A scavenger hunt to all of this couple’s most memorable places lead to a proposal at their favorite local hiking trail, the Giant Stairs at Palisades Park. From there the couple set their sights on a magical wedding in Portugal in 2020, but like many couples, COVID-19 derailed their plans. Led by the trustworthy team of Shaadi Destinations, the couple settled on the Dominican Republic.
Turning a dream into a reality wedding in 60 days is no small fete. This decisive couple made decisions and made them fast. The mandap took center stage to capture an airy, casual island vibe. Rattan chandeliers, white gauze and fresh florals came together to set the mood. The bride donned a gorgeous Anita Dongre's bridal lengha with a touch sparkle and detailed embroidery, and was happy to have all the decisions done! Warm beaches, fabulous food and one killer party was the best way to celebrate surrounded by friends and family who had been apart for so long.
“My aunts family unfortunately couldn't attend the wedding due to UK travel restrictions. She took up learning the piano a few years ago and had learned a song that she was going to surprise us with at our original wedding. She instead facetimed me on the morning of our wedding day and played it for me. It was a profound feeling knowing that someone could be so far and still create such a special moment. Terrible for my make up, but it's a moment I will never forget.”
Congratulations Aekta & Samir!
Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
We got engaged in Nov 2018. He planned a scavenger hunt at all of our most memorable places. My closest friends and family were waiting at each place to deliver the next clue. He proposed at our favorite local hiking trail, the Giant Stairs at Palisades Park.
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 original wedding was supposed to be in Portugal in June 2020. Unfortunately, due to coivd, like many other couples, we had to pivot from our original plan. We actually weren't motivated to do a wedding after that process but my mom insisted and started a lot of the initial search process again on our behalf. She reached out to Shaadi Destinations since we always wanted a destination wedding and there was really only 2 hotel options for us, Hyatt was one. We starting planning the wedding planning in March and got married in May. It was hectic to find all new vendors but every single one of them were so amazing and reassured us every step of the way. We were blessed with an incredible team.
How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I always wanted something with more embroidery and a little sparkle. Anita Dongre's bridal lenghas seemed like the perfect blend of both. I walked in, saw 3 that I loved and the one I wore seemed like the right one for our style!
What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
We planned a wedding it 2ish months and had to find all new vendors, a new location and work through a new guest list. So the most enjoyable part for us was when it was over!
What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
It was the first time since covid that my whole family and all our friends had seen each other in person so to be quite honest, they loved that they could spend 3 days laying around the pool/beach and 3 nights partying together.
Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
My aunts family unfortunately couldn't attend the wedding due to UK travel restrictions. She took up learning the piano a few years ago and had learned a song that she was going to surprise us with at our original wedding. She instead facetimed me on the morning of our wedding day and played it for me. It was a profound feeling knowing that someone could be so far and still create such a special moment. Terrible for my make up, but its a moment I will never forget.
Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Its a crazy emotional roller coaster experience but it goes by in a blink of an eye. Enjoy every moment!
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