Welcome to Maharani Weddings

Namitha & Pranav's wedding was one of those enchanting events where dreams unfold into reality. Although they knew each other from their time at the University of Florida, it was until a fateful Christmas break that their hearts recognized each other as refuge and strength, a sanctuary where ambitions and dreams were not just nurtured but flourished. 

The harmony in their spirits birthed a profound connection, sealed in on a crisp February morning in the poetic surroundings of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Pranav knelt before Namitha with a shimmering ring. Alli Gaiss from Coastal Coordinating was the wand-wielder who orchestrated the symphony of their nuptials. Every detail, from the sublime embrace of the Sawgrass Marriott to the divine artistry of Utopian Events, was a sonnet of seamless elegance.

The pre-wedding events were an artistic interlude where traditions met creativity. Namitha's mother, a visionary, transformed their backyard into a canvas of cultural homage. Every decor element, from origami parrots to intricate backdrops, was an expression of affection and effort, manifesting a reality where love was both the artist and the art.

In the kaleidoscope of celebrations, the nuanced artistry of Utopian Events' decor, the electrifying pulse of DJ Firoz from Dudha Productions LLC, and the immortalizing lens of Andrew Do Photography wove a narrative of enchantment, where each element was a verse in the ballad of Namitha and Pranav's love. Their celebration was a melody echoing the timeless dance of souls converging and destinies unfolding amidst the poetic embrace of Florida's sun-kissed shores.

Congratulations Namitha & Pranav!

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
Pranav and I knew of each other from college at the University of Florida, but we never actually met then. It wasn't until a very eventful Christmas break that we reconnected in my hometown of Jacksonville, Florida, where he is working at the time. What was supposed to be a chance meeting turned into a long-distance relationship while I completed medical school. The rest is history!
I knew Pranav was the one when he quickly became a part of my support system while I was in medical school. His support through all my board exams, countless moves, and rotations really cemented our relationship. I felt like we could do anything together!

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Every weekend, we look forward to winding down with a coffee from our favorite cafe and a walk in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. It was one such weekend on a cold but sunny February morning that Pranav got down on one knee in Domino Park! It was simple, romantic, and beautiful. I couldn't have dreamed of a more perfect proposal.

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.
Since Pranav and I were based out of New York during our wedding planning process. It was important for us to find a planner who could help us navigate planning a wedding around our busy schedules. Allie from Costal Coordinating was incredible! From helping us find our vendors to helping us stay on track with all the deadlines to ironing out details with every vendor, she was with us every step of the way.
The Sawgrass Marriott was a perfect venue for us because it encompassed all the best parts of Florida. From the beautiful beaches to immaculate golf courses and the amazing southern hospitality, it was the experience we wanted to give our guests.
My MIL had some great ideas when it came to the decor for the ceremony and reception. We were lucky to find Utopian Events that helped bring our vision to life. They were incredibly patient with us and did a beautiful job putting together our dream wedding.
Pinterest and Instagram were my best friends in picking out hair and makeup ideas!

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I knew from the beginning that I wanted to wear a beautifully woven kanjeevaram saree to honor both of our South Indian roots. Due to my rotation schedule, I couldn't go to India for wedding shopping so my mom did the heavy lifting there. My mom and I sifted through countless images on Instagram, Pinterest, and Maharani weddings for inspiration. Picking the color was a tricky task. I loved the blush-toned gold tissue saree, but I wanted something unique. After a lot of back and forth and many 2 AM Facetime calls from countless stores, my mom and my Rama aunty found this fabulous light Peachy-gold tissue saree in Hyderabad. The inspiration for my bridesmaid outfits and the wedding decor came from this saree as well!

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?

The two things our guests loved about our wedding were the venue and the food!
We had guests flying in from all over the world for our big day, and the Sawgrass Marriott at Ponte Vedra Beach took care of them like family. Between events, our guests enjoyed the complimentary shuttle to the beach, rounds of golf on their stunning property, and time at the spa. They couldn't stop raving about the hospitality shown by the Sawgrass staff.
Fifth Element has been catering the events in our family for years, so when it came to picking a  wedding caterer, it was an easy choice. Sridhar, Uncle of Fifth Element, took out all the stops to make sure the food at all our events was unforgettable! The food selection was appreciated by our Indian and non-Indian guests!

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
The most special moment at our wedding was all our family flying in from all over the world to celebrate with us. After COVID, this was the first time all of our family gathered together. It was truly a blessing to meet and reconnect with family and friends who shaped our lives for years!

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.
My pre-wedding events were truly special! My mom had this vision of turning our backyard into a traditional Telugu wedding setting for years before my wedding. Our close friends and family came together to build a traditional Telugu Pelli pandri (wedding pandal) in our backyard! From the origami parrots to the backdrops, all the decor was my mom's brainchild. Family and friends came together to build the entire pandal from scratch. It was incredible to watch. The decor and the construction of the pandal were truly a labor of love that I will never forget! I felt truly blessed to have such wonderful family, and friends come together to give me the wedding of my dreams. It's one of the most priceless wedding gifts I have gotten.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Planning a wedding is a stressful process. It's overwhelming. But remember, the most beautiful part of life comes after the wedding when you get to build a dream life with your partner. Your wedding day will fly by, so enjoy every minute of it and look forward to adventures to come, and don't fret about the small stuff!

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
Utopian did a phenomenal job with the decor of our entire wedding weekend. We wanted simple elegance, and that's exactly what we got. My MIL had some great ideas for adding textured lighting to the sangeet decor, which just made it next level. Thanks to DJ Firoz for elevating our events with the textured lights! DJ Firoz was also a phenomenal DJ who completely transformed our events with music and energy. I loved that he was able to get even those family members who would never be seen on the dance floor up and dancing!
Last but not least, Andrew Do, our photographer, was phenomenal! He was so patient with us and worked through any last-minute issues and delays. He captured some incredible moments. I couldn't recommend him enough!

Darlings, I hope you enjoyed reading about our Maharani brides and their inspiring weddings!

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Anisha & Rishabh's wedding was a mesmerizing blend of tradition, elegance, and international flair, unfolding in a paradisiacal destination: Mexico. From classmates, at the London Business School, to soulmates, their romance blossomed. Marked by a magical encounter on a Tel Aviv beach, the allure of Budapest, and the final wave of the wand was an international proposal on the Amalfi Coast. All we can say is Wow!

The wedding extravaganza hosted at Hacienda Chichi Suarez was etched in the memories of guests hailing from every corner of the globe. A traditional Indian ceremony set against the exquisite backdrop of Merida was a narrative of fusion, where customs met aesthetics and traditions conversed with modern elegance. The colonial Hacienda whispered stories of bygone eras, lending an immortal touch to a union celebrated as unique and refreshing.

Anisha's fashion choices were a dance of colors and designs, weaving the eloquence of cultural richness with personal sentiments. For the Sangeet, Anisha and her sister chose a vibrant sequin lengha designed by Seema Gujral. For the wedding ceremony, Anisha donned a purple Banarasi sari, a silent, elegant tribute to a mother's love. Turquoise blossomed at the reception in the form of a floral-themed reception dress custom-designed by Anisha's sister in partnership with designers Shyamal & Bhumika.

Anisha & Rishabh's wedding was not just an event but a celestial dance of destinies, cultures, and eras. Every smile, every vow, was a testament to a love story birthed in the silent halls of academia, nurtured under the watchful gaze of global cities, and immortalized amidst the mystical embrace of Merida's colonial charm.

Congratulations Anisha & Rishabh!

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
My path crossed with Rishabh's at London Business School. Though we were seated in close proximity throughout our first term, we didn't really establish a connection until the following term. Our common ground? A challenging Fixed Income class - a geeky affinity, I must admit. However, it was those late-night study sessions that gave birth to a budding friendship.

As time wore on, we found ourselves spending increasingly more time together. It wasn't until our third term, though, that our casual encounters transformed into daily conversations. The universe had its way of nudging us closer - we serendipitously bumped into each other on a beach in Tel Aviv while on separate vacations. Seizing the moment, I invited him to accompany me on a forthcoming trip to Budapest. His affirmative answer sparked what felt like a first date amidst the enchanting cityscape of Budapest. That's how our story began, and the rest, as they say, is history!

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Rishabh and I had been New York residents for nearly two years, yet with our history of memorable moments abroad, I yearned for an international proposal. Since we met and had our first date overseas, a proposal outside the US seemed fitting. With a trip to both London and Italy on the cards, I had a hunch that Rishabh might pop the question during our travels, but the exact timing remained a mystery.

A few days into our London adventure, we jetted off to Amalfi, where we checked into the NH Collection Hotel. One beautiful morning, Rishabh asked me to dress up under the pretext of visiting an ancient cathedral. Sensing a surprise, I played along. The real destination turned out to be a breathtaking spot at our hotel, with a panorama of the Amalfi Coast stretched out before us. There, amidst the beauty, he proposed.

To make the moment even more special, he had arranged for a photographer to freeze the moment in time. Overwhelmed by the moment, he managed to muster a simple, "Hey, are we doing this?" to which I enthusiastically replied, "Hell yeah!"

The cherry on top? A three-hour hike along the scenic 'Path of the Gods' on the Amalfi Coast. It was undoubtedly the most perfect proposal and the most unforgettable day any girl could ever wish for!

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?

I had the delightful challenge of selecting four different outfits for four different events, and I couldn't have done it without my sister's invaluable assistance with color choices, styles, and Indian designers.

For the Haldi event, I decided on a yellow, off-the-shoulder jumpsuit - I was keen on wearing something other than a lengha for at least one of the occasions. For the Sangeet, my sister and I chose a vibrant sequin lengha designed by Seema Gujral, which we found at the Origins store in Hyderabad.

When it came to the ceremony, I was set on a purple Banarasi sari, a tribute to my mom's favorite color. As for the reception, I knew I wanted to don a lengha in turquoise - my personal favorite hue. My sister came to the rescue again, helping me custom design a floral-themed reception dress with the designers Shyamal & Bhumika.

I absolutely adored all my chosen outfits, and I'm truly grateful for my sister's guidance in making the best style choices.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
One of the highlights of the wedding planning process was undoubtedly the opportunity to travel to Mexico. Scouting venues, indulging in food and dessert tastings, and completing a hair and makeup trial turned out to be an enjoyable and relaxing part of the entire process. I can't recommend this enough to any couple considering a destination wedding - it's an absolute treat!

Another part of the planning I relished was choosing my wedding dresses alongside my sister. And let's not forget the fun we had rehearsing the Sangeet dances with my bridesmaids and Rishabh's groomsmen - those are memories I'll cherish!

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
We had the pleasure of hosting guests from every corner of the globe, not just from the US but also from India, across Europe and Latin America, and as far as Japan. Our friends from the London Business School, some family members from India, and family friends from various parts of the world all flew in to share our special day. Everyone had the opportunity to partake in a traditional Indian wedding set against the beautiful backdrop of Merida, Mexico. It was truly a unique experience.

While most people might think of beach weddings in Cancun or similar locales when they envision a wedding in Mexico, our guests appreciate the uniqueness of our venue. Our wedding, set in a breathtaking colonial Hacienda in Merida - hailed as Mexico's safest city, was celebrated as distinctive and refreshing.

Our guests reveled in every aspect of the event - the eye-catching venue, the delicious food, the energetic music, and the first-rate entertainment. Many couldn't help but declare it as the best wedding they'd ever attended!

I must tip my hat to Mexico for offering such a splendid wedding destination. A huge shout-out to my wedding planners and all the vendors involved - their outstanding work ensured a truly unforgettable event!

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
One of the most heartwarming moments of the celebration was when my sister, two of my childhood friends, Mayuri and Sandhya, and I performed a traditional Indian dance known as Bharatanatyam at the reception. Dancing has been a shared passion throughout our childhood and well into adulthood.

This performance was particularly special as it was a tribute to my late mother, who herself was a dancer. While she couldn't be there physically, I knew she was looking down from above, enjoying every moment of our performance. Rishabh, who had the pleasure of meeting her before she passed away, deeply appreciated this moment as it helped him reconnect with cherished memories of her.
Today's journey is over, but the love story is just beginning! Don't miss our coming events here! 

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The story of Gayatri & Shyam’s union began not with a whisper but between the artistry and inks of a tattoo shop in Singapore. An unconventional beginning to an everlasting tale! A conversation that started by the serene waters of Clarke Quay River continued across years and miles, and their hearts, though separated by the American landscapes, beat in harmonious rhythm until words of love, spoken and heartfelt, sealed their serendipitous connection.

Their wedding planning in the hands of Elaan Events was woven with threads of mutual understanding and complementary desires. Knotting Hill Place, a castle surrounded by expansive landscapes, provided a perfect canvas for their intimate indoor setting yet felt like a grand celebration. 

Guests were regaled not just by the captivating dance performances and the upbeat melodies played by DJ Riz Entertainment but also by an air of uncontainable love and joy. Every smile, every laughter, every touch bore testament to a love story that, though written in the stars, found its expression in the tangible beauty of intricate decorations, the ethereal glow of the venue, and the radiant smiles of the newlyweds.

Yet amongst the grandeur and the spectacles, it was the intimate, unuttered moments that lingered. The soft kiss shared post vows, the familial warmth encapsulated in speeches, and the unspoken promises reflected in the eyes of the bride and groom were just the preamble to a love story that will last forever, echoing through the corridors of time.

Congratulations Gayatri & Shyam!

How did you meet your Groom, and when did you know he was "the one"?
I met my Groom at a tattoo shop in Singapore 6 years ago. I know, not your generic-meet cute at a bar. We were both interning in Singapore during our summer breaks in college and happened to match on a dating app then. By the time we were ready to go on a date, Shyam had less than a week left before his flight back to the United States, and the evening he was going to get his first tattoo was the earliest we could meet, so we did.
After he got his tattoo, we went on a romantic walk by the Clarke Quay River and talked for hours. One of the conversation topics was what he wanted to name his future child and why - I knew at that moment that I wanted the same for myself. I think I hoped he was "the one" that night itself, but I didn't know for sure. At that time, I lived in Seattle, and he was in Michigan, and years of long-distance after just three dates seemed daunting. The first time he told me he loved me was when I knew for sure.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Due to the long distance and my family living in Singapore, Shyam & I were never able to be in the same place for my birthday despite having been together for four and a half years. So I knew he wanted this one to be extra special. He planned an entire weekend trip to Cancun for it and kept every activity a complete surprise. I didn’t even know which resort we would be in till we got there.

After 2 days of adventure and exploration, Shyam had one last surprise activity planned before a romantic dinner, so we dressed accordingly and went for it. As we got closer, the activity coordinators said they needed to blindfold us - which I thought was suspicious, but since Shyam was blindfolded too, I didn’t question it. Little did I know he took his off immediately and got down on one knee. I took mine off, yelled in surprise, and said, “Yes,” and the rest is history.

Pro-tip for anyone reading this who is planning to propose: I was really taken aback because when we had vaguely discussed getting married in the past, he had always hinted at proposing during a timeframe that was 6 months after when he actually proposed. Mislead your partner if you want to surprise them!

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 Wedding venue actually ended up being the first venue we ever visited! Shyam always wanted an indoor wedding (he didn’t want us to worry about wind or rain), and I always thought ballrooms were a little too closed in. That narrowed down our options to estates and villas, so when I came across Knotting Hill Place with its castle-style property, expansive landscaping, and massive ceremony hall windows, it was an instant yes!
I picked my outfit at Aso Palav Ahmedabad, and my mother-in-law knew it was the one the moment I put it on because of the spring wedding vibes it gave, which was perfect for our May wedding. I actually ended up passing out from food poisoning the day we picked my jewelry, but thankfully, my husband and our parents helped me make that decision. The decor for the wedding was meant to be simple and elegant, while our reception decor was where we really invested a ton of creativity, and we loved watching that play out on the day of. Hair & makeup was an easy decision once I realized that I wanted a reasonably priced artist who was an expert in dark skin and young and familiar with new-age makeup products; my makeup artist really made magic happen that day. We also loved our DJ Riz; he was great with uplighting and hyping up our crowd, but our favorite vendor of all time was Tommy from Thompson Studios - he was the ultimate hype man and he and our amazing photographer, Hubert, did a great job ensuring we were enjoying ourselves throughout the weekend.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
R. I always knew I wanted a red outfit with gold jewelry because that was what I felt said “bride” in our culture. The hues of red and gold I wore on our wedding day felt like armor that was painstakingly crafted by generations of aunts, moms & grandmothers who dressed the same way when they started their married lives.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The dance choreography and practice sessions! My husband was on a competitive dance team during his time at the University of Michigan and has always been an incredible choreographer. I already miss our practice sessions from when he would teach us our first dance because we would often break out into laughter and have dedicated time just to have fun in the midst of the stressful logistics that come with wedding planning.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Every guest loved the many dance performances! Besides that, I thought this guest summarized what he enjoyed best:

“The entire event was truly spectacular, and every detail was meticulously arranged. Gayatri looked absolutely radiant, and Shyam was handsomely charming. It was evident that they were deeply in love, and their happiness was contagious, filling the atmosphere with warmth and joy.

From the stunning venue to the exquisite decorations, everything was picture-perfect. The ceremony itself was a heartfelt reflection of their love and commitment to each other. It was a privilege to witness their vows and be a part of this special occasion.

I must also commend you and your family for your gracious hospitality. You ensured that every guest felt welcomed and cherished throughout the celebration. Your dedication and efforts truly made the event memorable for everyone involved.”

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
So many! I’m still very head-in-the-clouds from our wedding; all I can think about is how sweet our grandparents were, how Shyam kissed me right after I walked down the aisle, how competitive he was during the ring fishing game right after our ceremony, how much our Masi’s speeches made us cry, how cute our parents looked when dancing, how helpful our brothers were every step of the way, how funny they and our emcees were - the list goes on!

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.
Having an intimate Mehendi with our closest family and friends as the first event was so much fun. Everyone got to meet each other in a very relaxed setting in a beautiful garden.
We also loved how participative everyone was during our Garba - even guests who had never done it before! Having a big enough space for Garba is key; we had an entire hall for it instead of just a dance floor, and it was incredible to watch all our guests come together and spin in such a large space.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Keep your engagement period around 12 months if you can. Ours was a few months longer, and it was by the 12-month mark that we began to go stir-crazy and wished the wedding was already done. Having enough time to plan is key, but having too much can be frustrating in the long run!
Lastly, prepare to cry! I never thought I would, but Shyam and I shed so many tears through every speech during our Sangeet and reception.

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
Having dippin dots at our Wedding was a hit!! If you can get them, we highly recommend it :)
Join us in celebrating the beginning of more adventures, and may love continue to inspire us all.

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Lisa & Rohit’s union, born from destiny’s design, unfolded like a living fable amidst the serenity of Hawaiian tides. Their love story, initiated in an intimate Indiana wine bar, was sealed with a picturesque proposal amidst Central Park’s cherry blossoms.

Their wedding, a radiant melding of Rohit’s Hindu heritage and Lisa’s Christian roots was a canvas of cultural richness and elegance, meticulously crafted by Mira Savara Events. Lisa, adorned in a dream-like ensemble of blue, green, and hints of pink designed by Nazranaa, deviated from the traditional red, marking a radiant yet empowered look on her big day. 

A symphony of personalized touches was woven throughout the celebration. A close knit fabric of culture was evident as Lisa voiced her vows in Hindi. The vibrancy of their union echoed in the exhilarating dance performances at the Sangeet, choreographed by Soni Choreography. The blossoms adorning the ceremony, courtesy of Always Flowers 808, later brought joy to a local nursing home, a testament to Lisa & Rohit’s generous spirits. Their fur child was included at the reception with the depiction of their cherished mini Goldendoodle, Tali, on the wedding cake by Cake Works.

Their wedding wasn’t just a union but a celestial dance of moments and cultures under the starlit skies, echoing love’s boundless, transcendent reach and the enchanting melody composed when two hearts unite as one.

Congratulations Lisa & Rohit!

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
Rohit and I met online after we both divorced. We both pretty much resigned ourselves to living single, independent lives after both of our prior marriages did not work out. We were both living in Indiana at the time, and I had recently accepted a position that would move me to New York City. When we met online and started talking, it was amazing! It was like we had known each other forever. Everything was so easy, and the conversation just flowed...and never seemed to stop. The day we met online and started texting and then talking by phone, Rohit said, "I don't know how spontaneous you are, but how would you like to have dinner with me?" I said yes and met him later that evening. From the moment we met in person, the conversation never seemed to end. So much so that we never really got past ordering a bottle of wine at the wine bar we met at, and we talked so long that the restaurant's kitchen closed before we could order food -- we didn't really notice as we had been talking for hours. During the course of our conversation, I shared with Rohit that I had been recruited to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in Manhattan and would be moving in a couple of months. His reply? "Well, I like big cities, and I love to travel!" The rest was history.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
It was a gorgeous spring day, and we went for a walk in Central Park to see the cherry blossoms. They were in full bloom, and the park was packed with people enjoying the blooms. That is where he popped the question. Afterward, we took a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through the 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.
Rohit grew up Hindu, and I grew up Christian, but I knew that I wanted to have a full Indian wedding, which is somewhat unbelievable considering the fact that I had never been to an Indian wedding. Family is very important as is spirituality, and we both felt strongly that the Universe allowed our paths to cross for a reason, and to find your soulmate at whatever age was an incredible blessing that we wanted to honor. We actually started planning the wedding to either be in the Midwest or New Jersey/NYC area, where we had homes. However, when we started the planning process, it started feeling like we were in our 20s and this was our first marriage. So, we quickly realized that a destination wedding made more sense. We pretty quickly decided on Hawai'i partly because we love the islands but also because it would be fairly easy for our family in India to get to. When we decided on Hawai'i, we scoured online websites and blogs and actually found an incredible Indian wedding planner - Mira Savara - in Oahu. We had a video call with Mira, and she made us feel at ease and walked us through every little detail from the Hindu priest we would fly in from the mainland to venues to menus. As the only Indian wedding planner in the Hawaiian Islands, she was very well-connected and able to talk through our vision and connect us with the right local vendors.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
Living in New Jersey for part of the time made the bridal lehenga slightly easier than it might be otherwise. I happened to come across a YouTube show called Nazraana Diaries, which was a bit of an Indian version of 'Say Yes to the Dress'. After seeing this show, we made an appointment with Shia, one of the co-owners and dress designers, to look at dresses. I didn't go with a color in mind but rather a color I didn't want. As most people know, red is the traditional color, but I don't really like red, so I knew that I didn't want a red lehenga. Rohit and I both love the color blue. Shia asked me a few questions to get to know me and then brought out 3 dresses. The 3rd one was the one. It combined sparkle with blue, green, and hints of pink and was so gorgeous. It was the dress I always dreamt of without ever really thinking about it. It was perfect!

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The most enjoyable part of the planning process was having someone truly my equal in Rohit as part of the planning process. He was equally invested in the beauty of this wedding, and it made the planning process special.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
I think they loved the fact that it was in Hawai'i. Because it was a destination wedding, our guests were not really guests -- they were family or friends who were more like family. Our wedding was the first week of January and more than one told us that we should have an annual anniversary trip and re-create the week every year in Hawai'i. Funny (...but not a bad point)

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
Even though this was an Indian/Hindu wedding, there were pieces folded into our wedding that symbolized my culture and background. My mother and brother, Jonathan, walked me down the aisle to a song that was special to me and Rohit. My good friend, Heather, read a poem by Dr. Maya Angelou. But I think the thing that stands out most is we decided to exchange personal vows that we wrote. I surprised Rohit and everyone at the wedding by saying my vows in Hindi, initially followed by the English translation for my side of the family. Rohit's cousin - Anjela - helped me translate and learn my vows for months leading up to the wedding. It was incredibly special and a moment I will always cherish.

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.
Our sangeet was amazing, and one of the most special components was the choreographed dance that our adult kids and their cousins performed. Soni with Soni Choreography created such a fun routine for Jalebi Baby and Kala Chashma with sunglasses and all. It was so much fun, and everyone loved the performance. We also had a blast with our Soni choreographed routine, which was performed to Zaalima and Morne Banki. I think my husband surprised his entire family with his dance moves, and it was so special to be able to share the fun side of our adventurous spirit with everyone.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
I think the best thing to remember is to go into your day focused on the love and not the details. While the details may seem important, the love is what brought you to this moment and is what will persevere throughout the rest of your days. Enjoying the moments of the day with love and gratitude is the most important thing and will allow you to have memories to cherish for the rest of your days.

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
As a couple that was blending a family of adult kids during the pandemic, we adopted a mini golden doodle who has truly become our 'baby'. Her name is Tali (after Italia, our favorite country to visit). Since we were having a destination wedding in Hawai'i, we were unable to bring her with us, but we still wanted to include her in our special day. So we found an artist on Etsy who took a picture of Tali and created a miniature figurine of her that we then delivered to the bakery, Cake Works, and they included her in the bottom layer of the 3 tiered cake. She is 'peeking' out from the bottom of the cake layer. It was adorable, and everyone loved it!

In addition, we had such incredibly fresh and fragrant flowers that brought a rainbow of colors into the day. The mandap was covered with hanging flowers throughout, and it was incredibly special. My husband and I are both in healthcare and did not want the flowers to go to waste after the wedding so our wedding planner arranged for the flowers to be delivered to a local nursing facility to be enjoyed by the residents. That was amazing!

Come back for more tales, loves; until then, stay inspired and cherish the love surrounding you!

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The air still shimmers with the memory of Priyana & Tarun's mesmerizing South Asian destination wedding at Lujo Hotel in Bodrum, Turkey, where white sands and the sun's warm glow bore witness to their union.

These inseparable souls since their days at Cal State Fullerton to Tarun's surprise proposal in the tranquil beauty of Palos Verdes, their journey has been a testament to a harmonious existence. The meticulous planning, marked by endless Zoom meetings and late-night calls, culminated in a delightful event. Every detail, including the enchanting décor by Sen Hep Kalbim Desin and the mesmerizing Indigo Beach backdrop, was a realization of Priyana's Pinterest-inspired dreams brought to life by none other than the talented team at Blissful Plans.

Adorning a custom-made outfit from Sari Palace and jewels from Raabta by Rahul, Priyana epitomized elegance. Her innate beauty, accentuated by Beauty by Lishma, harmonized with Tarun's allure against the splendid Turkish landscapes.

Their vows, exchanged where sands met the ocean, echoed their shared love for the beach. The scenic splendor of Lujo Hotel didn't just host their wedding; it celebrated their journey, resonating with the silent melodies of their experiences and unspoken promises.

This lovely couple didn't just get married; they inaugurated an eternal dance of two souls under the tender, watchful eyes of the universe.

Congratulations Priyana & Tarun!

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
We met in 2013 while attending Cal State Fullerton. We were hanging out with mutual friends when I first caught Tarun's eye. Word travels fast in the Indian student community, and I found out about his crush! Fortunately, I was flattered and also thought he was cute. I texted him to be my "math tutor," and the rest is history...

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Tarun had planned what I thought was a surprise birthday trip to Palos Verdes for the long weekend in May, but it turns out it was a proposal trip! He said we were going to a nice brunch, so dress up and wear heels! As we were walking to the restaurant, there was an ocean lookout. We stopped for a few minutes to take in the view; he turned to me and popped the question! Out of surprise, I said, "Noooo, is this real?" but I said YES immediately after that!

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.
Planning an international destination wedding took countless hours of Zoom meetings, a lot of late-night phone calls and texts, and a tremendous amount of trust in our planner!
We didn't do a sight visit so all of our planning was done through pictures and videos. I created Pinterest boards and PowerPoint presentations for each event to be the inspiration for the decor and florals and put my trust in the planner to execute the vision!

For my outfits, I wanted to select pieces that felt "me" more than going for something that felt "bridal". I am typically a Less is More kind of girl, so I wanted to stick with that for my wedding as well.
I wanted to wear my outfits; I didn't want the outfits to wear me!

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
To be honest, I selected my bridal jewelry first! I fell in love with the Whistled Chorus collection from Raabta by Rahul and knew I wanted to wear some of the pieces for the ceremony! I tried on a few wedding lenghas and loved certain details in each but not one whole outfit. So I worked with Hiral at Sari Palace to create something custom that took some of my favorite details from each and put them all in one outfit in the perfect shade of white.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
The atmosphere, ambiance, and feeling of inclusiveness. From the Welcome to the Reception, the weekend just felt like we were all one big family!

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
1. Don't stress if everything isn't perfect! Chances are you are the only one who noticed!

2. Eat! You worked so hard to plan the perfect menu; make sure you get to enjoy it, too!

3. Have Fun! There is so much going on, but find the time to take in the moment and have some fun!

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
The beach has always been a special place for Tarun and me. So a must-have for both of us has always been a wedding on the sand. We went on a world tour through the internet and made a few stops in person to find the location that felt the most "us." We looked at many resorts in Mexico, The Caribbean, Asia, and Europe and narrowed it down to Lujo Hotel in Bodrum, Turkey. Lujo had the vibe and event venues that we were looking for!

Beauty by Lishma is a member of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

Beauty by Lishma VIEW PORTFOLIO

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