Welcome back, Ladies! As promised, we are back with more finery and inspiring ideas for you to get ready for the weekend! For this installment, we are presenting you with the marvelous wedding reception from Saranya & Nirav, our lovebirds from today. So, let us take you back to the grand Omni Frisco for this memorable celebration. The hall was entirely decored by Décor One by Nalini, who created an environment of celebration mixing traditional fabrics, ornaments, and delicate centerpieces. For this closing gala, Electric Karma International organized a magical night, and let me tell you that they took our lovely duo's dream wedding vision and made it a reality. Saranya, our beautiful Maharani, trusted her beauty needs to Ms. Painted Lady, who, along with JJ Drapes, designed a royalty look for her, making her look like an angel. Not to mention the fabulous Mehndi designed by Henna By Zohra, which was splendid! The night was epic, and everyone had a blast. DJ Riz Entertainment jumped to the stage and turned this gala into a real party with well-selected beats and lights, taking this reception to the next level. If you want to relive this marvelous moment, make sure to take a look at the great work of Biyani Photography, who captured every single detail and transformed it into a beautiful gallery. And if this is not enough, check out the blockbuster film by Epique Cinema, already featured in our Video Blog! It is a visual delight you don't want to miss!
How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
We both decided to meet up with some friends at a local social event. Mind you, we had been to several of these gatherings over the past couple of years, so we really weren’t expecting anything different. I was talking with my friends and Nirav joined in on the conversation. We got to talking and he asked to add me on Facebook. It took him 3 weeks to start a Facebook conversation with me, which was a corny pick-up line--but I like corny!
We started dating long distance when I went to California to begin my clinical psychology Ph.D. program. Being halfway across the country made it much more challenging for us, though Nirav working at Southwest Airlines definitely helped! After 3.5 years and the multiple barriers we faced (personal, cultural, you name it), we realized that we have what it takes to conquer this life together. He never gave up on me and vice-versa, so I knew that no matter what life threw at us, we would figure it out together.
Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Now let’s be real…the real test was the proposal. I told Nirav that I’m pretty perceptive and it would be incredibly difficult to surprise me, but my main criteria for the proposal was to be surprised (you see why this was the real test?). Nirav knew that I’m not too fond of the mushy, gushy, sappy kind of affection. Thus, his escape room proposal was perfect. We planned a trip to Scottsdale, Arizona with our friends over Labor Day weekend months in advance. Since we always do a yearly trip with our friends, Nirav thought it would be the perfect opportunity for an unsuspecting proposal. He suggested doing an escape room (knowing I would say yes – before he was hoping I would really say yes). In fact, to make it less suspicious, he even joked to me and my family a couple of times about proposing at the end of an escape room (to which I annoyingly responded that it would have been the perfect proposal and he now somehow had to top that idea). He found an escape room with the goal of heisting a diamond and worked with the owner to include mementos from the past three years as clues throughout the room. When we made it to the last clue, I opened the case and found the diamond ring. Funny enough, it still hadn't hit me that he proposed because I was thinking it was hilarious that he had joked about this happening—only to turn around and find him down on one knee. I was speechless and beyond surprised. I didn’t know if it was real—and then my sister walked into the room and it all hit me!
How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
My grandmother asked me to be a traditional South Indian bride, and that is exactly what I wanted. We went to Chennai, India to find a South Indian bridal saree. I had seen a picture online of a bright orange/red mixed color that I loved, so we set out to find it and eventually found the perfect saree at Kanakavalli.
What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The most enjoyable part of the planning process was seeing our families work together to integrate and create a spectacular event full of love. He's Gujurati and I'm Tamil, so seeing our families showcase the most important aspects of our heritage into one fun-filled weekend brought so much joy to my heart!
What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
I believe our guests loved seeing both the fusion of Indian culture and the heartfelt meaning behind all the details of each event. We cherish our ancestors who fought like hell to come to America to give us a better life. Our families made sure that aside from the elegance and details, we showcased our gratitude to our family and friends who are responsible for the life we have today.
Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
Seeing my family practice for the Sangeet dance. We had members come from near and far, and we knew we couldn't keep up with the adeptness of Gujaratis, particularly on Nirav's side. However, I had a few cousins in my arsenal that managed to wrangle our family together in a short period of time and teach them multiple steps. While we looked completely disorganized compared to Nirav's family, we had the absolute best time and I will always look back and cherish that time together.
If you were inspired today, make sure to come back on Monday as we have much more for you to enjoy!
If you were inspired today, make sure to come back on Monday as we have much more for you to enjoy!
Planning & Design: Electric Karma International |
Photography: Biyani Photo & Cinema |
DJ: DJ Riz Entertainment |
DJ: DJ Riz Entertainment |
DJ: DJ Riz Entertainment |
Draping/Styling: JJ Drapes |
Cinematographer: Epique Cinema |
Sangeet Venue / Ceremony Venue / Reception Venue: Omni Frisco |
Floral & Decor: Décor One by Nalini |
Hair & Makeup: Ms. Painted Lady |
Catering (Mehndi): Chuy's Tex-Mex |
Catering (Sangeet & Wedding Banana Leaf Lunch): Chennai Café |
Catering (Reception Dinner): Saffron House |
Bollywood Performers & Instructors (Sangeet): Arya Dance |
Bollywood Performers & Instructors (Reception): Infused Dance |
Bridal Fashions (Mehndi): Anita Dongre |
Bridal Fashions (Sari Blouses/Bridesmaids Lenghas): Tamaara Chennai |
Bridal Fashions (Reception): Shyamal & Bhumika |
Bridal Fashions (Wedding Sari): Kanakavalli Sari |
Bridal Fashions (Groom's Outfits): Shreeman |
Bridal Jewelry: Vummidi Bangaru Jewlers |
Cake & Treats: Frosted Art Bakery |
Invitations & Wedding Stationery (Bride's Invitations/Scroll/Menu): Menaka Cards |
Invitations & Wedding Stationery (Groom's Invitations): Sarvoday Cards |
Live Music: Violinist: Nadaswaram |
Mehndi Artist: Bridal Henna Mehndi and Makeup by Zohra
Electric Karma International,
Biyani Photo & Cinema,
DJ Riz Entertainment and
JJ Drapes
are members of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.
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