Welcome to Maharani Weddings

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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Hello, darlings! Don't miss Shelina & Deep's lovely charming tale in today's Platinum Guide Blog.

Until next time, sweeties, keep believing in love stories as magical as this one. Come back for more!

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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!

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Hello, Maharanis! Nestled amidst the sacred ambiance of the First United Methodist Church, Swetha & Melchisedek's journey began, resonating with promises of a lifetime. With each vow, the air became thicker with emotion, a testimony to the power of their love. Swetha's ethereal beauty, accentuated by the deft touches of Beauty Marked and adorned in the finest ensemble from Debra's Bridal, left everyone in awe. But, what truly dazzled were the radiant pieces from Givenchy and Nazranaa Jewels that complemented her glowing aura. The intricate Mehndi designs by Manu's Beauty Care whispered tales of ancient traditions and the bride's journey into marital bliss. The Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront transformed into splendor and romance as Swetha wore attire from Nazranaa. The magnificent decor by NJP Events & Design echoed their dreams, and the lighting set by DJ XFactor illuminated the couple's happiness, creating a celestial atmosphere. Their beats and melodies resonated joyfully, setting the stage for a night of laughter and dance. Each slice of the exquisite cake from Sweet and Chic Events tasted like heaven, while Riant Films impeccably captured the enchanting moments, immortalizing them in this beautiful film. 

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
Melchisedek (or Jean, as most people & I call him for short) met in 2010 at the ages of 19 & 20 at the University of South Florida. Our first few encounters were in passing at the student center, thanks to our mutual friend (& later bridesmaid) Anita. Our real story begins, however, at a student event where Jean spotted me across the USF Amphitheater & asked me to dance bachata with him. I was hesitant at first, knowing that this Sri Lankan girl had no idea how to bachata, but I decided to take a chance & learn with this tall, dark, & handsome Haitian man. By the end of the night, we'd had such a great time that we exchanged numbers & continued to text through the rest of the night. Coincidentally enough, over the next few days, we realized that we were in two of the same classes. We became study partners, passing notes in class and studying together on campus. It wasn't long before our friendship grew into something bigger. Our relationship definitely stirred things up a bit; after all, an interracial couple (specifically a South Asian woman & a black man) was not the norm back then and was often considered “taboo” in both cultures. We took the negativity in stride, & it only helped us grow closer. One of the things that attracted me most to Jean was how important culture & family are to him, as both are so important to me as well. About 2 months into dating, he met my family in order to take us to the airport as we were traveling to Sri Lanka. At the time, because our relationship was so new, I introduced him as just a "friend." Regardless, he made such an effort to get to know my parents & ask about our culture. When we returned home, I felt this newfound connection to my roots, & Jean was so eager to hear all about my first time there. That's when I knew he was the one. Over the past 13 years of being together, that hasn't changed one bit & it's one of the things I love most about him. We make an active effort to learn about each other's cultures every day, never losing touch with our own roots but always eager to incorporate other cultures into our daily lives. Not to mention, he has been my biggest motivator & supporter since day one, always pushing me to be the best version of myself & cheering me on even when he can't physically be there.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
It was nothing short of a dream come true, to say the least. On the eve of our 10-year anniversary, in the midst of the pandemic, & with the help of my family & friends, Jean pulled off a fairytale proposal - complete with twinkling lights, white clouds, balloons, & the song we first danced bachata to that fateful day playing in the background. At my childhood home, I walked in thinking I was going to a surprise party for my parents, & instead found a room filled entirely with balloons, twinkling lights, & fog. There, at the end of a pathway lined with flower petals & lanterns, stood my Prince Charming & our dog Aladdin, my Prince Ali, waiting with my dream ring. It was absolutely magical!

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 always knew we wanted to have two ceremonies, a Christian ceremony & a Hindu ceremony & make every effort to incorporate both of our cultures into our wedding. It was no easy feat, planning two ceremonies & two receptions over two days. Thankfully, my sister Shankeer had gotten married the year before in a similar fashion & was such a huge help. Having planned two ceremonies + two receptions the year prior, she had done a lot of the research on vendors, venues, outfits, etc., for me. I honestly don't know how I could have planned everything without her! With her help, I was able to book most of my vendors early on, which saved us a lot of stress later in the planning process. For example, we knew we wanted to book Photos by Rob Futrell, our amazing photographer, as I fell in love with his work during her wedding. We also booked Beauty Marked FL again, as they did such an incredible job with my sister's bridal hair & makeup. For our Hindu Ceremony and reception bridal & wedding party outfits, I just knew we had to go through Nazranaa again, as we loved how everything turned out with our custom outfits & jewelry in my sister's wedding; & our wedding looks turned out even more beautiful than I could have ever dreamed of!

About halfway through the planning process, I realized that there were still several moving parts I needed help with. I decided to hire a wedding planner, & it was the best decision I could have made! Big Guava Events made the planning process much less daunting - helping me book the rest of my vendors, organize my ideas, create timelines & keep everyone on track & events moving on time during the wedding weekend. I definitely would have been lost without them!

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
Going through Shia with Nazranaa again was such a seamless process. We flew up to NJ & chose all of our outfits (bridal lengha, groom's sherwani, bridesmaids' lenghas, groomsens' sherwanis, bride & groom's reception outfits, & all jewelry) in just one day! I had a few colors & designs in mind, & Nazranaa helped bring my ideas to life. Our theme centered around royalty & peacocks for the Hindu ceremony and reception, so Nazranaa made sure to incorporate them into our outfits.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
The decor! NJP Events & Design did such an amazing job taking all of my ideas & bringing them to fruition. When I walked into our reception ballroom, I actually started crying. I was so happy that everything turned out exactly how I imagined it. Our royal & peacock theme was a big hit amongst my guests, as there were so many little details incorporated into the weekend - small gold elephants adorned the head table, peacocks sitting on swings hanging from trees with crystals & lights as centerpieces, bronze peacock statues perfect for photo ops, a large peacock fixture on the arch of the entryway to the mandap, multicolored peacock light up rings & customized glow sticks handed out to guests on the dance floor, & gold, silver & rose gold trinket boxes as favors.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?

Expect the unexpected & have multiple backup plans! Our Hindu ceremony was to be held at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront on their River Deck, with a beautiful view of the St. John's River & the Main Street Bridge. There was a large Navy ship that docked right outside of our venue, completely blocking our riverfront view. This ship was supposed to be moved several months prior, but the move kept getting postponed. We had finally come to terms with this giant ship being the backdrop of our ceremony & had even changed our ceremony setup to have it only obstruct a part of the riverfront view, only to find out two days prior to the wedding that they were a hosting an outdoor Christmas party, complete with a dressed up Santa, drinks, & loud music at the same time & day of our ceremony! I was panicking - how could we hold a religious ceremony with a loud party right next to us?! We ended up having to move everything to an indoor ballroom. Thankfully, our wedding planner, Big Guava Events & decor vendor, NJP Events & Design, were able to work with the Hyatt & create a magical scene for our ceremony; & although it wasn't exactly what I had imagined, it was still beautiful in its own way.

I hope you enjoy this feature. Until next time, stay in love and keep celebrating every heartbeat.

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