That's right! When you know, you know, and sometimes that means your future husband is thinking about long-term investments before you're even officially dating. This couple's journey from a chance meeting in Los Angeles to their breathtaking wedding in Michigan is nothing short of magical, with surprises, stunning decor, and dance performances that could rival Bollywood's best.
From the moment guests stepped into Nirali & Varun's wedding weekend, it was clear this was no ordinary celebration. Marigold Wedding Planners transformed each venue into a dreamscape, blending elegance with personal touches that made the weekend unforgettable. Whether it was the ethereal forest decor theme or the seamless execution of events, every detail reflected the couple's love story and vision.
The wedding ceremony occurred at St. John's Resort, with the Garden Pavilion offering a 360-degree view of Michigan's crisp autumn beauty. The sunlight streaming through the glass walls illuminated Nirali's custom Frontier Raas bridal lengha—a breathtaking ivory-white ensemble with rose gold accents that shimmered with every step she took.
Their sangeet & reception at Suburban Showplace set the tone for the festivities, with vibrant decor and performances from friends who had once been part of college dance teams. (Think: a full-fledged Bollywood showdown meets Punjabi and Gujarati fusion—because why settle for one when you can have both?) The reception brought the festivities to a grand finale, featuring an electrifying set from DJ Rohit Goswamy that kept the dance floor packed all night. And because no epic wedding weekend is complete without delicious food, Punjab Indian Cuisine and Krishna Catering delivered a feast with guests raving long after the plates were cleared.
The artistry didn't stop at decor—Amanie Mokdad and Simona Vigh worked their magic, ensuring Nirali looked flawless through every event. Her hair and makeup were always on point, from soft glam to bold bridal. And let's not forget Urban Phulkari, the genius behind cinematography and photography, who captured every laugh, tear, and twirl in breathtaking detail. Their cinematography wasn't just about recording moments—it was about storytelling. Every frame was meticulously crafted to reflect the couple's emotions, from the nervous excitement before the first look to the joyous energy on the dance floor.
How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
We met at a party when I was visiting Los Angeles. He somehow knew my older brother and sister-in-law from across the country, but we had never met. We went on three dates within 5 days of meeting, and when I went back to the other side of the country, we kept talking and meeting every month for 5 months. I knew he was the one when he attended my graduate school graduation via Zoom, and he gifted me money to open a Roth IRA before we even officially dating. We started dating a few weeks later, and in less than 2 years, we were engaged.
Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
We were supposed to meet our friends for a double date at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles, where we had our second date. I was actually asking him when he was going to propose 15 minutes before he actually got down on one knee. I genuinely had no idea! The surprises continued all night as our friends and family joined us in celebrating at the same club we first met at in Los Angeles.
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.
Planning our wedding was a full combined family effort as we were planning a wedding in my home state of Michigan while living in California. I have to give my husband a shout-out because the whole process would’ve been much more difficult without his negotiating and planning skills.
I dreamt of a unique wedding venue that was different than all the ones I have typically seen in metro Detroit. Tina from Marigold Planners heard our families' wishes and helped us find the perfect wedding venue at Saint John’s Resort in Plymouth, MI, about an hour away from where I grew up. The Garden Pavilion, in my opinion, was perfect for someone seeking a simple but elegant canvas for a wedding. The 360 glass walls of the pavilion allowed guests to enjoy the beautiful fall morning in Michigan.
For my wedding shopping, I didn’t have the time to go to India myself for shopping so I did all my shopping from online or through the help of family in India.
My hair and make up were on point the whole weekend, thanks to Simona Vigh (hair) and Amanie Mokdad (make up). I wanted something different for each look and trusted the artists to do their job and they did a phenomenal job.
For our wedding decor theme, we chose an ethereal forest theme.
How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I had always wanted an off-white wedding dress. I had seen a dress at Frontier raas in different materials and colors and got a custom dress made from them in an ivory-white color. When I saw the dress for the first time, I was in awe of the stunning, intricate designs and handwork and unique rose gold color accents. I couldn’t hide the details of my outfits from my fiancé, so I wanted to surprise him with at least one element of my outfit: my veil. The veil came together last minute, within 2-3 weeks before the wedding!
What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
Being able to plan easily with our parents and fiancé.
What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
The food and music, as well as the coordination for the weekend. Sangeet and Reception food is prepared by Punjab Cuisine, and the wedding food is prepared by Krishna Catering and Restaurant. Music by DJ Rohit Goswamy and Planning + Coordination by Marigold Wedding Planners
Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
The whole weekend lol
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.
Many of our friends and family were on college dance teams, so our sangeet was very exciting. The l dances showcased both of our unique cultures (Punjabi and Gujurati) as well as our talented friends who helped choreograph and dance the different routines.
Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Wedding planning can be very overwhelming and stressful, make sure you take time to enjoy the process. Try not save any big planning details until the end—3-4 weeks before the wedding is when you should start enjoying all the Pre-wedding excitement.
Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
I am still in love with my wedding set from paisley pop. I stacked two necklaces for a fuller look, and I’m happy I chose pieces I can re-wear in the future in different ways. It was also very special for me to be able to incorporate family heirlooms into the accessories I wore.
We opted not to have wedding cake, but a dessert table spread instead for more variety. We Ended up still cutting a cake, however, as it was my husband birthday!
Sweethearts, the weekend was filled with joyful memories, beautiful traditions, and much dancing.
