my husband had arranged for a photographer to capture the 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.
I used Instagram a lot to find vendors for decorators and henna. Instagram was really useful in vision alignment with a wide variety of vendors. Because my sister had her reception the year prior, I was fortunate enough to already have contacts for hair/makeup, DJ/Emcee, and photographer/videographer. Finding a venue that fit my vision was a bit challenging. I was looking for an outdoor/indoor venue because I wanted to have a cocktail hour, my ceremony outside, and the reception inside. My younger sister was really helpful in researching venues and finding my wedding venue. I also used Instagram to get ideas for dances, entrances, and different social media things for the itinerary.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I knew I wanted a traditional red sari and to be as cultural as possible. My sister-in-law sent me an Instagram page and told me to pick a sari from there. I chose a red sari with gold embroidery. The embroidery was floral and was stitched all over the sari. The sari came from the UK and was given to me by my in-laws to wear for my wedding.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The most enjoyable part was working together with my friends and family to put the event together. We assembled the wedding favors, gifts, and practiced multiple dances. We spent a lot of family time together planning the itinerary, rehearsals, and every part of the setup.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Guests loved how organized and on time my wedding was. They also loved the speeches my sisters and my cousins gave. They loved how nice and simple the decorations were. We had a really lovely venue, so we did not need extravagant decorations.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
I really liked my entrance for my ceremony. I walked in with my parents and had a pianist playing 'Let's Get Married'. My cousins and my siblings held up scarves until I walked up the aisle and dropped them individually to reveal me to my husband, who was waiting by the altar. My ceremony was very special. The imam was very modern and relatable. Seeing my husband before and after we officially got married made me so happy and replayed in my mind.

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.
Two days before my wedding, I had a mehendi event in the backyard of a house rental. I hired the same decorator for both events. The decorator said the rental was nicer than most wedding venues he had seen and that we could have had our wedding there as well. The style I was going for was traditional elegance, which is why I opted for an outdoor mehendi. The women in my ancestry all had their mehendis outdoors in the village, and I wanted to be reminiscent of my heritage. I had indoor signs handmade by my sisters and cousins. Close friends and family members performed dances.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Even if you aim for perfection in every little detail, in retrospect, there will always be something that could be done better. Don't harp on the little imperfections because that is what made the event perfect.

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
My mehendi jewelry was traditional flower jewelry from Bangladesh. My mother bought my gold wedding set in 2020 in anticipation of rising gold prices. My in-laws picked out my wedding gold jewelry with me, and I also wore that to my wedding. My mehendi cake and wedding cake were from my two favorite bakeries in New York: Lulu's and Martha's.

This wedding was a mesmerizing fusion of tradition and love, beautifully captured in every moment.

Ninjabi Studios is a member of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

Ninjabi Studios VIEW PORTFOLIO

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

Dear Maharanis! Jordan & Aakash's amazing wedding is on today's Platinum Guide Blog. Check it out!

This wedding was a beautiful testament of power love and tradition to last a lifetime.

RaniRaja Weddings and Bogdan Weddings are members of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

RaniRaja Weddings VIEW PORTFOLIO

Bogdan Weddings VIEW PORTFOLIO

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