Good morning, Maharanis! Enjoy Ritika & Parul's dreamy wedding on today's Platinum Guide Blog!
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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.
Since P and I first met in Aruba during our study abroad program, the beauty of the Caribbean became a big part of our love story. We loved hanging out at Eagle Beach, especially after exams or when we needed a break from life's stresses.
When it came time to plan our wedding, choosing the Dominican Republic was an easy decision. The Hard Rock Punta Cana had everything we wanted: beautiful beaches, nice rooms, lots of food options, good drinks, plenty of venues, and direct flights. Plus, the rates were reasonable, and they promised to focus on making our South Asian celebration extra special.
For our vendors, we turned to Vancouver, knowing they understood the style we were going for. Finding the right hair and makeup team was important, especially since they'd be with me in the Dominican sun, making sure I looked great all day.
P spent hours searching for the perfect DJ on SoundCloud, and he nailed it with DJ Apogee. We wanted our music to be diverse and exciting, so we made sure there was no monotony in our playlists.
Our Dholi, chosen by P, kept the energy high all night long. Our wedding planner, Preety, connected us with a fantastic videographer and photographer who captured every special moment. Preety also connected us with a talented Henna artist who skillfully adorned my hands and feet with intricate designs, each symbolizing a special moment from our love story.
When it came to our outfits, we made a trip to India to find the perfect attire. I fell in love with Rimple and Harpreet's designs, while P went for fully custom-made bespoke clothes that matched mine but added a pop of color that had our family and friends enjoying his clothing at each event just as much as mine.
Our wedding was more than just a party – it was a beautiful blend of love, laughter, and different cultures, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Caribbean.
How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
Deep down, I really wanted to wear pink for my wedding, something a bit different from the usual red. I've always admired the designs of Rimple and Harpreet, so I thought, why not go for a RAH outfit?
I kicked off my search in Delhi, hitting up their store in Defense Colony first. But honestly, none of their stuff felt right for me.
I thought maybe the Mehrauli store would have more options, but no luck there either. I spent a good chunk of time going around Delhi, checking out different designers, but still couldn't find what I was looking for.
My family kept asking, "How will you know when you've found the one?" I joked back, saying, "I'll get goosebumps and probably cry!"
My sister-in-law had a lightbulb moment, realizing I was dead set on getting something from RAH. So, she called up her friend at the Defense Colony store, begging for help.
Turns out, they had a secret stash in the warehouse—a new outfit that hadn't even hit the shelves yet. I was game to wait it out.
Trying on that lehenga was like magic. Goosebumps? Check. Tears? Yep, they were there too. Stepping out in that dress, I knew my hunt in India wouldn't end without it.
What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The most enjoyable aspect of wedding planning is undoubtedly envisioning the perfect dream wedding together. From exploring potential venues and meeting with vendors to indulging in food tastings and curating the ideal menu, from crafting playlists that capture emotions at just the right moments to diving into DIY projects and adding personal touches, every step of the journey is a delightful learning experience. Pre-wedding events add to the excitement, but it's the culmination of all these efforts on the big day itself that truly makes the entire process worthwhile.
What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Guests particularly loved how we meticulously planned our events with color themes and organized a PDF wardrobe planner to assist them in packing for our celebrations. They were enamored by the ambiance of the resort, especially our unique decor that changed daily, ensuring each day held a fresh surprise. Many guests expressed that each event's decor surpassed the previous one.
As the first destination wedding in both families, guests relished the opportunity to gather at the resort for the celebration. They described it as a grand family vacation, relishing the chance to unwind during the day and dress up to commemorate the love in the air. They appreciated the variety of venue spaces and the cohesive themes we had meticulously crafted.
Our guests also appreciated how we broke from traditional Hindu customs by celebrating all our events together, foregoing separate rituals like the Haldi ceremony and Sangeets. Ultimately, they cherished the intimate moments we shared, noting the personal attention Ritika and I extended to each and every one of them. It was essential for us to reciprocate the love and respect they had shown by traveling the distance to support us.
These guests had stood by our sides since the beginning of our journey together, making it exceptionally meaningful for them to witness our ceremonies. Their presence made our wedding all the more special, infusing it with love, joy, and cherished memories.
Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
I still vividly recall P's words, "Babe, once we board that flight, whatever plans we've made, whatever happens or doesn't, let it all go. We'll embrace every moment from start to finish because there's nothing we can change anymore." His reassurance as my soon-to-be husband brought a sense of calm. The memories we crafted with our loved ones at The Hard Rock during our wedding will forever be cherished. Every event held its own significance, but what truly stood out was our mutual agreement: we'd eagerly relive it all again and again together if given the chance.
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.
The décor for each event was meticulously curated by P and me, with the invaluable assistance of our wedding planner, Preety, to imbue every ceremony with its own unique atmosphere.
At our Welcome Party, we set the stage for a relaxed yet vibrant gathering. Against a backdrop of twinkling fairy lights and swaying Caribbean palm trees, guests were enveloped in a boho-chic ambiance. Laughter and chatter filled the air as friends and family mingled, sharing travel tales and anticipation for the days ahead. A dance floor illuminated by string lights beckoned guests to dance the night away while custom bars added a touch of sophistication to the scene.
Our Haldi ceremony took place in a serene Glass Gazebo, where traditional marigolds adorned the backdrop. Surrounded by loved ones, we embraced the joyful ritual of applying Haldi together before heading to the beach for a spirited game of Holi, followed by a cleansing dip in the azure waters of the Caribbean.
Sangeet night, always a highlight for us, was a colorful extravaganza infused with nostalgia. A swingset adorned with vibrant bougainvillea flowers served as our focal point, while a wooden teepee provided a cozy spot for henna application. String lights cast a magical glow over the festivities, culminating in a breathtaking firework display set to the backdrop of Coldplay's "Hymn for the Weekend," a moment that left us and our guests in awe.
For our wedding ceremony, we envisioned a mandap adorned with an array of bright flowers, contrasting beautifully against the backdrop of the Caribbean Sea. As we exchanged vows, the sunbathed us in its warm glow, creating a moment of pure magic.
The night of our Wedding, our guests were treated to a memorable dinner at the Hibachi and Steak restaurant, followed by an unforgettable party at Oro Night Club. The energy on the dance floor was electrifying, with guests of all ages joining in the celebration until the early hours of the morning.
Finally, our Reception was a vision of romance and grandeur. As we stepped into the hall, we were stunned by the opulent décor, with ostrich feathers, towering candles, and gold accents creating an atmosphere of luxury. It was a night that exceeded our wildest dreams, a celebration of love and joy that will be etched in our memories forever.
Youtube dance videos can be found at this link.
Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
The journey to becoming a bride is long, tedious, and mentally taxing, yet undeniably worthwhile. When the big day finally arrives, it whirls by in a blur, unfolding at a dizzying pace from start to finish. While it's crucial to respect everyone's decisions, desires and needs on your special day, it's equally important to have a wedding planner fully dedicated to you and your soon-to-be husband. Ultimately, in that moment, you two are the sole focus.
Though tensions may run high, remember to smile, laugh, dance, and above all, respect each other. With roughly five hours allotted per event, it's not worth losing yourself over minor mishaps. If something doesn't go as planned, simply move forward—your guests likely won't even notice. Your smile holds the power to radiate positivity to your loved ones, encapsulating all the emotions you're experiencing as you take center stage on your wedding day.
Not just in memories but also in a visual feast, celebrating Ritika and Parul's journey of love.
