Welcome to Maharani Weddings

Alyson & Vinay had known each other for years, always in the same circle of friends. Life eventually brought them back to their hometown, and when they reconnected in 2020, it was as if no time had passed. Their conversations flowed effortlessly, and it became clear that something special was unfolding. From that day on, they remained in constant contact, growing closer with each passing moment. It wasn't an instant realization that Vinay was "the one," but rather a gradual journey of discovering each other's qualities and falling in love.

The proposal came during a romantic weekend getaway to celebrate their second anniversary. They shared a private dinner on the beach, with Vinay visibly nervous. Despite the flicker of uncertainty, there was a brief power outage at the hotel, adding a touch of humor to the evening. When the lights returned, the moment became magical as Vinay got down on one knee and asked the question that would change their lives forever.

Planning their wedding while living in Belize and organizing a 3-day celebration for 130 guests in Jamaica was no small feat. Yet, with the help of their exceptional wedding planner, Kimberley Dunkley-Watkins of The Dragonfly Experience, every detail came together seamlessly. The Sangeet was a vision of vibrant colors, with a disco-neon-jungle theme transforming the conference room into an otherworldly setting filled with blue, green, and purple hues, all brought to life by Tai Flora's stunning decor. The wedding embraced a vivid palette of pink, magenta, and orange, set against the lush backdrop of a garden by the ocean. The weekend was filled with personal touches, from the bridesmaids and groomsmen's coordinating outfits to the breathtaking scenery that framed each event.

Guests were especially captivated by the Sangeet, a vibrant introduction to Indian culture for many who had never experienced such an event. The night began with a Jamaican barbeque on the beach, blending local flavor with the festivities, and left the guests immersed in the lively spirit of the celebration.

One of the bride's fondest memories of the wedding day was the ceremony, where time seemed to stand still. In that brief, intimate exchange of vows, she and Vinay were lost in their world, joking and smiling, eagerly anticipating the moment they would officially begin their new life together.

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
I have known Vinay for years, and we've always had some of the same friends. We both left Belize young for university. I went to Texas, and he went to Kentucky. I returned to Belize in 2019, and he came back in 2020. Before things got tough in Belize for COVID-19, all our friends got together, and we had not seen each other for years. Once we started talking, it was like nothing had changed, and we had been in touch for years. I think we both realized how much we liked each other that day! Since then, we have been in touch every day. Sometimes people think there is one moment when you know that someone is "the one," but I think it's also amazing when you spend time with someone, and you gradually get to know all their qualities, and you begin to fall in love with each part of them.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
We went on a weekend getaway for our 2-year anniversary. We had a private dinner on the beach. I could tell he was nervous, but I wasn't sure if he was going to propose. It was funny because there was actually a blackout at the hotel while we were at dinner! Once the lights came back on,

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.
We both agreed that we could have a longer engagement, and we wanted to get married between the months of January - May, and since we got engaged in September 2022, we waited until the following January 2024 to get married. Planning was great, but it was also stressful as we were planning a wedding in Jamaica while living in Belize. Also, we were planning a 3-day weekend for around 130 guests. But, we had the best wedding planning, Kimberley Dunkley-Watkins of the Dragonfly Experience, who put us in touch with the best vendors for our wedding. I really had no worries with her, and she took care of everything. I knew that for our Sangeet, I wanted tons of decor and a completely transformed room. That's why I chose a disco/neon/jungle theme. The colors were mostly blue, green, and purple. The decor by Tai Flora was amazing. For the wedding day, I chose pink, magenta, and orange as the colors as I wanted a colorful wedding. The Hotel was the perfect setting as the Sangeet was in a large conference room that was totally transformed. The wedding was in a beautiful garden, and the reception was in a larger garden next to the ocean. For the Sangeet, the bridesmaids and groomsmen matched the theme of both nights, with blue lehengas and sherwanis for the Sangeet, and pink bridesmaids dresses and matching groomsmen ties for the wedding day.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Because most of our guests had never been to an Indian wedding or any sort of Indian event, our guests really loved our Sangeet. For the first night, we had a Jamaican barbeque on the beach, so I think the guests really got into the Jamaican vibe that night. I think guests loved the variety in each of the events.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
I really enjoyed my entire wedding day/night. Our ceremony was quick, but it felt like my husband and I were in our own world the entire ceremony. I think we spoke and joked with each other during the entire ceremony. I think we were really excited to finally see each other after not spending the night before together.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Enjoy your wedding! Don't stress on the day because you've done all you can do. No one will know if something goes wrong! Ensure you and your husband have the best time, whether you choose to have an intimate wedding or large wedding. The day will go by so quickly.

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For our next featured wedding, we head to Orlando, Florida, where Walt Disney World sets the stage for the magical union of Anshu & Shawn that was a real life fairytale. In August of 2021, Anshu & Shawn's love story began on the dating app Dil Mil. Despite living in different states, their connection was undeniable, and by the end of September, they met in person. As their relationship deepened, Anshu realized during a conversation in January that Shawn was "the one." Envisioning her future, it became clear that Shawn was an integral part of it.

The proposal was nothing short of magical. Although Anshu & Shawn had discussed wedding plans and ring designs two months prior, Shawn kept the element of surprise alive by telling Anshu the ring wouldn't be ready for months. He then suggested they dress up for dinner and take a boat ride on Saturday, arousing her suspicions but maintaining the illusion that the proposal was far off. In reality, Shawn had secretly transformed their home into a romantic setting, adorning the living room and guest bathroom with tea lights, lanterns, and rose petals. After sending Anshu to wait in the car, he "forgot" his keys, prompting her to return inside. Upon returning, she found their bedroom glowing with lanterns spelling out "Will you?" and Shawn standing with a sign that read, "Marry me?" To her surprise, the ring was ready all along, and the boat ride had been a clever decoy to preserve the moment's magic.

Anshu and Shawn's wedding was just as enchanting as their proposal since they thoughtfully planned each event with distinct themes. The dance party radiated a fun and relaxed vibe, while  Disney's Wedding Pavillion set the stage for the Hindu ceremony which embraced a regal, princess-like atmosphere with elegant pastel tones.  Their reception was a grand affair with a "Titanic and Starry Night" theme, where every detail—from the cake to the music and decorations—reflected the majestic grandeur of the Titanic. One of the most unforgettable highlights for their guests was the spectacular Disney fireworks display at the Epcot Center during the festivities, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Anshu's advice to future brides emphasizes the importance of patience. Navigating communication with the groom, family, and vendors can be challenging, but clear, open communication and patience are crucial to ensuring a smooth planning process.

Their Disney wedding was a true celebration of love, elegance, and unforgettable moments, perfectly reflecting the beauty of Anshu and Shawn's journey together.

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
Shawn and I met on Dil Mil in August 2021. However, since we lived in different states, we did not meet in person until the end of September!
I knew Shawn was the one after we had the "define the relationship" conversation that January. When I sat down to think about my future, I knew that I wanted Shawn to be a part of it.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Shawn and I discussed future wedding plans, and ring designs about 2 months before the proposal. However about 1 month before the proposal, Shawn told me that due to some issues the ring would not be ready for another 2 months.

The week of the proposal, Shawn called me earlier that week and told me that since he would be driving straight to my place from work on Friday in his dress clothes, that I could dress up too for dinner. He also asked if I wanted to go on a boat ride that Saturday. While I was a bit suspicious, i agreed and pushed the suspicious away since Shawn had told me the ring was not ready.

That Friday, as I got ready, Shawn snuck all of the supplies into the guest bathroom. When we walked to his car, Shawn told me that he had forgotten his wallet. I offered to pay, but he insisted that he wanted to and asked me to wait in the car while he went upstairs. I waited in the car for 10 minutes. As I was getting a bit frustrated/confused, Shawn called again, stating that he could not find his car keys. I again say that we are taking my car so we can look for them after dinner, but he insists that he needs them now. I ask him if he needs help looking for the keys, and he says yes. I go upstairs and open the door, and the entire living room area is filled with fake tea-light candles. There are paper lanterns and rose petals making a path to the bedroom that spells out "Will you." In the bedroom, Shawn is standing between paper lanterns that spell out  "Marry me?". The entire time I kept saying "but the ring is not ready!". Shawn had to tell me multiple times that it was a white lie, that the ring had been ready all month.

He then told me the boat ride was supposed to distract me/make me think he may propose on the boat, so that he could truly surprise me!

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
The guests loved the fireworks at the Event. Having the chance to not only see the Disney fireworks, but to see them in The Epcot Center, front row, as part of the Celebration was truly a once in a lifetime experience!

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
My favorite moment was the dance floor at the reception. Shawn and I are not huge dancers. However, Shawn and I had so much fun dancing together that night! I have never seen him so happy dancing, so carefree and relaxed.

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.
Shawn and I wanted a different feel or theme for each event. For the Dance party, we wanted an event that was more relaxed and fun. For the wedding, we decided to embrace the princess theme and tried to have a more elegant feel with pastel colors. For the reception, our theme was "Titanic and Starry Night." Everything, the cake, the decorations, the music, had a titanic vibe.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Patience! The hardest part of planning a wedding is communication with everyone. Have lots of patience with your groom, your family, etc, and try to communicate as much as possible.

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!

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Sanjanaa & Shreyas's love story began at work, where Shreyas showed the "new girl" around the facility. Despite his best efforts to charm her, no contact information was exchanged. But fate had other plans. A few weeks later, at a work happy hour, Sanjanaa found the seat next to Shreyas, and from there, their journey took off. We'll never know whether it was the only seat available or a matter of choice—but their connection blossomed into a beautiful relationship filled with laughter, love, and shared adventures.

Sanjanaa & Shreyas knew their wedding would be unique from the start. As one of the first weddings on both sides of the family, they wanted to set a tone that reflected their personalities. Breaking away from tradition, they created a week of personalized events that had their guests engaged and entertained. From a Haldi ceremony filled with games to a wellness station at the Sangeet, their wedding wasn't just about rituals—it was about creating unforgettable memories. The brunch-time Sangeet gave guests time to relax, and each event felt intimate and thoughtful, with personalized touches that made everyone feel special.

For Sanjanaa and Shreyas, the heart of their wedding was in the details. They handwrote personalized notes for each guest on the back of the reception menu cards and crafted a wedding program that included fun facts about their family and guests. Their reception was memorable, starting with a surprise entrance and a champagne tower pour that kicked off the celebrations with a bang. Each table setting featured a fun fact about the couple, encouraging guests to learn more about them throughout the night. Their efforts to make every guest feel involved and appreciated didn't go unnoticed, and it became one of the most cherished aspects of their wedding.

Sanjanaa always dreamed of an outdoor garden wedding, and when they found their Tuscan-inspired venue with delicate blue florals, it felt perfect. However, on the day of the ceremony, rain threatened to dampen their plans. With umbrellas at the ready and prayers for clear skies, Shreyas's baarat danced through the rain, bringing energy and excitement. But as Sanjanaa entered, escorted by her parents, the sun broke through the clouds, shining down on her at the perfect moment. It was a magical experience that gave everyone goosebumps and reaffirmed that everything happens for a reason.

As a family of food lovers, Sanjanaa & Shreyas ensured their guests were treated to a culinary experience they would remember. They brought in four different food vendors to highlight various regions of India and beyond, ensuring there was something for everyone. From traditional Indian cuisine to international flavors, the food became a wedding highlight, with guests raving about the variety and quality at every event.

Sanjanaa's advice for future brides? "There are no rules to wedding planning; make it your own and do what makes you happy."

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
Sanjana was the "new girl" at work, and Shreyas was asked to give her a tour of the facility. Shreyas turned on the charm but to no avail. It is safe to say no digits or an Instagram handle was secured that day. Cut to 2 weeks later, at a work happy hour, Shreyas hears someone say, "Is this seat taken?" Now this is a point of debate we will never know the answer to... Sanjanaa swears that was the only seat available. Shreyas could have sworn there were multiple seats, but she just chose to find the seat next to him... I guess we'll never know. The rest, as they say, is history.

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.
We got many compliments on our family outfit coordination. I shared a mood board and color scheme for all the events with our family, and they picked out a wardrobe that they liked. The end result was out of this world stunning. The outfits all complimented the bride and groom as well as the decor and made for a beautiful, cohesive element of our wedding.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Our wedding was one of the first for both sides of our families. It was important for us to set the tone for our wedding early on and create a really personalized and memorable experience for our nearest and dearest. We shied away from the norms and made our wedding week exactly what we wanted it to be. Our Haldi ceremony wasn't just all about painting the couple with turmeric; we had tons of games to get all of our guests involved and break the ice between the two families. We had a "wellness station' at our sangeet instead of typical favors to show our love for health and wellness as a couple who met in California. We curated gifts like herbal tea, personalized essential oil candles, face masks, and Indian-inspired hair ties for our guests to pick out from and make a goodie bag. Non-traditionally, we also had a Brunch-time sangeet so that our guests would have time to rest before the next day of festivities. During our ceremony, it was important for us that all of our guests could follow along for our Hindu Telugu wedding. In addition to a detailed personal program, we also had our priest explain the significance of each ritual in the ceremony while also involving the guests. The wedding program included fun facts about our family and extended guests, like stats about where the guests traveled from and who rsvp'd first. The reception was a night to remember, we hand wrote a personalized note to all of our guests as a gesture of gratitude on the back of our menu cards. We also did a surprise entrance at our cocktail hour to surprise everyone. We also used it as an opportunity to spend more time with our guests, and we started off the evening with a bang and a champagne tower pour. Each table setting had a fun fact about us, and it was warm to see that so many guests made their rounds to learn all the facts about us. The heart and detail that went into planning our wedding were evident, and it's touching to hear that everyone noticed and appreciated the little things.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
It was a dream of mine to have an outdoor garden wedding. Our venue has a gorgeous Tuscan-inspired garden and was set up with dreamy, delicate florals in lovely shades of blue to complement our family and bridal party wardrobe. The entire week of our wedding was sunny and perfect weather, but the day of our ceremony showed a chance of rain. We went with our gut and decided to proceed with the outdoor ceremony because the space was so special to us from the moment we laid our eyes on it. Everyone was praying for no rain, and our relatives had all gone out to buy umbrellas just in case. It rained during Shreyas' baarat, but it was no rival to the energy he brought out in our guests. I nervously waited in my bridal suite for my bridal entrance and looked out the window at the beautiful yet gloomy day. As I made the first few steps down the aisle with both my parents escorting me, the sun miraculously came out and beamed down at me. It gave everyone goosebumps. It has taught me that everything is always meant to be. My heart knows that Shreyas combatted the rain during his baarat so his bride could have her dream entrance.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
There are no rules to a wedding plan; make it your own and do what makes you happy.

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 family full of foodies, it was important for us to have a wide variety of foods and cuisine during our wedding week. This led to us having four different food vendors for the festivities so we could highlight different regions of India and beyond. The guests raved about all the food that we picked out, and it was definitely a highlight of the wedding.

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