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Today's Platinum Guide Blog is unfurling the vibrant tapestry of Shena & Daxesh's wedding. Enjoy!

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
In May 2021, I received a connection request on a dating website. At first, I didn't answer the connection - she hadn't heard of Daxesh and wanted to find a mutual friend who might be able to vouch for him. After some time, a friend was able to confirm that Daxesh ('Dax' for short) was a great guy, very likable and well-known. Shena took the leap and, on the second connection request, clicked ‘accept.’ One connection request and the rest is history.

I knew Dax was the one after our first date. After a long few months of texting and talking over FaceTime, we decided to meet up in Washington, DC. Our first date consisted of two things we love dearly - Art and Food! After attending the Van Gogh immersive experience, we headed over to a restaurant for lunch. After our first date, I remember walking away feeling safe, feeling like I could be myself around him, and knowing that this guy would make me laugh and smile for the rest of my life…I just knew he was the one!

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
R. We were planning a cabin staycation at Cloudland State Park in November 2022. As the date came near, Dax saw an opportunity to execute the surprise - and I know at certain points that week I got on his nerves with my Type A, planner personality. He had hired a photographer and dusted off his drone skills. As we went outside to look at the mountain scenery in the morning, Dax swept the drone up and smoothly landed on one knee as I turned around. It was absolutely perfect! You can see the video on my Instagram!

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.
Many know, and for those who don’t, I currently work in the corporate world, but I also am at the beginning of my journey to start my side business as an event planner. Saying that, you can imagine the crazy Type A personality I had when planning our own wedding. Leading up to our wedding, Dax and I worked hard to break down each detail and be on the same page. This really helped when talking to all our vendors and families. The effort put into the planning in the months leading up to the wedding definitely paid off during the week of the wedding!

Our wedding could not have been possible without our amazing vendors! Each one of them took such care in helping us plan out each detail, and when the weekend came, they showed up with their A-game. Each of our vendors was easy to work with and stayed flexible when things changed! Leading up to the event, they worked hard with us to make sure they could achieve our vision (and within budget). My coordination team took all the details I had planned and executed everything perfectly! I think I am one of those rare brides who didn’t stress about if things were getting done because the coordination team was always on top of it, even when there were last-minute changes.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
Call me weird, but I did not want to go with the traditional red. Anyone who knows me well knows that when it comes to Indian outfits, I like to wear stuff that is unique. Dax and I looked for inspiration for months. We finally found a color that we really wanted to incorporate into our outfits - sage green. Walking into Thakur’s, I knew I would have to keep an open mind. We didn’t have much time to get custom-made outfits, so I would have to choose something ready-made. After looking at a few outfits, the lengha, which was brought out last, was the one I fell in love with. It had a sage green color and incorporated the red brick color as well.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
I loved the planning process! I believe my favorite part was planning the small details. We really wanted to make sure that our guests enjoyed the weekend. Guests at any event remember two things the most - the food and the experience. Dax and I made sure we thought about those two things in the most detail when planning. We had an in-depth conversation with our caterer to build a menu that was different for each meal. We wanted to make sure there was variety the entire weekend, and being foodies ourselves, it was important to us that our guests enjoyed the food!

For experience, we tried to have meaningful experience-related pieces throughout the entire weekend. We wanted to showcase our favorite things throughout the weekend while adding the element of guest experience. We planned unique event signs (our love for art and design), flower pithi (our love for fun and fresh floral), sparkler exit, baraat dances (our love for music and healthy competition, as we had a dance-off between both families), late night games (our love for board and card games) and much more! I’m so happy we put time into detailing these pieces because it made the weekend much more enjoyable and memorable.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Even today, the two things I hear the most about from our wedding guests are that the food is some of the best food (if not the best) they have had at a wedding in the US and that they have never been to a wedding which has had been as punctual and organized as ours. Everyone had a blast and was able to enjoy the moment!

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
Obviously, it is hard to choose just one moment. Of course, the entire weekend revolved around my husband and I, and each of those moments was special. However, there is one special moment that stands out to me. Over the past few years, I have been giving this piece of advice to my friends, family, and bridal clients:

During your wedding, choose a random chunk of time and walk around the venue. Use this as a moment in time to observe and let the emotions soak all in. I chose to do this twice, once on the Wednesday before my wedding and once on the Friday before. These moments will remain so special to me because walking around I saw all the individuals - family and friends - who came together just for Dax and I. Each one of them worked together to help make our weekend possible. These moments showed me that the weekend was about Dax and I, but it was also about the relationships we have forged with each guest who attended. I will be forever grateful for these relationships and remember these moments!

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
When you look back at your wedding and the months leading up to it, you don’t want to be reminded about hating the process. Wedding planning can be stressful, but only if you make it more stressful than needed. There is no right or wrong way to plan a wedding. Plan your wedding with the method that works best for you and your fiance because it will make the process that much easier. If you wanna get all the easy stuff done first and then work on the large pieces, do that. If you want to plan the little things and have a planner do the large pieces, then hire a partial planner. If you don’t care much about certain things and want to hand them off to family members so they can help, then communicate that and get the help. If you need help from others, get the help. At the end of the day, do what works best for you!

Obviously, Indian weddings have a HUGE family element to them, and for many, that could be the stressful part. However, always remember that communication is key. Keep everyone on the same page on what you and your fiance envision and what the budget is/should be. Also, take the time to understand the different ceremonies and traditions.

Lastly, I have seen a lot of brides recently becoming stressed during wedding planning because they keep thinking about what others will think. Always remember that the weekend is about you and your fiance. Plan the details in a way that showcases your relationship.

Join us in reliving this majestic celebration, where every moment is a story and a testament to love.

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We're thrilled to share the charming tale of Lavannya & Corey's wedding, where romance blossomed amidst the splendid backdrop of Highlands Mansion and Gardens in the heart of Morris Arboretum, a perfect canvas for the floristry artistry of Wildstems. Lavannya was a vision of elegance and grace, her beauty accentuated by the expert touch of Mia Farah Beautique. The masterful planning and design by That's Darling Events wove a tapestry of charm and sophistication. The musical strains of Soda Pop Strings added an ethereal layer to the already dream-like ceremony. Stylus DJ Entertainment ensured the dance floor remained a whirl of color and happiness, reflecting the couple's blissful journey. Each frame composed by Iryna Shostak Photography is a testament to her skill in blending artistry with emotion, resulting in a visual feast that will forever remind Lavannya & Corey of their magical day. As one browses through the gallery, it becomes clear that these are not just wedding photos but timeless keepsakes, each telling a unique part of this love story. Enjoy it!

How did you meet your Groom, and when did you know he was "the one"?
Corey and Lavannya's love story began at the University of Delaware, where they both attended college. It wasn't until Lavannya's coding partner bailed on a project that Corey stepped in to help. This act of kindness sparked their friendship, which would eventually blossom into something much more.

After graduation, Corey and Lavannya found themselves working at the same company, which helped them stay close despite their busy schedules. Lavannya was smitten with Corey, but he remained completely oblivious to her feelings. It wasn't until February 2017 that they finally started dating, and the rest is history.

Lavannya wasted no time in sweeping Corey off his feet, taking him on a romantic trip through Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Reykjavik just four months into their relationship. Over the last six years, they have weathered many storms together, including job changes, a pandemic, and even a home purchase. They've also traveled to more places than Corey ever thought he would.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
We went out to dinner in the city, and when we came home, the living room was filled with candles and a breathtaking flower wall filled with 1000 live roses that Corey built himself.  While we were out, Corey's friends came in and set up everything in the living room.

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 toured a lot of different types of venues, and I really fell in love with the idea of a garden wedding.  The Morris Arboretum was the first garden venue we toured, and we immediately fell in love with it.  It took us a while to find our ceremony venue, but we were very happy with The Highland Mansion and Gardens.  Both were gorgeous garden venues.

Thanks for reading, loves! I hope to see you tomorrow. We will unfold more inspiring wedding stories.

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Hello, Maharanis! Shriya & Rikhab's lovely wedding is now live in today's Platinum Guide Blog.

Come back for more tales, loves. Until then, stay inspired and cherish the love that surrounds you!

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In enchanting matrimonial celebrations, the wedding of Ishani & Rahul stands as a beacon of shining love and cultural richness. Regal Banquet Hall was transformed into a haven of romantic bliss. Ishani glided through her day, her beauty accentuated by Nazish Jaffer's deft touch in hair and makeup. Aneeta Nashad's artistic mastery adorned her hands with intricate designs. Rasoi Caterers weaved magic into the cuisine, ensuring each dish was a masterpiece. The ambiance was further electrified by DJ Monu Entertainment, whose rhythms beckoned every soul to the dance floor, creating waves of joy and celebration. They crafted a musical odyssey that transcended mere tunes, becoming the soundtrack to a night of unbridled pleasure and togetherness. The talented Iryna Shostak's Photography immortalized every emotion. With a keen eye for detail and an intuitive understanding of emotions, she transformed each snapshot into a masterpiece. Her photography combined elegance with spontaneity to seize the laughter, the tears, and the heartfelt glances.

Today's journey is over, but the love story is just beginning! Don't miss our coming events here!

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Bhavika & Badal's wedding is a testament to beauty in the ethereal realm of love and union. As dawn broke, the vibrant Baraat, led by Riamu Entertainment, set the tone for a day filled with joy and splendor. Bhavika, radiant in her bridal attire, was a vision of elegance, accentuated by the artistic touch of Drea V Make Up. The Sheraton Cerritos Hotel, the chosen venue, was nothing short of a royal palace, thanks to the magical planning and design by Subham Events. Surabhi Event Decor adorned each corner of the venue with exquisite floral decor. The couple's journey to forever was captured in the timeless frames of Michael Santos's Photography, each photograph vividly portraying their emotions and the day's magnificence. As the evening descended, Riamu Entertainment's DJ infused life into the celebration, ensuring every heartbeat synchronized with the rhythm of joy. Their music transcended mere entertainment, becoming an integral part of the wedding's narrative and leaving an indelible imprint on the memories of all present. A special mention must be made of the Mehndi Artist, Mehndi by Bhavi, whose intricate designs told stories of their impending bliss. You'll love it!

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
I officially met Badal on a dating app, but we had met a few years back when we were both at a wedding party for our friends. He was a groomsman, and I was a bridesmaid. I don't know if I ever had a "moment" that made me feel as if Badal was the one. If anything, it was a series of little interactions and conversations that made me feel more and more sure that this was the man I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.

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'm a California native, but I moved to Maryland, where Badal lived, once we got engaged. His side of the family is primarily from New Jersey. Planning the wedding from Maryland was hard, especially as a super Type-A person. The time difference and not being able to see and do things in person was difficult, but I had a lot of support from family, friends, and our vendors, who were super easy to work with! Kavita from Subham Events made everything feel more manageable and constantly reassured me of the time we had left, even when I felt like everything had to be done immediately. I probably drove all of our vendors crazy.

I knew from the beginning that I really wanted to honor our Gujarati traditions and give our families the weddings they envisioned for us without compromising our personalities or what was important to us. While I often dreamed of my wedding from a young age, I don't think I had an actual vision for how things wanted to look until I started working with Suma at Surabhi Events and Decor. We chose a traditional mandap, which I think is less the norm these days because it allowed us to have the look and feel of a grand Indian wedding. However, I didn't go the traditional route with my lehenga - I chose green! Picking decor elements to match our style and the events was super easy with Suma, especially once I had my outfits selected. She was great at pointing out color combinations to match my clothes, showing me ideas, and working with me on ideas I had seen on Pinterest or Instagram! Suma came highly recommended by Kavita, and I can't thank both of them enough.

I knew I wanted Drea for my hair and makeup before I was even engaged. I got really lucky to have my wedding weekend when she was also available! She was so kind, so gracious, and so perfect. She went above and beyond to help me stay calm through it all, making me look and feel GORGEOUS all weekend long and giving me an opportunity to reflect on the great moments from the weekend, even if I was super stressed out. Our priest was so down-to-earth and easy to speak to. He did a great job speaking about the significance of each ritual in a way that Badal and I could both understand. He kept us engaged the entire time. Our DJ, photo, and video vendors were also extremely amazing to work with. They made the weekend so much fun for all of us and were so quick to go above and beyond for us. We felt like family working with them, and you don't get that very often, I think!

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I knew I didn't want a red dress because I was not a fan of the color. In fact, I knew growing up that I'd be expected to wear red (no one wore a different color back then) and was sad about it! Luckily, as I got closer to my wedding, I knew that I actually wanted what's called "bottle green." I had some inspirational pictures in mind when I shopped but actually found that the color was just not available as a bridal lehenga anywhere except in a velvet-like fabric - totally not what I wanted and would have been horrible at the end of June in Southern California! Luckily, after some searching, one of the shopkeepers pulled this one out, and I fell in love!

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
Envisioning the celebrations, knowing we'd get to celebrate with our loved ones, and knowing we'd be getting married! 

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
They loved how everything ran on schedule, how well-coordinated everything was, and how well-fed they were! They also had a lot of fun dancing and celebrating. To date, however, people will tell us how we planned the wedding and various accommodations in a way that made it easier to get around (we offered shuttles for events, not at the hotel) and had a HUGE stash of dry snacks and beverages (traditional and American) so that guests could stock up and not go hungry throughout the weekend in addition to offering traditional breakfast and welcome bags. This was a huge hit for those guests with kids!

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
Honestly, the feeling of celebration. It's not a moment, per se, but just feeling like all weekend long, we laughed, we danced, we sang, we partied, and we ate good food. What more do you need?

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 held a mix of Ganesh Pooja, Pithi, and Grah Shanti at both the bride's home and Sanatan Dharma Temple. We kept these events as traditional as possible. We held a Welcome Dinner at the Cypress Community Center so that guests could mingle, eat, and enjoy themselves before the wedding and reception. Since the majority of our guests were from out of town, this was a great way to ease into things and allow for additional time for travel. The Welcome Dinner was actually a hybrid Sangeet/Garba because I love Garba, and you can't have a Gujarati wedding without Garba!

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Try to stay present and enjoy the little moments leading up to the wedding, too. Whether that's enjoying picking out elements for your wedding together, enjoying being engaged, or just enjoying shopping! Prioritize what is important to you and your groom and your families, and focus on that. The wedding weekend also flies by! It's true, a lot of couples don't feel as if they can enjoy their wedding or get a chance to eat properly, but I did the opposite. Carve out the time to eat every meal you meticulously chose for your guests. Dance around, spend time with your guests when you can, and revel in the glory that is YOUR WEDDING WEEKEND!

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
We skipped a cake because we couldn't coordinate it in time, and the cost of a dummy cake was too high to justify. The "cake cutting" portion of the reception felt more like a photo-op to us, especially because we knew we didn't want to serve cake to our guests. Instead, we opted for extra desserts at our reception dinner. We're actually looking forward to celebrating our first anniversary with a cake as an alternative!

I was careful to choose wedding jewelry that suited my stature as a petite 5'0" woman. I also wanted to wear pieces that I could re-wear over and over. It's harder to wear wedding outfits, but I knew that the jewelry would be something near and dear to me for the rest of my life.

I chose the Sheraton Cerritos because they were one of the few, if not only, hotels near us that allowed an indoor fire for our ceremony. I definitely only wanted an indoor ceremony, no matter what! I also really liked that the hotel was close to my home, a few airports, and around other restaurants and attractions for our guests.

We hope you enjoy today's feature, darlings. Cheers to love and the endless possibilities it brings!

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