Welcome to Maharani Weddings

Next in our Best of 2024 Weddings series is a beautiful celebration from New Jersey! Archana and Neil’s journey to forever began in the digital age, where a dating app introduced them, but a glitch pushed their conversation to Instagram. A long-distance trip to India early in their relationship revealed how much they meant to each other, solidifying their love. Shortly after, they became inseparable, leading to their legal marriage just six months into their relationship.

Neil’s proposal, set at the Morris Arboretum where they had their first date, was deeply personal. Surrounded by family members who had traveled from across the country, it was a heartfelt moment followed by an intimate celebration at their home.

Planning their wedding was a family affair, with immense support from loved ones and guidance from their Event Designer, Jyoti Soni Events. The grandeur of The Legacy Castle provided the perfect backdrop, blending elegance and charm, while Abhishek Decorators transformed their ideas into breathtaking décor.

Archana’s bridal journey started with a trip to India, where she discovered her dream pink lengha at Sequinze and paired it with a custom reception outfit from Purva Couture. Her bridal look was perfected by Cinderella Bridez, whose artistry made her feel radiant on her big day. Neil looked dashing in a tailored tuxedo from Suit Supply, complementing Archana beautifully.

The couple ensured every detail of their celebration was unforgettable. Guests were treated to an unforgettable experience, starting with an elaborate menu crafted by Moghul Caterers, whose dishes left a lasting impression. DJ JimmyP and MC DJ Intense ensured the dance floor stayed packed, while Tati Cher’s entertainment during the cocktail hour added a touch of magic. Pre-wedding events featured creative themes, from a Moroccan-inspired mehndi night to an ocean-themed sangeet, with stunning details brought to life by Visual Comet’s lighting design.

Among the couple’s cherished memories were their first look, filled with raw emotion, and the intimate moments spent with their families before the ceremony. Capturing these moments were the talented team from House of Talent Studio, whose photography and videography immortalized every detail.

Archana and Neil’s wedding was a celebration of love, family, and tradition, made even more magical by the dedication of their vendors and the warmth of their loved ones.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I left America to go shopping for my lengha in India with a vision of wearing light pink on my wedding day and pairing it with a long veil. After exploring countless shops in various cities, I came across the outfit that captured my heart. The designers even agreed to create a veil that matched my vision. It felt surreal to find my dream dress in the exact color I had imagined, complete with a stunning 12-foot veil.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The most enjoyable part for me was bonding with my family and Neil’s family. Since we got legally married within six months of dating, we didn’t have much time to get to know each other's families initially. However, planning a wedding over the course of a year gave me the chance to spend quality time with my in-laws and grow closer to them. Watching our families come together and bond throughout the process was incredibly fulfilling. Of course, picking out gorgeous clothes and accessories was fun, but those moments with family are what I’ll treasure the most.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
I have two moments that hold a special place in my heart. The first was in the morning while I was getting ready. Being surrounded by my parents, siblings, cousins, and sister-in-law created such a warm and intimate vibe before the ceremony. Neil shared a similar experience, spending time with his family and even his dog, which meant so much to him. The second moment was our first look. It was everything I had ever imagined—seeing Neil’s reaction when he saw me for the first time is a memory I’ll cherish forever.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Stay calm and focus on what truly matters. Wedding planning can be overwhelming, but remember that your guests won’t know if something isn’t perfect—they’re there to celebrate your love. Prioritize your well-being, enjoy the process, and don’t sweat the small stuff because you’ll miss the planning once it’s over!

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Hello, Maharanis! We're exploring the enchanting wedding of Riya & Anshil. Weddings by ESL meticulously planned this splendid affair at the majestic Suryagarh Jaisalmer, creating a magical setting for this union. The wedding festivities kicked off in the serene dunes of Jaisalmer, where Riya dazzled in an exquisite Anamika Khanna outfit while Anshil looked dapper in a Rohit Bal creation. Riya & Anshil donned Krishna Mehta ensembles, rich in cross-stitched motifs and bright hues. At the Sangeet, themed around their favorite NYC lounge, "The Backroom," Riya wore a stunning Manish Malhotra creation, a corset-style blouse paired with a sequin lehenga, and Anshil wore a sophisticated Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla ensemble. The evening featured a stunning opening dance by Riya and her childhood Kathak friends. The grand finale, the wedding day itself, blended tradition and elegance. Riya, radiant in a Sabyasachi lehenga, and Anshil in a Tarun Tahiliani sherwani. Explore the gallery captured by the talented Raabta By Shrey Bhagat and enjoy this incredible celebration! 

Darlings, remember to check our other features and sweet stories until next time! See you soon.

Himadri & Ahjay's wedding was a captivating blend of love and tradition, beautifully hosted at Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe - Houston. This venue combined the tranquil beauty of nature with the sophisticated comforts of modern luxury, offering a picturesque setting perfect for preserving lifelong memories. Shreya Events played a pivotal role in enhancing the occasion. The event was adorned with stunning floral arrangements and ethereal decor, each element carefully selected and arranged to achieve Himadri's vision of her dream wedding. As the ceremony unfolded,  They ensured that Himadri looked her best, expertly handling her makeup and hair styling to highlight her natural beauty and elegance. Their professional photography captured every tender glance and joyful smile, securing these moments in time. This careful documentation ensures that the profound emotional connection shared during the event will be remembered forever. Cheers!

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
Ahjay and I met in medical school. We first met at a pool barbecue hangout, and he was dressed in a Cheetah print shirt, had long hair and a knee brace, and was holding a six-pack. I never thought imagined he would be the guy I would fall for! He already knew some people who were starting medical school with us, so he got one of his friends to introduce us. We eventually started studying together, hosting game nights, and hanging out more! I couldn't get enough of his witty, charming, and funny personality. And once he cut his hair... that was it! I knew he was "the one" <3

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Ahjay orchestrated a delightful Bollywood-style proposal that surpassed all expectations. Months of meticulous planning went into selecting the perfect venue, Fairchild Botanical Gardens, a lush oasis teeming with greenery and flowers. He choreographed a two-minute flash mob with our friends and family, all set to our favorite Bollywood song, "Chand Sitare."

On the day of the proposal, Ahjay cleverly disguised our plans as a trip to Miami for graduation photos. While I was getting ready, he slipped away to finalize arrangements. As I arrived at the garden, I was greeted by our dear friends, and the melody of "Chand Sitare" filled the air. Suddenly, Ahjay emerged, mirroring the iconic scene from the movie, dressed as Hrithik Roshan. Tears of joy streamed down our faces as he dropped to one knee and asked me to spend forever with him. It was a moment of pure bliss shared with those we cherish most.

Following the proposal, Ahjay surprised me with a rooftop celebration in Fort Lauderdale, where our loved ones had gathered to toast our love and new journey together. It was a day filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories—a testament to Ahjay's boundless love and thoughtfulness.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The most enjoyable aspect of planning our wedding was exploring our creativity through decor, event signage, and Bollywood-inspired elements. Among the highlights was orchestrating the Bollywood-themed Sangeet night, a celebration close to our hearts. Collaborating with our event coordinator and decorator, Shreya's Events, was an absolute delight as they helped us transform our vision into reality.

We envisioned a vibrant Bollywood backdrop adorned with bright colors and a grand red carpet entrance, and Shreya's Events not only met but exceeded our expectations. Opting for a color scheme of rich reds and radiant golds, every detail radiated the essence of Bollywood glamour.

During our pre-wedding shoot, Shreya's Events' photographer collaborated with us to recreate iconic Bollywood movie posters, embodying the spirit of beloved characters like "Kajol" and "Shah Rukh Khan." Immersed in the world of Bollywood, we reveled in the joy of bringing these timeless classics to life.

Our journey with Shreya's Events was marked by professionalism, creativity, and genuine enthusiasm. Their dedication to realizing our vision made the planning process a joyous experience from start to finish.

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
Our experience with Shreya's Events was nothing short of extraordinary!! From the initial stages of event planning and coordination to the grand finale, they remained very organized, ensuring that every aspect of our wedding ran smoothly.

The highlight for us was undoubtedly the stunning decor, with the wedding mandap stealing the show!! Shreya's Events turned our visions into reality. Their flexibility in accommodating our ideas made the process enjoyable and stress-free.

One of the things that stood out to us was their exceptional responsiveness and availability, which truly made for seamless event coordination. Their dedication to communication added a layer of comfort, knowing that we were in capable hands.

Shreya's Events entertainment team, including the DJ and Dhol player, deserves a special mention. They went above and beyond, turning our wedding into a lively celebration. The seamless coordination between the various vendors showcased Shreya's Event's expertise in event coordination and entertainment.

Shreya's Events delivered a top-notch photography and videography team! They truly captured moments that will be cherished for a lifetime. Their attention to detail and creativity added an extra layer of magic to our special day.

All our wedding outfits and bridesmaid/groomsmen outfits were also designed by Shreya’s Events. We received so many compliments!!
Their catering team was great, they worked with us to design menus that we loved. All the food turned out really good.

If you're looking for a team that combines creativity, flexibility, and impeccable organization, Shreya's Events is the place to go! I can't thank them enough for making our event so wonderful :)

Surrounded by the beauty of their shared dreams, this wedding was a timeless celebration.

Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe - Houston is a member of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

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Darlings, don't forget to check out the love story of Reema & Pratik in today's Platinum Guide Blog!

We invite you to lose yourself in the romance of our unforgettable features! Happy Valentine's Day!

Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe - Houston is a member of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

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

Sweethearts, get ready to relieve Melissa & Akash's wedding in today's Platinum Guide Blog.

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
In the midst of the deadly COVID-19 outbreak, Akash and I found a rare bright spot. We had been scrolling through dating apps as the world was in lockdown, and let's face it, the dating scene as we know it had changed. Akash stumbled upon my Facebook dating profile and knew he had to take a chance.

Akash and I spoke every day for almost two months before actually meeting in person. I was captivated by Akash's charming words, and I had a feeling there was true genuineness behind them. Akash was impressed by my sense of independence and how accomplished I was. We would go on virtual dates; playing video games together was one of our favorite pastimes. Akash even let me beat him in Mario Kart, but only one time.

We finally went on our first real date on December 8, 2020. Akash took me on a romantic dinner. After that first date, I knew this was the beginning of something special.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
On Akash's first trip to Canada with me, he decided he wanted to propose to me in my favorite country. Unbeknownst to me, Akash and my family were secretly planning the fairytale proposal. On October 10, 2021, Akash took me to Casa Loma, a castle in Toronto, Canada, and said to his princess, "Babe, I know you always wanted to get married in a castle, but since we can't, let's do the next best thing." With our families watching in-person and virtually, Akash dropped to one knee and asked me to marry him. Without any hesitation, I said YES!

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 had been planning my wedding for as long as I could remember (long before I found my groom, LOL)

I knew I wanted my Hindu Wedding at Golden Terrace Catering Hall in Queens, NY, because not only could it hold up to 700 guests, but they also catered food and provided decor, including a beautiful royal mandap that matched my theme.

I also knew that I always wanted to have my reception at Crest Hollow Country Club on Long Island, NY. This venue is beautiful! The back area for cocktails is lovely, as guests are surrounded by a pool. The ballroom inside is also very large and can accommodate many guests. Crest Hollow had preferred vendors for decor. I decided to go with Stylish Events as they had the royal and blingy theme that I was going for.

For hair and makeup, I knew I wanted someone who could do hair and makeup for all my events. After researching and pricing out different MUAs, I went with Rebecca Bhagwandin (bexxalicious), and I was not disappointed. She made me feel like a beautiful princess for all my events!

For my Hindu wedding bridal entrance, I wanted to go for a Bollywood theme. Zamandari Inc. choreographed a beautiful entrance with my choice of songs. We left everyone, including my groom, in tears!

For photo and video, I also researched a bunch of vendors, but Events Capture had the best package. I am so pleased that we went with them because they captured everything we wanted and more!

For entertainment, we hired our family friend Jay Ramkishun and his team at FantaCSoundz. They kept our guests rocking for all our events!

Finally, our wedding was coordinated by Shivie Sookdeo at Platinum Celebrations. Shivie's execution of all my requests and needs was top-notch; he did not disappoint! I am so happy that I hired him and highly recommend his services for all weddings. Our wedding would not have gone so smoothly without him!

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
For my Hindu wedding, there was no other place I wanted to go than to Nazranna. I made my family watch Nazranna's diaries every weekend until my appointment. I worked with Shia to find my royal and blingy outfits. And made sure that my groom's outfit complemented mine.

For my reception, I had always wanted to Kleinfeld. I used to watch Say Yes to the Dress with Mom for years! To my excitement, on the day of my appointment, my bridal consultant was Lisa! I was so excited because I was a fan of hers. After only trying on 4 dresses, I found my dream gown and said yes to the dress!

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
I loved working with all of my vendors! Everyone delivered and made our whole wedding a dream come true!

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Everyone loved my attention to detail and how beautiful everything was.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
My Hindu Bridal Entrance.

I will never forget being carried in on the doli with my hubby waiting under the mandap, and he was crying! I never thought he would cry because he is a very jovial person. I had to try to contain myself when I saw him crying. I have never felt so loved by anyone in my life, and I will cherish that moment forever.

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.
We hired Omadevi Somai as a dancer for our entertainment. She is one of our favorite dancers in the West Indian community.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Limit your guest list. We had about 400 people at our wedding, and it was overwhelming and exhausting because everyone wanted to take pictures with you! Additionally, the more people you have, the more costly things tend to be.

If I had to do things again, I would definitely cut my guest list in half!

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
I got all my jewelry from Nazranna as well. It looks really good when you match your jewelry and outfits together.

Darlings, join us in reliving a new fairytale, a tale of love that will echo through the ages.

Crest Hollow Country Club and Events Capture are members of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

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