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Hello darlings, see how Ruchi & Shaunak created wedding magic—now on the Platinum Guide Blog!

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
I first met Shaunak as an undergrad at Case Western in Cleveland, Ohio. I was a sophomore and he was a senior when we first became friends while on our college's Bollywood Fusion dance team, Case Kismat! Our friendship blossomed, evolving into something more towards the end of his senior year. However, with Shaunak embarking on medical school in Toledo, we decided to part ways. After a summer apart, we rekindled our connection and decided to give long-distance a try. While we faced challenges, our bond grew stronger.

Shaunak already knew knew from the start that we were destined to be together. I, still focused on completing my undergraduate degree, wasn't quite ready to envision a future with him. Over time, I realized that he was truly 'the one.' Our relationship was built on a strong foundation of friendship and mutual respect. We faced challenges head-on, learning and growing from every experience. We could effortlessly navigate both joyful moments and serious situations together.

Looking back, I am incredibly grateful for our journey. From our initial connection in college to our decision to spend the rest of our lives together, every step has been an incredible adventure.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Shaunak planned the most incredible proposal! Since it was my birthday, everything leading up to it was cleverly disguised as birthday celebrations. My parents flew in, I got pampered with nails and hair, and even picked out a dress with my mom and sister – all under the guise of birthday festivities. Everyone was in on the secret for over two months!

I had a sneaking suspicion that something special might happen that week, but I tried to convince myself it was just an elaborate birthday surprise. Then, right before we left for what I thought was my birthday dinner, Shaunak's sister arrived unexpectedly from out of town. That's when I knew.

Both my sister and Shaunak's sister accompanied me as we walked through downtown Cleveland to the stunning Arcade, a historic landmark. There, I was greeted by both our parents and Shaunak, who had transformed the space with beautiful flowers and printed canvases showcasing our memories together. To top it off, our best friends from out of town surprised me as the photographers!

Shaunak knelt down and proposed, and it was absolutely magical. The entire evening was so perfectly planned, but I secretly wished for a bigger celebration with all of our friends. After a lovely family dinner, I thought the surprises were over.

The next day, we headed to Shaunak's family home for brunch, and that's where the real surprise awaited me! Over 20 of our closest friends from high school and college were there, just as I had hoped. We spent the day celebrating with everyone, and later enjoyed the VIP section at a downtown club. It was the most unforgettable day!

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The most enjoyable part of the planning process was bringing two families and communities closer together. We learned about each other's values, beliefs, customs, and traditions, and explored how to weave the story of our relationship into the wedding.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Throughout the weekend, there was a palpable sense of joy that was a product of our amazing guests. Song and dance was how our relationship started and our guests shared with us that they loved the creative performances that came from the bride and groom, the bridal party, our families, and our friends.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
The most special moment of our wedding was undoubtedly our 'first touch.' Not wanting to see each other prior to the ceremony, we opted for this unique alternative to the first look. Standing back-to-back, we held hands and privately exchanged our vows. Amidst the whirlwind of wedding preparations, this intimate moment provided a much-needed pause. We were able to slow down, connect with each other, and truly be present before embarking on our journey as a married couple. The intense emotions we felt as our hands met, finally experiencing each other's presence on that day, will forever be etched in our memories. This unforgettable experience was made possible thanks to our brilliant photographer, Deepesh, who suggested this unique approach.

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
Jewelry played a significant role throughout our wedding festivities. My maternal grandmother has always cherished fine jewelry, and she carefully selected many of the sets I wore throughout the weekend. While each piece was beautiful, the most meaningful were those worn during the ceremony: a collection of my mother's wedding jewelry, chosen by her nearly three decades ago. I also wore my maternal grandmother's bangles, my paternal grandmother's nath (a traditional Maharashtrian nose pin), and gold hairpins from my great-grandmother. It was a poignant tribute to the generations of women who came before me.

Every detail of this wedding was a heartfelt tribute to culture and connection.

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Dreaming of a destination wedding? Shabnam & Kynan’s big day is Platinum Guide Blog perfection!

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
Our first date was truly unforgettable! We both enjoy staying active, so it was only natural that we met at an indoor rock climbing and bouldering gym in Atlanta. There was an immediate connection. We enjoyed getting to know each other and bonded over our British and Welsh upbringings as well as our love of food. I still recall Kynan's playful quip as we signed the bouldering consent form, "It's time to sign our lives away!" Little did we know that lighthearted moment foreshadowed our future, as we indeed signed our marriage license years later. From the very beginning, I felt an extraordinary sense of peace and comfort in his presence. And yes, I must confess, I was also charmed by the impeccable cleanliness of his car, his neatly hung dry-cleaning, fully stocked kitchen, and worldly knowledge – a glimpse into his dynamic and responsible nature. Every interaction we had following our first date strengthened the feelings we were both developing. I knew he was "the one" when he arranged a surprise couples massage after a long work week and showed me the stylish baby Zara clothes he bought for his friend's newborn. He is, without a doubt, the most considerate and thoughtful man I know, a quality that shines brighter with each passing day.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
A whisper of anticipation fluttered within me as Memorial Day weekend approached. Kynan, with his characteristic air of delightful mystery, had asked me to request time off. In the months leading up to this, he dropped hints, playfully leading me astray from his intended plans. He orchestrated a pampering session with my dearest girlfriends, a prelude to our adventure, and instructed me to pack for five days while still leaving my destination unknown. Naturally, my overpacking instincts kicked into high gear! He handled every detail with effortless grace, from checking me in, to escorting me through the airport from gate to gate (another distraction tactic), until we were finally boarding a flight to Boston! This city holds a treasure trove of cherished memories for us, a testament to our enduring love during two years of long-distance while I completed my surgical fellowship training and MPH degree at Harvard. We checked in to the Fairmont in Copley Plaza, across from my old apartment in Back Bay. We spent the day revisiting our favorite city sights and reliving the milestones of our journey. Kynan proposed along the Charles River at our favorite hammock spot. Our celebration continued at Tresca in the North End (another special place for us), and the joy was amplified the following day with the arrival of my sister. It was a weekend woven with romance, nostalgia, and the promise of a beautiful future together.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
For two introverted souls seeking a genuine connection, our wedding weekend was designed to celebrate love while honoring the comfort of our cherished guests. Our beautiful wedding venue, Garza Blanca, is culinary all-inclusive with delicious food, luxurious amenities, and an intimate feel. We intentionally crafted a leisurely schedule, and some of our favorite memories from the weekend include casual run-ins with our loved ones around the hotel grounds. Our guests loved having time to explore the resort and all that Los Cabos has to offer. Many guests arrived early and stayed after the wedding festivities. Guests embarked on adventures ranging from thrilling spear-fishing and jet skiing to serene cruises alongside the iconic Cabo Arch. Couples celebrated their blossoming families with "baby moons," while family members were able to spend quality time together and reunite with loved ones from abroad. Witnessing our loved ones create their own cherished memories while celebrating ours was truly the ultimate gift – a perfect blend of celebration and serene escape.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
It sounds cliche, but savor every moment! Stay true to yourself and what you envision, and don't sweat the small stuff. While there are definitely stressful parts to wedding planning, and people won't always see eye-to-eye throughout the process, it really does all work out in the end. Looking back, I cherish the unexpected gift of connection that wedding planning afforded me. My mother, though physically distant, was a constant presence, joining virtually for almost every Zoom call with planners and vendors. Since moving away from home, our time together has become a treasured commodity. Sharing the excitement and anticipation of this momentous occasion strengthened our bond in a way I hadn't anticipated.

A dreamy blend of tradition, luxury, and beachfront magic, leaving us all in awe! See you soon.

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Looking for wedding inspiration? Check out Prita & Vishal's regal affair on the Platinum Guide Blog!

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
I was at his house one day and randomly stumbled upon a book he had called "Loving Someone with Anxiety" and immediately started to cry. I do struggle with anxiety and the fact that someone was willing to love me and accept my anxiety and figure out how to be better for me truly touched my heart. I was very used to hearing that my anxiety was something I had to fix and 'get rid of' so the fact that he truly loved me - for me - was amazing!

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
He did a great job with the proposal. I own a condo on a beautiful lake. That lake is my favorite place in the world and it has a peaceful dock. At the time of the proposal, I had rented it out. Vish somehow got a hold of the tenant and convinced him to lie to me, sending me a text that a break-in had occurred at the condo. We were on our way to dinner to meet friends, so we had to make a u-turn and go to the condo. Once at the condo, I couldn't find the tenant. Everything outside the condo looked fine and normal. I got very worried the robber had kidnapped my tenant and was holding him hostage in my condo. As my freakout worsened, Vish told me to calm down, and that we should go to the lake and wait for the police there. Calm down is the worst thing you can say to someone who's freaking out! So I decided to try to open the door and that's when he pulled me back and said that today was not the day I would be superwoman, that this was way too dangerous and we needed to back off. He literally dragged me to the lake while I screamed and cursed him out. I couldn't understand how he didn't think this was a serious situation! Internally, I started doubting how I could love such an insensitive person. I must have figured everything wrong about him! As we got to the dock, I noticed a bouquet of flowers on the bench and then I realized what was about to happen. Vish had to set up this wild story because he knew there was no way he'd be able to get me to my favorite place in the world without me suspecting anything. He got down on one knee while a photographer hid in a nearby boat and captured the moment. It was incredibly sweet and romantic! He then took me to dinner, where we were supposed to meet our friend and when we got there, I saw that all my friends and family were there, waiting to celebrate us!

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.
It was a dream come true wedding at our local Gurdwara for the Sikh Ceremony, at our family's house for the Mehndi night and at the Ritz for the Hindu Ceremony and dinner reception. It was a perfect mix of a local home vibe mixed with an out of this world romantic glamour vibe.

The customer service at the Ritz was above and beyond. Chef Jayshree has her own signature Indian fusion dishes, and she's based locally in Orlando. She caters to all the Indian weddings at Ritz hotels across the country, and we were so lucky to have her do our reception food. It was delicious and a nice break from all the other Indian food we'd been eating at all the other events - while also still being Indian enough for those who love their traditional Indian meals! The atmosphere at the Ritz was also incredible. It was impeccable!

My hair and makeup team were the dream team, and were able to change over my looks, from top to bottom, with just 30 minutes to do so between looks. They were able to incorporate my vision while also gently encouraging me to take some risks that made my looks completely unique. My Sikh ceremony look was traditional, while for Mehndi night they turned me into a modern Barbie doll! My Hindu ceremony look was epic, they turned me into a royal queen, and for my reception look, turned down the drama into a soft and romantic gold shimmery Belle look. I didn't have to ask to change anything; all my hair and makeup lasted throughout every event, and the best part was that I still looked like me at the end of the day!

My photographer was incredible and was always there for me. Anytime I needed them for a photo, they were there. They understood my vision and went above and beyond to make sure they captured the shots I wanted. They had snacks on hand in case we needed anything as well and also handled our guests with such grace. I'll never forget how at the Gurdwara, all I wanted was a break. Our photographer pulled us away from our guests, tucked us into a study room, gave us water, and had us stay there for 5 minutes so we could get a breather - all while telling our guests we would be right back. I didn't have to ask for this, they could just tell and simply knew. They really went above and beyond to make sure we had a super special day and that they captured that day too.

Our theme was England Garden, and everything was very beautiful and natural with a lot of browns, greens and red-red roses. It wasn't a big over the top wedding, it was intimate and romantic. The one thing we wanted every guest to feel was loved, and I really think that's what was experienced.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I really like traditions. I love celebrating them and creating my own! We had a Sikh ceremony at the Gurdwara, and I wore bright red. For the Mehndi, I wanted to go completely against tradition and wore white with pastels and mirrors. The Hindu ceremony outfit was my favorite and was a deeper red and green. To change things up, I did two dupattas, with a green one on my head. I love how that look turned out. It was a great mix of traditional and modern. For reception, I was all gold! I had a lot of fun with my hair and makeup team changing up the looks to match each outfit. For the Hindu ceremony, my makeup artist wanted my look to be a bit more edgy, and she used dark green eyeliner in my waterline. I like taking fun risks like that. I think everything turned out beautifully!

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
Doing it with my husband by my side. We were both equally involved, and I felt so grateful for his support! This truly was both of our weddings :)

Oh - and the food tasting was awesome! The team at the Ritz really made sure we enjoyed everything and left with very full bellies! As we left, I took a deep breath, taking in the incredible scent they had flowing through the Ritz. I said, "I wish my house smelled like this." Moments later, their event coordinator came out with gift bags for me, my mom, and my mother-in-law. We all got candles of the Ritz scent so we could burn them at home! They made us feel so special!

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Everyone knows that the only thing guests care about is food, booze, and music, haha! I will say though that our guests also had a great time. Everything was very well planned and we got a lot of compliments on the timelines of each event (it wasn't Indian Standard) as well as how little time was wasted. There were a lot of breaks and time for people to chill out and relax between events. The mandate photos went smoothly, and we captured everyone in under 30 minutes! Our wedding planner did a great job planning each second out!

I think the guests could tell how much my husband and I loved each other during the events as well. Our love for each other came out in different ways - from the wedding and reception entrances to the speeches. The speeches were so heartfelt, even I was moved to tears. I also wrote a song for my husband and sang it for him at the reception. That was his and everyone else's first time hearing it, so that was very special.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
We aren't dancers, so every time we practiced our first dance, we were making mistakes. It got to a point where we said it was ok if we made a mistake during the actual performance because we just couldn't manage to nail it. When it was showtime, somehow, we actually did the whole dance without any mistakes! We just looked at each other in disbelief and felt so accomplished at the end of the performance! It was like we had just won a gold medal together! Best moment ever!

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.
Our friends and family put together a great 5-minute Punjabi/Gujarati dance mashup. The best part was the end when everyone joined flashmob style! It was great to see my coworkers absolutely killing it on the dancefloor and dancing to Bollywood!

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
You have to really tune out the outside voices and do what is best for you. You're never going to make everyone happy, and someone will always feel left out, someone will always find the food too cold or spicy and someone will always think you did something wrong and now your marriage will be cursed.

Everything happens very fast, so make sure you take moments to enjoy your partner and plan in moments to have some time just the two of you. Remember - this is just one day. Don't sweat the small stuff and put all that energy into your relationship and make sure it is healthy and nourishing. That is much more important than any wedding detail.

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
My husband is Hindu and I am Sikh. A special memory that comes to my mind is how all the men in his family got their Pugries tied for our Sikh Ceremony. I felt so loved and appreciated that I wanted to celebrate our customs with us and didn't shy away from it. Also, Vishal's cousin Ami did something very special for me. My Naniji is 90 years old and is bedridden. She couldn't attend any of the festivities. When we were doing Mehndi at home for the family, Ami took one of the cones and put mehndi on my Naniji's hands so that she could also be a part of the wedding celebrations. It really moved my heart that his family did all this for me and my family. I felt so loved!

This was more than a wedding—it was a royal celebration to remember.

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Calling all brides-to-be! Check out Amy & JD's enchanting wedding in today's Platinum Guide Blog!

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
JD proposed in St. Augustine, which was really special because that was where we went on our first trip together as a couple. During that first trip, we had planned to visit the fort but never actually made it inside. Instead, we ended up sitting on a wall overlooking the water, and that’s where JD told me he loved me for the first time.

Almost two years later, he suggested we go back for a weekend trip. I had a feeling a proposal might be coming, but I wasn’t entirely sure. This time, we finally explored the fort, walking through and taking everything in. Afterward, we made our way back to that same spot by the water. And that’s where he got down on one knee. It was such a full-circle moment!

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I actually came across my bridal lehenga designer, Label Neha Sinha, on Instagram a few years ago (@labelnehasinha). I followed her work for a while and loved seeing her grow, so when it was finally time to pick my lehenga, I reached out to her.

I did try on a few lehengas at two different stores in New York, but none of them gave me that “Say Yes to the Dress” moment. So, I went back to Neha, and we started working together to bring my dream lehenga to life. I always knew I wanted to wear red, and she helped bring that vision to life. She involved me in every step—starting with sketches, then the sample kali, and finally the full piece. She also designed JD's sherwani and even incorporated embroidery from my lehenga into his outfit, which made it feel even more special.

When my lehenga finally arrived, I tried it on and just knew. The craftsmanship, the fit—everything was perfect, and I finally had my moment. I’m usually the kind of person who has to try things on a million times before deciding, but this was the one time I fully trusted the process. And I’m so glad I did!

I did try on a few lehengas at two different stores in New York, but none of them gave me that “Say Yes to the Dress” moment. So, I went back to Neha, and we started working together to bring my dream lehenga to life. I always knew I wanted to wear red, and she helped bring that vision to life. She involved me in every step—starting with sketches, then the sample kali, and finally the full piece. She also designed my husband’s sherwani and even incorporated embroidery from my lehenga into his outfit, which made it feel even more special.

When my lehenga finally arrived, I tried it on and just knew. The craftsmanship, the fit—everything was perfect, and I finally had my moment. I’m usually the kind of person who has to try things on a million times before deciding, but this was the one time I fully trusted the process. And I’m so glad I did!

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
While the planning process was definitely a lot of work, the most rewarding part was that JD was just as involved as I was. It truly was a 50-50 effort and having him by my side made everything more manageable and enjoyable. We got to make decisions together and share in the excitement, which made the whole experience feel more special.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
My biggest piece of advice would be to remember that, at the end of the day, it's about celebrating your love and the people you care about. The little details might feel huge in the moment, but try not to stress too much over things that won't necessarily be noticed. And most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy the process—you’ll look back on it as a special time, so make sure to savor it with the people you love.

Maharanis, their big day was filled with vibrant energy, stunning decor, and joyful moments. Enjoy!

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If there’s one thing we love, it’s a wedding that perfectly blends tradition with a modern twist, and Sanjana & Mark’s celebration in Chicago did exactly that! Their fusion wedding was a heartwarming blend of cultures, colors, and some serious party energy. From an electrifying baraat to a jaw-dropping reception entrance, this wedding had the Wow factor written all over it!

Sanjana looked nothing short of regal in her intricately designed bridal lengha, with her flawless hair and makeup courtesy of The Bridal Beauty Team, while Mark turned heads in a sherwani that screamed ‘Maharaja vibes only.’ The duo embodied the magic of blending cultures, proving that love knows no bounds—or wardrobe limitations! And let’s talk about that wedding hashtag: #sanjijoinstheteam. A clever nod to their journey together: we’re sure this one broke some Instagram engagement records!

Mark’s baraat was a full-blown blockbuster moment! With The DJ Firm leading the charge, this groom made an entrance that could rival any Bollywood hero. Picture a sea of joyous guests dancing, dhol beats reverberating, and Mark fully embracing his new role as an honorary Desi. It was loud, it was fun, and yes—it set the perfect tone for what was to come.

Under the stunning floral mandap designed by Flowerchild Floral & Event Design, Sanjana & Mark tied the knot in an intimate yet vibrant ceremony at Wildman BT. The setting was pure romance, with natural light flooding the space and bouncing off Sanjana’s bridal ensemble. Every moment was expertly captured by City Savvy Imaging, whose keen eye for detail and storytelling brought the wedding to life in every frame. Their ability to seamlessly blend candid emotions with breathtaking compositions turned the wedding album into a work of art, preserving each cherished moment in timeless elegance.

If the ceremony was about emotions, the reception was all about the party! Thanks to Wedicity Wedding Planning & Design, every detail was meticulously curated to ensure the night felt equal parts elegant and electrifying. From the grand entrance to the first dance, with everyone reaching for tissues, this was a night to remember.

From the exquisite florals to the decadent cake by Bitter Sweet Pastry, every vendor brought their A-game. Special shoutout to Food For Thought for curating a menu with guests returning for seconds (and thirds!).

Cheers to Sanjana & Mark. May your life together be a lifetime of love and laughter!