We return for our last stop of Poonam and Dhaval’s sensational wedding weekend! The bride was spinning with royalty after being jazzed up by Makeup By Mansi. Poonam’s flowing, electric blue lehenga with heavy embroidery work embodied modern Bollywood sophistication. Makeup By Mansi dolled up the bride with a smoky bombshell look and lovely curls while Dipti Desai from Bridal Henna Artist created intricate henna designs. Guests enjoyed sparkling decor by MM Celebrations at the Hanover Marriott Whippany while munching on delectable bites from Rasoi. The sweetheart stage was transformed into a romantic sanctuary with soft blue and green hues, sparkling candles, and a white chaise. MM Celebrations designed an event for the ages, and we know this is one night that guests will never forget! Poonam and Dhaval gracefully danced the night away with MVPDJs on the turntables spinning top Bollywood hits. Each step of the way, Ami Video was there capturing all the romantic memories that can be found in our full gallery. And make sure to scroll below for all the inside scoop from Maharani Poonam herself!
How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
Dhaval and I had met online and become friends through texting. Soon enough, Dhaval asked me out on a date. I was weary of going out with him as he lived close to 3 hours away from me and I kept wondering how this relationship would work. On a whim, I decided to go through with the date and remember thinking to myself "Who knows? Maybe he's my future husband!" I met Dhaval with a rose in hand at Bushkills Falls, where we went hiking, played mini golf, and went out to one of his favorite local restaurants. I later found out that Dhaval had given me one rose from a whole bouquet that he had hidden in his car after a friend told him an entire bouquet would probably scare me off!
Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
For our proposal, one of my best friends asked to celebrate her birthday as a double date. They wanted to see Bushkill Falls so we decided that we would spend the day on the trails there. My friend and her now husband picked me up. They tried to get me to go to the entrance but I kept walking around the parking lot worried because Dhaval was not answering his phone. When I finally listened and went, I saw my brother and cousins waiting for me with flowers and a camera. I was given a map and had to find my way to 7 different stops on the trails. Each trail had some of the most important people in our lives waiting for us along with a gift and a card. The gift and card correlated to each of the 7 vows made during Saptapadi. Since I had shown up to the proposal in sweats and a t-shirt, Dhaval had conspired with my mother and friend to ensure I had everything I needed to look my best. I then was taken over to the proposal site and finally got to see Dhaval waiting for me with all of our friends and family. We then had a dinner party with all of the guests that had come out to celebrate this milestone with us.
How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I went to Asopalav in Ahmedabad with my mom and cousin to pick out my outfits. I knew for the wedding that I wanted something with a lot of red but went in open minded. After trying on more lenghas than I can count, I finally found the perfect dress for me!
What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
I am an avid DIYer, so I had the most fun planning the small details and adding personal touches to the wedding such as the bridal party gifts, welcome bag labels, first dance, and wedding programs. It was great seeing everything come together and knowing the work I had put into it!
What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Our guests loved the energy that was brought out on the dance floor thanks to the amazing mixes played by MVPDJs. We also received many compliments on outfits and venues.
Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
For me, the most special moment was mine and Dhaval's first dance. Dhaval is one of very few people who I have ever felt comfortable singing around. I wanted to do something special for our first dance, so I ended up recording my own version of our first dance song (A Thousand Years by Christina Perri) to surprise him with.
Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Just remember that even though wedding planning can be one of the most stressful events in our lives, it is a time you will not get back. Take time to soak in the excitement and make sure you practice a lot of self-care to help keep you sane!! Also, things WILL go wrong on your wedding day. Do not let the little details take away from your day and focus on the people who are there to celebrate your big day.
Have a lovely day Maharanis!
