Hi Maharanis! We look forward to sharing a new love story now live on today's Platinum Guide Blog.
How did you meet your Groom, and when did you know he was "the one"?
We were classmates in college and were working on a class project together. That was a foundation for all of it. I liked how things were going between us, and l always admired his behavior and how he talked. But it was more of a friendship still by the end of our project and college. Later we both went into different jobs but were still in touch at the surface level. After 1.5 years, by sheer coincidence, we both decided to pursue masters in the USA. He went to Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, and I went to the University of North Carolina Charlotte. By the time we started in the USA, we were looking for each other, given that we both had no friends. We became much closer by texting each other all through the day and late at night while still being busy with our student lives in a new country. In all those chats, being there for each other and with the already existing friendship between us, eventually, I figured out he would be the right partner for me.
Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
As mentioned, we became closer and attached in the masters; it was funnily in the WhatsApp chats that I proposed to him, and to which he replied that he had the same thought in his mind.
Tell us how you planned your wedding, and your overall experience with the Venues, Hair & Makeup, Outfits, Decor Theme, and all the other essential details.
Planning for our wedding has been an extensive three-month process. But later realized that was very short compared to what most couples do. So with the wedding date in May, we started planning in January by looking for wedding venues (the biggest to-do). It was almost a three-week search, and we first realized that people serve wedding venues as early as 18 months. Another interesting fact we learned is that venues charge per guest rate even without including food catering. That changed the way we searched for media. Right from the beginning, we wanted to pick a platform that could offer a destination wedding theme rather than a regular banquet hall. So finally, we found our dream and most memorable venue "The plaza" at Daytona Beach, FL. We can proudly say The plaza was the best thing that happened at our wedding. Now, after the wedding venue search, we had to look for places for other accompanying events like Haldi, sangeet, etc. Since we stay in Sanford and the wedding venue is in Daytona beach, we wanted these venues for Haldi and sangeet to be in and around Sanford. Luckily we found a great Airbnb (it allowed us to have the event) and a banquet hall, "The Lair Venue," for Haldi and sangeet respectively. Being in Florida, searching for makeup artists suitable for south Indian style weddings was little challenging. After an extensive search across Instagram, Facebook, and different friends, I found "stylebymounika" from Atlanta. We chose "Forever Flowers Events" for our decoration at the wedding venue. We are really thankful to them for making the event most beautiful and memorable for us. It was very easy to find them, and we stuck with them even before picking our venue. Regarding outfits, apart from my husband's sangeet outfit, the rest were all brought by my family from India. Most of the dresses/sarees and other outfits were done by boutiques, and we had to choose the design and the right colors.
How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I visited India a couple of months before and had shopping in Hyderabad(India) for wedding dresses. The main saree is pink in color on which I had all the rituals performed before actually getting the knot tied. It is bought from the 'SAI KANCHI' store in banjara hills. I always have a special place for Purple and pink colors, which made me choose the second saree, a mix of gold color and purple border. I wore this saree for all the rituals to be performed after getting the knot tied and becoming Mrs. Sunkara.
All the other outfits for the Bridal ceremony, Sangeet, Mehendi, Haldi are from boutiques like Tasya Couture, Kadhambari Studio.
What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
Having to plan and spend everything was the most exciting part of the planning process. Because, unlike our scenario, in most weddings, the parents and family work hard during weddings. But in our marriage, we were the hosts, and we worked hard and enjoyed every moment of planning and coordination. It was a meticulous process, as everything had to be so perfect and also beautiful. So I would say making every decision ourselves and having to do all the planning ourselves was the most enjoyable part.
What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
As said earlier, The plaza was the most beautiful thing that happened at our Wedding. Also, the wedding decor combined with the beach-themed venue was one thing that all our guests loved about our wedding.
Also, as said above, planning and setting up every event meticulously was another thing all our guests loved and praised.
Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
We are also really thankful to all our friends for making our dream come true. Without their help, we couldn't have pulled it together.
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.
All the events other than the wedding ceremony are performed at Airbnb and Lair Venue(Banquet Hall in Sanford, FL). We have chosen our decoration backdrop ideas and provided them to a local decorator contractor. Dances, fun, and games are organized only with the help of friends. There used to be many sleepless nights having dance practice sessions, and organizing things. We enjoyed every bit of it. Those were the most unforgettable memories. Also, we planned our pre-wedding shoot a month before in Newyork which turned out really well. Those pictures were very cute, and we still cherish them.
Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Don't ever stop dreaming and planning for your marriage. No matter how good things may get or how bad things may seem, just keep working at it. Plan ahead all the things. This is a special moment in your life. This is a unique group of people that you will have in one location at one time. Enjoy every bit of it.
When it is all said and done, your flowers may not be perfect, and your sangeet party may be hung over from the night before but once you walk down the aisle, you will forget about all of that and have the best day of your life. Cheers to all the Brides-To-Be.
Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
Jewellery shopping is from India. Mehendi was beautifully done by 'Gokulshennaart.' The cake is from 'Bake A Wish -Orlando Cakes.'It was 2 step cake with mixed flavors of chocolate and Pineapple flavors.
We hope that you have enjoyed this journey as much as we have! Remember to stay close for more!
