Welcome to Maharani Weddings

Good morning, beautiful Maharanis! We are excited to bring you an insight into the captivating wedding celebration of our lovely couple, Divya & Aditya. We are sure you will love this wedding if you love fashion and always be at the forefront of the latest trends. Thanks to the beautiful and creative photos of Jorge Santiago Photography, you will be charmed and ready to relive this wedding to its fullest. For this installment, we will be transported into the impressive Pittsburgh Marriott North, which was an absolute dream thanks to the creative touch of Pearl Celebrations. For their Sangeet, they went for a bright and inviting look and used blues and oranges, which are this couple's two favorite colors and alma mater, and hints of pinks for that extra "pop of color." For the wedding ceremony, they went to traditional Telugu. Davya was flawless, thanks to the sought-after Allison Roth Studio glam team and the incredible outfit from Kynah and Seema Gujral. Her exquisite embroidery and heavy jewelry from the Blue Nile worked exceptionally well. Following the Telugu ceremony, DJ Sunny Entertainment and Platinum Roadshow Entertainment deejayed and made revelers dance to the beat of the best Bollywood beats amidst an idyllic decor. Taj Mahal Inc. came up with a delicious menu that helped create the bash they always dreamed of, and Bethel Bakery handcrafted a lovely, unique cake. Outside the reception area was the incredible Moxie Events photo booth with live and virtual props, which their guests and the couple enjoyed! What a fantastic party must have been! Enjoy every image of this upscale union in the incredible gallery. We are sure you will enjoy them!

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
One summer weekend when we were both off work Aditya took me to my favorite botanical garden. He told me it was just a date, but at the end of the tour of the gardens, Aditya got down on one knee and asked me to marry him! My mom and Aditya arranged for two photographers to take some really nice photos of both of us in in front of the gardens. Then afterwards, we celebrated with our families at beautiful restaurant overlooking the city!

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 spent a year and a half planning our wedding. It was definitely challenging as both Aditya and I are busy family medicine residents and we shared the same struggles as many other couples planning a wedding during a pandemic. We were so fortunate though that our parents helped with many of the details. Pittsburgh is considered a “big-small” city and there are a select few vendors that do photography, videography, mehndi, wedding décor, and planning at all of the Indian weddings.

We started by booking our venue Pittsburgh Marriott North, a hotel in the suburbs that has been known to hold Indian weddings My family and I knew this is where I wanted to walk down the aisle and celebrate with our family and friends. We chose one of the best photographers in the Pittsburgh area Jorge Santiago and a videographer whom we have known for a long time, Kamen Bonev. For décor and event planning, we used Rana Khan of Pearl Celebrations who did an amazing job----she took exactly what I described and envisioned and made it come to life with our wedding events.  We worked with the wonderful Allison Roth Studio who provided the most flawless hair and makeup. The rest of our vendors were really great to work with and their experience in the wedding business really showed. We were so fortunate that many of the vendors knew each other and were so in sync throughout our wedding events.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I used many family friends as well as Instagram to shop for my bridal looks. I always knew I would wear a traditional South Indian sari for my Telugu wedding, and thankfully, I had the help of my mom to pick the perfect ones. We coordinated with Indian designers via WhatsApp and video calls, which was great given that we could not travel to India at that time. After looking at a variety of different designs and colors, I finally found a beautiful pink bridal sari with orange hues and an elegant Madhuparkam sari.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Our guests loved the traditional aspects of the wedding ceremony. I also feel that they appreciated how detailed each event was and definitely the smooth transition of events. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the amazing food provided by Udipi and Taj Mahal. They also couldn’t get enough of the desserts and the local wedding tradition known as the Pittsburgh Cookie Table! Our guests had so much fun with the Selfie Station and had a blast on the dance floor thanks to the high energy provided by DJ Sunny Entertainment! Overall, our guests told us that they felt well taken care of and truly felt part of each event and moment!

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
Definitely the “first look”. Aditya and I decided that for our Sangeet, Wedding Ceremony, and Reception we wanted to do a first look so that we could build up the excitement to see each other. I will truly cherish the small conversations we had with each other on how we looked and how excited we were for each of the wedding events!

Don't miss any details about the incredible weddings we have for you! See you tomorrow for more!

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Maharanis, let's travel to Spain to enjoy Andrea & Pratik's wedding in today's Platinum Guide Blog!

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Pratik proposed while on vacation in the Maldives. He knew I wanted an intimate proposal, just the two of us and he knows I am happiest in the sun on a warm beach. He was able to capture the moment with his camera on a tripod with a clicker, and the images are so beautiful. One of the perks of marrying a guy with many talents, one of which includes photography! He then arranged for both of our families to meet in India for an intimate Roka ceremony at his father's childhood home in Pune before returning home to NYC.
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 got married in Valencia, Spain, which is where I grew up. We chose this location for that reason and also because my grandparents are too old to travel and we didn’t want to celebrate this big moment without them. It turned out to be a perfectly central location for family and friends to meet from Europe, India and the USA and the perfect sunny spot for a Mediterranean destination wedding. Everyone was happy with the location choice; it just made planning abroad from NYC a lot harder. We had to make multiple wedding planning trips to visit venues and find vendors. Covid certainly didn’t help the planning either. We actually had to delay our wedding twice. Initially, it was planned for June 2020, then we postponed 1 year to June 2021, and one final time to June 2022 when we were finally able to celebrate with the full original plans and everyone in attendance!
How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
We had 4 Indian events/ looks (Haldi, Welcome dinner, ceremony, and Sangeet/reception) and a 5th look for our Spanish wedding ceremony and reception. My mother-in-law had all my Indian bridal outfits made for me as a gift to India. I looked at major bridal trends for inspiration and then worked with a designer to customize my looks entirely. I knew that, being blonde and fair-skinned, I wanted my outfits to have vibrantly bright colors. Our wedding venue was also a very stark white futuristic Calatrava structure, and I wanted to wear bright colors that would really pop against the white. Pink is my favorite color, so I went with hot pink and gold for my reception look for the ceremony. I wanted to respect tradition with a modern twist, so I went with the bridal red look but chose a bright blood red and skilled the gold. I was very happy with how both turned out, with just the right amount of sparkle introduced via hand-embroidered details and beading. Each outfit was a miniature work of art. I wore a coral and gold silk saree for the welcome ceremony, also hand embroidered. And it’s not pictured, but for the haldi, I wore a very modern and comfortable bright yellow wide pant set with a matching top and dupatta.
What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
Although planning was logistically very hard, the best part was incorporating our favorite elements and traditions from each of our cultures. Both of our families embraced this mixed celebration and came together as one beautifully. Indian and Spanish families have very similar views on family and are very warm and enjoy celebrating, so the events were very meaningful and fun! We had both an Indian ceremony and a Spanish ceremony, and they were very different from each other but his love and shared values shined through. Everyone was touched and appreciative to be a part of them. It was very special for Pratik and me to see our families mesh so well together, even with language and cultural barriers. The important feelings and values were shared and clearly communicated by all.
What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
I think the venues, probably. We had our Indian ceremony at the city of arts and sciences, the most important tourist destination in the city of Valencia, rarely used as a wedding venue. It is composed of a series of modern structures designed by renowned architect Calatrava (Oculus) spread out along the bed of the river Turia (dried up for many years now) in the center of the city. Each structure houses something different: the opera house, the science museum, the aquarium, etc. our ceremony took place on the outer ring and terrace of a building called El Hemisferic, which underground is a functioning Imax theatre and built in the shape of a human eye surrounded by shallow pools of water that reflect the bottom half of the eye completing the illusion. The structure even opens and closes like an eyelid but takes around 30 minutes to open/close. Our ceremony stage was floating over the water of one of the reflecting pools. We also surprised guests with a huge fireworks show over the water when the sun went down. Valencia is the fireworks capital of the world. Our guests (and us!) were blown away by the length, scale, and quality of the show.
Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Try to enjoy the planning process. If you are not, then consider simplifying. The wedding goes by quickly and you remember a lot of the planning. I especially remember dance practices for our Sangeet dances. We had the best choreographer helping us and made the experience super enjoyable and well-planned so guests from all over could practice their dances remotely as needed.
Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
Planning:@pypsingularevents
Venues:@ciudadartesciencias
Catering: @cocottecatering
Lighting and Sound: @alkilaudio
Flowers and decor: @eltallerdeclo
Furniture rental: @alquilereskava
Fireworks/Pirotécnica: @pirotecnia.vulcano
Photography: @paulagfurio @gonzalomorenofotografia
Videography: @mozovideo
DJ: @djtarry
Hair: @salonbarey @t.a.o.h
MUP: @cristinacrespomakeup @paulaliciart
Nails: @estetica_isabel_benicassim
Lehenga/Sherwani: @malaandkinnaryofficial
Jewels: @naharexports @nahar_jewelry
Transport: @exclusive_viptransfer
Choreography: @choreographedbysoni
Dhol Player: @mr.diamond4dj

What a lovely wedding! If you want to see more content like this one, make sure to join us tomorrow. 

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Hello there, Maharanis! Don't miss Maneesha & Clayton's wedding in today's Platinum Guide Blog.

And that is a wrap, dear ladies! Do not forget to come back soon to enjoy more love stories and tips. 

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Today we are sharing Nikita and Milan's wedding highlight reel. This romantic work of art was captured and produced by the talented Vellora Productions. With impeccable visual storytelling, the cinematographers captured their most special days chronologically. This duo's entire soiree was full of music and merriment and culminated with a beautiful ceremony and reception at the Renaissance Dallas Hotel. Palino Events helped Nikita and Milan helped them tailor and plan the wedding of their dreams. Kudos to the planning team for such incredibly well-executed events. With a long list of events, Maharani Nikita had to search for Red Lotus Artistry to assist her in preparing all her bridal looks! The beauty expert team draped and styled her outfits and created the bridal makeup and hairstyles for all her five functions. I am sure guests were in awe of all her unique looks! Divine Décor of Dallas took care of all decor. Ketan Mistry is amazing at coming up with fresh ideas and really portraying what you want through his work. Nikita says. Their reception had the incredible DJ Riz Entertainment, who made their last function a celebration that everyone will remember for years! They also brought all the way from England a good dose of Barfi Bites by Priti Good Desserts, especially for the occasion that everyone loved, and made this evening even more special! Scroll down and watch and get inspired by this lovely union through the lens of Vellora Productions. 

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
The better version is on our website!
I met Milan through our multiple family and friends. Someone texted my mum a picture of him, which she sent to me back in Nov 2018, she asked “are you interested he’s 6’3” ?” I immediately said, “finally, someone cute and tall!”
Milan actually ghosted me twice so I was a little apprehensive to speak with him again. About 6 months later, my family and I went to Amarillo, TX to meet my sister's boyfriend's family. We stopped by Milan’s aunt's house (because my parents were friends with them) and they had planned for each of us to be there without us knowing. Milan showed up and I got so nervous. He was cute and very tall. My family left me there to get to know him, and we ended up going to a bar and talking for hours. He then went to drop me off in the Palo Duro Canyon so I could meet up with my family. I figured this would be it. We’re not going to talk after this because I didn’t know if he was interested. But then as we were waiting in the dark for my parents and sister to finish their show. He leaned in for the kiss, it was then, that fireworks from the show started going off. I burst out in laughter. It was so cliche.
We met up in Dallas 3 weeks later and he asked me to be his girlfriend that night. I knew Milan was the one after 2 months of talking, the final test was if Simon (my Goldendoodle) liked him…he passed the test. Milan is so caring and loving and he fits into my family so well. His parents are amazing and he’s my best friend.
Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
On our website :)
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 started the planning process about a year out (a couple of months after the proposal) I had 3 destinations in mind for my wedding so I started looking up potential venues and interviewing wedding planners. Milan’s best friend from college, Chanel Patel, was a wedding planner so we decided to interview them as well. Palino Events were fairly new at the time but I knew they would understand the aesthetic of what I wanted, we trusted them because Chanel was Milan’s friend and after speaking with them I knew they would advocate for me and Milan when speaking to other vendors and our parents! We all know planning an Indian wedding is 50% for your parents haha. 
The hotel venue we used was Renaissance Dallas Hotel. The staff was kind and attentive, the venue was also beautiful and convenient.
Red Lotus Artistry from Dallas did all of the bride's side HMU and my mothers in law and her sister. Vidya is amazing and so easy to work with. She’s worth it. She provided services for all my bridesmaids and sisters plus my mum and Milan’s mum and aunt which is difficult to find a team large enough do to that. She also draped and did my hair for all events. She really understands your personality and translates that into your looks. I felt comfortable and beautiful for all 5 of my events! We even recently used her again for my sister's wedding in Cancun - in Nov 2022!
All of my outfits except for my wedding outfit were designed and made by KEVIV DESIGNS in Philadelphia! Vivek has so much attention to detail, gets you what you want and is honest about what is in and what looks classic! He helped me pair up my jewelry and style all of my looks! His communication was on point and he was always there for me throughout the entire process! Highly recommend!
Vulcal Orlando designed my wedding lengha and Milan’s outfit. It was amazingly designed and the fit was perfect!
My Decor was designed and displayed by Divine Decor Of Dallas. Ketan Mistry is truly an artist! He pays attention to what the bride wants. Which is so great when planning any wedding. He’s amazing at coming up with fresh ideas and really portraying what you want through his work. He’s a great friend now and I recommend him to everyone that is getting married! I truly was overwhelmed with how slot-on he was with my decor. Couldn’t have found anyone better.
How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I originally wanted a red lengha but my colors were emerald, ivory, and blush pink. I found a design that I fell in love with and added a few touches to it when I showed it to Vulcal we came up with the idea to make the lengha ivory and blush pink/peach!
What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
Spending time with my parents and all the excel spreadsheets! I really enjoy planning events and using excel so this was a dream for me! ;)
What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
The decor, food, and the venue
Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
The moment we walked out to the welcome party/Sangeet. It was so overwhelming that I cried happy tears! Just seeing everyone there for us and how beautiful everything turned out was truly so memorable for me.
Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Don’t be scared to ask for what you want. Have fun! Don’t stress too much and soak in every moment during that week. Pamper yourself the month of your wedding, if things don’t go as planned it’s OK! everyone will still love it as long as you’re not stressed. Don’t stress too much on the tiny details because people won’t notice. Lol
Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
My bouquet was actually made by my mum with silk flowers because I want to keep it on display in my house. I have my grandmother's broach on there because she wasn’t able to attend my wedding due to COVID travel restrictions from the UK.
Most of my jewelry was from indiatrend.com and I got so many compliments!
My desserts were amazing, we had Barfi Bites flown in all the way from England made by my family friend, Minesh Patel.
We also had all of our cute and tasty desserts at the reception made by Charming Affairs By Noreen in Dallas! They were gone in literally 10 mins or less!

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All the wonderful memories of Lakshmi and Manoj's South Indian destination soiree in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic today in our Platinum Guide Blog!

Remember to leave your thoughts on this beautiful destination soiree!

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