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Your wedding day is one of the most significant milestones in your life, especially when it comes to a Hindu wedding, where every ritual is steeped in tradition and cultural significance. The wedding priest, pandit or officiant, plays a crucial role in guiding these sacred rituals, ensuring that each step is meaningful and resonates with your beliefs. To make sure your ceremony is everything you've dreamed of, it's important to have open communication with your priest from the start. Before diving into the 15 essential questions to ask your Hindu wedding priest to ensure your big day is perfect, it's important to understand—what exactly is a Pandit and how to choose one for your wedding?

What Is a Pandit?

In traditional Indian or Hindu weddings, the presence of a knowledgeable Hindu priest, commonly referred to as a "pandit," is essential. In contemporary settings, the term "wedding officiant" is also used. A pandit guides you through the intricate and sacred rituals of a Hindu wedding ceremony, ensuring that everything aligns with the time-honored traditions. Many who grew up in the West may not be fully familiar with these customs, but your pandit is an expert in performing these rites.

How Do I Choose a Pandit for My Wedding?

Your choice of a Hindu priest can significantly impact the tone of your wedding. A pandit should ideally be knowledgeable, engaging, and adaptable to your needs. It’s important to find someone who is professional and personable—someone who can strike a balance between engaging the Indian guests who have seen many ceremonies and the non-Indians who are curious about the traditions. This will ensure a memorable and respectful ceremony for all your guests.

Questions to Ask Your Hindu Wedding Priest

1. What Is Your Experience with Hindu Weddings?

Start by understanding your priest's experience. Have they officiated many weddings? Do they specialize in particular Hindu traditions, such as North Indian, South Indian, or Gujarati ceremonies? Knowing their background will give you confidence in their ability to guide your wedding smoothly. 

2. Can You Customize the Ceremony to Reflect Our Family Traditions?

Hindu weddings are rich with regional and family-specific rituals. Ask your priest if they can incorporate these unique traditions into your ceremony. Whether it's a particular mantra, a family deity, or a specific ritual, a customized ceremony will make your wedding more personal and meaningful. 

3. What Rituals Are Included in the Ceremony?

Every Hindu wedding includes essential rituals like the Saptapadi (Seven Steps) and the Kanyadaan (giving away the bride). However, these rituals can vary. Ask for a detailed breakdown of what rituals will be performed and their significance, so you and your guests can fully appreciate the ceremony. 

4. How Long Will the Ceremony Last?

Hindu wedding ceremonies can be lengthy, often ranging from one to three hours. Discuss the expected duration of your ceremony and whether any adjustments can be made to fit your timeline while still respecting the traditions. 

5. Will You Explain the Rituals to Our Guests?

For many guests, especially those unfamiliar with Hindu customs, the rituals might be hard to understand. Ask your priest if they can explain the significance of each ritual during the ceremony, making it a more inclusive and engaging experience for everyone.

6. Can You Conduct the Ceremony in English or a Bilingual Format?

If you have guests who don’t understand the language traditionally used in Hindu ceremonies, ask your priest if they can conduct the ceremony in English or in a bilingual format. This ensures everyone feels connected to the ceremony. 

7. Do You Require Any Special Items or Setup for the Ceremony?

Each ritual may require specific items like flowers, fruits, or a havan (sacred fire) setup. Make sure you know in advance what you need to prepare so everything is ready on the big day. 

8. What Is the Dress Code for the Ceremony?

While most Hindu weddings have a traditional dress code, it’s a good idea to confirm with your priest. They might have specific requirements for attire, especially for close family members involved in the rituals. 

9. How Early Should We Arrive Before the Ceremony?

Timeliness is key for a smooth wedding day. Ask your priest when you and your bridal party should be ready at the venue. This helps avoid any last-minute rush and ensures the ceremony starts on time. 

10. Do You Offer Pre-Wedding Counseling or Guidance?

Some priests offer pre-wedding counseling or spiritual guidance to the couple. This can be a great opportunity to gain deeper insights into married life and the spiritual aspects of your union.

11. Are There Any Restrictions or Guidelines We Should Know About?

Certain Hindu rituals may have specific guidelines or restrictions, such as fasting before the ceremony or abstaining from specific foods. Make sure you're aware of these in advance so you can prepare accordingly.

12. How Should We Prepare Spiritually for the Ceremony?

Your wedding day isn’t just a physical event; it’s a deeply spiritual occasion. Ask your priest how you and your partner can prepare spiritually, whether through meditation, prayer, or other practices.

13. Can We Include Non-Hindu Elements in the Ceremony?

In many multicultural weddings, couples wish to incorporate elements from other faiths or personal traditions. Discuss with your priest if these can be respectfully included without compromising the sanctity of the Hindu rituals.

14. What Are Your Fees and Payment Terms?

It’s important to be clear about the officiant’s fees and any additional costs. Discuss the payment terms upfront to avoid any misunderstandings later.

15. Are You Available for the Rehearsal?

A wedding rehearsal can be incredibly helpful in ensuring that everyone knows their role during the ceremony. Ask your priest if they can attend the rehearsal to guide you through the process and address any last-minute questions.

Additional Considerations for Selecting Your Hindu Wedding Priest

When selecting a Hindu wedding priest, consider their experience, knowledge of Hindu customs, and availability on your wedding date.

Understanding Costs: A typical Hindu wedding ceremony in the US can range from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the location and the specific requirements. If you’re planning a destination wedding, you’ll need to factor in travel and accommodation costs.

Customizing the Ceremony: It’s essential to find a priest who can adapt to your needs, whether that means incorporating interfaith elements, conducting the ceremony in multiple languages, or adding a sense of humor to engage your guests. A good priest will be professional, personable, and able to keep your ceremony on schedule while honoring the traditions that matter most to you.

Ceremonial Gear: Ensure your priest brings all necessary ceremonial items, such as religious idols, havan materials, and specific items like coconuts and turmeric. This helps avoid last-minute stress and ensures everything is in place for the rituals.

Your wedding day is a profound celebration of love, tradition, and culture. By asking these key questions and planning accordingly, you’ll ensure that your Hindu wedding ceremony is conducted with respect and authenticity. A thoughtful approach and open communication with your pandit will help create a memorable and meaningful ceremony for you, your partner, and your guests.

In the vibrant heart of New York City, Rushika & Neil's love story blossomed, intertwining fate, connection, and a journey that spanned continents. The couple first met in college through mutual friends. Their friendship deepened when Neil moved to New York in 2021. A simple stroll through Gramercy Park turned into a surprise proposal orchestrated by Neil under the guise of a family celebration. Their journey culminated in a stunning destination wedding at the JW Marriott Cancun, blending their cultures and reflecting their unique bond. 

Rushika & Neil wanted their wedding to reflect their Indian heritage while capturing Cancun's tropical beauty. With the help of wedding planners Brittany and Whitney from Eventrics and Ateet from Indian Destination Weddings, they organized a beautiful event at the JW Marriott Cancun. They collaborated with top-notch vendors such as Bruno Rezza for photography, My Love Films for videography, DJ Insomnia, and decorator Candy from Canteiro Weddings, all of whom played essential roles in bringing their dream wedding to life.

Rushika's bridal attire was a harmonious blend of creativity and tradition. She collaborated with a designer in Mumbai to create a wedding lehenga that honored her Indian heritage while reflecting the vibrant colors of Cancun. The intricate motifs and tropical hues captured the essence of their cultural fusion, perfectly complementing the destination.

Throughout the planning process, Rushika found that choosing the right vendors was essential to realizing their vision. She advises brides-to-be to select a team that understands their unique style, ensuring that every detail is meticulously planned, allowing them to enjoy their day.

As they embark on their journey as husband and wife, Rushika & Neil's wedding day remains a celebration of love, unity, cultural fusion, unwavering support of family and friends, and the power of love that transcends borders. Their destination wedding in Cancun exemplifies the beauty of a modern South Asian celebration, where tradition meets tropical elegance, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
Neil and I first met during undergrad - his college friends were my high school friends. Over the years, we occasionally ran into each other at friends' weddings. It wasn't until Neil moved to New York in the summer of 2021 that we really connected. We met again at a party hosted by a friend, and from there, the rest is history!

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Neil proposed to my favorite park in the city, Gramercy Park. On a cold, rainy January day, he took me there one last time, saying we were heading to a big birthday dinner for his cousin close by. After a stroll, he got down on one knee and proposed! I was stunned but quickly said yes. Definitely one of the best, most thoughtful surprises of my life!

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 first step was finding our wedding planners, Brittany and Whitney, at Eventrics and then working with Ateet from Indian Destination Weddings to secure our venue, the JW Marriott Cancun. Brittany, Whitney, and Ateet collaborated seamlessly with the JW events team to organize site visits, help us choose spaces for our five events, and coordinate guest logistics. Brittany introduced us to fantastic vendors like Bruno Rezza (our photographer), My Love Films (our videographer), DJ Insomnia, and Candy at Canteiro Weddings (our decorator), all of whom we loved immediately. Everyone contributed creative ideas and options, which made the planning process smooth and enjoyable.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I designed my wedding lehenga with the help of a designer in Mumbai. I knew I wanted some colorful and fun elements to my lehenga for our wedding in Cancun to reflect the beautiful surroundings. The bright peacocks, elephants, and scenery on my lehenga beautifully complemented the tropical setting, adding a festive touch to our celebration by incorporating our Indian heritage.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
Our favorite part of wedding planning were the dance classes we took. We were a little nervous about our first dance so signed up for classes near our apartment in NYC. The classes turned into a wonderful weekly break - one hour where we could have fun with each other without wedding talk & to-do lists coming up.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
We purposefully selected an intimate resort that wasn’t spread out so our guests could easily spend time together. Seeing friends and family from different parts of our lives connect and enjoy themselves together - at the pool, onsite restaurants, etc., between planned wedding events - was one of our favorite parts of the weekend.

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.
For many of our outfits, we found inspiration through Instagram and visiting shops in New York and London. After that, we had some outfits created by the same designer in Mumbai - she was able to weave in similar colors and components across both of our outfits.

In terms of a location, we originally wanted to pursue a destination wedding because it allowed for a more relaxing mood during the weekend - especially considering we got married in January. We chose Cancun because of proximity to an airport, East and West Coast accessibility, enough infrastructure and vendor choices, and familiarity for many guests. We went into planning with the goal of making our wedding as easy and seamless as possible for our guests.

In terms of our venue, the JW Marriott was phenomenal. Not only do they have multiple, different venues on-site, they are very accommodating to our requests and understand Indian weddings inside-out. They not only ensured the bride and groom had everything we needed through planning but took care of all our guests’ needs throughout the weekend.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Searching for vendors can be exhausting, but investing time and effort to find the ones you love is crucial. With the right team in place, you'll enjoy your wedding weekend, confident that your vendors will handle everything seamlessly without troubling you.

Eventrics Weddings, Indian Destination Wedding and JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa are members of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

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Barefoot on the golden sands of Los Cabos, you stand ready to pledge your heart to the one you love. The moment feels like a dream, yet it's breathtakingly real at the JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa. Here, in a haven where luxury meets tranquility, your love story unfolds against the backdrop of nature's beauty. As a certified vendor for South Asian weddings by MaharaniWeddings.com, this enchanting venue is where your most cherished dreams come to life, weaving a tapestry of romance and serenity on the most important day of your life.

A wedding is a carefully choreographed dance of details, and this is where the  JW Marriott Los Cabos truly shines. With the expertise of Marriott Certified Wedding Planners, every element of your day is meticulously crafted and flawlessly executed. The resort's flexibility in hosting multi-day events makes it ideal for South Asian weddings, where each ceremony is its celebration. From intimate beachfront vows to grand indoor gatherings, you and your guests will experience a feast for the senses at every turn. With lush gardens, elegant ballrooms, and open-air terraces, the JW Marriott Los Cabos is equipped to accommodate all your wedding events in unforgettable style.

What truly sets this venue apart is its ability to seamlessly merge the vibrancy of South Asian traditions with the tranquility and elegance of a destination wedding. Picture your family and friends enjoying luxurious amenities during the day, then gathering for an evening of vibrant celebrations, dancing under the stars as the waves gently lap the shore.

At JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa, your wedding day is more than a ceremony—it's a symphony of love, beauty, and unforgettable moments. With their unique location, certified wedding planners, and stunning venues, they are ready to make your dream wedding a reality.

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

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Kiran & Gurj's love story took a magical turn during a romantic holiday in Dubai. After a lovely dinner, Gurj surprised Kiran with a blindfold and led her across the beach. As he removed it, Kiran was greeted with the most enchanting scene—a pathway of twinkling lights leading to a setup of strawberries, champagne, and Polaroid pictures of their shared memories. The words "Marry Me" glowed in fairy lights as the sun set, and in that unforgettable moment, Gurj got down on one knee and proposed. It was a perfect memory Kiran would cherish forever.

When it came time to plan their wedding, Kiran & Gurj knew they wanted a destination wedding that combined luxury and charm, and they found exactly that at Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco. Nestled in the stunning Tuscan hills, the venue offered breathtaking views and the perfect blend of elegance and Italian character. With BIWI as their wedding planner, the couple worked through every detail, from their pastel-themed ceremony with soft florals in shades of mauve and purple to their vibrant, colorful Jaggo night that reflected their Punjabi heritage. The welcome party embraced traditional Italian charm with authentic decor featuring classic prints and lemons. The BIWI team crafted mood boards for each event, helping them visualize how the celebration would come together.

For her bridal look, Kiran had always envisioned wearing ivory. She found the perfect wedding lengha from Faiza Saqlain, a stunning hand-embroidered tulle and silk adorned with intricate floral motifs. The lengha, crafted using dabka, zardozi, and resham embroidery techniques, captured Kiran's vision of elegance and tradition.

One of Kiran's most cherished moments from the wedding was her first dance with Gurj as husband and wife. Under a canopy of fairy lights surrounded by friends and family, the moment felt like a fairytale, capturing the magic of their love and the beauty of the day. The rich traditions, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable personal touches made their wedding a remarkable celebration.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
We were out for a lovely dinner whilst on holiday in Dubai. After the dinner, Gurj suggested we go for some drinks at one of the bars near the beach. As we approached the bar in the taxi, he hands me a blindfold and tells me to put it on. He walked me across the beach and as he unfolded the blindfold, I saw the most magical and romantic set up with a path of twinkling lights leading to strawberries and champagne, polaroid pictures capturing our shared memories and the words "Marry Me' in fairy lights. As the sun sets, Gurj gets down on his knee and proposes. It was the most beautiful and memorable moment that will stay with me forever.

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.
Once we had confirmed we wanted a destination wedding in Italy and had picked BIWI as our wedding planner, we started making arrangements to view venues. We instantly fell in love with Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco. Located in the Tuscan hills with the most incredible views, we just knew it had the luxurious feel yet maintaining the Italian charm we were looking for. Hair & Make up was an easy decision as I knew who my number one choices were and just had everything crossed for them to be available. Thankfully, both of these artists were and they were just as excited as me to bring my vision to life! I always knew I wanted the theme to be pastel, soft florals. We decided on the colour mauve and different hues of purple to be the main choice of theme for the wedding ceremony and Reception. The welcome party would bring authentic italian charm with traditional italian prints, lemons. The Jaggo/sangeet night, we wanted it to be a burst of colour to reflect our traditional punjabi culture.  The BIWI team created wonderful mood boards for each event, noting colours and ideas of flowers and accessories so we could visualise how it would all come together.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I had always envisioned to wear Ivory for my wedding lengha with intricate embroidary so when I came across Faiza Saqlain's beautiful hand embroidered tulle and silk lengha, adorned in stunning floral motifs using dabka, zardozi and resham among other hand embroidery techniques, I knew I had found the one.

In the heart of Atlanta, amidst the city's vibrant energy and the rich tapestry of their shared heritage, Jinal & David's love story began in 2011 during their college years, when they met through mutual friends from Savannah. Although both were in other relationships then, a deep friendship quickly blossomed between them. Their connection endured over the years, even as life took them in different directions. Fate intervened a decade later when they reunited at a mutual friend's wedding in 2021, and in that moment, they knew it was time for their love to take center stage, marking the true beginning of their journey together.

David's proposal in May 2022 perfectly reflected the journey he and Jinal had shared. Under the pretense of attending a charity event, he orchestrated a surprise that brought together their families at Ventanas rooftop in Atlanta. As they turned the corner, Jinal was greeted by a stunning display—' MARRY ME' spelled out in flowers with the city's skyline as the backdrop. Overcome with emotion and surrounded by loved ones, she tearfully accepted David's proposal. 

Determined to celebrate their love significantly, Jinal & David carefully planned their dream wedding. They envisioned a celebration that reflected their unique identities and honored their cultural backgrounds, thoughtfully considering every detail, ensuring that their wedding embodied who they were and their journey together. 

Jinal embarked on an exciting and anticipated journey to find the perfect bridal attire. She chose a Rajasthani-inspired lengha, drawn to its vibrant colors and intricate details that deeply resonated with her. Despite the challenges of shopping online and consulting with designers in India via FaceTime, she persevered and found what she had envisioned. The final result was a stunning blend of tradition and modern elegance.

The interfaith ceremony, a beautiful blend of Hindu traditions and personal elements, created an inclusive and heartfelt experience for everyone in attendance. Guests were deeply touched by the thoughtful details and personal touches woven into every aspect of the celebration, making it a day filled with meaning and connection.

Jinal encourages others to embrace every moment of their special day, reminding them that time will pass in a blur. Her words motivate brides to focus on what truly matters—the celebration of love, the deep commitment to one another, and the joy of sharing these unforgettable moments with family and friends. In the end, it's the love and connection that make the day timeless.

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
I met David back in 2011 when we were both attending college in Atlanta. I had just moved to the city, and he had moved from Savannah to attend Georgia Tech. Being from Savannah, David had many Indian friends who soon became my friends as well. When I needed help moving into my new place, our mutual friends Savan and Sagar offered to assist, bringing along their super cute Guatemalan friend, David.

At the time, David and I were both in other relationships, but we remained great friends over the years. Fast forward to 2021, and it's Savan's wedding in Orlando after everyone had been isolated due to COVID. David and I had both recently gotten out of relationships, and when we saw each other after such a long time, we knew we couldn't miss the chance to finally date.

Two weeks later, David flew from Florida to Atlanta, where he was staying, and we had our first date. He asked me to be his girlfriend the day I picked him up, and the rest is history. My parents were thrilled to have a son-in-law who is kind, loving, and respectful. I knew he was the one the moment I saw him again in 2021. He was my college crush, someone I always talked about to my family but never thought I would end up with—until I did! That weekend, besides our wedding weekend, was one of the best weekends of my life.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Oh man, did he do great on this one! In May of 2022, David had just started a new job and told me his company hosted fancy charity events and parties every year in June. I was thrilled at the chance to dress up and experience something new. The whole time, I thought we were going to a charity event—he even got my sister to help make fake invitations and everything. I should have pieced it together when he said his parents were coming to town that weekend, but I just thought they were visiting since we hadn't seen them in a while.

David secretly gathered his entire family and mine at Ventanas rooftop in Atlanta. On our way to the "charity event," I started getting nervous, wondering what conversations I'd have with his older coworkers and their spouses. Meanwhile, David was freaking out because he was about to propose, and I still had no idea. When we reached the rooftop, I remember thinking it was extremely quiet for a charity event. A girl told us to turn the corner, and as we did, I saw huge pampas grass and rose bouquets with a sign that said "MARRY ME." I honestly blacked out after that because I was in such shock!

We had the most beautiful view of the Atlanta skyline, and my dream guy was proposing to me—I was in heaven. To make it even better, after he asked me to marry him, I turned around to see all our loved ones approaching and cheering us on with excitement. That's when I started bawling. He literally thought of everything! I couldn't have asked for a more amazing and memorable proposal.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
Believe it or not, I did all my shopping online via FaceTime in India. Unfortunately, I didn't have enough time to make the trip to India due to work. I pinned a bunch of inspirational outfits and considered a few designer pieces. One night, while scrolling on Instagram, I saw a beautiful lengha that I knew I had to have. The colors were unique yet traditional, with a regal Rajasthani look. After countless FaceTime calls with the designer in India, we got that exact outfit made in my size, and it couldn't have been more perfect.

I'm a bit untraditional and didn't want sleeves on my outfit, which my mom wasn't keen on at first. However, once she saw how beautiful it looked sleeveless, it was a win-win for us all! On top of that, my reception outfit was so white and sparkly everywhere I felt like a diamond.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
All of it! Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime day where you get to go all out and let your personalities truly shine. We both definitely enjoyed the food tastings and attending different wedding expos together to decide on food, decor, and entertainment for our big day. Once we were in wedding planning mode, I spent the entire next year watching wedding movies and shows. Every night, David and I would watch a show called *Four Weddings,* where you get to rate different weddings based on food, decor, venue, and dress. It was always fun to see why the winners won and why the others didn't.

Taking pre-wedding photo shoots was always a blast, too! Shopping for multiple outfits leading up to all the different parties is every girl's dream. I miss all of it!

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
We got so many raves about our whole wedding! Because we had an interfaith wedding, our guests loved that we had our own twist on everything. We shared the Pithi with our families, and David's family from Guatemala got to experience our Indian culture, which was so special! We wanted our wedding day to be enjoyable but also relaxing for our guests, so we made sure they didn't have to wake up super early to rush to get ready. Our Baraat started at 1 pm, which gave our guests ample time to wake up at their leisure and hang out around the Avalon before the festivities began. Since our wedding was on the last day of September, the weather was perfect - not too hot and cool enough to keep everyone from dying of heat during the Baraat. One big thing that was important to David and me was that we could understand the Hindu vows we were reciting to one another. During a lot of Indian weddings, it's difficult to understand what is being said in our native languages, so we wanted to make sure we had a priest who could do interfaith weddings and explain our Hindu vows in English and tailor our ceremony to also recognize Christianity so everyone could feel that they were a part of our wedding. Tailoring the ceremony also allowed us to cut the traditional 3hr Hindu wedding down to 1hr and 15min - which was a hit for all of our guests!! The chutney sandwiches and mango lassi that were passed out during the ceremony were also a big winner with everyone. And we got so many compliments on our decor and how glamorous everything was - I love a wow factor but also simplicity and I wanted to make sure we made our dollars go far, so we reused the arrangements from our wedding at our reception as well! I would have to say everyone LOVED the late-night Pizza we had at the end of the night to end everything. Antico's is our favorite pizza spot, and having them as a part of our special night meant everything to us! The Avalon is just such a great area to have your wedding. With all the shops and restaurants within walking distance, your guests are always entertained, and it really makes them feel like you thought of everything for them.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
That's tough, it was all a dream come true! I still to this day find myself going back and replaying our videos and going through pictures weekly because the whole day was just pure magic. Just knowing that everyone I love and cared for was all under the same roof at the same time celebrating my love was hands down the best feeling in the world.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Truly enjoy your big day when it finally arrives! Don't stress about anything you don't have control over because you will ruin your make-up and mood, and that is not Queen energy!! The day goes by so fast you want to make sure you thoroughly enjoy it all. You literally wake up on your wedding day anticipating everything to happen, and before you know it, it's 2 am, and just like that, the last year spent planning for the biggest day of your life is over. I cried for a few days after because I wanted to relive everything again. And TAKE ALL THE PICTURES! Even if you don't want to or your spouse doesn't want to - make sure you do it. My final piece of advice is to really get a planner who you know will deliver. I was fortunate to have known Hailey since we were in high school, and she also planned my best friend's wedding, which was flawless. Do your homework, ladies; it will pay off in the end!

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
We wanted our wedding to really be enjoyable for our guests. The kind of wedding that our guests would talk about for years about how amazing it was and have nothing but great things to say - and from what we heard, we delivered + more! David and I used to always play our own version of 4 weddings when we would attend other weddings, and we really made notes of things we loved and definitely did not want, which made our planning process a lot more easier because we had these conversations prior. We love luxe but also had a budget we needed to stay within, which can have its challenges, but it all worked magnificently in the end! Our wedding planner, Hailey, really made sure she got our vision down, paid attention to all of our wants and needs, and executed everything beautifully. She made the whole planning process so easy - we wouldn't have been able to achieve what we did without her! She connected us with our amazing priest, Dr. M, who thoroughly explained what being in a marriage was about and really spent his time with us to get to know us and our families. A little heads up for brides: Ordering outfits online can either be a hit or miss, but we used shops we had previously shopped at in the past and had numerous calls switching outfits for a few months until we finally had made our choices. If you're a bride who has to do everything virtually, make sure it is from a shop you have shopped at previously, or at least someone you know has.

Joey Wallace Photography is a member of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

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