Welcome to Maharani Weddings

Immerse yourself in the enchanting tale of Anisha & Kesar's wedded bliss at the exquisite JW Marriott in Tampa. Anisha collaborated with the creative minds at InStyle Events to orchestrate a wedding day that seamlessly melded tradition with contemporary elegance. Dreams to Reality (Mejoo) transformed the venue into a magical wonderland with luxurious drapery, shimmering chandeliers, and romantic backdrops. As guests entered this breathtaking scene, they were greeted by the melodic beats of Awaaz Entertainment and enjoyed the delicious treats from JW Marriott in Tampa. The delicate artistry of Henna Allure graced Anisha's hands with intricate mehndi, enhancing her natural beauty, further illuminated by the expert touch of Beauty Marked's hair and makeup team. The presence of Sona Photography was notably profound. Their calm demeanor and ability to capture serene, heartfelt moments allowed Anisha & Kesar to be in the moment. The photographers' knack for catching the soft glances and joyful smiles between the couple against the beautifully curated settings resulted in visuals that tell a love story and encapsulate the essence of joy and unity.

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.
After deciding to get married in Florida, we first decided on InStyle Events to help us with the coordination from afar. We only made two very short trips down to Tampa, but Neethu was able to help us narrow down our venues and vendors.

After visiting four venues in three days, we decided on the JW Marriott in Tampa. We loved that it was a new hotel, and the event spaces fit our style choices.

We selected Photo and Video as the first of our vendors, and I couldn't be happier with our decision to go with Mona of Sona Photography and Orlando of Storybook Films. Mona was so calm and easy-going during our events, helping Kesar and me to really slow down and be in the moment. Orlando and his team captured some truly magical clips and shared their excitement with us as they filmed.

All the other details came together slowly but surely. Mejoo of Dreams to Reality went above and beyond to make sure our decor was stunning. Sangeen of Awaaz Entertainment brought the most energy to the dance floor, catering to the tastes of our guests. Most importantly, everybody raved about the food from Saffron!

My dad also played a big role in wedding planning with his store, Backers of Orange, Connecticut. He arranged all the immediate family's tuxedos for the Reception and Kesar's outfit for the welcome dinner. Both my dad and grandmother helped with the tailoring of my outfits as well. It was a special moment to have them involved in one of the most important parts of wedding planning.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I went to India for the very first time to meet Kesar's extended family in December 2022, not planning to spend time looking for wedding outfits. His cousin's wife, Radhika, took us on a whirlwind tour of India. In between visiting the Taj Mahal, Golden Temple, and Wagah Border, she also managed to take me shopping.

We ended up finding my wedding outfits in Mumbai. I knew that I wanted a classic red lehenga for my bridal look. It was important to me to find outfits that catered to modern taste and elegance. It can be overwhelming to visit India for the first time and also pick out your wedding outfits in a language you don't understand, but Kesar's family extended a hand and helped to make the process as seamless as possible.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The most enjoyable part of the planning process had to be the food tastings!

We picked Saffron as our caterer. The food was great, and we loved that they had both Gujarati and Sindhi chefs on their team.

For our reception, the JW Marriott catered a buffet, and that tasting experience was definitely one to remember. We walked into a banquet hall where the chef presented each dish with a wine pairing. That was definitely one of the more fun moments of planning!

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
The most important part of our wedding was our guests. Our family and friends traveled from all parts of the world to be with us in Tampa. Whether it was reuniting with aunts and uncles, which we hadn't seen in years, or seeing the new generation of cousins meeting their family for the first time, the love and joy in being together was the most memorable part of our wedding.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
Walking into our Sangeet and seeing all the pieces come together was so special. It was incredible to see all our family and friends join together just to celebrate us.

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 Reception was my favorite event to plan. We wanted the room to look romantic, with dark backgrounds and champagne accents. Mejoo had the idea of using hanging chandeliers, which brought the whole look together.

The Sangeet dances are always some of my favorite moments from weddings. Our siblings, cousins, and aunts all planned such amazing dances. My mom even joined one of the dances to surprise us!

Darlings, get ready to be utterly enchanted with the stories we have compiled for your enjoyment.

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Good morning! Neha & Raja's lovely wedding celebration is now live in today's Platinum Guide Blog.

Remember, every wedding is a story of love and dreams. Come back tomorrow for more stories!

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Welcome to the wedding of Shruti & Adam at the New Orleans Board of Trade, where love and culture unite. The area around the venue was transformed into a lively carnival as friends and family danced around the Baraat, guided by the electrifying music and energy of One2 Entertainment. Spanish Oak Events meticulously planned every detail of this enchanting day, setting the stage for a celebration harmoniously blending South Asian grandeur with contemporary elegance. Herbivore Floral Design radiated with vibrant floral arrangements, creating a picturesque backdrop. Shruti's allure was amplified by Flawless Bride, who masterfully executed her hair and makeup, and her aunt, adept in Bridal Draping/Sari Tying, added a personal touch to her radiant ensemble. The cultural essence of the wedding was epitomized in the intricate Mehndi by Saira Mohiuddin. The event blended joy, culture, and sophistication, thanks partly to the vibrant ambiance created by DJ and lighting from One2 Entertainment, which set a lively and spirited mood. The unforgettable moments were artistically captured by The Rylands Photo Co., whose photography immortalized the laughter, tears, and joy, allowing these precious memories to be cherished forever. 

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
We live in Colorado, which is generally a beautiful place to hike. I was getting a little antsy to graduate from my girlfriend, but we had a trip planned the following weekend, so I figured it would happen at that point. We went on a hike to El Dorado Canyon, and it was steeper than I anticipated. I had an asthma attack, but no inhaler. I think at this point, Adam was thinking of calling it off. But the weather was perfect, the mountains were beautiful, and eventually, I calmed down. Adam pretended to set up the tripod and proposed to me on camera. I love that video. He pulled out the champagne and our to-go champagne glasses, and it was just the most beautiful day. Moreover, he told me that he had already told our parents, which meant we had a little extra time to savor being newly engaged before heading down the mountain to Facetime all our friends.

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 knew that I wanted to get married in New Orleans (where we met and in Louisiana, the state is my home), and the venue I wanted to use was the Board of Trade in New Orleans. I also wanted a wedding cake made out of cheese from my favorite cheese shop, St. James Cheese Company. Adam and I had our first dates during Mardi Gras. I had my bridesmaids dress in yellow, green, and gold to pay homage to our favorite New Orleans week. My bridesmaids decorated shoes like they do for the throws during the Muses parade, and on Friday, we put flowers in them as the centerpieces. Ganesha is a huge part of my life. One of my best friends and bridesmaids is a brilliant, talented, and conscientious muralist, and she made the Ganesha mural that hung in the background of our mandap. She also asked me a lot about what Ganesha meant to me, and these elements were represented in the artwork that hung behind us and blessed our ceremony.

I definitely wanted/needed a wedding planner to help with details, especially as we were planning from afar. I used Becky with Spanish Oak Events, and she led me to several vendors. For catering, we wanted a mix of New Orleans and Indian food. We used Pigeon Catering and Nirvana for our food. We had Indian Chinese (the most underrated cuisine) on Friday, and it was a fan favorite. For makeup, I used flawless beauty LLC. They did a great job with makeup appropriate for our outfits and made sure everything was on town. Herbivore Florist did our flowers, which were all beautiful but my favorite elements were the mandap/fountain area of our ceremony as well as our dance floor with beautiful Indian umbrellas hanging from the ceiling. Our pictures are incredible. We are so glad Becky set us up with We Are the Rylands. We also had an incredible videography team, Montoto Productions, who made a mini video of our event, which made me tear up every time. New Orleans is a town of parades, so the baraat was easier than usual with a parade permit to shut down the streets. The entire baraat was an incredible moment. The horse was gorgeous, and the band and dhol player really set it off with One2Entertainment. We went with a DJ for the Baarat ceremony but had a live band, Bee Street Benny, for the reception. As we had the cheese wedding cake, we got some different cakes from Bywater Bakery to serve as dessert. We also had a glitter/pressed flower bar and photo booth at the wedding, which was a big hit. My mehndi was so beautiful and intricate. I used the New Orleans Henna Artist, and she brought people to help with mehndi for our event as well. We also really loved having people stay at the Eliza Jane across the street. Throughout the weekend, we kept running into people, and it was really easy to get back and forth.

It was fun to plan an event with two cultures. A typical New Orleans wedding goes from ceremony to reception; there is no sit-down dinner. I was so happy to do this with our reception. People got to eat, socialize, and party immediately.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
One of my good friends happens to be a gifted designer, Nandhita Kumar.

Her company, ChayabyNandhita (@chayabynandhita), does so many things that are perfect for brides. She takes custom orders and specializes in Indian-inspired clothing. For my outfit, she wanted it to feel extremely festive without traditional heavy elements of Indian clothing. New Orleans weddings are very dynamic, and they wanted me to feel comfortable moving around. She picked patterns and colors that were very loud, so I felt like a bride, but let the patterns speak for themselves. She did also add elements about the two of us specifically. My husband is a beekeeper, and she was able to incorporate bees into both of our outfits. Our favorite song is "I Belong to You" by Brandi Carlile, and she embroidered this into his sherwani and on a tassel that I was able to attach to my lengha. My mother was married in mustard, so I wanted this incorporated into my ceremony outfit. She made my dupatta mustard and was able to add elements from my lengha and Adam's sherwani to make the mustard fit into the outfit. For the evening, I knew I wanted a traditional red. She made me this incredible ballgown that looked completely Indian but fit like a dress. While the piece was embroidered, she hand painted the same blue that Adam wore onto some of the embroidered pieces.

She was inspired a lot by the temples of Mysore. At the bottom of these temples, elephants are carved into them to provide structure and stability. She wanted elephants as the bottom border of my reception outfit to represent a strong foundation in our marriage, particularly as this was the outfit after the ceremony. Nandhita made a digital file for the elephants on the bottom of our reception outfit and did the embroidery at home. The entire process was also so fun for me. I got to pick fabrics and designs and talk to my good friend regularly, as she was constantly wanting to make sure everything she was doing was in line with what I wanted. She delivered the most incredible pieces.

I love my body. But it is definitely not a sample size. To have a garment that perfectly fit and accentuated all the things I love about myself made me feel incredibly beautiful. She also added a slit to my reception outfit that allowed the mehndi on my feet and my new bichua to be showcased as well.

I highly recommend using Nandhita Kumar to design your wedding pieces. You will look amazing.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The cheese tasting for our cheese wedding cake. Because cheese is the best.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
I think it was mostly that everyone was there to have a good time. We come from different cultures, but it's why New Orleans is such an important part of our relationship. At our core, we value our people and spend time with people who value quality time and having a blast. My bridesmaids are all from my hometown, Adam's best man and best friend he has known since he was six. Our parents have friends that they have known most of their life. People flew in from all over to be with us. Many of my bridesmaids' parents attended. It was just this incredible reunion.

Our families and relationships are important to us, and having them all show up to celebrate us made it feel like the room was dripping with love and joy. I wish I could bottle up the feeling of mutual respect, love, and merriment. I think it was palpable to everyone in the room.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
It's just the most surreal experience; it is hard to decide. My friends (and many of their partners) surprised us with a flash mob they planned together across the country, orchestrated by my mom and sister/friend Yera at our mehndi ceremony. I surprised Adam with a dance with my gals at the end of the baraat, which was so fun. Adam and I actually postponed our big wedding and got married in his backyard the year before when my father-in-law was sick, so having four healthy parents in the mandap with us was pretty emotional/incredible. Both of sets of our parents (married for >40 years) gave us advice. I had been wearing a wedding band and mangalsutra, but Adam putting sindoor in my part was something I saved for the wedding ceremony. That was a hugely notable portion of the ceremony for me. Generally, the ceremony steps made me feel like a married Indian woman: havan, satapdi, phere, bichua. His four sisters came up to tie out gathbandhan. My dad jump-dancing with one of my in-law's best friends was a highlight as well. And walking across the street with so many of my friends and family to continue the party at our hotel's bar was a great way to end the night.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Get married before your wedding. Ha! Mostly joking, but I do think it took the pressure off us and allowed us to enjoy the weekend fully.

The truth is, when so many people you love are in the same room, it's going to be the best weekend ever. Do your best leading up to it, but some things will not go quite right, and that's okay. Just make sure to take deep breaths and enjoy it because the moment passes by so quickly, but the memories will give you joy forever. After saying our goodbyes in the morning, we also took the next day to just rest and be together, and I think that was a really special day.

You are in love and ready to commit to someone. It's a really exciting time.

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Anisha & Rishabh's wedding was a mesmerizing blend of tradition, elegance, and international flair, unfolding in a paradisiacal destination: Mexico. From classmates, at the London Business School, to soulmates, their romance blossomed. Marked by a magical encounter on a Tel Aviv beach, the allure of Budapest, and the final wave of the wand was an international proposal on the Amalfi Coast. All we can say is Wow!

The wedding extravaganza hosted at Hacienda Chichi Suarez was etched in the memories of guests hailing from every corner of the globe. A traditional Indian ceremony set against the exquisite backdrop of Merida was a narrative of fusion, where customs met aesthetics and traditions conversed with modern elegance. The colonial Hacienda whispered stories of bygone eras, lending an immortal touch to a union celebrated as unique and refreshing.

Anisha's fashion choices were a dance of colors and designs, weaving the eloquence of cultural richness with personal sentiments. For the Sangeet, Anisha and her sister chose a vibrant sequin lengha designed by Seema Gujral. For the wedding ceremony, Anisha donned a purple Banarasi sari, a silent, elegant tribute to a mother's love. Turquoise blossomed at the reception in the form of a floral-themed reception dress custom-designed by Anisha's sister in partnership with designers Shyamal & Bhumika.

Anisha & Rishabh's wedding was not just an event but a celestial dance of destinies, cultures, and eras. Every smile, every vow, was a testament to a love story birthed in the silent halls of academia, nurtured under the watchful gaze of global cities, and immortalized amidst the mystical embrace of Merida's colonial charm.

Congratulations Anisha & Rishabh!

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
My path crossed with Rishabh's at London Business School. Though we were seated in close proximity throughout our first term, we didn't really establish a connection until the following term. Our common ground? A challenging Fixed Income class - a geeky affinity, I must admit. However, it was those late-night study sessions that gave birth to a budding friendship.

As time wore on, we found ourselves spending increasingly more time together. It wasn't until our third term, though, that our casual encounters transformed into daily conversations. The universe had its way of nudging us closer - we serendipitously bumped into each other on a beach in Tel Aviv while on separate vacations. Seizing the moment, I invited him to accompany me on a forthcoming trip to Budapest. His affirmative answer sparked what felt like a first date amidst the enchanting cityscape of Budapest. That's how our story began, and the rest, as they say, is history!

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Rishabh and I had been New York residents for nearly two years, yet with our history of memorable moments abroad, I yearned for an international proposal. Since we met and had our first date overseas, a proposal outside the US seemed fitting. With a trip to both London and Italy on the cards, I had a hunch that Rishabh might pop the question during our travels, but the exact timing remained a mystery.

A few days into our London adventure, we jetted off to Amalfi, where we checked into the NH Collection Hotel. One beautiful morning, Rishabh asked me to dress up under the pretext of visiting an ancient cathedral. Sensing a surprise, I played along. The real destination turned out to be a breathtaking spot at our hotel, with a panorama of the Amalfi Coast stretched out before us. There, amidst the beauty, he proposed.

To make the moment even more special, he had arranged for a photographer to freeze the moment in time. Overwhelmed by the moment, he managed to muster a simple, "Hey, are we doing this?" to which I enthusiastically replied, "Hell yeah!"

The cherry on top? A three-hour hike along the scenic 'Path of the Gods' on the Amalfi Coast. It was undoubtedly the most perfect proposal and the most unforgettable day any girl could ever wish for!

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?

I had the delightful challenge of selecting four different outfits for four different events, and I couldn't have done it without my sister's invaluable assistance with color choices, styles, and Indian designers.

For the Haldi event, I decided on a yellow, off-the-shoulder jumpsuit - I was keen on wearing something other than a lengha for at least one of the occasions. For the Sangeet, my sister and I chose a vibrant sequin lengha designed by Seema Gujral, which we found at the Origins store in Hyderabad.

When it came to the ceremony, I was set on a purple Banarasi sari, a tribute to my mom's favorite color. As for the reception, I knew I wanted to don a lengha in turquoise - my personal favorite hue. My sister came to the rescue again, helping me custom design a floral-themed reception dress with the designers Shyamal & Bhumika.

I absolutely adored all my chosen outfits, and I'm truly grateful for my sister's guidance in making the best style choices.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
One of the highlights of the wedding planning process was undoubtedly the opportunity to travel to Mexico. Scouting venues, indulging in food and dessert tastings, and completing a hair and makeup trial turned out to be an enjoyable and relaxing part of the entire process. I can't recommend this enough to any couple considering a destination wedding - it's an absolute treat!

Another part of the planning I relished was choosing my wedding dresses alongside my sister. And let's not forget the fun we had rehearsing the Sangeet dances with my bridesmaids and Rishabh's groomsmen - those are memories I'll cherish!

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
We had the pleasure of hosting guests from every corner of the globe, not just from the US but also from India, across Europe and Latin America, and as far as Japan. Our friends from the London Business School, some family members from India, and family friends from various parts of the world all flew in to share our special day. Everyone had the opportunity to partake in a traditional Indian wedding set against the beautiful backdrop of Merida, Mexico. It was truly a unique experience.

While most people might think of beach weddings in Cancun or similar locales when they envision a wedding in Mexico, our guests appreciate the uniqueness of our venue. Our wedding, set in a breathtaking colonial Hacienda in Merida - hailed as Mexico's safest city, was celebrated as distinctive and refreshing.

Our guests reveled in every aspect of the event - the eye-catching venue, the delicious food, the energetic music, and the first-rate entertainment. Many couldn't help but declare it as the best wedding they'd ever attended!

I must tip my hat to Mexico for offering such a splendid wedding destination. A huge shout-out to my wedding planners and all the vendors involved - their outstanding work ensured a truly unforgettable event!

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
One of the most heartwarming moments of the celebration was when my sister, two of my childhood friends, Mayuri and Sandhya, and I performed a traditional Indian dance known as Bharatanatyam at the reception. Dancing has been a shared passion throughout our childhood and well into adulthood.

This performance was particularly special as it was a tribute to my late mother, who herself was a dancer. While she couldn't be there physically, I knew she was looking down from above, enjoying every moment of our performance. Rishabh, who had the pleasure of meeting her before she passed away, deeply appreciated this moment as it helped him reconnect with cherished memories of her.
Today's journey is over, but the love story is just beginning! Don't miss our coming events here! 

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Greetings, darlings! The allure of Archana & Calvin's grand affair commenced amidst the awe-inspiring environs of Laurel Manor. Genesis displayed their exquisite planning and design skills in a mesmerizing painting reminiscent of a starlit midnight sky. The talented souls at Bridal Insignia Events brought to life the heavenly floral & decor, a spectacle of visual poetry. Archana was a vision of celestial beauty, thanks to Jahura Hobby & Simona Vigh, maestros of hair & makeup who spun their magic, rendering her as mesmerizing as the first blush of dawn. Every gaze was inevitably drawn to her intricate Mehndi, a masterpiece crafted by the gifted hands of Radhe Henna. DJ Nimz immortalized Archana & Calvin's love story with joyful melodies and laughter. Krishna Catering & Restaurant turned each dish into a culinary masterpiece, transforming the celebration into a feast for the senses. Sky Films and Productions, our esteemed cinematographer, captured each moment, as fleeting as the tender touch of a breeze yet as eternal as the stars, weaving them into a visual narrative of an amour beyond words. Enjoy the incredible film they prepared for us. It's outstanding!

I hope you enjoy this feature. Until next time, stay in love and keep celebrating every heartbeat.

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