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Welcome to Maharani Weddings

At Maharani Weddings, we believe that every bride deserves the fairytale wedding of her dreams! Here at MaharaniWeddings.com you will find glittering seeds of inspiration for every aspect of your upcoming wedding. In addition to profiling some of the most spectacular Indian weddings from around the globe through interviews, pictures, and videos, we also hand-pick and share a list of the best Indian wedding vendors in our Maharani Weddings Platinum Guide. From event planners to photographers, dj's, florists, cinematographers, makeup artists, mehndi artists, you name it... you’ll find connections to every resource you could ever need for all your wedding ceremonies and celebrations.

All posts in "Pre-Wedding Ceremonies"

Scottsdale, AZ Indian Wedding by Santiago Almada Photography

Suhani & Devang's wedding at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa was a breathtaking fusion of love and cultural heritage, meticulously planned by Truelegance LLCInner Space Design & Events transformed the venue into a romantic haven with its exquisite floral decor and rentals, setting the stage for unforgettable moments. Suhani, radiant in her beauty thanks to La Beige Beauty, and the sumptuous flavors from Om Bistro left guests in awe while DJ Mistry filled the air with melodies that danced around Frost Gelato's delectable cake & treats. Amidst this splendid setting, the talented Santiago Almada Photography captured the essence of the day; with his unparalleled skill, he captured precious moments, one frame at a time. His commitment is to provide quality work that their clients love. Each photograph testified to the joy and unity of Suhani & Devang's special day, ensuring that every smile, tear, and tender glance was immortalized. Serendipity Cinema's cinematography made their wedding an event and a timeless tale of love. You'll love it!

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How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
We met in college, and we grew to become the best of friends. I went to college far from home, so it was always comforting to have someone who cared about me and was there for me during that time. Over the years of knowing each other, we got to know everything about one another- what made us happy or sad, what we liked to do in our free time, what our aspirations were, and more. As time went on, we became inseparable, even as we eventually did a residency in different parts of the country. No matter the distance, we remained the best of friends, which naturally and beautifully came to be a relationship that was based on a deep understanding of one another.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
We got engaged on a beautiful sunny day in Chicago. Chicago was our favorite city- it's where I did residency, Devang's hometown and also the backdrop to our fondest memories. At the time, we both were living in different cities, so Devang had casually planned a summer trip to the city for us. I went in, not knowing of the proposal, but I did have a feeling this was going to be a special trip. Devang had been planning for months. He had contacted all of our close friends, sneakily flew in my family, and planned a rooftop party to celebrate our engagement. On the evening of our engagement, Devang told me we were going to dinner at an upscale restaurant and asked me to dress nicely. I went to the lobby of my hotel and was met by a black car, driver, and Devang waiting inside. He took us in the car to the city, Devang led me up to a rooftop, and proposed overlooking the city and the lake. Just when I thought it was over, he led me to an indoor area where our friends and families were waiting to greet us! It was the perfect day.

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 had 1.5 years to plan our wedding and curate the wedding according to the theme of the 4 seasons. I chose the theme of seasons because Devang and I have known each other through so many different phases, or seasons, in our lives. Each "season" was unique, and we remember growing and enjoying it as an important part of our journey. Each event of my wedding was therefore based around a season: the Mehndi Party was Summer-themed, our Garba was Fall-themed, our Wedding was Spring-themed, and the reception was Winter Wonderland-themed. My makeup, hair, and outfits revolved around those themes with their colors and feel. Of course, our decor was also based on the theme. I was very involved in the decor and planning itself because of the vision I had. Our vendors were incredible in working with me to fine-tune each small detail, from the decoration to the lighting to the party favors and the drinks. My outfits were all created by designers in India, and I was able to customize them to fit my vision as well.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I had no doubt in my mind that I wanted my bridal lengha to be red. I sampled many dresses from designers, but I absolutely fell in love with the red color in a dress designed by Anita Dongre. I wanted the dress to be heavily beaded in gold, and the designer worked to make the piece also have pops of color, just like I wanted to match the spring theme.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The most enjoyable part of the planning process was the design aspect. We had a wonderful decor and design team who allowed me to see the pieces many times, custom-make pieces to fit my vision, and were so committed to making each detail fit the theme I had in mind. I had so much fun dreaming up what that would look like for me, and it was my favorite part to see it come together on the days of the wedding.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Our guests really loved the different activities and experiences we sprinkled in over the days of the wedding. Firstly, we held our wedding at a resort and spa with a golf course in Scottsdale, Arizona. Guests had the opportunity to golf during the day, enjoy the nightlife in Scottsdale, use the resort amenities, and enjoy time outside on the beautiful grounds. Also, we had things like a 360 photo booth during our reception, games during our mehndi night, a gelato truck and stand during our reception, themed drinks, and more. This contributed to an overall fun experience.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
Yes, I think it was the evening of our very first event at the resort. I remember getting ready for the vent up in my suite. My hair and makeup artists were the kindest, most fun people, and we had such a blast, but it was just me, my mom, and my stylists up in that room- I hadn't seen any of my guests! I remember going downstairs for my first event, and I was greeted by our guests. It felt SO special like it was finally here after waiting what seemed like forever. Devang and I had such an incredible time greeting people we hadn't seen in years and even seeing our close friends and family who had helped us make this event a reality.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
It's hard not to burn yourself our during the planning process. Not everything will go your way, and it's just the reality of it- and it's ok! Hold tight to your friends and family who offer to help you out, and learn how to delegate your work. It will help with the workload you take on, reduce your stress and also allow you to share the fun with people you love.

A vibrant fusion of love, tradition, and joyous celebrations, uniting families in a rich cultural heritage.

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Photography: Santiago Almada Photography | Sangeet & Ceremony & Reception Venue: The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa | Planning & Design: Truelegance LLC | Floral & Decor: Inner Space Design & Events | Hair & Makeup: La Beige Beauty | Catering: Om Bistro | DJ: DJ Mistry | Cake & Treats: Frost Gelato | Cinematography: Serendipity Cinema | Rentals: Inner Space Design & Events


King of Prussia, PA Indian Wedding by Ambient Moments Photography

Danielle & Jerin's wedding was a splendid and heartfelt celebration that bridged the heritage. Vows were exchanged at St. David's Episcopal Church, and the exuberant reception at Sheraton Valley Forge was a heartwarming tapestry of love, tradition, and unity meticulously captured by Ambient Moments Photography. The day was filled with memorable moments, including a touching first look against an Elegant Events Florist-crafted backdrop, heartfelt dances, and a surprise performance by Danielle that set the dance floor ablaze, encapsulating the joy and unity of their special day. From the serene blessings in the morning, accentuated by the elegance of Danielle's beauty enhanced by Beaut by Far, whose artistry in hair and makeup captured the essence of bridal elegance, each moment was a testament to the couple's deep-rooted respect for their cultures. DJ Pandemik (MC) from MVP DJs was out of the floor, exciting the crowd and DJ Shattered (DJ) from MVP DJs brilliantly harmonized melodies to keep everyone dancing all night long. Danielle & Jerin's wedding was a joyous celebration that brought together two souls and transcended cultural boundaries. You'll love it!

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A vivid journey through the landscapes of love, tradition, and the beauty of coming together as one.

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Hair & Makeup: BEAUT by FAR | Ceremony Venue: St. David's Episcopal Church | Reception Venue: Sheraton Valley Forge | Floral & Decor: Elegant Events Florist | DJ: MVP DJs | DJ: DJ Shattered | DJ: DJ Pandemik | Photography: Ambient Moments Photography


Cedar Grove, NJ Indian Wedding by Abhi Sarkar Photography

Mansi & Sahil's journey to matrimony is a modern love tale, blossoming from Hinge's digital realms to Long Island City's heartwarming lanes. It wasn't an instant spark for Mansi, who, tired from the online dating carousel, almost didn't give Sahil a second chance. However, his persistence and the allure of his warm, humorous personality gradually drew her in. Their love story is a mosaic of small, precious moments, culminating in a declaration of love amid the beats of a Diplo concert in Brooklyn.

Their proposal story is refreshingly simple yet profoundly intimate. Sahil chose their home for the grand question, surprising Mansi in her most comfortable state - sweatpants, fuzzy slippers, and all. This unpretentious, genuine moment perfectly encapsulates the essence of their relationship.

Mansi's bridal lehenga is a tale of patience, persistence, and personal touch. Despite the dazzling array of options in Bombay, none matched her vision. With the help of her designer, Ami Aunty, she created a lehenga that defied traditional expectations, opting for a unique color and design over the conventional red and sequins.

The wedding planning process was a joint adventure for Mansi & Sahil, making decisions together and involving themselves in every detail. This collaborative effort brought them closer and ensured their personalities shone through every aspect of the celebration.

A standout moment was their reception entrance, where they seized CO2 guns, turning the dance floor into a scene of exhilarating fun. This moment of pure joy and the sight of their loved ones celebrating together is a cherished memory that replays in their minds. Their event decor was a blend of traditional and unique themes. From a nighttime mela theme at the Sangeet, complete with nostalgic decor and an Ice Gola vendor, to an icy-blue, mirror-and-silver toned reception, the settings were a perfect backdrop for the festivities, dance, and laughter.

Mansi & Sahil's story is a reminder to stay true to oneself. Every decision reflected their authentic selves, from choosing a wedding venue that aligned with their dream of an outdoor wedding to opting for custom jewelry. Their journey is a celebration of love, a blend of modernity and tradition, and, above all, a reflection of their unique bond.

Congratulations Mansi & Sahil!

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How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
Like many modern love stories, ours began on Hinge. By the time we met, I was truthfully a little worn out from online dating and was ready to swear off the apps yet again. Sahil and I met up for a cup of coffee on a rainy Sunday in Long Island City. I thought he was nice, but I was so checked out of dating that I didn't think it was going to go anywhere. But he was persistent that we meet up again, so we went on a second date and a third date, and so the story goes. We are very different people, so it took me a while to get there, but ultimately, his kind personality, his warmth, and his humor took me in. I don't think I've ever felt so safe with another person, and I just realized that I loved being loved by him. I don't think there was a moment; it was a combination of a lot of small moments that made me fall in love with him! I told him I loved him for the first time at a Diplo concert at the Brooklyn Mirage because I knew at that moment that he was the person I wanted to keep having fun with for the rest of my life!

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
I didn't have many requests for a proposal, just that it be a surprise. I didn't really care if my hair or nails were done or what I was wearing. I just wanted it to be a moment that took me by surprise, which was a big ask in itself because I am very difficult to surprise, and I already knew it was coming at some point because we had gone ring shopping together.

So on to the Proposal...
Sahil proposed in the most special place, our home. I did not make it easy for him (oil in my hair for most of the morning, to say the least). But ultimately, we got engaged with me wearing sweatpants fuzzy slippers and wet hair, and I could not have been happier in that moment.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I went to India about 6 months before the wedding! I had a general sense of what I wanted, but my mom (aka my expert personal shopper) wanted me to have all the options. For one day of my 7-day trip, we went to what felt like every designer in Bombay. I tried dozens of outfits on and picked out bits and pieces of some that I liked. Ultimately, nothing I saw in person really fit the bill for what I had envisioned, as I am not really a sequins and glitter kind of person, especially for the ceremony. So instead, I worked with my amazing personal designer, Ami aunty, and I told her exactly what I wanted. We picked out the exact fabric color after spending hours in the fabric store and she hand dyed the fabric I wanted, and she then sent over swatches of the design each step along the way. It was a very involved process, but ultimately, I ended up with this gorgeous lehenga that was the perfect color and design I wanted. I could not have been happier. I'm glad I ignored the multiple designers who told me I wouldn't look "bridal enough" if I didn't wear red or have sequins covering my skirt:)

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
That Sahil and I did it together. While we checked in with our parents on certain things (especially catering!), he and I sat down with each vendor and ultimately decided who we wanted to go with and the vision we wanted. A huge thanks goes out to our parents for giving us the space to plan ourselves, but we had so much fun knowing that we made those decisions together. Seeing him genuinely interested and bringing up opinions made it more enjoyable than if I had just been doing it solo. I had a true partner in crime, and that made what is a tedious and exhausting process so much more personal, and it really brought us together even more as a couple.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
I think they loved all of the personal touches. It was very important to Sahil and me that our family and friends felt how loved and important to us they were. Sahil and I hand wrote personal thank you notes for each guest at our reception, which was something everyone said they loved. Another comment was how intimate everything felt, even with 300 guests. That was so heartwarming to hear because everything we planned was keeping that in mind. So it was really great to know that while we obviously felt an outpouring of love towards us, our guests felt warm and loved as well!

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
When we took the CO2 guns at our reception and blasted them onto the dance floor! I have never felt more like a rock star! Our dance floor was PACKED the entire night, and Sahil and I talked about how there were multiple moments when we were dancing on the stage and just stopped to take it all in. Watching our friends and family all in one room, having a blast, and just enjoying themselves all out was overwhelming in the best way. At that moment, we were full of gratitude and excitement that we had just thrown the party of our dreams, and it was playing out in real life better than we could have ever imagined!

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 knew that we wanted to have fun with the decor! For the sangeet, we've seen a lot of mela themes, and while I thought that was always fun, it felt like everyone was doing that. So our amazing decorator, Hasina, came up with a nighttime mela theme, with darker shades and table decor with old-school Fanta and Thums Up bottles and little rickshaw carts. We even had an Ice Gola vendor, which was so much fun! The warmer colors also made the huge room feel more intimate. The best part was all of the dances! Seeing how much work our friends and family had put into learning and practicing all the dances was heartwarming, and it was so much fun seeing people who never dance get on the dancefloor, just for us! I am still shocked that some of my uncles not only got up there but that they had actually learned the dance!

For our reception, I had this vision of an icy blue room with mirrors and silver tones. Our stage was covered in hand painted baby's breath and Hasina used a mix of mirrors, glass, and lots of candles to create a stunning visual for our reception room. She especially outdid herself with extraordinarily decorated Estate tables! With MVPDjs providing the perfect lighting and room wash, we loved how it all turned out!

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
PICK YOUR BATTLES! Even though it is your day, it is likely your families are going to have some things they envision as being part of your wedding weekend. Before you even begin planning, make a list of your non-negotiables for yourself, for you and your partner, and have your parents individually do the same. Then, have a conversation about those non-negotiables and level set of expectations. That made it SO much easier for us because we knew there were some things we had to include as we planned, and our parents knew there were some things they wanted that we were just not going to be doing (for us, it was some of the more traditional aspects that we chose to exclude). Sahil and I made the majority of the decisions by ourselves, so having had that conversation at the onset with our parents helped prevent any surprises as we got closer to the big day! I found that giving in on some of my "lower-care" items built a lot of goodwill between me and my in-laws. Sometimes, it's not about "giving in" but about thinking ahead and knowing that some compromise early on will pay dividends in the future. But remember, you don't have to give in to anything that sacrifices your mental peace or is something that is very important to you.

Second, just have FUN! Sahil and I had the more extraordinary team around us for the wedding weekend, so all we had to do was show up, eat/drink, and have the best time. I thought I would be worried about how things were going, but I found that when I let myself just exist in the moment, it was so much fun. Trust your vendors and hire a wedding planner (seriously!!), if it's in your budget. You won't remember what color your centerpieces were, but you will always remember how you felt surrounded by the people you love!

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
Overall, do what feels authentic to you. We didn't want to cut a cake as part of the program, so we got one but cut it privately during our reception photos. I wanted custom jewelry that was heavy for my ceremony but I could rewear in the future, so that's what I did. We wanted an outdoor wedding, so we looked at dozens of venues until we found the perfect one. This is YOUR weekend, and while it's easy to get caught up in the details, always go back to who you are and what feels right for you and your partner, and decisions will be a lot easier to make!

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Catering: Chand Palace | Photography: Abhi Sarkar Photography | Bridal Fashions: Isa by Dolly Wahal | Bridal Fashions: Tusti by Ami Gandhi | Ceremony Venue: The Grove | Cinematography: Nura Weddings | Decor: Royal Charms | DJ: DJ Prit Modi | DJ: MVP DJs | Groom Fashions: Telon Santacruz | Groom Fashions: Rivesse by Ishan Sanghvi | Groom Fashions: Nero Couture & Bespoke | Hair & Makeup: Makeup by Mansi | Haldi/Wedding Catering: Chowpatty | Live Music: Rianjali Music | MC: DJ Div | Mehndi Artist: Rita Shah Mehndi Artist | Planning & Design: Royal Charms | Reception Venue: The Grove | Rentals: Royal Charms | Sangeet Dance Choreographer: Niraj Patel | Sangeet/Reception Catering: Bukhara Grill | Sangeet Venue: Hanover Marriott


Boca, FL Indian Wedding by Vanessa and Johnny Photography and Films

In the heart of Boca Raton, under the Florida sun, Sue & Andrew’s wedding unfolded like a beautiful tale of cultural harmony and shared passions. Their love story, rooted in a mutual fondness for beer and travel, blossomed into a remarkable fusion of Indian and Western traditions, culminating in a vibrant and heartfelt celebration.

Their journey began in Houston, where they met as colleagues at Anheuser Busch. Over shared beers and common interests, what started as a casual drink after work soon transformed into a deep connection. Their relationship grew alongside their numerous adventures and moves, cementing their bond in shared experiences and values despite their diverse cultural backgrounds.

Planning their wedding amidst a move from St. Louis to New Jersey, Sue & Andrew entrusted Gina Marie Wedding & Event Planner, with the intricate details of their destination wedding. This decision allowed them to focus on their new beginnings while their wedding planner flawlessly executed their vision. The selection of the venue, decor, and all the minute details were meticulously chosen to reflect their unique story and love for tropical beauty.

Sue’s bridal lengha, a striking ensemble from Shyamal and Bhumika, mirrored the lush landscapes of South Florida. The dark emerald green skirt adorned with bright florals was a nod to Andrew's childhood memories and the vibrant natural surroundings. Finding the perfect piece in an unconventional color was a challenge, but it paid off, beautifully encapsulating the essence of their union.

The seamless blend of cultures enamored the guests. They experienced the vibrancy of a traditional Hindu wedding and the relaxed ambiance of a Western reception. The outdoor venue, adorned with majestic banyan trees, created an intimate and inviting atmosphere, allowing the guests to feel deeply connected to every moment of the ceremony.

A poignant memory for Sue was her walk down the aisle, flanked by her brothers. As she approached the Mandap, the emotional bond with Andrew was palpable, even through the cloth that momentarily veiled their view. This moment, filled with overwhelming love and joy from their families and friends, remains etched in her heart as a testament to their beautiful, blended journey.

Congratulations Sue & Andrew!

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How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
Andrew and I met at work 7 years ago in Houston, TX. We worked together closely for about 3 years before I finally built up the courage to ask him to grab a drink after work. What was initially just two co-workers sharing a beer formed into the beginning of our love story? From that moment, we both knew that there was something special worth exploring. Our relationship was bound by our shared love of traveling, eating, and beer (which is the industry we work in). Although we were raised in different cultures, our family values were the same, and our biggest differences were actually our biggest similarities. Now 7 years later we are happily married and excited to see where our journey will go!

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.
Andrew and I were in the middle of moving from St. Louis to New Jersey in the midst of our wedding planning and knew that we needed a planner that could help us plan our destination wedding. After several phone calls, it was clear that Gina and her team would not only help bring our vision to life but also stay organized and on top of all of the planning while we focused on moving and starting our new jobs. Our wedding planner made the experience smooth, and we could not have pulled the event off without her! It was a blast traveling down to Florida to pick out the venue, finalize the decor, and do the hair and makeup trials!

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I knew I wanted to do a tropical wedding that incorporated the natural beauty of South Florida. I wanted to bring elements from my Husband's childhood home, like the palm trees and bright flowers growing in the backyard. This was also my inspiration for my wedding lengha, which is why I went with a dark emerald green skirt and bright pink, orange, and gold flowers. It was a little difficult finding the right lengha since green isn't the most popular color, but I'm so happy I found the perfect piece at Shyamal and Bhumika. Their customer service and customization options made it easy to mix and match elements to create the perfect look for the wedding ceremony.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Our guests loved that we truly combined both cultures in our wedding festivities. Andrew's family was able to experience the excitement of a mehndi and haldi event followed by the traditional Hindu wedding, while my family got to experience an elevated backyard barbecue-style event welcoming everyone the night before. During the wedding ceremony, our guests loved our airy outdoor venue and the beautiful banyan trees that shaded the courtyard. We wanted the guests to feel like they were truly a part of our wedding ceremony by engaging and involving everyone in the process.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
The one moment that sticks out to me the most was when I was walking down the aisle with my brothers. Although I couldn’t see Andrew at the moment, I could feel the connection between us when I was walking to the Mandap. I was completely overcome with emotion and could see my parents, my in-laws, and my new brothers-in-law tearing up as they were holding the cloth that separated the two of us. I felt the love, joy, and emotion of our friends and family that came out to celebrate our marriage.

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DJ: Pavan Events | Photography: Vanessa and Johnny Photography and Films | Draping/Styling: Farahs Mehndi | Bridal Fashions for Ceremony: Shyamal & Bhumika | Bridal Fashions for Reception: Sabyasachi | Bride's Hair & Makeup: Makeup And Hair By Frozon | Bridemaids Hair & Makeup: Kiss this Makeup | Cake & Treats: Publix | Catering for Ceremony & Mehndi: Deccan Spice Pompano | Catering for Reception: The Addison | Ceremony Venue: The Addison | Cold Sparks: Custom Dj Services | Event Designer: Gina Geiler | Floral & Decor: Dalsimer Atlas | Floral & Decor: JRN Events | Getting Ready Hotel: Riverside Hotel | Horse for Baraat: Windchase Farms | Hindu Priest: Bhargava Sharma | Invitations & Wedding Stationery: Chi Chi Illustrations for Invitations | Live Painter: Event Painting by Julie | Mehndi Artist: Henna by Amna | Planning & Design: Gina Marie Wedding & Event Planner | Reception DJ: Xentric Entertainment | Reception Venue: The Addison | Rentals: JRN Events | Second Shooter Photographer: Julio G Photographer | Stationary: Andi Mejia


Chantilly, VA Indian Wedding by Nat Wongsaroj Photography

In a Staten Island hospital cafeteria, Jesse, a medical student, approached Romina's table to introduce himself. She departed with a quick "Hi, I'm Romina," leaving him intrigued. Destiny had a grander plan for Jesse & Romina. Two years later, their paths intertwined once more as they both matched at Eastern Virginia Medical School's residency program. Among just ten interns, their reunion felt less like coincidence and more like fate. As they embarked on the rigorous residency journey together, their bond deepened, turning colleagues into companions and, eventually, life partners.

Jesse's proposal to Romina was a chapter of a romantic novel. Jesse's sudden kneel and heartfelt proposal took Romina by surprise as they strolled amongst the vines. Her joyful "YES" was only the beginning of a day filled with surprises, culminating in a celebration at the Botanical Gardens, surrounded by their nearest and dearest.

Planning their wedding was an adventure in itself. Despite the challenge of organizing a Virginia wedding from Georgia, the couple found solace and support in their family friend, Sumeet and Dream Shaadi. Their vendors, from the decorators to the photo and video team, brought their vision to life, immortalizing their special day with stunning visuals and unforgettable moments. The venue resonated with the joy and energy of the DJ and entertainment team, ensuring a celebration that was nothing short of magical.

Romina's bridal attire was a blend of tradition and personal style. She chose a classic red lengha, ordered from India and inspired by Pernia's popup shop. Her traditional white wedding dress, sourced from an Atlanta boutique, added a Western touch to her multicultural celebration. The joy of selecting vendors was Romina's favorite part of planning. Each choice was a step towards realizing her dream wedding, a day where every detail reflected her and Jesse's personalities and love story.

Their guests loved the wedding's unique fusion of Persian and Indian traditions. The vibrant colors, the rhythmic music, and the spirited dancing were new and exhilarating experiences for many. Their Sangeet and Mehndi night was a lively celebration of tradition and color. These events were not just about the decor or the dances; they were a testament to the love and effort of those who had come together to celebrate Romina & Jesse's union.

Congratulations to Romina & Jesse!

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How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
One afternoon, at a small hospital in Staten Island, Jesse and Romina were amidst the standard hustle and bustle of the hospital, when the holy time approached, lunch! As Jesse approached his usual niche amongst the conglomerate of students and staff, he came across a table of three acquaintances and one person he had never seen before...Romina. Out of politeness, he introduced himself to her nervously but excitedly, tray of hospital food in hand, and standing awkwardly at the side of the table while everyone remained seated. To his surprise, Romina stood up, gave a quick "hi I'm Romina" and before waiting for any response, said bye to our mutual colleagues and zipped away...that was the first time we met.

Fast forward two years.. Jesse and Romina matched at the same residency program, Eastern Virginia Medical School, one of only 10 interns! What are the chances?! They start residency for the next three years and the rest is history!

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Jesse planned a beautiful and romantic day at a winery. We had a romantic lunch after which we walked to the beautiful vines for photos. Before I could pull my phone out, he dropped to one knee and asked to spend the rest of our lives together. Of course I said YES!!

But there were more surprises to come. He took me to the Botanical Gardens to celebrate. Little did I know, both of our families and closest friend were waiting to surprise us. It was such a beautiful moment to celebrate our love, surrounded by our families.

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 worked with a close family friend Sumeet and Dream Shaadi to plan our wedding and had a wonderful, low stress experience planning our wedding. The only difficult part was that we lived in Georgia but were planning our wedding in Virginia. Sumeet ensured that the process went as seamless as possible. We LOVED all of our vendors. Decor was a bit difficult as we could not have in person meetings but every vendor did a wonderful job particularly our photo and video team! They captured our day so beautifully and we will cherish those memories forever! The venue was outstanding and DJ and entertainment team truly gave us an unforgettable weekend.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?

I ordered my bridal lengha from India and got inspiration through Pernia's popup shop (where I ordered my Sangeet outfit from). I stuck with the traditional color, red. For my traditional white wedding dress, I ordered it from a boutique here in Atlanta.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
My favorite part of the planning process was picking all of our vendors! I had a vision of how I wanted my wedding day to play out and of course, the vendors were a huge part of ensuring that vision came to life.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
They loved everything about our wedding. We had a mix of Persian and Indian traditions, which mad our wedding unique. A lot of our guests had never been to an Indian wedding so they really enjoyed all the colors, music, and dancing traditions that comes along with that. I think the mixture of the two cultures is a unique experience that our guests got to witness.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
Our reception night was truly unforgettable. Everyone was dancing to the various music we had: Persian, Indian, and Western. It was so awesome seeing everyone on the dance floor until well past midnight!

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 and Mehndi night was so special and fun to plan as this was all new to me. I researched the typical colors, and decor and did a traditional yellow theme for the Mehndi. Our Sangeet was more colorful and my favorite part was the dance floor wrap which where we got to see all the surprises performances our family and friends had been planning and practicing for months!

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Enjoy the process. Half of the fun in the planning process. The weekend goes by so fast so try and enjoy every moment. No wedding is perfect and there will be things that go wrong but in the end, you will remember it as the best day of your lives.

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)

Picking out the Indian Jewelry and my mehndi design was so much fun. I got inspiration from Pernia's pop-up shop, Etsy, and Pinterest and I absolutely loved how everything turned out.

STYLE
GUIDE
style
Traditional
Romantic
Contemporary
season
Summer
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DJ: Dynasty AVE | Baraat: Olde Towne Carriages | Lighting: Dynasty AVE | Cake & Treats: Classic Bakery | Ceremony Venue: Westfields Marriott | Cinematography: Paperboys | Dance Floor Wrap- Sangeet & Reception: Signature Designs DMV | Floral & Decor: Sarah Khan Event Styling | Hair: Hair by Mimi | Indian Catering - All Events: Rupa Vira | Makeup: Malia's Make up Artist | Mehndi Artist: Naseem's Henna & Arts | Persian Catering - Reception: Johnny's Kabob | Photography: Nat Wongsaroj Photography | Planning & Design: Dream Shaadi | Reception Venue: Westfields Marriott | Rentals: Select Event Rentals | Stationary Designer: DS Designs


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