Maharanis! Don't miss Shivanie & Don's wedding in today's Platinum Guide Blog. You will love it!
How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
At work, I started in a different department than Don. My manager decided to relocate me to a team where Don was the manager. When he introduced himself to me, he was very nice and courteous. One thing I noticed about him immediately was how hard-working he is and how he treated everyone with respect.
When the office was freezing cold, Don would offer me his jacket. He would offer me his gloves when it snowed outside and help me clean off the snow on my car. I knew then, he wasn’t a man of many words rather he showed with his actions. When I left the company, we hung out a few times as friends, and then he asked me out for dinner. Since then, we have been together, exploring life! He's been there for me when I was at my lowest, grieving for my dad. He gave me the strength to go forward in life and be happy. We have been inseparable since!
Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
The proposal was very thoughtful. I thought I was attending lunch with my mom, mother in law and sisters. Turns out, on my way to the restaurant, I see Don walking towards me, all dressed up, looking handsome as ever. He holds my hand and starts telling me how much he is in love with me. I was so overwhelmed that I didn’t even notice we were walking past huge portraits of us lined up at Gantry State Park in Long Island City. As we walk closer to the water I hear our close relatives and friends cheering for us. It all became so surreal for me then, knowing that this is it! This is the moment! He is going to propose! He was so excited yet anxious that he held the box in the opposite direction while proposing. It still is an inside joke between us! It was so romantic and well planned by him and our sisters! Couldn’t be any more happier!
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.
The first thing I did was order a wedding planner book from Amazon lol. I like to be organized and have a vision for every little detail. Our wedding vendors have all done an outstanding job. Don and I have worked very closely with all the vendors to ensure everything was exactly how we would like it to be. Our wedding planners and coordinators had been so helpful throughout the whole process. Even on our hardest days, they would encourage us to not give up on the process. I definitely couldn’t have done it without them! They were like my fairy godmothers, saying yes to all of my wishes even though some were nearly impossible! The venue, crest hollow was absolutely lovey and gorgeous very pleasing to the eye, and very generous staff as well! I was so pleased with my hair and makeup artist, they both had done an outstanding job, I’ve never felt as beautiful as I did on my wedding day! I definitely had quite a few outfit changes, a white dress, a saree, lehenga. Our photographer and videographer did an amazing job as well, capturing every single detail! Lastly, the decor, don and I picked our stage just a few days before the wedding itself only because I could not find what I was envisioning. Finally, our decor company offered to do a stage that he had never done before but had envisioned in his mind. He showed me a few pictures of his visions. Trusting him was the most wisest thing to do! Because Don and I absolutely loved our stage! It fit our personality and it was very elegant and different. That is exactly was Don and I were looking for. Our wedding vendors were truly the dream team!
How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I always knew I wanted a princess dress. As in a ball gown with lacework and long sleeves. I was so happy to know that Max Bridal my dream wedding dress. My saree was a gift from my mother-in-law from India, I remember waking up at 3 am to be on FaceTime to select the color of my saree from India. Shopping for a wedding outfit all the way from India over FaceTime was very fun and unique. Lastly, my lehenga was from Nazrana in New Jersey. The lehenga was the first dress I had tried on and instantly knew it was the one. My sister-in-law reassured me that Nazraana would have exactly what I’m looking for. I’m so glad I trusted her with my experience with Nazraana as they were very helpful as well. Adding a crown to my dresses made the look complete for me.
What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The most enjoyable part of the planning process would definitely have to be the meetings and appointments!! I definitely miss meeting the wedding vendors and discussing the planning. It became such a routine for us to meet at least 2/3 times a week. Definitely miss that!
What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Our guests loved the entire experience whether it was the venue, food, drinks, dance floor, music/DJ, entertainment and most importantly just having a great time with dear friends and family!
Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
The most special moment that replays in my mind would have to be our first dance. I remember just forgetting about everyone that is present and only focusing on Don. Everyone was blurr but him. Cheesy I know lol but true! The focus was more of a “we did it” to one another. Which is why it was so special.
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.
The bridal party and I did a surprise dance for Don. Watching his expressions while we all danced was priceless. He did not expect the entire bridal party to dance. Not only did we dance, we also killed the performance!
Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Enjoy every moment of your wedding day because it will go by very fast!
Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
Our cake was classic, the flavors and decor were just perfect. I loved my boutique and the flower arrangements. The highlight was the stage decor. The theme was classic white, with soft baby and fuchsia pink. With our stage backdrop seeming as “gates to heaven”. I was super happy with the overall decor.
