Vineeta & Kush's love story unfolds like a modern fairy tale, blossoming from digital sparks to a lifetime commitment. Their connection swiftly deepened through virtual dates, culminating in a four-day first date in New York City. Despite the physical distance between Chicago and New York, their bond grew, leading to Kush's heartfelt proposal in May 2022.
Kush's proposal to Vineeta was an unpredictable mix of humor and suspense. His playful pranks, from fake proposals to teasing gestures, kept Vineeta on her toes. The climax of this mischievous charade unfolded in Kush's office, where he finally asked the much-awaited question amidst a romantic setting of rose petals and balloons. This unexpected moment, filled with emotion and surprise, became a cherished memory for the couple.
The couple's wedding planning was an adventurous journey, choosing Cancun's picturesque shores for their destination wedding. They meticulously selected Planet Hollywood for its expertise in hosting South Asian weddings. Vineeta & Kush used social media to connect with vendors, infusing their personalities into each ceremony through distinct themes. Vineeta's collaboration with her hair and makeup artist brought diverse styles to life, while her mendhi featured the skylines of New York City and Chicago, a tribute to their journey.
Vineeta's quest for the perfect bridal lengha led her to the designs of Mohsin Naveed Ranjha. She selected a sindoori red raw silk lengha, blending traditional craftsmanship and contemporary style. A quiz game, Bollywood-themed cocktail napkins, and a family-style dinner added warmth and fun to the celebrations. With table names inspired by New York City and Chicago landmarks, the reception created a familiar and engaging ambiance.
For Vineeta, the most poignant moment was the conclusion of the wedding ceremony, a euphoric realization of their journey and love. The various events showcased their creativity, with themes ranging from a beachside haldi ceremony to an indo-western rooftop party and an all-white-themed reception. The festivities were adorned with lively entertainment, including Samba dancers, creating a vibrant and unforgettable atmosphere.
This wedding, a blend of tradition, modernity, and personal flair, was not just a celebration of Vineeta and Kush's union but a testament to their journey from a swipe to a lifetime together.
Congratulations Vineeta & Kush!
How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
I had been passively using dating apps to meet people and “get myself out there” and attract a like-minded partner but was not coming across any matches that I felt any spark with. Kush had already traveled the world and been living on his own and independent since he was a young man. As the pandemic loomed on, Kush though that this was the perfect time to find his life partner. He had been swiping on a popular app for 6 months with a few failed date attempts when he found my profile. Kush swooned me with his initial message of “Omg I think I’m in love ”. Vineeta impressed and amused by his boldness, humor, (and looks) messaged back. It was love at first swipe.
After a few weeks of “virtually dating” Kush and I decided they wanted to meet each other in person and Kush booked a one-way flight to NYC (just in case things didn’t work out in person he could return to Chicago). I picked Kush up from Newark International Airport and the two of us embarked on a first date that lasted four days! We became a couple after the weekend was over and continued to facetime and visit each other in their respective cities.
Kush was born and raised in Chicago, and I was from New York. After several flights and many facetimes later, Kush and I saw lifelong partners within each other and truly started to feel incomplete when not together. Our bond grew stronger quickly, supporting each other in those instances of feeling the physical distance between them and being grateful for our in-person moments. Sharing the same views and values towards marriage and family, as well as the importance of trust and communication they knew they wanted to spend forever together. In May, 2022 Kush got down on one knee and asked me to marry him after only being together for 9 months.
Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
From the moment we openly discussed my ring size and preferred designs, I knew that Kush's proposal was on the horizon. The anticipation grew as I flew into Chicago a few days early to attend his mother's surprise birthday party, completely unaware of the adventure that awaited me. Little did I know, Kush's mischievous nature would make this proposal one for the books.
As I walked out of the airport, my jaw dropped as I saw Kush down on one knee, a glimmer of hope twinkling in his eyes. But alas, he quickly brushed it off, claiming he was simply checking something on the car. His first playful prank left me both bewildered and amused.
Later that evening, we ventured out to a popular street festival, basking in the vibrant atmosphere. Amidst the cheerful crowd, Kush took me by surprise yet again. This time, he went down on one knee, holding a jewelry box. With bated breath, I eagerly awaited the unveiling, only to discover a pair of Flamin'-Hot Cheetos earrings staring back at me. My initial embarrassment quickly transformed into laughter as I realized Kush's humorous antics were far from over.
The following day, he urged me to dress up for a romantic dinner at a renowned restaurant. Our first stop was the picturesque Michigan Avenue, where, to my gullible heart's delight, Kush got down on one knee once more. Falling victim to his clever shoe-tying trick, I couldn't help but chuckle at his playful charm. We made our way to a charming champagne lounge called "Pops for Champagne." With each passing moment, I convinced myself that " He's going to pop the question at Pop's" as it was a popular setting for proposals. Kush disappeared for a while and returned, taking my hand, and leading me to a table by the window. The waiters stood nearby; no question was popped, and my frustration grew.
In a series of pranks that tested my patience, Kush continued to amuse himself while my hunger grew. By the time we reached the restaurant, I had abandoned all hope of a traditional proposal and was annoyed. But lo and behold, Kush, not willing to give up, went down on one knee yet again, teasingly adjusting the table leg while waiters stood by with a bottle of my favorite wine. Frustration and weariness filled the air as I yearned for an end to the playful games.
Finally, Kush sensed my frustration and agreed to call it a night. I took off my heels and was settling in as he asked me to proofread an email related to a work issue in his office. Expecting nothing more than work-related matters, I hesitantly stepped into the room. To my astonishment, I was greeted by a breathtaking sight: rose petals and balloons adorned the space, forming the words "Will you marry me?" My heart, jaded by his pranks, initially led me to storm out in anger. But Kush, realizing he had pushed the limits, grabbed my hand, and uttered those magical words, "Wait, I’m actually proposing this time!"
Overwhelmed with emotions, I melted into his embrace, the frustration of the night transforming into pure joy. The next day, as we attended his mother's birthday party, my heart skipped a beat once more. Surrounded by loved ones, I was pleasantly surprised to see my parents there, beaming with pride and offering their heartfelt congratulations. Kush had secretly invited them to be a part of our special moment, creating an unforgettable memory for us and our loved ones.
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.
From the very beginning, Kush and I knew that we wanted our wedding to be an unforgettable experience, filled with love, joy, and the magic of a destination celebration. We didn't want to wait until summer to tie the knot, and we realized that regardless of the location we chose, our loved ones would have to book flights. So, why not turn our special day into a vacation for everyone involved?
After careful consideration, we set our hearts on the mesmerizing shores of Cancun. Not only is it a beloved destination for Desi weddings, but it also offered access to experienced vendors who could bring our vision to life. Among the various stunning venues, Planet Hollywood stood out to us because of its impeccable reputation and expertise in hosting South Asian weddings. Their weddings department proved to be a valuable resource, providing us with a list of preferred vendors and offering guidance to help us schedule all our events seamlessly.
In our search for the perfect vendors, I turned to Instagram as a valuable tool. I spent countless hours scrolling through images under the Planet Hollywood Cancun location geotag, finding inspiration in the breathtaking moments captured by talented photographers and planners. Whenever I stumbled upon images that resonated with our vision, I reached out to the vendors tagged in those posts. It was a wonderful way to connect with professionals who understood our desires and could bring our dreams to life.
Kush and I were excited about curating different vibes and aesthetics for each of our events. After much thought and planning, we narrowed down our celebrations to a series of unforgettable moments: a modern indo-western rooftop welcome cocktail party, a beachside haldi ceremony, a vibrant sangeet/mehndi night, a wedding ceremony on the beach, and a formal black-tie reception. Each event would have its unique decor style, entertainment options, and culinary delights. We even decided to set specific dress codes for each occasion, adding an extra touch of elegance and fun to the festivities.
How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
Planning a destination wedding meant I had to carefully consider every aspect, especially when it came to selecting my bridal lengha. Balancing the input from my family and Kush, I wanted a look that embodied the timeless elegance of an Indian bride while incorporating modern elements. It was a delicate dance between tradition and contemporary style.
With the desire to find something that would be sophisticated yet not overpowering, I embarked on a search for the perfect designer. That's when I stumbled upon the captivating designs of Mohsin Naveed Ranjha (MNR) on social media. The richly detailed structured fabrics and modern silhouettes caught my eye, and I knew I had found the perfect blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary flair.
As excited as I was about the MNR designs, I had reservations about purchasing my bridal outfit online. However, any hesitations I had quickly dissipated when I connected with the MNR team. Their professionalism and dedication to customer service were evident from the start. They went above and beyond to assist me in selecting my dream lengha, offering virtual shopping appointments and presenting me with a carefully curated selection tailored to my taste.
After much deliberation, I chose a sindoori red raw silk lengha, adorned with exquisite embroidery featuring dabka, kora, sitari, pearl, and marori. The color itself drew me in, as it effortlessly transitioned from shades of red to sangria and maroon, depending on the lighting. The embroidery added a modern touch, with sparkling hints of mint, blue, and white, tying in the hues from the ocean.
What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
Amidst the whirlwind of wedding planning, creating distinct themes for each of our events allowed us to let our creativity soar. We quickly realized that designing unique themes for each event was an opportunity to infuse our personalities and love story into every detail. It was a chance to blend tradition with our modern sensibilities and create an atmosphere that would leave a lasting impression on our guests.
The process of crafting these themes was an enjoyable journey of exploration and discovery. We delved into inspiration boards, scoured the depths of social media, and sought ideas from friends and family. It was a beautiful fusion of our individual tastes and shared vision, bringing forth a tapestry of diverse themes that celebrated the essence of each celebration.
What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Our guests expressed their enjoyment of our personal touches and unique experiences. From the lively haldi ceremony to the energetic sangeet night, we found creative ways to include personal details that would leave a lasting impression. During the haldi ceremony, we arranged a fun-filled game called "Guess Who, V or K?" It allowed our guests to participate in a lighthearted quiz, answering quirky questions about us as a couple. It brought laughter and smiles, fostering a sense of togetherness as our loved ones got to know us better. At the sangeet, we added a touch of Bollywood magic with custom cocktail napkins adorned with lyrics from popular songs. It brought a sense of nostalgia and joy, as our guests sang along to their favorite tunes, immersing themselves in the celebratory spirit of the night. During the ceremony, we thoughtfully designed our program, including explanations of each ceremony and its symbolism. It allowed everyone to follow along, understand the beautiful traditions. Our guests voiced being able to appreciate the significance of each ritual.
As we moved on to the reception, our guests enjoyed the touch of home, instead of traditional table numbers, we named each table after iconic New York City and Chicago landmarks. From "The Bean" to "The Empire State Building”. Another aspect that resonated with our guests was the family-style dinner at the reception. Guests voiced that they enjoyed the warm, inviting atmosphere it created, it gave more options than a plated meal, yet was more formal than a buffet.
Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
I think the most memorable moment for me was when the ceremony concluded. The vows had been exchanged, the rings had been placed on our fingers, and the bond between us had been sanctified. The weight of wedding events expectations, the intricate details, and the whirlwind of emotions had often felt overwhelming. But as the ceremony drew to a close, we were suddenly liberated from all those concerns, and a wave of euphoria washed over us. It was a "we did it" moment—an acknowledgement of the hurdles we had overcome, the stressful challenges we had conquered, and the love that had carried us through it all. We would be able to let loose and enjoy our reception with our loved ones.
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.
For our welcome cocktail party, we decided on an indo-western theme, with vibrant up lighting, minimalistic floral arrangements, and passed hors d'oeuvres and cocktails amid the stunning Cancun sunset. The atmosphere buzzed with laughter, reunions, and mingling amongst our guests, setting the tone for the events that lay ahead.
The haldi ceremony called for a joyful and spirited celebration on the beach. Guests were invited to participate in traditional haldi rituals, amidst a backdrop of the beach, hues of yellow, and vibrant decorative umbrellas. It was a feast for the senses, filled with laughter, love, and a touch of traditional charm over a continental brunch spread.
As we transitioned to the sangeet/mehndi night, we wanted to capture the magic of an enchanting evening under the stars. The theme we chose was "Sangeet Under the Stars," where the terrace was open with bistro lighting, led dancefloor, and vibrant decor in shades of ran pink, purple, and orange creating a lively ambiance. Guests entertained throughout the evening with family singing and dance performances, fire dancers, stilt dhol players, mendhi station, and a live performance by the famous indo-carribbean singer Savita Singh.
Finally, for our reception, we wanted a modern theme that represented Kush and my modern taste. We decided on an all-white theme with touches of black, gold, and fuchsia. The decor was minimal and timeless with bold aspects such as our monogram on the dancefloor and bright up lighting giving a nightclub ambiance once the open dance floor took off. A highlight of our reception were the Samba dancers, they brought party props, dressed in vivacious costumes, and brought a lively energy to the party.
Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
I would offer the following advice to brides: Instead of stressing over the minor hiccups that may occur during your events, it's important to remember that these things are bound to happen. You might run late, the food might not have the exact level of spice you requested, or speeches might run overtime. However, it's crucial to realize that these matters are beyond your control, and most of your guests won't even notice them.
For destination brides specifically, I received some valuable advice from my florist: Don't go overboard with floral arrangements. Unlike domestic weddings, where you can bring home the floral decorations, destination wedding arrangements are not transportable. These meticulously curated and expensive arrangements will ultimately be discarded at the end of your event(s), making it impractical to invest excessively in them.
Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
To achieve this, I collaborated closely with my hair and makeup artist (HMUA). It was crucial for me to feel like myself while also embracing the opportunity to explore different styles that I wouldn't typically go for, such as updos, vibrant pops of color, and intricate textured braids.
I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the guests eagerly anticipated my various looks and even engaged in friendly speculation about them before catching a glimpse of me. Their excitement added an extra element of anticipation and enjoyment to the festivities. Additionally, I decided to incorporate a unique and charming detail into my mendhi ceremony by featuring the skylines of both New York City and Chicago. This little touch particularly resonated with my partner, Kush, and added a whimsical and endearing aspect to the overall celebration.
