Welcome to Maharani Weddings

Sweeties, the lovely union of Aishwarya & Kunal is a testament to this timeless truth. Their journey to forever began with a beautiful ceremony in Thane, India, followed by a breathtaking reception in the heart of Philadelphia. Aishwarya looked like a vision in her Mohey bridal attire. Her smile illuminated the room as she made her grand entrance at the Hotel Tip Top Plaza in Thane. The talented Kajal Mehndi Artist adorned Aishwarya's hands with intricate henna designs, symbolizing love and happiness. Disha Karia worked her magic, creating a flawless bridal look that left Kunal mesmerized.  After their enchanting celebration in India, our lovebirds took their love across the ocean to Loews Philadelphia. The venue's elegant charm provided the perfect backdrop for their love story to continue. The decor, once again, was a sight to behold, with every detail planned and designed to perfection. Dear Maharanis, we invite you to explore our photo gallery, where both The Wedflix and Dreamline Productions LLC have expertly captured this love story. The Wedflix beautifully portrayed their journey, and Dreamline Productions LLC skillfully turned these moments into timeless memories, inspiring hearts for generations to come. Come and enjoy the gallery we compiled for you!

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!

The funny thing about the proposal is that a couple of days before it happened, I started to suspect something was up. I could tell he was nervous, and we had been talking about getting married so it was a matter of when. He told me that his work was having a cruise around the San Francisco bay and was departing from Pier 7. I've never seen boats anchored at Pier 7 so that definitely made me wonder. Sure enough, when we got there, I saw a woman holding a nice DSLR camera. I remember thinking, "Wow, she'll get some nice shots, it's a beautiful day today." She ended up being our proposal photographer minutes later. Naturally, I was ecstatic with him asking, and we went to dinner to celebrate. I thought that this was all that was planned (till next year) because a lot of our friends live far away. To my complete (yes, complete this time), a week later, we were going out to lunch but lunch turned out to be a surprise engagement party with our friends in attendance that he had planned. It was such a special day.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Our guests really appreciated that we brought our wedding party to various places across countries and continents so that there were multiple opportunities to celebrate. We also did our best to incorporate both cultures (Marathi and Punjabi). From the proposal in San Francisco to the Hindu wedding ceremony in Thane, followed by receptions in Delhi and Philadelphia, you could say we've had a whirlwind wedding tour.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
The baraat on Market Street in Philadelphia. That was the coolest thing I've ever done, and to see so many people assemble for us touched us both deeply. I wish I could do it again!

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?

Remember to reflect every now and then on how far you and your partner have come. On all the other relationships and events in your life that have shaped you who are. On your worlds combining and becoming one. Truly, nothing else matters.

 What a great way to get inspired, isn't it, ladies? See you tomorrow for more love stories!

Dreamline Productions LLC and Loews Philadelphia Hotel are members of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

Dreamline Productions LLC VIEW PORTFOLIO

Loews Philadelphia Hotel VIEW PORTFOLIO

For more information on how Platinum Guide members are chosen, click here.

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.

One2 Entertainment is a member of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

One2 Entertainment VIEW PORTFOLIO

For more information on how Platinum Guide members are chosen, click here.

Sowmya & Madhav's love story is the epitome of friendship blossoming into love. The journey from their first meeting at Case Western Reserve University to becoming life partners is woven with threads of understanding, companionship, and unwavering support. Still, it wasn't until a Thanksgiving Facetime call, alive with laughter and seamless interactions, that illuminated the profound connection between them. It wasn't just Sowmya & Madhav anymore; it was a union waiting to be solemnized.

Juggling the rigors of medical school and wedding planning with the help of Meant 2 Be Events, Sowmya found solace in creating a celebration that was a true reflection of their journey. Every detail, from the vibrant décor to the thematic color schemes, bore the imprint of their love story. Madhav, with his penchant for organization, made the meticulous planning seem like a dance, graceful and in step with Sowmya's creative vision. Together, they weaved magic, turning each aspect of their nuptials into a narrative of love, unity, and celebration.

The wedding celebrated at the Chateau Luxe Phoenix, was not just a union of two souls but a confluence of two families, two journeys, and myriad aspirations. While the dances, the laughter, and the jubilations marked the festivities, it was the silent, profound moments that held the essence. Madhav's tears, as Sowmya, radiant and resplendent, walked down the aisle, marked the transcendence of a love that had grown, matured, and was now ready to step into eternity.

Every moment and every detail of the wedding sang a melody of unity; amidst the lively celebrations, Sowmya & Madhav found their 'home' within each other. Each touch and glance affirmed a silent vow – "Two paths, two souls, one heartbeat!"

Congratulations Sowmya & Madhav!

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
I first met Madhav in college (Case Western Reserve University) as a freshman in January of 2016. We hit it off as friends, and we became each other's confidants: we went to each other for advice, coffee, and honestly venting. It was nice having such a wonderful friend in my life, and our friendship naturally progressed into the next stage a few years later. I am so happy and grateful (I know it’s cliché), but I really do feel like I married my best friend.

I knew he was "The One" when I was Facetiming him during Thanksgiving with my family. To me, family is more important than anything, and I’m extremely close with my cousins, aunts, and uncles. So naturally, whoever I end up with must gel and understand our weird and niche sense of humor. When my cousins jumped on Facetime and started chatting with him, I was literally so shocked because it felt like they had known each other for YEARS. This was the biggest green flag, and honestly, it solidified everything I knew I wanted in a partner. I remember thinking to myself at that moment, “damn, I want this person here every Thanksgiving, not just on Facetime.” I definitely had a ton more “aha” moments after that where I felt the vibes time and time again, but I’ll keep this entry short ;)

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
It happened on October 16, 2021, at the River Walk in Chicago. All my favorite people in the universe coordinated a flash mob for me, and Madhav proposed at the end. It was truly my favorite day until my wedding day naturally took that title. I would describe the whole proposal here, but this video will explain it all. I edited it myself, and it tells the story beautifully <3 My husband went all out for it, and he had my friends and family record little mini vlogs documenting each detail as the day unfolded. I’m super proud of everyone that came together for this wonderful event. 10/10 must watch!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cza1qeRRxhY&ab_channel=SowmyaRavi

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 my wedding was definitely a challenge that I was prepared for if that makes sense. I knew I wanted the full, big, fat Indian wedding from day 1, so I understood that a lot of work would have to go into it. The number one thing I wanted for my wedding was to feel my creative thumbprint on all the events whenever I looked back on those days. I wanted to feel like I had contributed something. Looking back at our fantastic photos and videos now, I can confidently say I was able to do just that (special shoutout to our incredible photo/video team).

I planned my wedding throughout my 2nd year of medical school, which was challenging but doable. I used it as a good break between studying sessions and found solace in choreographing the dances, picking the décor, and organizing color schemes. Channeling creative energy into each event made the process a lot more fun and less painful in the long run. Sometimes, brides and grooms get so caught up in making all the decisions that they forget to really enjoy the fun stuff. For me, once all the tough choices were made early on in the year (aka the venue, caterer, and hair and makeup), I really enjoyed getting friends and family on board to help out with the process. It brought me a lot closer to my friends today, and I am so thankful for their support throughout the process. Choosing all my vendors was fairly painless, mostly because my lovely husband handled the Excel spreadsheets and cost/budget calculations. Plus, I didn’t have many specifics because I knew whatever I chose would fit with a color scheme and performances that Madhav I felt exemplified our personalities. In the end, I opted for a location that was easy to plan around and vendors that were popular in that area.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
Color was the first thing I picked. I have been obsessed with teal since I was 7, back when it was super “in” and every little girl’s room was that color in 2011 (maybe this was just me and my friends, lol). Once I picked that, my wonderful tailor helped me decide the fabric I wanted. While I was in her cute little shop in Bangalore, I had some downtime waiting around between her clients, so I started sketching some designs. I love to draw, so I drew some figures and design themes that I would love in my eventual lehenga. Sonam Didi was incredible and immediately helped me channel my sketches into something we could incorporate into the lehenga. Both Sonam Didi and her mom, Poonam Aunty, were so respectful and patient; they designed my absolute dream lehenga and bridal sari blouse. I definitely miss them both and can’t thank them enough! !!! Sending so much love to both of you.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
I really enjoyed spending time with my fiancée and our friends, trying to figure out how to make it the most entertaining weekend possible. We had one goal – how can we make this the most fun for everyone and keep people entertained? There were definitely some moments where that would not be possible, but hey, we tried super hard. I also loved choreographing the dances and would honestly love to do this for other weddings. Something about making a personalized routine that encapsulates a couple’s vibe. Bringing everyone together is so fun! Also, the honeymoon planning meetings were wonderful. Since I did a good chunk of the creative planning for the wedding, my amazing husband took the lead and literally planned the entire honeymoon with weekly presentations to get my opinion on certain activities, resorts, and locations. When we left the day after our wedding, I was shocked at how much thought and detail he put into each day, and I am so thankful to have him in my life (ew, this is so mushy).

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
It was a tough question since I wasn’t a guest, but I would say from their reactions, I think they really loved the performances and games at our sangeet and reception. Also the food!! They loved the presentation and how there was a good mix of authentic south and north Indian vegetarian dishes. Our caterer did an amazing job and made the food look and taste incredible.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
Madhav and I watched a lot of wedding social media moments where the groom cries when the bride enters, to the point where neither of us thought we would... We both were 100% sure we were desensitized to it since we were so prepared and expected it to happen. But sure enough, when I came walking down the aisle with both my parents and saw Madhav crying, I was absolutely stunned and thought to myself, “Wow, here come my tears.” Later, Madhav told me he was so surprised, too, and didn’t realize how special that moment would be to him. The tears were given, so it was something that I replay In my mind and will constantly remember.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Build in time for you and your fiancée to check in with each other during the big wedding week. Madhav and I had so much going on around us that those special 10-minute breaks where it was just the two of us were so calming and special. It reminded us that it was one of the most special times in our lives.

WSS Weddings and Weddings by Shooting Stars are members of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

WSS Weddings VIEW PORTFOLIO

Weddings by Shooting Stars VIEW PORTFOLIO

For more information on how Platinum Guide members are chosen, click here.

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! 

Jhankarlo Photography is a member of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

Jhankarlo Photography VIEW PORTFOLIO

For more information on how Platinum Guide members are chosen, click here.

Lisa & Rohit’s union, born from destiny’s design, unfolded like a living fable amidst the serenity of Hawaiian tides. Their love story, initiated in an intimate Indiana wine bar, was sealed with a picturesque proposal amidst Central Park’s cherry blossoms.

Their wedding, a radiant melding of Rohit’s Hindu heritage and Lisa’s Christian roots was a canvas of cultural richness and elegance, meticulously crafted by Mira Savara Events. Lisa, adorned in a dream-like ensemble of blue, green, and hints of pink designed by Nazranaa, deviated from the traditional red, marking a radiant yet empowered look on her big day. 

A symphony of personalized touches was woven throughout the celebration. A close knit fabric of culture was evident as Lisa voiced her vows in Hindi. The vibrancy of their union echoed in the exhilarating dance performances at the Sangeet, choreographed by Soni Choreography. The blossoms adorning the ceremony, courtesy of Always Flowers 808, later brought joy to a local nursing home, a testament to Lisa & Rohit’s generous spirits. Their fur child was included at the reception with the depiction of their cherished mini Goldendoodle, Tali, on the wedding cake by Cake Works.

Their wedding wasn’t just a union but a celestial dance of moments and cultures under the starlit skies, echoing love’s boundless, transcendent reach and the enchanting melody composed when two hearts unite as one.

Congratulations Lisa & Rohit!

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
Rohit and I met online after we both divorced. We both pretty much resigned ourselves to living single, independent lives after both of our prior marriages did not work out. We were both living in Indiana at the time, and I had recently accepted a position that would move me to New York City. When we met online and started talking, it was amazing! It was like we had known each other forever. Everything was so easy, and the conversation just flowed...and never seemed to stop. The day we met online and started texting and then talking by phone, Rohit said, "I don't know how spontaneous you are, but how would you like to have dinner with me?" I said yes and met him later that evening. From the moment we met in person, the conversation never seemed to end. So much so that we never really got past ordering a bottle of wine at the wine bar we met at, and we talked so long that the restaurant's kitchen closed before we could order food -- we didn't really notice as we had been talking for hours. During the course of our conversation, I shared with Rohit that I had been recruited to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in Manhattan and would be moving in a couple of months. His reply? "Well, I like big cities, and I love to travel!" The rest was history.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
It was a gorgeous spring day, and we went for a walk in Central Park to see the cherry blossoms. They were in full bloom, and the park was packed with people enjoying the blooms. That is where he popped the question. Afterward, we took a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through the park.

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.
Rohit grew up Hindu, and I grew up Christian, but I knew that I wanted to have a full Indian wedding, which is somewhat unbelievable considering the fact that I had never been to an Indian wedding. Family is very important as is spirituality, and we both felt strongly that the Universe allowed our paths to cross for a reason, and to find your soulmate at whatever age was an incredible blessing that we wanted to honor. We actually started planning the wedding to either be in the Midwest or New Jersey/NYC area, where we had homes. However, when we started the planning process, it started feeling like we were in our 20s and this was our first marriage. So, we quickly realized that a destination wedding made more sense. We pretty quickly decided on Hawai'i partly because we love the islands but also because it would be fairly easy for our family in India to get to. When we decided on Hawai'i, we scoured online websites and blogs and actually found an incredible Indian wedding planner - Mira Savara - in Oahu. We had a video call with Mira, and she made us feel at ease and walked us through every little detail from the Hindu priest we would fly in from the mainland to venues to menus. As the only Indian wedding planner in the Hawaiian Islands, she was very well-connected and able to talk through our vision and connect us with the right local vendors.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
Living in New Jersey for part of the time made the bridal lehenga slightly easier than it might be otherwise. I happened to come across a YouTube show called Nazraana Diaries, which was a bit of an Indian version of 'Say Yes to the Dress'. After seeing this show, we made an appointment with Shia, one of the co-owners and dress designers, to look at dresses. I didn't go with a color in mind but rather a color I didn't want. As most people know, red is the traditional color, but I don't really like red, so I knew that I didn't want a red lehenga. Rohit and I both love the color blue. Shia asked me a few questions to get to know me and then brought out 3 dresses. The 3rd one was the one. It combined sparkle with blue, green, and hints of pink and was so gorgeous. It was the dress I always dreamt of without ever really thinking about it. It was perfect!

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The most enjoyable part of the planning process was having someone truly my equal in Rohit as part of the planning process. He was equally invested in the beauty of this wedding, and it made the planning process special.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
I think they loved the fact that it was in Hawai'i. Because it was a destination wedding, our guests were not really guests -- they were family or friends who were more like family. Our wedding was the first week of January and more than one told us that we should have an annual anniversary trip and re-create the week every year in Hawai'i. Funny (...but not a bad point)

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
Even though this was an Indian/Hindu wedding, there were pieces folded into our wedding that symbolized my culture and background. My mother and brother, Jonathan, walked me down the aisle to a song that was special to me and Rohit. My good friend, Heather, read a poem by Dr. Maya Angelou. But I think the thing that stands out most is we decided to exchange personal vows that we wrote. I surprised Rohit and everyone at the wedding by saying my vows in Hindi, initially followed by the English translation for my side of the family. Rohit's cousin - Anjela - helped me translate and learn my vows for months leading up to the wedding. It was incredibly special and a moment I will always cherish.

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 sangeet was amazing, and one of the most special components was the choreographed dance that our adult kids and their cousins performed. Soni with Soni Choreography created such a fun routine for Jalebi Baby and Kala Chashma with sunglasses and all. It was so much fun, and everyone loved the performance. We also had a blast with our Soni choreographed routine, which was performed to Zaalima and Morne Banki. I think my husband surprised his entire family with his dance moves, and it was so special to be able to share the fun side of our adventurous spirit with everyone.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
I think the best thing to remember is to go into your day focused on the love and not the details. While the details may seem important, the love is what brought you to this moment and is what will persevere throughout the rest of your days. Enjoying the moments of the day with love and gratitude is the most important thing and will allow you to have memories to cherish for the rest of your days.

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
As a couple that was blending a family of adult kids during the pandemic, we adopted a mini golden doodle who has truly become our 'baby'. Her name is Tali (after Italia, our favorite country to visit). Since we were having a destination wedding in Hawai'i, we were unable to bring her with us, but we still wanted to include her in our special day. So we found an artist on Etsy who took a picture of Tali and created a miniature figurine of her that we then delivered to the bakery, Cake Works, and they included her in the bottom layer of the 3 tiered cake. She is 'peeking' out from the bottom of the cake layer. It was adorable, and everyone loved it!

In addition, we had such incredibly fresh and fragrant flowers that brought a rainbow of colors into the day. The mandap was covered with hanging flowers throughout, and it was incredibly special. My husband and I are both in healthcare and did not want the flowers to go to waste after the wedding so our wedding planner arranged for the flowers to be delivered to a local nursing facility to be enjoyed by the residents. That was amazing!

Come back for more tales, loves; until then, stay inspired and cherish the love surrounding you!

Soni Choreography is a member of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

Soni Choreography VIEW PORTFOLIO

For more information on how Platinum Guide members are chosen, click here.