Welcome to Maharani Weddings

Dhruvi and Vybav’s love story began with a modern twist—by swiping right on Tinder! Little did they know, their paths had crossed years earlier at the University of Delaware, where they unknowingly lived just a floor apart. Their connection blossomed quickly, with Dhruvi realizing he was “the one” through countless meaningful moments and shared dreams.

In August 2022, Vybav proposed at Race Street Pier in Philadelphia, a sentimental spot from their early days. Surrounded by hidden loved ones, he asked Dhruvi in Gujarati, “Tu mari sathe lagan karish?”—“Will you marry me?” This perfect proposal set the stage for their extraordinary wedding celebration.

Dhruvi and Vybav’s destination wedding at the El Dorado Royale Grand Ballroom was a breathtaking four-day celebration blending North and South Indian traditions. The festivities kicked off with a vibrant Welcome Fiesta, complete with a lively mariachi band and an energetic dance party, culminating in a dazzling sparkler send-off. The following days included a traditional South Indian Gowri Pooja performed by Dhruvi, a joyful Haldi ceremony, and a vibrant Holi celebration on the beach.

The Sangeet was a spectacular fusion of traditions, with dazzling performances and custom dandiya sticks that embraced Gujarati culture. Guests indulged in an array of cuisines, including Mexican, Indo-Chinese, Italian, as well as live churro and street food stations, which elevated the evening’s charm.

The wedding ceremonies honored both Gujarati and Kannada traditions. The Gujarati wedding began with a lively Baraat and included touching moments, such as Dhruvi’s grandmothers serving as flower ladies. Dhruvi stunned in a custom purple lehenga designed by Kalki Fashion, complete with a 10-foot embroidered veil featuring the couple’s names and wedding date. The Kannada wedding, held at sunset, showcased Dhruvi in a timeless outfit from The House of Angadi and Label Advaya, complemented by accessories that balanced tradition and modernity.

The celebrations came together flawlessly under the expert planning and design of Pyaar Planning. The enchanting forest-inspired reception décor, created by Lomas Hospitality and accented with florals by ASR Florals, featured rich emerald green, gold, and black hues. The Hora Loca brought unparalleled energy with rave sticks, water drums, performers on stilts, and a vibrant conga line. Guests savored a lavish dessert table, custom cocktails, and unforgettable moments.

Throughout the event, Shaadi Destinations ensured seamless travel coordination, while the magical memories were beautifully captured by DK Photofilms and BSalas Films.

Dhruvi and Vybav’s wedding was a masterclass in blending cultures, individuality, and joy, leaving every guest with cherished memories of love and celebration.

How did you meet your groom, and when did you know he was "the one"?
Vybav and I met through Tinder, but our story goes deeper. We both attended the University of Delaware from 2013–2016 and even lived in the same dorm a floor apart without ever meeting! The universe brought us together during my senior year through Tinder, and we've been inseparable since. Knowing he was “the one” came through countless moments, like how he effortlessly fit into my life and shared my dreams for the future. It became clear there was no future without him by my side.

Share the scoop on your proposal story!
In August 2022, Vybav proposed at Race Street Pier in Philadelphia, a place full of special memories from our time living nearby. After six months of secret planning, he created an intimate moment by proposing in my native Gujarati, saying “Tu mari sathe lagan karish?” (Will you marry me?). He even invited close family and friends to surprise me afterward, ensuring a perfect mix of romance and celebration!

What music was played during the Gujarati wedding ceremony?
The Gujarati ceremony featured Hindi songs, with a special emphasis on symbolism. Dhruvi's bridal entrance was to Mere Sonheya, while Peer Vi Tu accompanied the garland exchange, reflecting their deep love and peace. The sacred Mangal Pheras were performed to Mangadyu, a traditional staple.

What music was featured in the Kannada wedding ceremony?
For the Kannada wedding, live singing by the groom’s aunt and cousin during the Ganesh Pooja added a personal touch. Traditional tunes like Gajavadana highlighted key moments, and the garland exchange featured Mast Magan, a song reflecting their North-South love story, akin to the movie 2 States.

What was the music selection for the reception?
The first dance was a dynamic medley of Hindi and English songs, starting with the romantic Duniya. It transitioned into upbeat tracks like Lover by Diljit Dosanjh, Illegal Weapon 2.0, and Chaiya Chaiya to energize the crowd, concluding with Everything I Do by Bryan Adams.

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How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
I met Jonathan on a cold January day. I had driven from Boston to Michigan for a medical school interview. I saw a quiet man sitting alone and immediately thought to myself that I would definitely shine next to him. We ended up both getting accepted to the same medical school,l and the rest is history.

I was raised in a traditional Gujarati household and never thought I would fall in love with a Taiwanese Michigander. On the surface, there were significant cultural differences but when I got to know Jonathan more, I realized that an individual's cultural and religious background does not matter as much as their personality. The more I got to know Jonathan, the more I realized that we had a lot in common with similar upbringings. I knew Jonathan was the one when he flew to Boston to meet my parents and promised them that he would do anything to keep me happy for the rest of his life.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Jonathan knew I always loved a romantic picnic but we never had much time as we were in a long-distance relationship. One of of our trips to San Diego, Jonathan drove me to one of our favorite locations, Torrey Pines, for a picnic. He had all my favorite snacks, which basically make up a charcuterie board. In true Jonathan fashion, he asked me to pose for a picture facing the water and when I turned around, he was down on one knee!

I honestly cannot tell you what he said next because I immediately started crying. The next few moments were such a blur but the perfect start to our forever.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
Food tasting has to be the best part of any planning process. We have always bonded on their love for food. We both love trying new cuisines and making Indian and Asian delicacies. The best part of wedding planning was creating a fusion menu that highlighted our favorite meals growing up. It was so fun to work with the chef and create fun dessert flavors and a cocktail menu. As two doctors in vastly different medical fields, we knew they HAD to have nerdy cocktail names. I am a cardiologist who thrives in the chaos of an ICU, whereas Jonathan is an ophthalmologist who enjoys the routine in his clinic. Their specialty drinks were called Code Blue and Pink Eye.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
One thing we have constantly heard from our guests was how special they felt. They received constant communication from our planners and did not have to worry about getting to and fro the wedding venues. They felt like the wedding was very intimate even though the guest size was ~140 guests.

Despite all the traditional aspects of the wedding, they felt very included and enjoyed being involved. They loved how much our families danced and wanted everyone to be on the dance floor at all times. Lastly, we have heard from sooo many people that the food was incredible. Everything from the traditional Gujarati srikhand to the indo-Chinese was top-notch and one of theri best wedding meals.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
Growing up, every girl dreams of their wedding day. I was raised in Gujarat and had always thought I would get married in the traditional manner somewhere in India. Never in a million years did I think I would be having not one but two wedding ceremonies on a beach surrounded by our loved ones. I could not have imagined having a fusion wedding that equally celebrated and respected Krina and Jonathan's upbringing.

One of my favorite moments was walking down to the beach for our first look. Jonathan was waiting by the beach. I could hear him holding his breath as he heard me getting closer. Seeing each other that morning made it all real. Through the tears, we looked at each other and knew that we had made it.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Remember to eat. Indian weddings are long and stressful. I did not sleep until probably midnight after our Sangeet and had to be up at 3:30 for hair and makeup. I had no appetite and did not eat a big breakfast prior to getting into my wedding outfit. my lehnga weighed >40 lbs and I was minutes from passing out before my entrance towards the mandap. My advise-EAT and stay hydrated!

Despite all the planning, things will go wrong, and things will happen out of your control. Your loved ones will spend more time on ceremonies that may not be as important to you. Remember that this may be your wedding, but it also is a very important day for your parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and wedding party. Let them celebrate you!

Plan your hair and makeup trial on a humid/hot day and keep it on for the rest of the day. This way, you can prepare for the worst and see what adjustments need to be made. During my makeup trial, it incidentally happened to be a rainy day. I noticed that my undereye makeup got very cakey in the humidity. I spent the next few months finding a primer and setting powder that worked for my skin, and my makeup was truly flawless.

This Riviera Maya celebration was a true testament to love crossing all boundaries.

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For couples seeking a wedding experience that blends cultural heritage with luxury and breathtaking surroundings, Weddings by Palladium is the ultimate choice. Featuring stunning locations like TRS Coral Hotel, Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa, Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort & Spa, and Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa, this renowned hotel chain is perfectly suited for South Asian weddings. With their deep understanding of vibrant cultural traditions and rich celebrations, Palladium combines opulence with authenticity to create unforgettable moments.

South Asian weddings are known for their grandeur, colorful celebrations, and intricate traditions. Palladium Hotel Group embrace this cultural richness, offering expansive venues that can accommodate every event, from intimate pre-wedding rituals to grand receptions.

• Seaside Pheras: Exchange vows under a stunning mandap set against the backdrop of turquoise waters. The beachfront venues at TRS Coral Hotel and Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa create a serene yet dramatic ambiance for a truly memorable ceremony.

• Elegant Ballrooms: Ideal for sangeets, receptions, and mehndi nights, the sophisticated ballrooms at Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort & Spa and Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa feature modern amenities, customizable layouts, and exquisite decor.

• Outdoor Settings: Host haldi or poolside mehndi parties amidst lush gardens or next to sparkling pools under the warm sun.

The multi-day nature of South Asian weddings is part of what makes them so special. To ensure that each event unfolds seamlessly, Weddings by Palladium offers tailored packages that cover everything from decor to catering and entertainment. These packages simplify the planning process while allowing room for personal touches that reflect the couple’s style and traditions.

The idyllic locations of Palladium Hotel Group resorts provide unmatched beauty and luxury. From pristine shorelines to elegant interiors, every venue offers an Instagram-worthy backdrop for your big day.

Why Choose Weddings by Palladium for South Asian Weddings?

• Expert Planning: A dedicated team ensures every detail aligns with your cultural and personal preferences.

• Incredible Venues: From beachfront gazebos to elegant ballrooms, every space is designed with versatility in mind.

• Guest-Centric Services: Luxurious accommodations and amenities to make your wedding a mini-vacation for everyone.

• Commitment to Sustainability: Eco-friendly decor options and locally sourced ingredients ensure a responsible celebration.

With locations like TRS Coral Hotel, Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa, Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort & Spa, and Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa, Weddings by Palladium offers more than just a venue—it’s a destination designed to celebrate your love story in a way that feels authentic and unforgettable.

Plan your journey to happily ever after with Weddings by Palladium and create memories that will last a lifetime.

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Under the golden hues of a Los Cabos sunset, Vaibhavi & Prayag tied the knot in a celebration as vibrant as their love story at the Hard Rock Los Cabo. With their wedding hashtag, #LovePravails, embroidered onto Vaibhavi's stunning bandhani dupatta, this wedding wasn't just a union but a masterpiece of love, culture, and individuality.

Vaibhavi's bridal ensemble was breathtaking, designed by Annu Creations by Annu Patel. Her bandhani dupatta, an homage to her Gujarati roots, blended seamlessly with the soft hues of peach and sky blue, reflecting the tranquil beauty of the Cabo coastline. And let's not forget her jewelry from Mortantra, which Vaibhavi described as "versatile, sustainable, and timeless." The incredible makeup from Alex Corbanezi and the intricate mehndi designs from Loto Mehndi were perfect for this Maharani.

Each event had a unique theme, Haldi: "Pyar ka Rang" (The Color of Love); Sangeet: "Pyar ka Mela" (Love's Carnival); Wedding Ceremony: "Pyar ek Dosti" (Love is Friendship). The sangeet was a showstopper. Vaibhavi incorporated butterflies into her hair to match the whimsical carnival vibe, while the decor featured a jaw-dropping floral peacock created by Flower Shop Los Cabos. And let's not forget the fantastic planning team of Beloved Planners who helped with this incredible wedding. The couple's personalized welcome boxes for the reception were a crowd favorite. A mix of Indian sweets, Mexican snacks, and passport-style itineraries added a touch of fun and thoughtfulness. Is it any wonder guests are still raving about the details? The couple infused creativity into every aspect of their wedding.

Every wedding has defining moments, but Vaibhavi & Prayag's was a symphony of emotions and joy. The vidai was a heartfelt farewell to her family and her childhood, marking the start of a beautiful new chapter. Vaibhavi shared this poignant reflection in her reception speech, leaving barely a dry eye in the house.

As if this stunning wedding wasn't enough, Vaibhavi & Prayag embarked on a new adventure shortly after the celebrations—starting their own wedding planning business. Talk about turning passion into a profession! This wedding reminded us why we love weddings: the joy, the laughter, and the stories that linger long after the last dance. Relive the magic of Vaibhavi and Prayag's wedding by scrolling through their photos and videos captured by the talented team at Saptapadi Studio.

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How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
I met Prayag at a very young age, but we never really hit it off until we were adults and graduated from college. We rekindled our friendship when we both started to attend the same gym. Between supporting each other's fitness journeys and spending time after the gym walking around our favorite lake, we slowly became accustomed to each other's company. Over time, he became my best friend - supporting me in my dreams & being my biggest fan. When he asked me out originally - I said no, let's be friends, especially because I didn't want to lose the amazing friendship we had. But over time, I realized how much I enjoyed his company & his thoughtful, kind, and supportive presence. I always knew in my heart that I wanted to marry someone I considered my best friend - and slowly, I realized that person was Prayag - and the rest is history!

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
I always wanted a proposal where we were surrounded by our close family and friends - and he made it happen in the beautiful city of Chicago! We were under the beautiful clear skies and sparkling water overlooking the Chicago Skyline. Initially, when we were walking into that area, I had no idea that this was going to be the place where he proposed, but soon enough, Prayag walked away from me (much to my surprise), and my friends slowly all started to show up, and THEY BROKE INTO A FLASH MOB, dancing to my favorite song "You are my Soniya" #iykyk

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've always loved weddings - in fact shortly after our own wedding, we started our own wedding planning business. We knew from the beginning we wanted a destination wedding, we loved the idea of having only our close ones at our wedding & it was important to us that during our wedding weekend, we spent time with each and every single person. This was only possible if we had a smaller guest count.

We chose our venue early on. Los Cabos was a destination none of our families or friends had been to, and so naturally, we wanted to make sure our guests had a unique experience, too. We planned our events based on different themes we thought would be reflective of our love; for example, our wedding ceremony was renamed to "Pyar ek Dosti", which means Love is Friendship, a title fitting our relationship & love story. Haldi was named "Pyar ka Rang", Sangeet was "Pyar ka Mela", etc. Each event was then planned accordingly to fit the theme & overall aesthetic. Our outfits were also reflective of each of those events & we really worked to make sure our decor from vendors was on point. For the sangeet, I wanted to do butterflies in my hair, which was a prominent part of our theme of "Mela," which we translated to Whimsical Carnival. To tie our theme together, we even had our florist incorporate a floral peacock to match the theme. Every detail was very thoughtfully curated.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I had a very clear vision of what I wanted from my bridal lengha. I knew that my dupatta had to be branded or bandhani, which is a piece of tie dye fabric that originates from Gujarat. For me, it was all about tying my roots together. The bandhani dupatta was an ode to my Gujarati heritage and love for Gujarati textiles. It was an easy choice & one that I felt would make me look like an authentic Gujarati Bride. We even had our wedding hashtag hand-stitched to my dupatta, a reminder that this was exactly how #lovepravail-ed in Cabo!

My vision was brought to life by a Gujarat-based designer, Annu Creations, by Annu Patel. We worked with Annu Ben to sketch out my lengha almost 7 months prior to us going to India. I wanted to incorporate some beach imprints & notes of peaches & sky blue to reflect the colors of the Cabo Sunset. Annu Ben helped us create each motif and gave us a sketch of our vision – which we immediately loved! I still remember the day I saw my bridal lengha at Annu’s Studio in Baroda. I was mesmerized and immediately knew this was the lengha I had always envisioned wearing! Annu was great to work with & the level of attention she gave our wedding was so special.

My wedding jewelry was from Mortantra in Ahmedabad, India. Again, this was another vendor I always knew I’d get my wedding jewelry from. When jewelry shopping, I knew I wanted my pieces to be versatile and sustainable – pieces I could wear separately & to other events. My goal for the wedding jewelry was for it to be minimal, elegant, and timeless – Mortantra delivered exactly that!

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
I loved planning the guest experiences the most! Having a destination wedding meant our guests were going to invest their time and resources to be present at our events; it was important to both Prayag and me that we gave them a weekend full of celebrations & vacation time. We planned for a Sunset Cruise after the wedding events for our guests to enjoy Los Cabos & to spend time together. In addition to guest experiences, I also loved planning for the decor & overall aesthetic of the events. We were adamant that each event had to have its own theme & special aesthetic that would not be repeated from event to event, giving our guests a unique experience the whole time.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
We loved the personal touches we added to our wedding, but especially the reception. Prayag & I are both very close to our families & friends and, throughout our lives, have been inspired by the love stories around us. These often were the love stories of our own parents, our aunts & uncles, and even the love stories our grandparents shared. For each couple at our wedding, we sourced their wedding pictures and included them in a chronological collage at our reception cocktail hour. It was beautiful to watch our guests reminisce about their own weddings & be reminded of the beautiful reason why we're all connected - love!

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
I often think about my Vidai - and how much it means to have lived through an era that redefined what Vidai meant. I spoke about this in my reception speech - but Vidai for me wasn't a goodbye to my parents or my family; it was more of a goodbye to my childhood & the memories associated with being the youngest daughter & child in the family. Post college and right around when COVID had happened, I moved back to my parent's home & spent so much time with them - all of those memories replayed in my mind, and looking back; I realized how beautiful that time was!

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.
Starting with the Sangeet, our theme was "Pyar Ke Mela", which basically translates to "Love is a Carnival". Our vision for this was to replay what carnivals in India were like - you had the vendors selling bangles, earrings, and purses - you had the food stalls of all the famous Indian street food - you had the dancing, the garba, the performances of all kinds, it was a beautiful CARNIVAL!

We used that vision for our Sangeet - we had a Bangle bar that had all types of pieces our guests could select from: earrings, bindis, purses, bangles, etc! We even added a personal touch to the bangle bar, by switching out all the earrings cover for a cover that said "Oh Jhumka, Hi Jhumka.. what Jhumka?" - it's a popular song from the movie "Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani". Planning these small details was such a treat - and we got so creative!

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Enjoy it - I know it's cliche, but I often miss the wedding planning & long family sessions discussing the details of our wedding with family - and watching them all be so excited for us! Prayag & I both lived at home prior to getting married and it was beautiful to spend time with our parents while living under their roof, your parents are equally emotional with all the planning & changes that are about to come - don't forget to spend time with them!

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
We loved curating our wedding guest welcome boxes - our parents brought a lot of the goodies from India - had it shipped in literal containers & we planned the logistics of bringing it all to Cabo! From our favorite sweets from a local shop in India to picking out popular Mexican snacks from the Cabo Costco, we poured so much love into those boxes. We also got passport-style itineraries for our guests as their passbooks and guides to our wedding weekend.

This wedding was a timeless celebration of love and joy, leaving everyone with cherished memories.

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The Engage!24 Amelia Island Summit at the luxurious The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, was more than an event—it was an unforgettable journey into luxury, innovation, and celebration. This year, the summit kicked off in spectacular style with the Island Treasures Welcome Party, a dazzling evening designed to celebrate the rich history and treasures of Amelia Island while honoring the brilliance of the wedding industry’s best and brightest.

Set against the backdrop of Amelia Island's golden dunes and the expansive Atlantic Ocean, the Island Treasures Welcome Party was a feast for the senses. The décor seamlessly blended coastal natural elements with sophisticated luxury, creating a whimsical yet opulent atmosphere. The night’s tropical theme came alive with the presence of mermaid-like performers, while the space was adorned with nature-inspired linens, vibrant floral arrangements, and candles housed in jute and clear vases, evoking the allure of hidden treasures. Light installations and décor in shades of gold, aqua, and pearl bathed the venue in a luminous glow, perfectly reflecting the tropical ambiance.

The evening began with a breathtaking golden-hour view, where guests mingled with industry peers, sipping signature cocktails and savoring hors d’oeuvres that showcased Amelia Island’s finest local flavors.

The Island Treasures Welcome Party wasn’t just about celebrating the history and beauty of Amelia Island; it was also a nod to the true treasures of Engage!24—the attendees themselves. As the night progressed, the air buzzed with excitement and camaraderie. Ethereal sea creature performers roamed the venue, adding an enchanting element, while a live band energized the crowd with a mix of island-inspired melodies and contemporary hits.

The night reached its pinnacle with a surprise LED light show illuminating the sky, followed by a heartfelt toast honoring the dedication and creativity of the event organizers. With glasses raised, and the ocean breeze as their witness, attendees were reminded that the most valuable treasures are the relationships they cultivate and the magical experiences they create for their clients year-round.

The Island Treasures Welcome Party set the perfect tone for the Engage!24 Amelia Island Summit, balancing inspiration, innovation, and celebration. As the stars sparkled overhead and the evening came to a close, it was clear that the magic of Amelia Island, combined with the passion and talent of the Engage! community, had created an unforgettable night that would shimmer in the memories of all who were there.