Welcome to Maharani Weddings

I love weddings.  I love the parties, the food, the jewelry – I just love everything about them.  I went BAH-nanas when I learned that in Pakistani culture there is another party after the wedding! The Valima (pronounced vah-lee-ma) is a grand reception hosted by the groom’s parents. Back in the day, the Valima was thrown to show the community that the marriage had officially been consummated.(OMG) Now, much to my personal delight, the Valima is an opulent celebration to formally introduce the newlyweds to the community for the first time as Mr. & Mrs. The Valima is just like a wedding reception, complete with delicious food, cheerful music, and dancing all night long.  Michelle and Atif’s Valima was a regal affair and took place in Hollywood, CA.  I love the details from this ravishing couple’s party.

 
Take a look at this stunning place card display.  It is causing a lot of excitement around our office today!

Megan Stark of Megan Stark Photography & Design was on hand to capture this event as well.  Megan has a true passion for South Asian weddings that comes through in the lovely images she is able to capture.

From Megan: I love the traditions of Indian weddings. I've photographed numerous South Asian weddings and all have had certain similarities; yet each family brings their own traditions & customs depending on where they originated from. Whatever culture or religion, I love learning about different traditions and seeing them occur at weddings - it's like returning to your roots and seeing even the most modern, americanized couple follow the traditions of their ancestors is fantastic!

How beautiful is this bride?!  I know that you probably don’t believe me when I say this, but stay tuned for part 2 of this reception – you won’t want to miss what’s coming up next!

So, I saved the best for last today.  We have the final part of Michelle and Atif’s wedding reception.  Their wedding was photographed by the lovely Megan Stark, of Megan Stark Photography & Design.  I was recently introduced to Megan’s work through Nikki Khan, and I have to tell you she is a real favorite around the office here.  She has a great eye and the ability to capture key moments – exactly what you need to be an awesome wedding photographer.

Megan's photojournalistic background makes her an expert at capturing those candid moments that make your wedding memories come alive. Her works marries a documentary style approach with respect for the traditional so that unconventional couples and their more conventional families will be pleased. Being in the right place at the right time, yet never interfering with the flow of the event is her specialty. From getting ready to cake cutting - not a detail will be missed. Photographs are your memories stopped in time and she takes pride in making sure every moment, every emotion is captured to be cherished forever.

Tomorrow we have more from this glorious affair, so come back to see the shots from their Valima.  You won’t want to miss these design ideas!

If you are just tuning in today, we are featuring Michelle and Atif’s spectacular wedding from the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood, CA.  Their wedding was designed and executed by the experts at Exquisite Events.  Nikki Khan is a real favorite around here, and you will see why as their glamorous reception unfolds. 

Did you know that roses are the international symbol of love? That being said, I always loooove receptions done in this special flower.  Each distinct color rose has its own interpretation.  Pink roses symbolize grace and gentility while white roses represent purity. 

From Nikki: The keywords for the reception were "elegance & romance." A a neutral color palette was chosen with ivories, champagnes, & blushes.  A breathtakingly beautiful stage was created for the couple with French Regency furniture, lush fabric, and a floral canopy. The centerpieces also reflected the romantic ambience. The room was washed in subtle shades of gold from florals, to lighting, to candles.

Take a look at these shots of this sweetheart table that I am completely I am obsessed with. What a romantic backdrop to dine for the first time as the new Mr. & Mrs.!!!

Because this is one of those jaw dropping weddings that make you say OMG to yourself over and over, we will be back with part 3 of this affair in a few minutes.  So stay seated!!!

Readers who are just tuning in this week can check out yesterday's pics of this wedding by clicking here.  Now we have the final moments of this five day long affair. Harlyn and Seenu's wedding reception kicked off with dance performances by Bollywood Step Dance, and the DJs over at Kumba kept the dance floor full & music going all night long. 

We are sad to see this magical wedding come to a close, but love watching it unfold.  Like any good fairytale, this is when the couple rides off into the sunset...and lives happily ever after...

Congratulations you guys, and thanks for sharing your special memories with us!

Today we have the second part of Harlyn and Seenu's wedding week. If you missed any yesterday's two part feature of this wedding, you are definitely going to want to check it out! Harlyn and Seenu were announced as the new Mr. & Mrs. for the first time at their reception at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Nestled in the trees off of Sunset Blvd, this charming hotel is one of LA's finest. Dina, from Andrena Photography, has an incrediblely artist eye, and was able to capture all the flawless beauty of this bride.

This room brings a whole new meaning to the word STUNNING. Take a look at these linens done by the team at Wildflower Linens.  The way each napkin is carefully folded to accentuate the rose...I mean, how perfect is that?!

Adorable. Sweet. Charming. Delicious.  Simply divine! 

Check back with us in a few hours as we have the finale of this ultra-glam wedding!