Welcome to Maharani Weddings

Hi, darlings! Discover the magic of Sanjita & Pratik's stunning wedding in our Platinum Guide Blog! 

Events By Srishti, Equishare Baraat Horses, Rickshaws and Carriages and Gursher Gill Photography are members of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

Events By Srishti VIEW PORTFOLIO

Equishare Baraat Horses, Rickshaws and Carriages VIEW PORTFOLIO

Gursher Gill Photography VIEW PORTFOLIO

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

Alyson & Vinay had known each other for years, always in the same circle of friends. Life eventually brought them back to their hometown, and when they reconnected in 2020, it was as if no time had passed. Their conversations flowed effortlessly, and it became clear that something special was unfolding. From that day on, they remained in constant contact, growing closer with each passing moment. It wasn't an instant realization that Vinay was "the one," but rather a gradual journey of discovering each other's qualities and falling in love.

The proposal came during a romantic weekend getaway to celebrate their second anniversary. They shared a private dinner on the beach, with Vinay visibly nervous. Despite the flicker of uncertainty, there was a brief power outage at the hotel, adding a touch of humor to the evening. When the lights returned, the moment became magical as Vinay got down on one knee and asked the question that would change their lives forever.

Planning their wedding while living in Belize and organizing a 3-day celebration for 130 guests in Jamaica was no small feat. Yet, with the help of their exceptional wedding planner, Kimberley Dunkley-Watkins of The Dragonfly Experience, every detail came together seamlessly. The Sangeet was a vision of vibrant colors, with a disco-neon-jungle theme transforming the conference room into an otherworldly setting filled with blue, green, and purple hues, all brought to life by Tai Flora's stunning decor. The wedding embraced a vivid palette of pink, magenta, and orange, set against the lush backdrop of a garden by the ocean. The weekend was filled with personal touches, from the bridesmaids and groomsmen's coordinating outfits to the breathtaking scenery that framed each event.

Guests were especially captivated by the Sangeet, a vibrant introduction to Indian culture for many who had never experienced such an event. The night began with a Jamaican barbeque on the beach, blending local flavor with the festivities, and left the guests immersed in the lively spirit of the celebration.

One of the bride's fondest memories of the wedding day was the ceremony, where time seemed to stand still. In that brief, intimate exchange of vows, she and Vinay were lost in their world, joking and smiling, eagerly anticipating the moment they would officially begin their new life together.

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
I have known Vinay for years, and we've always had some of the same friends. We both left Belize young for university. I went to Texas, and he went to Kentucky. I returned to Belize in 2019, and he came back in 2020. Before things got tough in Belize for COVID-19, all our friends got together, and we had not seen each other for years. Once we started talking, it was like nothing had changed, and we had been in touch for years. I think we both realized how much we liked each other that day! Since then, we have been in touch every day. Sometimes people think there is one moment when you know that someone is "the one," but I think it's also amazing when you spend time with someone, and you gradually get to know all their qualities, and you begin to fall in love with each part of them.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
We went on a weekend getaway for our 2-year anniversary. We had a private dinner on the beach. I could tell he was nervous, but I wasn't sure if he was going to propose. It was funny because there was actually a blackout at the hotel while we were at dinner! Once the lights came back on,

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 both agreed that we could have a longer engagement, and we wanted to get married between the months of January - May, and since we got engaged in September 2022, we waited until the following January 2024 to get married. Planning was great, but it was also stressful as we were planning a wedding in Jamaica while living in Belize. Also, we were planning a 3-day weekend for around 130 guests. But, we had the best wedding planning, Kimberley Dunkley-Watkins of the Dragonfly Experience, who put us in touch with the best vendors for our wedding. I really had no worries with her, and she took care of everything. I knew that for our Sangeet, I wanted tons of decor and a completely transformed room. That's why I chose a disco/neon/jungle theme. The colors were mostly blue, green, and purple. The decor by Tai Flora was amazing. For the wedding day, I chose pink, magenta, and orange as the colors as I wanted a colorful wedding. The Hotel was the perfect setting as the Sangeet was in a large conference room that was totally transformed. The wedding was in a beautiful garden, and the reception was in a larger garden next to the ocean. For the Sangeet, the bridesmaids and groomsmen matched the theme of both nights, with blue lehengas and sherwanis for the Sangeet, and pink bridesmaids dresses and matching groomsmen ties for the wedding day.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Because most of our guests had never been to an Indian wedding or any sort of Indian event, our guests really loved our Sangeet. For the first night, we had a Jamaican barbeque on the beach, so I think the guests really got into the Jamaican vibe that night. I think guests loved the variety in each of the events.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
I really enjoyed my entire wedding day/night. Our ceremony was quick, but it felt like my husband and I were in our own world the entire ceremony. I think we spoke and joked with each other during the entire ceremony. I think we were really excited to finally see each other after not spending the night before together.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Enjoy your wedding! Don't stress on the day because you've done all you can do. No one will know if something goes wrong! Ensure you and your husband have the best time, whether you choose to have an intimate wedding or large wedding. The day will go by so quickly.

Tai Flora Services is a member of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

Tai Flora Services VIEW PORTFOLIO

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

In the bustling halls of Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Boston, the stars aligned for Dr. Devina & Dr. Russell. Both in their first year of residency, fate brought them together during a hectic day in the ICU. What started as a brief shift together soon became a deep connection. Sparks were flying," Devina fondly recalls, as they exchanged numbers under the guise of patient consultations but with hearts already intertwined.

Amidst the challenges of the COVID pandemic, their love story persevered. As frontline healthcare workers, their roles only solidified their bond. Despite the distance between New York City and Boston, every FaceTime call, train ride, and road trip to be together was a testament to their unwavering commitment and deepening connection.

Russell originally planned a grand affair with family and friends gathered on a rooftop in NYC; however, fate had other plans when he tested positive for COVID. Undeterred, he patiently waited two more months to recreate the magic. On a serene evening at the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, overlooking the New York skyline, Russell's heartfelt proposal unfolded amidst candles and rose petals.

Their journey to marriage took them to Cabo San Lucas, where the serenity of the Hilton Los Cabos Resort captivated Devina and her father upon their first visit. The venue offered a perfect blend of elegance and tranquility, a fitting backdrop for their fusion wedding. Devina's meticulous planning, guided by Lee Del Lange of Del Cabo Weddings, seamlessly brought their vision to life. From vibrant Indian decor to understated elegance, every detail reflected their cultural fusion and personal style.

For her Indian wedding attire, Devina was inspired by her sister's pink lehenga, signifying family love and tradition and creating a deep bond, bridging memories with new beginnings. Devina chose Berta's modern designs for her American wedding dress, reflecting her Indian heritage through intricate embroidery and contemporary style.

Highlighting their Indian reception was a Bollywood dance performance by Devina & Russell, a surprise gesture from Russell that embodied their love for Bollywood films and cultural celebrations. His dedication to learning the dance moves and lyrics to Devina's favorite songs left an indelible mark on their guests, showcasing their union in a joyful spectacle of dance and romance.

From hospital corridors to rooftop proposals and sun-kissed beaches, Devina & Russell’s love story continues to inspire—a journey of resilience, love, and cultural fusion promising a lifetime of shared adventures and cherished memories.

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
Russell and I's paths crossed during a busy day in the ICU at the Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Boston. Russell was in his first year as an emergency medicine resident, while I was also a first-year resident. I was in my preliminary medicine year before my dermatology training, which would take me to NYC. Russell had just been called into the ICU to cover a shift for a co-intern, and we only worked together for a few hours. We shared lunch at the cafeteria on what now feels like their "first date" - the sparks were flying! I gave him my number "in case he had any questions about the patients". He asked me out that night, and we have been together ever since.

We faced the first wave of the COVID pandemic as healthcare workers together and then went on to do two years apart, which were long with both being busy residents, but with each FaceTime, train ride, and road trip to see each other, we grew inseparable.

The way Russell and I have faced difficult situations together, as a true team and partnership, I knew he was the one I wanted to have by my side forever.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Russell spent many months planning a beautiful surprise proposal for me, which included flying both sets of our parents and siblings out to NYC and a large rooftop party with all of our friends. However, two days before the proposal, he tested positive for COVID-19. He had to cancel! He was so upset, and knowing him so well along with his inability to lie, he told me all about the weekend he had planned.

As we were still long-distance, he had to wait another two months before he was able to coordinate the weekend again. While the surprise was ruined, it was even more beautiful and filled with love than I could have ever imagined!

After having a drink at my favorite rooftop (the 1 Hotel) in Brooklyn, Russell walked me out to Brooklyn Bridge Park, where the walkway was lined with candles and rose petals. After he asked the question, I looked over and saw our family, and we had a wonderful dinner at the hotel. The next night, Russell planned a beautiful rooftop party with our friends joining us in the celebration.

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 a fusion Indian and American wedding with our families on opposite coasts proved to be far more challenging than I had ever thought! We had to find a location that was reasonable for everyone to travel to, could host multiple days of festivities, and could cater Indian food that would impress my parents. We looked in New York, London, Miami and Los Angeles. Right as I started to give up on the idea of a big celebration, my mom told me she had found the most beautiful and elegant hotel in Cabo San Lucas. Cabo actually worked great for us! It was a short flight for Russell's family and there were direct flights out of NYC.

I was hesitant but decided to fly out with my dad to check it out. The moment we walked into the Hilton hotel in Cabo we both just knew it was perfect. It had the perfect balance of warmth and relaxation but also elegance and luxury. The views of the ocean from every corridor were breath taking! The beach was also stunning and quiet, with an incredible pre-built area for receptions. On top of that, the staff was incredible and so hospitable!

The kitchen had prepared an extensive tasting for us and blew us away with their Indian dishes. So many hotels we had visited prior had not allowed outside Indian catering but were also not capable of producing any traditional Indian dishes. We couldn't believe the expertise the chef had in creating some of our favorite dishes.

The stars really aligned in our favor, as they were hosting a wedding that weekend. We got to see each event space in its full beauty, and I couldn't help but notice how well-organized and seamless the wedding appeared to be going. We had a moment to say hi to the planner, Lee Del Lange, and I instantly knew she was the one I wanted to work with! Ambar Molina (Hilton Events) connected us, and it couldn't have been a better match.

We canceled our other hotel visits and selected a date! I couldn't believe how fast things had turned around.

Lee and her team at Del Cabo Weddings truly made the entire planning process a BREEZE! They were all so kind and patient and knew the best vendors. Their built-in decor and florist team blew us away with their designs! They truly understood our vision and brought it to life 100 times better. They captured the Indian essence - with all of its vibrancy and richness but then also turned around and beautifully executed the classic, simple elegance I wanted for the American wedding day.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
For my Indian wedding day, I knew I wanted shades of pink - from the flowers to the mandap to the dress. My inspiration drew from my sister's wedding day where she wore the most beautiful pink lengha. When it came time to buy my lengha, my sister graciously offered for me to wear hers so we could share that special day together and forever bonded.

The American wedding dress was a bit harder of a feat! I went to many, many stores but felt very out of place when I tried on more traditional white wedding dresses. After 6 or 7 stores, I thought maybe I would never feel comfortable in a white wedding dress as an Indian. Then I found Berta! Right when I stepped into their showroom, I couldn't get over their modern designs paired with their elaborate embroidery work (which reminded me of Indian clothing). I found my dream dress within a few minutes.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
All of our guests have repeatedly brought up the love they felt all weekend long. Not only between us as a couple, but between our friends and family. Hosting all the events within the hotel allowed all of our guests to have so much bonding time before (pool and beachside) or after (every night guests hung out at the hot tubs to have night cap).

They also could not get over the beauty - the hotel itself, the beach, the decor and florals.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
Saying our personally written vows in front of all our family and friends against the backdrop of the most incredible floral arch and ocean truly felt like a pinch-me moment.

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.
At our Indian wedding reception, Russell and I performed a Bollywood newlywed dance. Growing up, I did a lot of Bollywood dancing and performances, and when I would go to weddings, this was always my favorite part. A Bollywood romance come to life! When we got engaged, I had let go of that fantasy, not expecting him to partake. However, when he found out about this tradition, he was adamant we do it! He threw himself into dance classes and even learned the words to all of my favorite Bollywood songs growing up. Performing that dance with him and seeing him put so much energy and love into it meant so much to myself and my family.

Hilton Los Cabos is a member of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

Hilton Los Cabos VIEW PORTFOLIO

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

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.

Joey Wallace Photography VIEW PORTFOLIO

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

Hello, loves! We're delighted to share Kelly & Vivek's beautiful wedding, a perfect blend of tradition and modern romance, at the stunning Westin Carlsbad Spa and Resort. With the expert touch of Shilpa Patel Events, every detail was flawlessly planned, creating an atmosphere of pure enchantment. The venue, adorned with lush floral arrangements by TipTop Event Designs, set the stage for a day filled with love and joy. A unique touch was the garland of paper cranes, lovingly folded by Kelly's family and strung together by her aunt, crafted with love. It added a personal touch to the already magical ambiance, symbolizing peace and longevity in their union. Kelly looked radiant, her sari elegantly draped by Dimpsi Mehndi, who also crafted her intricate mehndi designs. Capturing every precious moment, Gary Coelho Photography & One Story Weddings  ensured that the memories of this magical day will last a lifetime. Kelly & Vivek's wedding truly celebrated love, culture, and family. Darlings, don't miss the photo gallery to experience the magic for yourselves! 

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

Dimpsi Mehndi VIEW PORTFOLIO

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