Sweeties, Sanika & Chad's wedding stole our hearts. Do not miss it in our Platinum Guide Blog.
How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
I met Chad on a dating app in 2014, and from our very first conversation, I knew he was the one. He was handsome and caring, and I felt incredibly comfortable and safe around him. It was remarkable because we talked for a month before we finally met in person, and on our first date, I didn’t want to leave. His energy was so addicting and captivating.
Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Our proposal was an interesting one! I knew it was going to happen within the next seven months, but I just didn't know when. Every Sunday, I would get my hair and nails done, ready just in case he popped the big question. He made reservations at amazing restaurants every Sunday, and my emotions were all over the place! He finally popped the question at a Michelin Star restaurant in Carlsbad, San Diego, on June 5, 2022. He was so spontaneous, rushing to the bathroom to call my parents and ask for their blessing. He had been carrying the ring in his pocket for months, waiting for the "right" moment. It was the perfect way to start a new chapter in our lives, reminding me that, just like our relationship, sometimes the most spontaneous moments create the best times in our lives.
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.
I absolutely loved my vendors! They were so nice and stepped up in so many ways. I appreciate them very much.
How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I had SO MANY inspirational pictures of what I wanted to wear. I definitely had 3 colors at the top of my list (royal blue, red, and red with lots of embroidery). I had my mom, dad, sister, and, at that time, fiancé go with me to India to try on clothes. The lengha I picked was the one that my dad loved the most. I wanted to see that smile on his face, so I knew which lengha was "the one".
What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The most enjoyable part of the planning process was sharing this experience with my family. I always dreamed of my wedding day, so sharing my vision with my mom, dad, and sister was something I will cherish forever. We were able to create so many memories together and share so many laughs!
What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
They loved the food, venue, and dancing, especially the guests who had never attended an Indian-Arab wedding before. I was so grateful that so much family came from all over the world to attend our wedding. We had people from China, Jordan, Lebanon, and India. My in-laws were amazing, fully embracing all the Indian traditions during the ceremony. It truly felt like our families were coming together.
Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
The moment we looked out on the dance floor during our reception and saw our closest family and friends dancing together and celebrating us. We had been together for 10 years, so living at that moment was surreal. It was something I dreamed about for a very long time.
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 decor was beautifully designed and set up by Elegant Affairs. They put everything I had envisioned to life, and they thought of every little detail I forgot about. I just gave them colors and inspo pics, and they did the rest! My husband is Middle Eastern, so they also had ideas that they had, which was nice because it was different than a traditional sangeet or traditional Indian wedding in general.
I would suggest finding a choreographer and start choreographing the dances 4-5 months before the wedding date. People back out ALL THE TIME, and for mine, I had to choreograph my own dances, which was very stressful because mine backed out. (ALSO, it is totally worth it to make the bride and groom dance on the sangeet night; it is super romantic and cute.)
Our DJ (Empire DJs- DJ Prashant) and Elegant Affairs worked together and attended every meeting we had at the venue. They were seriously the best and I had nothing to worry about. DJ Prashant stepped up in so many ways that usually a DJ wouldn't do. I felt he cared a lot about the events and put his heart and soul into making it a special few days for us!
Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
DO WHAT YOU WANT TO DO! It is your special day, so just enjoy it. Don't ruin it with stress or trying to make everything perfect. Everything will come together, and you will put the most effort into your photos! Decide where you want to do your pictures and pose in so many different ways because it is so much fun to look at your pics after the events!
Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
Our venue was The Renaissance in Plano, Texas (at Legacy West)
Jewelry was from India!
Mehendi was Mehnaz Ranmal
Cake was from Legacy Cakes in Grapevine, TX
Bouquets were from Elegant Affair
Dj- Dj Prashant from Empire DJs
(For the reception: DJ Diamond and Sal Tabla-HIGHLY RECOMMEND HIM)
Makeup and Hair -Shilpa Makeup Artist
Wedding Planner- Rama Bhat
Indian food- Our Place and India 101
Sweet loves, delve into the captivating features we share and dream of your fairy-tale ending.
