Happy Thursday, ladies! Are you ready to start your day filled with traditional flair and inspiring ideas? We bet you are! So get ready to dive into a romantic journey through Ami & Naishik's wedding festivities! We are sure you will love them! For this first installment, we'll be taking a look at a fun-loving Mehndi party that everyone loved. And we are utterly amazed by every single detail surrounding this pre-wedding ceremony planned and designed by our very own Maharani Ami Patel. We loved how she took the lead to ensure that everything will be just as she always imagined it! For the decor, she partnered with Mandap World, who created a lovely setting featuring traditional linens and ornaments. The most anticipated moment of this pre-wedding ceremony happened when Manisha Panjwani showed off al her talent and expertise, outlining a beautiful Mehndi into the arms and feet of our lovely Maharani. But Ami was not the only one who got a Mehndi, Naishik didn't stay behind and got a small design into his forearm as well! Check more of this Sangeet by taking a look at all the fantastic shots captured by R.A.G.artistry in today's gallery. It is the best way to prepare for the wedding ceremony and the closing reception held inside the halls of Loews Atlanta Hotel!
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How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
It was love as first sight. A July morning in 2011, we both laid eyes on each other across a crowded ballroom at the Loews Atlanta Hotel.
Surprisingly, fate brought us together to be introduced through a mutual friend during a night out on the town. That weekend, we found ourselves totally emerged in each other's stories while we snuck away from all other company to be alone.
In October 2018, we are held our wedding festivities in the same venue where we first met.
Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
We went to a revolving restaurant in a sky-rise hotel in downtown Atlanta. He had a beautiful bouquet of roses and lilies (my favorite) waiting at the table. After our meal soaring above the Atlanta skyline, we walked around the viewing deck as he told me how much he adored me and got down on one knee and asked me to marry him.
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 lucky to have such a large and supportive extended family. Everyone decided to do a family reunion in India during my wedding shopping. It felt so festive that the whole family was just as excited as I was for the events and upgrading their wardrobes.
Pinterest really helped me envision how I wanted every last detail of our wedding. Inspiration pictures showed me what I liked and didn't like in a cohesive decor. I wanted a timeless, yet elegant, style throughout my weekend.
Mandap World made many accommodations in order to assemble my exact vision. They helped me capture the perfect pastels for my Garba/Sangeet event, the simply grand decor for the wedding ceremony, and the innovative design for the Mehendi. I never wanted an outdoor wedding due to unpredictability of weather and discomfort of guests. But, my father convinced me that, during an auspicious event like this, what better place to have it than at God's doorsteps. So, we crossed our fingers and kept it outside. We were blessed with the most perfect weather that entire weekend.
How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I have loved Shyamal & Bhumika and Sabyasachi styles for a long time. I wanted it to look royal - like a true maharani. The image I envisioned in my head was to be in an all ruby red dress dripping with gold accents and jewelry.
What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
My favorite part was the decor planning. I am very creative and artistic. Therefore, I thoroughly enjoyed planning the decor details and color themes the most. It gave me a chance to let my creative juices flow into events that could be shared and appreciated by so many friends and family.
What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Guests loved the decor and the simplicity of events. We also made it a point to limit too far extended guests from being invited. This allowed us to connect and celebrate with the guests more informally and personally. Everyone truly felt close during the events.
Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
Not many people have seen my dad cry. He has always had such a tough outer shell with a guarded, yet fun, personality. Ironically, during the events, his soft side was exposed and was so emotional. All the guests were teary, and shocked. As for me, my father and I have a soft spot for each other - after all, I am a daddy's girl.
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.
First dance song, "Breathless" by Shayne Ward - It was a sentimental choice; he sent it to me to tell me how he felt about me during our early years of dating.
Father-daughter dance, "Never Alone" by Lady Antebellum - My father had no idea about this song. But when I had him listen to the words, he immediately broke down saying 'it's perfect'. He's always known the perfect balance of tough love with nurturing love and guidance.
Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Be very organized and don't leave details to the last minute! Also, assign a designated contact person that you trust to deal with specific issues that may arise (ie. transportation of guests, guest check-in at hotel, keeping up with the bar tab for reception, after party food/drinks, etc.). This will allow key family members to be more present and personable during the events.
This is just starting, ladies! More coming in a bit!
