Welcome to Maharani Weddings

In the bustling halls of Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Boston, the stars aligned for Dr. Devina & Dr. Russell. Both in their first year of residency, fate brought them together during a hectic day in the ICU. What started as a brief shift together soon became a deep connection. Sparks were flying," Devina fondly recalls, as they exchanged numbers under the guise of patient consultations but with hearts already intertwined.

Amidst the challenges of the COVID pandemic, their love story persevered. As frontline healthcare workers, their roles only solidified their bond. Despite the distance between New York City and Boston, every FaceTime call, train ride, and road trip to be together was a testament to their unwavering commitment and deepening connection.

Russell originally planned a grand affair with family and friends gathered on a rooftop in NYC; however, fate had other plans when he tested positive for COVID. Undeterred, he patiently waited two more months to recreate the magic. On a serene evening at the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, overlooking the New York skyline, Russell's heartfelt proposal unfolded amidst candles and rose petals.

Their journey to marriage took them to Cabo San Lucas, where the serenity of the Hilton Los Cabos Resort captivated Devina and her father upon their first visit. The venue offered a perfect blend of elegance and tranquility, a fitting backdrop for their fusion wedding. Devina's meticulous planning, guided by Lee Del Lange of Del Cabo Weddings, seamlessly brought their vision to life. From vibrant Indian decor to understated elegance, every detail reflected their cultural fusion and personal style.

For her Indian wedding attire, Devina was inspired by her sister's pink lehenga, signifying family love and tradition and creating a deep bond, bridging memories with new beginnings. Devina chose Berta's modern designs for her American wedding dress, reflecting her Indian heritage through intricate embroidery and contemporary style.

Highlighting their Indian reception was a Bollywood dance performance by Devina & Russell, a surprise gesture from Russell that embodied their love for Bollywood films and cultural celebrations. His dedication to learning the dance moves and lyrics to Devina's favorite songs left an indelible mark on their guests, showcasing their union in a joyful spectacle of dance and romance.

From hospital corridors to rooftop proposals and sun-kissed beaches, Devina & Russell’s love story continues to inspire—a journey of resilience, love, and cultural fusion promising a lifetime of shared adventures and cherished memories.

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
Russell and I's paths crossed during a busy day in the ICU at the Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Boston. Russell was in his first year as an emergency medicine resident, while I was also a first-year resident. I was in my preliminary medicine year before my dermatology training, which would take me to NYC. Russell had just been called into the ICU to cover a shift for a co-intern, and we only worked together for a few hours. We shared lunch at the cafeteria on what now feels like their "first date" - the sparks were flying! I gave him my number "in case he had any questions about the patients". He asked me out that night, and we have been together ever since.

We faced the first wave of the COVID pandemic as healthcare workers together and then went on to do two years apart, which were long with both being busy residents, but with each FaceTime, train ride, and road trip to see each other, we grew inseparable.

The way Russell and I have faced difficult situations together, as a true team and partnership, I knew he was the one I wanted to have by my side forever.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Russell spent many months planning a beautiful surprise proposal for me, which included flying both sets of our parents and siblings out to NYC and a large rooftop party with all of our friends. However, two days before the proposal, he tested positive for COVID-19. He had to cancel! He was so upset, and knowing him so well along with his inability to lie, he told me all about the weekend he had planned.

As we were still long-distance, he had to wait another two months before he was able to coordinate the weekend again. While the surprise was ruined, it was even more beautiful and filled with love than I could have ever imagined!

After having a drink at my favorite rooftop (the 1 Hotel) in Brooklyn, Russell walked me out to Brooklyn Bridge Park, where the walkway was lined with candles and rose petals. After he asked the question, I looked over and saw our family, and we had a wonderful dinner at the hotel. The next night, Russell planned a beautiful rooftop party with our friends joining us in the celebration.

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 a fusion Indian and American wedding with our families on opposite coasts proved to be far more challenging than I had ever thought! We had to find a location that was reasonable for everyone to travel to, could host multiple days of festivities, and could cater Indian food that would impress my parents. We looked in New York, London, Miami and Los Angeles. Right as I started to give up on the idea of a big celebration, my mom told me she had found the most beautiful and elegant hotel in Cabo San Lucas. Cabo actually worked great for us! It was a short flight for Russell's family and there were direct flights out of NYC.

I was hesitant but decided to fly out with my dad to check it out. The moment we walked into the Hilton hotel in Cabo we both just knew it was perfect. It had the perfect balance of warmth and relaxation but also elegance and luxury. The views of the ocean from every corridor were breath taking! The beach was also stunning and quiet, with an incredible pre-built area for receptions. On top of that, the staff was incredible and so hospitable!

The kitchen had prepared an extensive tasting for us and blew us away with their Indian dishes. So many hotels we had visited prior had not allowed outside Indian catering but were also not capable of producing any traditional Indian dishes. We couldn't believe the expertise the chef had in creating some of our favorite dishes.

The stars really aligned in our favor, as they were hosting a wedding that weekend. We got to see each event space in its full beauty, and I couldn't help but notice how well-organized and seamless the wedding appeared to be going. We had a moment to say hi to the planner, Lee Del Lange, and I instantly knew she was the one I wanted to work with! Ambar Molina (Hilton Events) connected us, and it couldn't have been a better match.

We canceled our other hotel visits and selected a date! I couldn't believe how fast things had turned around.

Lee and her team at Del Cabo Weddings truly made the entire planning process a BREEZE! They were all so kind and patient and knew the best vendors. Their built-in decor and florist team blew us away with their designs! They truly understood our vision and brought it to life 100 times better. They captured the Indian essence - with all of its vibrancy and richness but then also turned around and beautifully executed the classic, simple elegance I wanted for the American wedding day.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
For my Indian wedding day, I knew I wanted shades of pink - from the flowers to the mandap to the dress. My inspiration drew from my sister's wedding day where she wore the most beautiful pink lengha. When it came time to buy my lengha, my sister graciously offered for me to wear hers so we could share that special day together and forever bonded.

The American wedding dress was a bit harder of a feat! I went to many, many stores but felt very out of place when I tried on more traditional white wedding dresses. After 6 or 7 stores, I thought maybe I would never feel comfortable in a white wedding dress as an Indian. Then I found Berta! Right when I stepped into their showroom, I couldn't get over their modern designs paired with their elaborate embroidery work (which reminded me of Indian clothing). I found my dream dress within a few minutes.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
All of our guests have repeatedly brought up the love they felt all weekend long. Not only between us as a couple, but between our friends and family. Hosting all the events within the hotel allowed all of our guests to have so much bonding time before (pool and beachside) or after (every night guests hung out at the hot tubs to have night cap).

They also could not get over the beauty - the hotel itself, the beach, the decor and florals.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
Saying our personally written vows in front of all our family and friends against the backdrop of the most incredible floral arch and ocean truly felt like a pinch-me moment.

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.
At our Indian wedding reception, Russell and I performed a Bollywood newlywed dance. Growing up, I did a lot of Bollywood dancing and performances, and when I would go to weddings, this was always my favorite part. A Bollywood romance come to life! When we got engaged, I had let go of that fantasy, not expecting him to partake. However, when he found out about this tradition, he was adamant we do it! He threw himself into dance classes and even learned the words to all of my favorite Bollywood songs growing up. Performing that dance with him and seeing him put so much energy and love into it meant so much to myself and my family.

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Amid the pandemic, when life seemed to slow for many, Susan discovered a love that would change her future. She met Neil through the dating app Hinge, and what began as a simple swipe blossomed into a love story that would capture the hearts of those around them. Their connection was immediate, sparked by a shared sense of humor and a conversation that started with a playful comment about pizza toppings. Neil's charming profile, tall, handsome presence, and striking green eyes intrigued Susan. Within a week, their bond deepened, and Susan knew that Neil was the one.

Their journey took a magical turn, with a proposal perfectly reflecting their love story. During a year-end trip to Maui, a tradition they cherished, Neil planned the ultimate surprise. After secretly seeking her parents' blessing at Christmas, he waited for the right moment to propose. During a sunset photoshoot on Kalepolepo Beach, Neil knelt with a stunning diamond ring, catching Susan by surprise. Overcome with emotion, she tearfully said yes, marking the beginning of the next chapter in their lives together.

Their destination wedding in Cancun was nothing short of a dream. Surrounded by loved ones, Susan & Neil celebrated their union in style at a luxurious all-inclusive resort. The guests were treated to various incredible amenities, from gelato and coffee shops to silent disco dancing, making the experience unforgettable. Thanks to the careful planning by Shaadi Destinations, every detail—from flights to personalized touches—was flawlessly executed, ensuring a stress-free celebration.

Reflecting on her journey, Susan reflects on the importance of focusing on what truly matters during wedding planning. She emphasizes enjoying the process, communicating openly with your partner, and savoring each moment. For Susan and Neil, their love story is a testament to the power of connection, even in the most unexpected times.

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
I met Neil during COVID-19 on a dating app called Hinge. The timing could not have been more perfect. When I saw his profile, I immediately swiped right. Who would say no to a tall and handsome green-eyed man? When we matched, the sense of nervousness and anticipation was unreal.

Unlike other dating apps, Hinge encourages users to engage in meaningful conversations by providing prompts and questions on each profile, similar to an icebreaker, to create more genuine conversations.

Neil messaged me a day later by responding to one of my statements, "I like jalapenos and pineapples on my pizza." His response was, "If it's one of the ingredients, is that a dealbreaker?" Of course, it wasn't. :)

From then on, we realized how much we had in common. Conversations became more real, and we knew each other like the back of our hands within a week! That's when I knew he was the one. :)

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Neil and I planned an End of the Year/New Year trip to Maui during the last week of 2022. We take annual New Year trips, and this year, we planned our itinerary together (sunset photoshoot, New Year's Eve luau, Road to Hana, etc.), so I didn't think anything of it at the time.

When Christmas came, we got together at my parents house. My sister and brother in-law came from NorCal to give us the big news that they were having a baby. I was so ecstatic to be an aunt that I couldn't think of anything else at that time. Later that evening, I was sent on a mission to go buy some items needed to make dinner. Neil found the right time and asked my parents for their blessings and that he was proposing to me on this trip. 

A couple of days later, we boarded our plane and were on our way to Hawaii! The first day, we ate a lot of good food and snorkeled with the fishes. The second day, we drove the Road to Hana and hiked some more in the luscious greenery. The third day was our free day that ended with a sunset photoshoot.

For our photoshoot, we thought of having two outfit changes: a casual jeans and white tee outfit and a formal outfit. We met our photographer at Kalepolepo Beach and started taking shots in our casual outfits right away. It was fun, and we felt comfortable with each other. As the sun started to set, we changed into our formal outfits. After taking a couple of photos, the photographer asked to take some solo shots of me, so I went along with it. This was Neil's cue to get ready with the ring since I was paying no attention at that time. The photographer then asked me to twirl, and when I did, I saw Neil bent down on one knee with the beautiful diamond ring. It was the most beautiful proposal, and I commend him for keeping it a secret the entire time!

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Our guests loved the experience of a destination wedding and everything the resort had to offer. We wanted our family and friends to feel they were on vacation and not stressed about anything. The all-inclusive resort had so many amenities for both kids and adults, some of which included gelato, coffee shops, silent disco dancing, and lounges. We only thank Shaadi Destinations for making the travel portion as smooth as possible. From the hotel booking and flight tracker to the transfer shuttle and personalized coconuts, everything turned out better than what we had even hoped for.

We were happy we chose a destination wedding in Cancun because only those we care about and care of were there to celebrate us.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Enjoy the journey and focus on what matters!

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but remember to savor every moment and over communicate with your partner to be on the same page with the wants and needs. Also remember to take care of yourselves during the process!

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

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In the vibrant heart of New York City, Rushika & Neil's love story blossomed, intertwining fate, connection, and a journey that spanned continents. The couple first met in college through mutual friends. Their friendship deepened when Neil moved to New York in 2021. A simple stroll through Gramercy Park turned into a surprise proposal orchestrated by Neil under the guise of a family celebration. Their journey culminated in a stunning destination wedding at the JW Marriott Cancun, blending their cultures and reflecting their unique bond. 

Rushika & Neil wanted their wedding to reflect their Indian heritage while capturing Cancun's tropical beauty. With the help of wedding planners Brittany and Whitney from Eventrics and Ateet from Indian Destination Weddings, they organized a beautiful event at the JW Marriott Cancun. They collaborated with top-notch vendors such as Bruno Rezza for photography, My Love Films for videography, DJ Insomnia, and decorator Candy from Canteiro Weddings, all of whom played essential roles in bringing their dream wedding to life.

Rushika's bridal attire was a harmonious blend of creativity and tradition. She collaborated with a designer in Mumbai to create a wedding lehenga that honored her Indian heritage while reflecting the vibrant colors of Cancun. The intricate motifs and tropical hues captured the essence of their cultural fusion, perfectly complementing the destination.

Throughout the planning process, Rushika found that choosing the right vendors was essential to realizing their vision. She advises brides-to-be to select a team that understands their unique style, ensuring that every detail is meticulously planned, allowing them to enjoy their day.

As they embark on their journey as husband and wife, Rushika & Neil's wedding day remains a celebration of love, unity, cultural fusion, unwavering support of family and friends, and the power of love that transcends borders. Their destination wedding in Cancun exemplifies the beauty of a modern South Asian celebration, where tradition meets tropical elegance, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
Neil and I first met during undergrad - his college friends were my high school friends. Over the years, we occasionally ran into each other at friends' weddings. It wasn't until Neil moved to New York in the summer of 2021 that we really connected. We met again at a party hosted by a friend, and from there, the rest is history!

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Neil proposed to my favorite park in the city, Gramercy Park. On a cold, rainy January day, he took me there one last time, saying we were heading to a big birthday dinner for his cousin close by. After a stroll, he got down on one knee and proposed! I was stunned but quickly said yes. Definitely one of the best, most thoughtful surprises of my life!

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 first step was finding our wedding planners, Brittany and Whitney, at Eventrics and then working with Ateet from Indian Destination Weddings to secure our venue, the JW Marriott Cancun. Brittany, Whitney, and Ateet collaborated seamlessly with the JW events team to organize site visits, help us choose spaces for our five events, and coordinate guest logistics. Brittany introduced us to fantastic vendors like Bruno Rezza (our photographer), My Love Films (our videographer), DJ Insomnia, and Candy at Canteiro Weddings (our decorator), all of whom we loved immediately. Everyone contributed creative ideas and options, which made the planning process smooth and enjoyable.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I designed my wedding lehenga with the help of a designer in Mumbai. I knew I wanted some colorful and fun elements to my lehenga for our wedding in Cancun to reflect the beautiful surroundings. The bright peacocks, elephants, and scenery on my lehenga beautifully complemented the tropical setting, adding a festive touch to our celebration by incorporating our Indian heritage.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
Our favorite part of wedding planning were the dance classes we took. We were a little nervous about our first dance so signed up for classes near our apartment in NYC. The classes turned into a wonderful weekly break - one hour where we could have fun with each other without wedding talk & to-do lists coming up.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
We purposefully selected an intimate resort that wasn’t spread out so our guests could easily spend time together. Seeing friends and family from different parts of our lives connect and enjoy themselves together - at the pool, onsite restaurants, etc., between planned wedding events - was one of our favorite parts of the weekend.

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 many of our outfits, we found inspiration through Instagram and visiting shops in New York and London. After that, we had some outfits created by the same designer in Mumbai - she was able to weave in similar colors and components across both of our outfits.

In terms of a location, we originally wanted to pursue a destination wedding because it allowed for a more relaxing mood during the weekend - especially considering we got married in January. We chose Cancun because of proximity to an airport, East and West Coast accessibility, enough infrastructure and vendor choices, and familiarity for many guests. We went into planning with the goal of making our wedding as easy and seamless as possible for our guests.

In terms of our venue, the JW Marriott was phenomenal. Not only do they have multiple, different venues on-site, they are very accommodating to our requests and understand Indian weddings inside-out. They not only ensured the bride and groom had everything we needed through planning but took care of all our guests’ needs throughout the weekend.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Searching for vendors can be exhausting, but investing time and effort to find the ones you love is crucial. With the right team in place, you'll enjoy your wedding weekend, confident that your vendors will handle everything seamlessly without troubling you.

Eventrics Weddings, Indian Destination Wedding and JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa are members of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

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Hello Lovelies, 

The wait is nearly over! Maharani Weddings' Destination Wedding Magazine is on the horizon, and we're so excited to shar a sneak peak of the breathtaking first wedding we're featuring. From Stunning decor to heartwarming traditions, all set in an exotic paradise, these magical celebrations will leave you truly inspired. Get ready - your dream wedding inspiration begins now!

Once upon a time, in the vibrant swirl of lights and music at a Garba celebration in 2015, Krupa's eyes met Neel's across the dance floor. Little did they know that this chance meeting would ignite a love story filled with countless dates and adventures over the next few years. With each passing day, their connection deepened, and their bond grew stronger until Krupa knew in her heart that Neel was "the one."

Their journey reached a pinnacle on a serene morning in Aruba, a paradise where love blossomed under the Caribbean sun. Neel orchestrated a proposal straight out of a fairy tale. A secluded beach, a tipi adorned with love and care, and a picnic spread fit for royalty awaited them. As they sat together, surrounded by the whisper of palm trees and the melody of soft music, Neel took a nervous yet determined breath and knelt before Krupa, presenting a velvet box that promised forever. With tears of joy streaming down her cheeks, Krupa eagerly nodded as Neel slipped a sparkling ring onto her finger, sealing their love in that perfect moment captured forever by a discreet photographer.

Their wedding planning took them to India, where Krupa found her dream lehenga—the "French Rose Tales of Masai Lehenga" from Matsya World. It was a masterpiece adorned with Suchi Dori, Zardozi, and delicate Jaipuri mirrors, reflecting her elegance and modern bride spirit. The veil, a delicate finishing touch, seamlessly tied together tradition and contemporary style, embodying Krupa's vision of bridal perfection.

As a meticulous planner and lover of all things floral, Krupa poured her heart into creating a destination wedding to enchant their guests. Every detail reflected their love story, from elaborate floral arrangements to carefully curated decor. The beauty and romance of the occasion swept away their guests, but one moment stood out above the rest for Krupa & Neel.

Walking down the aisle as husband and wife, surrounded by the love and support of their closest friends and family, was forever etched in their hearts. As they took each step together, they reflected on their journey—filled with Garba dances, Aruba sunsets, and the promise of a future intertwined in love.

And so, Krupa & Neel's love story continues, each chapter more beautiful than the last, as they embrace the adventures of married life with hearts full of gratitude and love.

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?

We met each other at Garba in 2015.  What ensued was a series of countless dates and adventures over the next couple years.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Neel had planned the beautiful proposal during our vacation in Aruba. The morning began with a surprise— a picnic on a secluded beach, its shores kissed by gentle waves and framed by swaying palm trees. As we arrived, I was struck by the sight of a beautifully adorned tipi nestled among the palms. Inside, a picnic spread awaited us, filled with my favorite treats and a bottle of champagne chilling in a bucket of ice while Soft music filled the air. We spent time reminiscing about our six-year journey together in that serene setting.

Then, with a nervous yet determined smile, Neel knelt before me, holding a small velvet box that sparkled in the sunlight. Time seemed to stand still as he asked me, "Will you marry me?"

Overwhelmed with joy and tears welling up, I eagerly nodded. Neel slipped the ring onto my finger, and we embraced tightly, the world around us fading into the background as we savored the beautiful moment.

Neel had also arranged for a photographer to discreetly capture these memories. The soft clicks of the camera blended with the gentle music, capturing forever the beauty and deep emotions of that perfect day in Aruba.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
One thing I was absolutely certain about was that I wanted a pastel-colored lehenga. During our trip to India for wedding shopping, we visited numerous stores and designers, but nothing seemed quite right. It wasn't until we reached the last store that they presented the lehenga, and I instantly knew it was perfect.
My wedding lehenga, from Matsya World, is called "The French Rose Tales of Masai Lehenga." It encompassed everything I had dreamed of in a lehenga—the artistry and craftsmanship with Suchi Dori, Zardozi, and delicate Jaipuri mirrors. It was an eternal statement of elegance. My favorite aspect of the lehenga was its veil, which beautifully tied together the entire ensemble, blending tradition with contemporary style and giving the modern bride look.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
Planning a destination wedding limited our options, but as a Type A bride, I relished planning every detail myself. Despite the stress, envisioning the decor was both challenging and enjoyable. With a deep love for all kinds of flowers, I was adamant about having abundant floral arrangements for each wedding event. Creating mood boards and meticulously planning the floral decor for each occasion became a passion project. After several Zoom meetings and adjustments, our vendors successfully brought my vision to life.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
There were countless moments that I still replay in my mind, but the most cherished of all was walking down the aisle as a married couple. At that moment, we could only feel the overwhelming love and reflect on our journey together thus far, as well as the new chapter we were embarking upon.

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Loves, prepare to be enchanted by Juhi & Saawan's extraordinary wedding, held at the stunning Coronado Island Marriott Resort, where the sparkling waters of San Diego Bay provide the perfect setting for their vibrant Sangeet. The talented Avant Planners seamlessly brought Juhi's dream wedding to life, ensuring every detail was executed flawlessly. The breathtaking floral arrangements from Dimensional Designs by Moh and Simply Heavenly Events transformed the venue into a romantic paradise, filling the air with elegance and beauty. Square Root Design added a touch of timeless sophistication to the reception decor, elevating the atmosphere with their signature style. One of the most magical moments came during the Baraat. Juhi arrived in a fairytale-like horse-drawn carriage from Cindy Cinderella Carriages, making a grand entrance that left everyone in awe. Vision Infinie Photography beautifully captured every unforgettable moment, ensuring their love story will be cherished for years to come. To top it all off, Harry Mack dazzled the guests with an electrifying freestyle performance that added excitement to an already magical evening. Enjoy ladies!

This celebration was a true masterpiece of love and elegance, leaving everyone spellbound.

Cindy Cinderella Carriages and Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa are members of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

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