Maharanis, enjoy the enchanting tale of Aanchal & Ananth's wedding at The Rockleigh. With its palatial ballrooms, resplendent with crystal chandeliers and sweeping staircases, it provides an ambiance that is opulent and intimately welcoming. Their nuptials unfolded like a classic love ballad orchestrated with the impeccable expertise of Xquisit Events. Nirali Decor, with its floral artistry, created a visual sonnet that echoed the bloom of a thousand flowers. Aanchal was the epitome of grace courtesy of Tulsi Silks, Koskii & Sundari Silks, draped by the skilled hands of Sherine Kurien. Cinderella Bridez crafted a visage so ethereal it rivaled the morning sun's first light. Ananth stood in regal splendor, adorned in the ceremonial elegance of Manyavar. Their love story, set to the dynamic beats and rhythms by Shilpa Entertainment, made every heart dance in joyous abandon. A Little Cake added a touch of sweetness with confectionary delights that melted in mouths and hearts alike. The talented Studio KSD, with its cinematographic genius, wove a visual narrative that captured images and the very essence of emotions that danced in the air, immortalizing them for a lifetime.
How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
Our story started as an office romance! We both worked on the same team and sat three feet away from each other, so it was inevitable that we'd become friends. We first hit it off at a team happy hour, and eventually, these group hangs turned into on one hangs where we explored the San Francisco nightlife. That's when I began to realize there was something special about Ananth. Knowing he was "the one" didn't happen in a single instant, but rather it was a gradual realization that dawned on me. I'd always talked about finding a "dream boy," and with him, everything seemed to click into place in a special way that I'd never experienced before.
Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
On what seemed like an ordinary day, I woke up, got a manicure and bagel brunch with friends, and under the premise of meeting some friends of a friend visiting from out of town, I was lured to the tallest building in Philadelphia (somehow I found none of this suspicious). On the 60th floor, against a backdrop of gorgeous views and beautiful flowers, I found Ananth (who I thought was busy moving out of his California apartment that day), along with her family and closest friends. He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him, and naturally, I said YES! Somehow, despite an 11-page long Google doc outlining her dream proposal, I was still surprised - probably because of Ananth's decoy date and carefully planned moving truck photos he sent me to throw me off!
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.
Our planning process began with the booking of our venue and main vendors, ensuring that we secured the key elements of our big day. After that, we made a trip to India to shop for our wedding attire and accessories. After this, we then turned our focus to the finer details. This included crafting a comprehensive timeline, outlining responsibilities, and making lists and spreadsheets for every aspect of the wedding. Staying organized was key, and this helped us keep track of everything efficiently.
How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
For our mehendi and welcome event, I wanted a bold, colorful, and fun look. I wore a dark blue glittery lehenga with floral beading in gold and pink.
For the ceremony, I opted for a more traditional look, which I wanted to be classic and elegant - I wore a red and gold kanjeevaram 6-yard sari as well as a yellow and pink 9-yard sari.
For the reception, I wanted for a modern and sparkly look and wore a pale pink lehenga covered in sparkles and intricate beading that caught the light whenever I moved.
What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The most enjoyable part of the planning process for me was diving into the creative aspects of the wedding. It was the opportunity to bring our vision to life and add personal touches to make the day uniquely ours. Whether it was choosing the color schemes, designing the invitations, or crafting the decor theme, each decision allowed us to infuse our personalities and styles into every detail. It was a chance to express our love story in a visual and meaningful way, and it made the whole process incredibly rewarding and exciting.
What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Our first dance was a perfect representation of us, infused with the vibrant energy of Bollywood. It even included a big, filmy lift that wowed our guests. It was a magical moment that captured the essence of our love and shared passions.
Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
One of the most memorable moments for me was the incredible surprise dance that my friends and husband had put together. It was a dance so quintessentially "me" that it touched my heart deeply. Their thoughtfulness and the effort they put into it made it a standout moment that left a lasting impression.
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.
For our pre-wedding event, the Mehendi and the welcome dinner, we aimed for a fusion of fun and elegance. During the event, my husband and I decided to make it a musical affair. We surprised our guests with a guitar and piano duet, performing lively Bollywood songs that set the tone for a joyous and vibrant evening. It was a personal touch that allowed us to share our love for music with our loved ones. We also had a playful "shoe game" that added a fun twist to the evening. The night continued with an open dance floor, where everyone joined in to celebrate and dance the night away, making it a memorable and spirited occasion.
For the reception, we focused on creating an atmosphere of sophistication and glamor - thus, our decor was classy and elegant, with sparkles and florals, and candles everywhere. The reception featured various elements, including Bollywood dances and heartfelt speeches from family and friends.
After dinner, we wrapped up the event with a night of non-stop dancing.
Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
1. Plan meticulously: Keep track of everything in a way that works best for you. Whether it's through lists, spreadsheets, or a wedding planning app, organization is key to managing the many details that go into a wedding.
2. Make it about you and your partner: Add personal touches that represent your love story and your personality. Your wedding should be a reflection of your unique journey together.
3. Don't stress about controlling everything: It's impossible to control every aspect of your wedding day. Embrace flexibility and the idea that some things may not go according to plan. In the end, it's the love and joy that matter most.
4. Don't do everything yourself: Share the workload with friends and family. They are often more than willing to help and contribute, so don't hesitate to lean on them.
5. Remember that even if things don't go exactly as planned, your wedding day will still be beautiful, memorable, and wonderful. It's a celebration of love and commitment, and that's what truly matters.
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