Welcome to Maharani Weddings

Greetings, dolls! It feels great to be back with a new love story for you! We will join Alina & Majid on a journey of eternal togetherness at their breathtaking wedding. The festivities commenced at the opulent Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel. The hotel's regal architecture and stunning waterfront views provided a magical backdrop for celebrating their love. Adorned by RJ Best Events with exquisite floral decor, it sets the perfect romantic ambiance for the celebration of a lifetime. Alina made her grand entrance in a mesmerizing ensemble from Mohsin Naveed Ranjha. The glittering jewels from Damas added an extra sparkle to her presence, making her truly the epitome of grace and elegance. With the skilled touch of Sania Raja, her hair and makeup were flawlessly radiant, enhancing her natural beauty. The talented Anjali Godhasara created incredible henna designs to adorn Alina's hands. The enchanting beats of DJ Taj Production filled the air, enticing the guests to the dance floor. The timeless moments of this joyous occasion were beautifully captured by TLIC Media, whose photography skillfully encapsulated the love and happiness that permeated the air throughout the event. Take a glimpse of the beautiful gallery we prepared. You'll not regret it!

How did you meet your Groom, and when did you know he was "the one"?
We met through family friends. A mutual friend of ours introduced our families to one another, and from there blossomed a friendship between both families. They introduced Majid and me to each other. Over the course of a year, we spoke and got to know one another, and from there came long conversations, laughs, and excitement for our future. He was “the one” when I received a phone call from him and heard the excitement and nervousness in his voice before the surprise proposal.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
It was an absolute surprise to me when he proposed. He was visiting with his family; normal conversations and dinner is what I was expecting. It wasn’t until midnight when our families gathered in one room waiting for us. I walked in, shocked, to flowers and sweets laid out on a table, and he had the ring in his hand. It was a beautifully intimate celebration with our loved ones.

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.
Once engaged, our families decided on a date 3 months ahead. Now that’s quite unconventional, having such a small time frame to plan a wedding, but it was a miracle. My father and I managed to sort out the entire function ourselves. We found venues for our henna night and baraat function, despite many places not having availability on such short notice. Hair and Makeup cut really close to the wedding (3 weeks prior), but thankfully, Sania Raja, by a miracle, had just opened up availability on our wedding weekend, and I was the first to grab it. Outfits were sorted by my mother and me a few weeks after the engagement as we traveled to Pakistan for 3 weeks and searched nonstop for the perfect clothes. I noted the designers and shops we visited, and it was up to 40 places. Talk about chaos… but so worth it. My henna artist was Anjali (Solah_Shringar), and I found her once I’d come back from my outfit search. As chaotic as everything was, it all played out into a beautiful event. Photography and Videography were crucial; if nothing else was working out, I knew I needed quality photos and videos of the wedding celebration to keep forever. That’s when I came across TLIC Media, they did such a great job of capturing the moments and working with me to create a schedule for the day.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I’ve always loved the red bridal look, but the bright red I knew was not for me. As a kid, I loved the super ornate dresses brides would wear, but just enough where it wasn’t too over the top. I love extravagance. A big poofy lengha was the goal, but I knew it had to be maroon. My bridal dresses were my Mohsin Naveed Ranjha. After the tough search, I walked into their designer store and laid my eyes on the perfect dress. It turned out the dress was brand new and hadn’t been worn by any brides, and wasn’t it production? My heart was set on this dress, and by another miracle, the dress was made for me within 2 months. It was perfect, the colors, the patterns, the contrast dupattas, it was everything I wanted it to be.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The best part of planning was working with my photography team to sort out the day. I had a general idea and created an outline of what was to happen, but TLIC helped me finalize every little detail with timing. It was great to work with professionals. the days went by so smoothly and organized I was stress-free.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
My family and I received so many compliments from our guests and vendors about the events. Everyone loved the food, the music, the decor, and the venues. It was a blast. The dancing, entertainment, and atmosphere were so much fun for everyone, and I couldn’t have been happier to hear about it.

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.
Truth be told, I was never the type of person to have my wedding planned out in my free time; I never browsed any ideas, dresses, rings, decor, or anything. So when the time came, I was panicking; I had no idea what to do or where to look. Eventually, after countless Pinterest scrolls and Instagram ideas, I developed a vague idea of what I wanted and how I wanted it to look. I love flowers and knew I wanted flowers incorporated into the decor. With color schemes, I wanted to switch it up by contrasting and complimenting the dresses I had for the events. It was tedious but worth it.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Take it day by day, ladies; if I can sort out a 3-day ordeal in 3 months, take all the extra time you have and makes your dreams come true. Don’t compromise on your day; if you don’t like something, do force yourself to settle with it; just keep looking for the right dress, henna, jewelry, cake, decor, etc. It’s your day, so be sure to be happy with what you choose.

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
My jewelry was by Damas. I was particularly the biggest fan of the stark yellow-gold color, and I came across this choker-style set that had more of an antique look to it that complimented my baraat dress beautifully.

For someone who had no idea what I wanted for anything, I did learn quickly what I didn’t want. I relied on my intuition and gut feeling to tell me if it was right or not.

Today's journey is over, but the love story is just beginning! Don't miss our coming events here! 

Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel is a member of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

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Hi loves! We bring Farwa & Asad's real-life fairytale, so join us at their beautiful wedding reception. The Princeton Marriott at Forrestal was the perfect backdrop for the festivities, providing a setting that exuded elegance and luxury. Timeless Creations flawlessly orchestrated every detail, ensuring every moment was filled with joy and perfection. Shiza Ahmed Makeup's commitment to using premium products ensured that Farwa felt like a radiant goddess on her special day. As she looked into the mirror, she couldn't help but be in awe of the flawless and beautiful look created just for her. With years of experience in the beauty and makeup industry, Farwa felt like a celebrity, exuding a fabulous and glamorous aura. Thanks to Maria A. Garth Photography, their wedding album became a treasure trove of emotions. With Maria behind the lens, the magic of their love story unfolded naturally, creating a timeless narrative of their journey together. Every frame was a piece of their history, documenting their love authentically and creatively. Explore the gallery for more details!

Witness the love, laughter, and breathtaking moments of South Asian weddings. Come back for more!

Maria A. Garth Photography and Shiza Ahmed Makeup are members of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

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Shiza Ahmed Makeup VIEW PORTFOLIO

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

Sweeties, we are ready for another engagement story! Yousuf & Pireya's love story began on a serendipitous evening in 2016 at a joyous birthday gathering where their paths intertwined. From their eyes met it was as if the universe conspired to bring them together, affirming their deep connection and undeniable chemistry. They knew, with unwavering certainty, that they were destined to be soulmates, embarking on a lifelong journey hand in hand. As time passed and their love blossomed, Yousuf & Pireya's families recognized the profound bond shared by their beloved children. In February 2021, amidst joyful conversations and heartfelt laughter, their families sealed their verbal agreement, paving the way for a beautiful future together. It was a moment that filled their hearts with joy, for they had the blessings of their loved ones on this unique path they were about to embark upon. A few months later, on a splendid April day, Yousuf orchestrated a proposal that would forever be etched in their hearts. Choosing the Richmond Canal Walk as the backdrop, a place that had witnessed their love blooming during the early stages of their relationship, Yousuf dropped to one knee and presented a dazzling ring to his beloved Pireya—time seemed to stand still as he poured out his heart, promising a lifetime of love, companionship, and unwavering support. Overwhelmed with emotions, Pireya tearfully accepted, knowing deep within her soul that this was the beginning of a beautiful chapter in their love story. Thanks to the skillful Arazo Studio, we can enjoy this incredible engagement's magic and love. Hit play to check all the details. You'll love it!

Darlings, I hope you loved this story as much as I did. I'll see you next week with more stories!

Hello, Maharanis! Aleena & Shayan's lovely wedding celebration is live in our Platinum Guide Blog.

Dears, remember that we have inspiring stories every day. Make sure to join us tomorrow for more!

Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West and JTorry Makeup & Hair Artistry are members of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

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Love recognizes no barriers. But in real life, is that even true? Well, it is! Despite their nations conflicting many years ago. Pireya and Yousuf, a lovely Bangladeshi and Pakistani couple, crossed all barriers full of hope. They got engaged in 2021 and finally tied the knot on June 2022! The duo rolled their sleeves and DIYed many of their pre-wedding functions. It was a lovely way to add personal touches to each event! They dived into their wedding planning with a clear vision of wanting to transport their loved ones to their motherlands for a celebration that incorporated many elements and traditions of their cultures, Bangladeshi and Pakistani. Sought after planning experts, Richmond Bridal Consulting helped them plan and execute their main events at the fabulous Renaissance. The splendid venue's architecture was a beautiful canvas for Daisy Malik Decor to create a dreamy decor with red accents against white linens and bright gold drapery. While vibrant red roses arranged in tight tall vases floated above each table! Amidst this magical red wonderland, the duo wed in a traditional Nikkah ceremony and then offered a lively reception for their nearest and dearest. Maharani Pireya was breathtaking! The stylish bride opted for a richly embroidered cherry red lehenga set by Maharani Fashions while Afshan Makeup Artistry created a bold makeup look, sure to elevate any attire! Perfectly accessorized with an elaborate jewelry set, her exuberant bridal trousseau was a striking fashion masterpiece. The bridal entourage flaunted exquisite Gharara Suits in dusty rose shades and matching hairstyles. They all looked beautiful as they twirled and danced during the performances! Guests dined thanks to Al-Medinah Restaurant. The traditional restaurant catered for the reception and served the best meals for the partygoers and newlyweds. And last but not least, Cake Man's Boss created a four-tiered red fondant cake decorated with edible gold lace so everyone could enjoy honoring the newlyweds. There was something magical about this soiree that Arazo Studios perfectly captured, and we gathered in a curated gallery! See the most charming and epic moments of this fusion wedding that knew no boundaries. Just click here.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
In March 2017, I was in college and working through spring break. He was back home (in the same town I was) from his college for spring break. We found ourselves sharing a special moment together on a patio outside of a club while our friends were dancing the night away inside. It was getting rowdy in there and shortly after I stepped outside for a breath of fresh air, I saw him standing right next to me. It was the first time we were around each other without the company of our mutual friends. I remember staring out into the distance not sure what was in front of us since I was not familiar with the area too much and it was very dark. Fast forward to April 2021, I woke up that morning and found a gorgeous blue dress laid out for me to wear on a date later that night. It is very usual for Yousuf to select and surprise me with outfits for date nights so I did not think anything of it. He took my hand and we went on a boat ride through the infamous canal in the city we reside in now. We had a tour exclaims "and there's the most beautiful site in Richmond, Virginia!" I turn around and see my family, his family, and my best friends. Each holding a letter that spells out "Will You Marry Me?" I instantly started crying and when we stepped out of the boat, Yousuf bent down on one knee. He talked about that night in March 2017 and mentioned how I was unaware of what was in front of me that night. Well, the exact spot where our loved ones were now standing along the canal and where he was down on one knee, happens to be what I was looking out into.

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 are a union of two countries coming together. Since this was a fusion wedding, we wanted to highlight each culture through our wedding events. Each event was at a different city (between the bride's town and groom's town) with a different atmosphere and color palette, making them unique and unlike each other so our guests could experience the best of both worlds. The venue, food, attire, and all other details were aligned with the respective culture that was highlighted for that event. We decided to highlight the Pakistani culture at our Nikkah/Engagement event in 2021. Our families entered with our country flags, which were then displayed on the stage and served as the backdrop to symbolize the union. I chose a very special song for my entrance, and our favorite comedian performed a halal comedy show. The theme colors were white, gold, and black. For the Gaye Holud in May 2022, we highlighted the Bangladeshi culture. The event was at an outdoor garden space filled with bright colors of green, yellow, and orange. We had a bangle bar and table designated for "Bangali Street and Sweet Treats". We all know street food back home is incomparable, and it's not a Gaye Holud without the overwhelming amount of sugar. My mom and bridal party spend months helping my DIY the decor for that event. Our grand finale was the Shaadi in June 2022. We wanted the traditional bold red and gold and decided to go with hints of coral/peach and beige for the secondary colors. The theme was red royalty, and the venue was an absolutely perfect gem. The grandiose building was filled with a vintage appearance, rich history, and heavy red/gold hues throughout it's interior. We knew it was the one because it's called the Renaissance. We're obsessed with Italy and actually had our honeymoon there too. My hair and makeup looks were carefully selected for each event. I incorporated various styles for the occasions, and they were all done by the same incredible artist for all the events (Makeup by Afshan). Since we had our wedding events at different cities, we had to stay super organized when working with multiple vendors in multiple cities. Some vendors remained constant from our first event, such as our phenomenal photographers/videographers (Arazo Media) and decorator (Daisy Malik). Others like out caterers, cake bakers, DJs, day-of coordinators, etc. were based on location. Every vendor was unconditionally helpful and contributed perfectly to our events. All gratitude and praise due to them for being a part of our celebrations!

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I always knew I wanted the traditional color red. That was a definite choice for me since I was a little girl. Plus, it is my favorite color so it made sense. Our Nikkah ceremony took place in May 2021, and I wore traditional Pakistani attires to honor my husband's culture. For the ceremony, I wore a beautiful white and gold floral gharara to the mosque and then changed into a handcrafted white and gold embroidered Anarkali for the engagement reception at another venue. Both attires, including jewelry, were custom-made in Pakistan and gifted from my in-laws. For my Gaye Holud in May 2022, I wanted to honor my roots and Bangladeshi culture. So of course, I wore a traditional sari with bright floral jewelry. My saree matched the colors of the event, which were green, yellow, and orange. The jewelry I selected paired perfectly with my attire and I looked like your typical Bangladeshi Gaye Holud "bou". For the grand finale, our Shaadi in June 2022, I wanted to wear a lehenga since it was the common attire for both of our cultures. I chose a bold red that struck the eye with heavy gold details. I went shopping with my mom, mother-in-law, father-in-law, and Yousuf one weekend in New York/New Jersey, and it's a core memory I will never forget. Yousuf did not see my final selection, as it remained a surprise for him. After saying yes to the dress, I selected all my jewelry and other pieces for the big day. I knew exactly what I wanted as my vision remained constant since I was a little girl dreaming of her fairytale wedding. I'm a Bangali bride, so I have to fit in my red benarasi sari somewhere. Since I did not get to wear one, my plan is to wear one on our one-year anniversary at an intimate event with loved ones.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The stress was incomparable but I would do it all over again to relive the feelings of the big days. It was so fun and loving to work with my best friends and family members to create memories of a lifetime. Since Yousuf and I are the first ones in our families to get married, it was a new and thrilling experience for both of our sides. We set our Nikkah/Engagement date 2 months in advance and our Holud/Shaadi date 6 months in advance so the clock was really ticking! Time flew by in the process and there's no way we could have done it without the support, encouragement, and help from our dear ones. Our wedding party surprised us with the most amazing bach weekend trips and held our hands throughout the wedding planning journey. It was an emotional moment for Yousuf and I to be on stage at our Shaadi standing side by side with everyone who matters to us. There is a definitely a part of us that misses the rush of planning Desi wedding events!

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
How detailed it was! From the cakes to the attires, to the stage set-ups, and everything in between. We also catered food according to the specific event. For example, we had traditional Pakistani food at the engagement reception and Bangali food at the Gaye Holud. Although our cultures are very similar. they are strikingly different as well. I always say it was a second war between Bangladesh and Pakistan for our love to win. Guests felt that at our events and commented on how beautifully we told our story through our celebrations. We stayed true to cultures, incorporating deep-rooted wedding customs and traditions straight from out motherlands. Guests learned about our backgrounds and the significance of each activity at our wedding events. Although we faced a battle, love always wins and our marriage was the beginning of two becoming one.

Maharanis, if you plan to host a big and bright wedding, this union will inspire your very own dream affair! I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did!