Dear Maharanis! Enjoy Mounika & Shantan's stunning wedding on today's Platinum Guide Blog!
How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
We met through our parents after they saw we weren't having much luck on our own. My medical school roommate also went to college with Shantan and put in a good word for him. I took the initiative and reached out to Shantan, and he texted me back right away. I found so many similarities between us during our first text conversation that I thought he might be "the one" even before we met in person! It was love at first text!
Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
We got engaged within a year of meeting. I had told him we didn't have many pictures together, so he said we could dress up one day and take photos at sunrise. I was suspicious that it could be a proposal, but the day before it looked like he hadn't put much thought into it because I suggested a park we could go to, and he instantly agreed. The next morning, we went to Herman Park and tried to find someone to take a photo of us, but the joggers weren't particularly happy to stop for us. Just when I said we should leave, I saw the setup for the proposal, and soon after, our families both joined us for a photoshoot! It was just a coincidence that the park I suggested was the one he had planned 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.
I reached out to my friends who got married in the New Jersey area for vendor contacts since my wedding was in Philly. Our venue, the Loews Hotel, also gave us some contacts for whom they worked in the past. Abhishek decorators just have so much experience in the field that we gave them some photos of what we wanted, and they helped embellish each event into something more beautiful than we had imagined! Our "day-of" event planner, Posh Kreations, made sure that everything ran smoothly and helped us come up with a timeline two months before the wedding. We had a few events at my house, but the sangeet, baraat, wedding, and reception were all at the Loews Hotel Philadelphia. Our venue was perfect to hold about 400 people for each of the events!
How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
Since I had to plan my wedding during residency training, I didn't have time to go to India, so my mom and mother-in-law just FaceTimed me before they bought my wedding saris in Kanchi. I ordered my reception lehenga from Seema Gujral online, and it fit perfectly!
What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
I enjoyed how all my family came together and got really hyped before the wedding! Wedding planning was a long process, but it was all worth it!
What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
The food and DJ were a big hit! We were lucky to have Southern Spice from NJ cater all our events. The baraat outside City Hall in Philly was also quite memorable as it was a gorgeous day outside.
Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
I remember my dad coming into my hotel room to practice our father-daughter dance right before the reception and how ready he was to dance in front of hundreds of people for the first time in his life!
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.
We worked with a choreographer from India who held dance practices over Zoom for a few weeks leading up to the wedding.
Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
It's nice to have a few things that you are particular about, but be as flexible as possible so you don't stress about all the details and enjoy the process more!
The love between the couple shines brightest, weaving a bond that transcends time and tradition.
