Welcome to Maharani Weddings

Welcome, darlings! Pooja & Neil's wedding was a glorious celebration of love, filled with vibrant colors and joyous melodies. The ceremony took place at the luxurious and captivating The Westin Charlotte, where they exchanged their heartfelt vows amidst a stunning backdrop created by Wedding Design & Decor. Ribha Events meticulously planned and designed every aspect of the wedding, ensuring that every detail reflected the couple's unique love story. As Pooja prepared to embark on this new chapter of her life, the talented Jenny Le Makeup Artist and Anna Pham Hair worked their magic, enhancing her natural beauty and creating a look that left everyone in awe. The intricate henna designs, crafted by the talented Henna4Happiness by Minaz, adorned Pooja's hands and feet, symbolizing beauty, joy, and blessings for her journey as a bride. Her expertise and attention to detail added a touch of elegance to the festivities, leaving everyone mesmerized by the beauty and significance of the Mehndi ceremony. DJ Rang's seamless transitions between tracks kept the momentum high, and the crowd was completely immersed in the music, moving and grooving with sheer joy. Capturing every precious moment of this grand celebration was the talented Danny K Photography. As we conclude this captivating tale of love, we invite you to immerse in the gallery. 

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
We met in high school and quickly became close friends. After a lot of late-night Skype chats, Neil asked me to prom. Since we went to two different high schools, we went to both! We went our separate ways when I started undergrad at the University of North Carolina. Little did I know that Neil would be joining me the very next year. After re-establishing our friendship, we began dating at the end of college!
I had moved to New York to start business school, and one of my close friends invited me to Valentine’s Day party. I was so excited to get dressed up after months of living in my sweatpants during the COVID lockdowns. When I arrived at the venue, the doorman escorted me to the roof, where I walked into a bed of rose petals lined with candles. The most romantic music was playing, and when I turned the corner, I saw Neil standing there, and he said, “I have a lot of explaining to do,” in the sweetest way.
He pulled out a letter and asked me to open it. It had my signature, and I had dated it on his graduation day. He asked, “Do you know what this letter is?” When he graduated from undergrad, I suggested that he write his future self a letter of all his goals and aspirations for the next few years. So, he did. Little did I know that he wrote two letters: a goals letter and a proposal letter. He had me sign the front of the proposal letter, while I thought it was the goals letter.
He read the letter aloud, and we both laughed, cried, and felt every emotion that had taken place during the eight years we had known each other: from prom to proposal. And just like that, he got on one knee and asked, “Will you marry me?” and I said, “Yes.”

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
Spending time with my parents and fiance to bring the vision to life. It was by far the best group project I've ever been a part of!

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
Our first look is something we both hold close to our hearts. It was an incredibly cold November morning, and I met Neil in a park near our wedding venue. When I arrived, he was holding a bouquet of balloons, which he let go of when I was right in Infront of him. That feeling when the balloons flew up, and we saw each other for the first time on our special day is a feeling I'll never forget.

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.
Pithi | November 17th
We kicked off wedding week with a Ganesh Pooja & Pithi. Truly the happiest of mornings surrounded by family, friends, and an abundance of love.

Mehndi | November 17th
An evening by the water filled with our favorite snacks and Mexican food, dances by the cutest nieces and nephews, games put on by my sisters, and a traditional chuni ceremony to get me ready for the upcoming ceremonies. One of my all-time favorite outfits represents my and Neil’s favorite colors, purple and yellow, and symbolic Mehndi green.

Grah Shantek | November 18th
Before our wedding ceremony could take place, we had our Grah Shantek, where we prayed for peace and bliss during married life. The most special of moments was the Mosalu, where my maternal uncles officially joined the festivities with an abundance of blessings and wish for happiness.

Garba & Sangeet | November 18th
The night before our wedding was my absolute dream come true. We blended our two Indian cultures to have a mixed Garba & Sangeet in a mela theme. The evening was filled with incredible performances, Gujarati garba, Punjabi jaggo, and SO much dancing. Our family and friends went above and beyond to make it the stuff of filmy dreams.

Wedding | November 19th
Marrying my best friend in front of all the people we adore most. Love was in the air with a flower girl who gave the best hugs, my Masis singing the Mangla pheras, and giggles to last a lifetime.

Reception | November 19th
The finale to the most magical weekend. A cheers to our incredible, fun-loving bridal party, speeches and dances that warmed the heart, and an endless amount of dancing.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Think of the things that matter most to you and focus on them. There's a strong likelihood that you can't plan every detail of your wedding, but make it known to all your vendors the things that matter most to you. Besides that, enjoy every minute of the process. It truly is the most magical few days.

Let the intricate details and romantic moments inspire you and joyfully fill your heart until the next!

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Loves, let's watch the charming wedding of Anisha & Meghan. The incredible team at Tum Hi Ho Events carefully curated and meticulously planned every detail. The ballroom at the Sheraton Parsippany transformed into a dreamscape of romance and elegance thanks to the creative prowess of Florista Decor. The melodic beats of the Dhol Drummer, Neil Desai, and the haunting tunes of the Bagpiper, Michael Hannigan, blended harmoniously, symbolizing the beautiful union of two cultures. The couple's natural beauty was enhanced by the skillful hands of the talented artists from Cinderella Bridez. Palermo Bakery and Beignets crafted a decadent wedding cake that stood as a symbol of sweetness and togetherness. Moghul Caterers delighted the guests with exquisite culinary delights, tantalizing their taste buds and satisfying their souls. The dance floor was alive with energy, thanks to the vibrant beats of DJ Sunny Entertainment. The sweet couple expressed gratitude by donating to the LGBTQ charity Family Equality as their wedding favors. It was a beautiful gesture that encapsulated their desire to spread love and acceptance in a world that sometimes needs a gentle reminder. House of Talent Studio, the master storytellers behind the lens. They created a visual symphony through their lens that encapsulated raw emotions, stolen glances, and heartfelt laughter. Let their love story ignite a flame of courage and acceptance in your hearts, and may it serve as a reminder that love knows no limits and dreams do come true! Enjoy this inspirational wedding.

How did you meet your Bride, and when did you know she was "the one"?
It was a chilly Sunday morning in November of 2020. The height of the COVID pandemic was slowly beginning to dwindle down when Anisha and Meghan matched on a dating app called Bumble. As a funeral director and a nurse, they quickly bonded over their shared traumatic work experiences that had transpired over the prior 8 months. This bond led to more conversations and discovering more things that they had in common: their difficult journeys leading up to coming out and their desire to be truly happy. Despite their differences (their races, where they grew up, their cultural upbringings) and Anisha almost infecting Meghan with COVID after their first date, they both knew they had found something special in the other. After Anisha’s 14-day quarantine period was over, the couple eagerly met up again, and the rest is history! Meghan and Anisha hope to grow their family in the future and pave the way for other interracial, same-sex couples.

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 overall experience with all of our vendors was impeccable. They all truly brought our vision to life and never once made us feel “less than” for being a same-sex couple.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Almost all of our guests said as soon as they entered the ballroom, they felt good vibrations and positive energy, and that is honestly all that we could have hoped for. We had all the right people there with us, supporting us along the way.

One moment that the guests said that they enjoyed the most was when the dhol drummer and bagpiper performed a duet before the dance floor opened. We thought it would be a nice way to symbolize two cultures coming together.

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
My parents, Sankar and Sabita Mukherjee made a generous donation to the LGBTQ+ organization Family Equality as one of the wedding favors. Family Equality’s mission is to create a world where everyone can experience the unconditional love, safety, and belonging of family. Family Equality aims to ensure that everyone has the freedom to find, form, and sustain their families by advancing equality for the LGBTQ+ community.

Our other wedding favor was a beignet-to-go!

Darlings, I hope you loved this story as much as I did. I'll see you for the next entry with more!

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Darling readers, let us transport you to a world of love and joy as we delve into Nur & Siddhartha's wedding. The talented George Street Photo & Video effortlessly captured every precious moment and the essence of their love story. The venue came alive with the artistic touch of M&M Event Planners and Vivek Flowers, who transformed every corner into a floral wonderland, captivating the hearts of all who attended. Positioned beneath the magnificent Mandap, skillfully crafted by JD Event Design, the couple stood in a sacred embrace as they exchanged their heartfelt vows. Nur's hair and makeup were styled with grace by the talented hands of Pati from Diem Angie. Adorned in a stunning ensemble from Suffuse, her bridal fashion was a masterpiece of elegance, perfectly capturing her unique style and enhancing her innate charm. The intricate henna designs created by the talented Shereen Sattar added a touch of artistry and tradition. The celebrations culminated in an intimate reception at Amazing Space by VenueLogic, where the couple and their guests danced the night away to the beats of DJ Tarry. The talented team from Anmol South Asian Events skillfully crafted a menu that showcased the rich diversity of South Asian cuisine, incorporating traditional dishes with a modern twist. The impeccable catering added an unforgettable gastronomic dimension to the wedding, ensuring every guest was left with memories of delectable delights that would linger long after the celebrations ended. Darlings, immerse in this magical gallery and enjoy. It is lovely!

How did you meet your Groom, and when did you know he was "the one"?
Sid and I met in college. I was a freshman, and he was a senior. We had many differences, including the obvious big three - religion, culture, and language. We were not supposed to last. But after 9 years, 8+ stints of international long-distance, and countless plot twists later, we got engaged with the blessings of our supportive families. It took me a while, but I think I knew he was the one a few years in, as I saw the way he cared for my family like his own, no matter our differences.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
While in graduate school together, Sid planned a beautiful trip to Mexico for us. We knew we wanted to explore three cities, but he snuck into a surprise fourth location. That day started off terribly. We woke in a frenzy and were late to get going, I got a first-almost-second-degree burn from a cup of coffee (the scars of which I still have today!), and a store attendant mistook Sid's urgent plea for ice as ice cream - all before we finally made it to a ferry taking us to the location he planned, Isla Mujeres. He very nervously proposed the same day!

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
Both of us had lost several loved ones who would have been the most excited to join in on our big day. So we found a way to incorporate them into our wedding. We memorialized our favorite moments and thoughts of them - my maternal grandpa, paternal grandma, uncle, and Sid's four grandparents - on a dedicated table at our reception venue. Their presence was certainly felt.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
I would mark our wedding with two most special aspects. The first was being able to merge our religions, cultures, and homes by getting married three times in three different locations - a civil ceremony in North Carolina in October 2020, an Ismaili Muslim nikkah in Dallas in December 2020, and a Hindu ceremony and reception in Chicago in July 2022. I will never remember each anniversary! The second was watching our 4-year-old niece and 2-year-old nephew party so hard and be the last each night on the dance floor.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Think of how you would like to spend time with your family and each other as a couple during the week. We get so caught up in event planning for our guests - the venues, decor, music, food, and several little DIY things that add up - that we are then drained by the time the big day rolls around. In retrospect, a lot of our wedding week feels like a blur! It is actually the best excuse for a rare family reunion. Build in family fun and definitely take a few days off after to relax as a couple.

See you tomorrow, loves! We have many more Indian wedding stories for you to enjoy and admire.

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Darlings, prepare to enjoy the captivating tale of love and celebration as we delve into the details of Ashlesha & Amir's breathtaking wedding at the exquisite Hilton San Diego Bayfront. To immortalize these cherished moments, the talented team from Colorblast Weddings skillfully captured the essence of the celebration, their lens preserving every emotion, smile, and dance move. The artistic and creative touch of Deepti's Floral Designs & Mandaps transformed the venue into a whimsical wonderland. With impeccable attention to detail and an innate grasp of the couple's unique style, she skillfully curated an enchanting atmosphere that captivated every guest, leaving them awe-inspired and entranced. Guiding every step of the planning process was the talented event designer, Sepali. Anusha Dahal, a maestro in bridal fashion, brought forth a collection that embodied elegance and grace. Complementing her stunning attire was the artistry of Glamorized by Penny Kohli, whose hair and makeup skills transformed Ashlesha into a vision of radiance, from the intricate draping of the sari to the flawless styling. The talented mehndi artist, Dimple, added a touch of tradition and artistry to the festivities. Charminar provided an unforgettable experience through their catering service and culinary extravaganza. Bimal from Dhamaka Entertainment set the stage ablaze with infectious beats and seamless transitions, ensuring the dance floor was always alive with energy and excitement. Join us in the gallery to enjoy this union of love, tradition, and sheer beauty.

This lovely wedding was such a pleasure to see. I enjoyed every minute of it! See you tomorrow.

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Ladies, get ready to enjoy Krishna & Amish's beautiful wedding in today's Platinum Guide Blog!

How did you meet your Groom, and when did you know he was "the one"?
I first met Amish from California when he was scheduled for a layover in Orlando, FL, on his way back from his trip to Trinidad and Tobago with his brother-in-law. I remember thinking to myself and saying out loud the phrase, “Catch flights, not feelings.” During his layover, he had planned our first date at Walt Disney World, in which I quickly noticed his brainy personality, sharp wit, and shrewdness. He was always a true gentleman. Our conversations felt relaxed and easy, we felt comfortable in each other's company. By the time his layover time was coming to an end, I was wondering what the practicalities were of how this would work, considering he’s from California. I’m from Florida, but I already knew he was the one I wanted to marry. At the same time, I wanted everything to be secretive before it accelerated to the world; however, sure enough, the news soon spread quickly amongst our families, and it seemed kind of like a novelty.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Shortly after graduating from Family Nurse Practitioner school, I made a trip to Morro Bay, California (where Amish is from) as my last chance to visit before studying for my board exam and diving deep into wedding planning, which had started even before he proposed. On the day of the proposal, Amish suggested a plan to go to Petra in San Luis Obispo for lunch. However, when we got there, it was very crowded, and I was ready to leave, so he insisted we should grab our food to go and have a picnic instead of dining in. Skeptical about the “picnic” since we didn't have any picnic-related accessories in our car, I agreed with our plan because I thought to myself, “Maybe we can find a bench somewhere, and we can sit down and eat there.” He drove us up to the top of Prefumo Canyon, which was very windy that day, and hiked up a small hill that had stunning views of the entire region, including San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. It was so windy, and not being accustomed to the CA weather, I was quite cold and suggested that maybe we eat in the car. To my surprise, when I turned around, he was on one knee and asked his me to be his forever. Despite the absolutely freezing weather, I didn’t let it get in the way of getting a chance to say yes to marrying My Amish!

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 hired a full-service wedding planner, Elite Dream Creation (Rikti and Umangi), on November 2021. I would highly recommend having wedding planners for large Indian weddings as it helps facilitate an organized, seamless, and elegant event.

The venue was picked for the convenience of accommodating a large number of people indoors and providing food from a vendor of our choice. I was born and raised in Daytona Beach, FL, and my father owns motels in the area, so it made sense to us geographically to host everyone in the area as opposed to transporting guests to a further location. The entire mom’s side of the groom's family is from Florida as well, so Florida was our middle ground.

Pre-wedding events:
Mendhi- Open draped concept, pleated drapes throughout the structure, which are orange, hot pink, & green complimenting brides lehnga. Hanging knitted kites tied to drapes. Gold sankheda swing, 2 end tables with lanterns, 30 ft pleated backdrop champagne color behind the structure. stage covering fabric gold. stage lighting- natural.

*Bride entrance with brother Tere saath hoon mein from the movie Rakshabandan

Ganesh- Open draped concept, pleated yellow, gold sequence, and green drapes. Pleated valences along the top frame of the structure, Gold medallion tied to drapes, 4 low chairs, 2 bajoth, 2 patla, & 1 havakung. 30ft pleated backdrop champagne color behind the structure. Stage lighting- natural
Grashanti
Bride- Red floral Ganesh at the back, brass bells, and change draping style. Decorative Ganesh table with votive candles and diyas for all days. Location- Brannon Center, New Smyrna
*Laadki male version song played when the bride got on stage to sit with parents

Grashanti
Groom-open draped concept, pleated drapes throughout the structure (dark red, ivory, and gold sequence), and pleated valences along the top frame of the structure. floral Ganesh hanging from the frame with brass bells at the back. Gold medallions tied to drapes. 4 low chairs, 2 bajoth, 2 patla, 1 havakung, 30 ft pleated ivory backdrop behind the structure. Location- Hilton, Daytona Beach

Garba- 3 Gold laser cut arches (24 ft wide)e, 24ft Gold Moroccan arch, velvet green backdrop, 9 Moroccan hanging lanterns, which include 3 hanging from each arch. A cluster of flowers at the base of the pillars & end tables. Green velvet decorative couch. 2 gold end tables on either side of the couch. Stage lighting was natural, stage skirt & covering was satin gold. Modern decorative food carts on wheels. Decorative colorful Radha Krishna statue on the right side of the stage with votive candles, brass diyas, and flower clusters. lanterns with votive candles & flowers inside the kettle & 6 glass chai cups in a holder with fresh rose petals inside. Traditional oil lamp centerpieces decorated with gota jewelry.  A unique touch to this decor is it was drawn out on the borders of the Bride and Groom outfits, which were made by  Annu Creation.
Groom side entered with pallu with the song Ghunghat Mein chand hoga by Kavita

Wedding Day:
Indoor event
Time of day- am
Decor-Open Haveli-inspired structure. Aged stone finish throughout the structure.
Staggered stone columns with a decorative arch in the center. 2 decorative archways on either side. Banister-style
molding along the top frame. Stone finish banister railing in front of side archways. Custom-built stairs lead
up to the sage. Stone finish facade in front of the stage.30 ft pleated velvet green backdrop 2 bridal chairs white
crystal, 4 parent chairs medium crystal. 2 bajoth 2 patla, and 1 havakund white Ganesh table with votives. Baraat
gate with drapes and valences with 4 teardrops. Stage lighting- leko. Asymmetrical flowers across the structure
and greens. Blush pink, lavender, and white, white greens accent of red. The white acrylic finish on the catwalk &
mandap stage raised platform. Flower canopy for the bridal entrance.

Reception-
Mirror structure with white and gold marble walls. 2 pillar gold mirror structure, 10 ft by 10 ft white and gold marble wall behind bride and groom. 6 tiered white and gold marble walls were placed on either side of the mirror structure in a staggered pattern. Flower arrangements perched on marble walls asymmetrically. red/dark red with springeri & red amaranths. Flowers are designed at the base of end tables. 30 ft pleated black velvet backdrop behind structure with black velvet bridal couch. stage lighting- natural, 2 end tables with votive candles. Decor for cake, card placement, & gift table with votive candles.

Groomsmen entry- confetti cannons song Morni Banke by guru randhawa
Bridesmaids entry- Letter signs for each bridesmaid spelling K-R-I-S-H-N-A + champagne bottle and sparklers with song Peppas by Farruko
Grooms sister, brother-in-law, nieces- Abhi toh party shuru hui hai
Grooms sister & brother-in-law- Bachna hai casino
Grooms sister & brides brother-
Grooms parents- Jaanu meri jaan
Brides parents- Main se Meena se
Bride & Groom entrance- Love Tonight by Robin Schulz remix. Sparklers started when the bride and groom reached the dancefloor.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
We got so much feedback from our audience. Everyone genuinely wanted to be there.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Royal and elegant experience, perfect ambiance, food, good company, vibes, FUN, and well-organized event.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
All of the audience phone cameras out to see all of my entrances.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Enjoy the process!

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
The photographer's name was also Amish, which made it quite confusing during photo sessions because neither could tell which Amish was being spoken to.

Thank you for taking the time to read this love story, Maharanis. Stay tuned for more features.

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