The Platinum Guide Blog

Nestled in the enchanting Hilton Dallas Rockwall, Manjari & Sankar's wedding was a heartfelt celebration woven with love and exquisite detail. Orchestrated by Navik Productions, the venue blossomed under a canopy of florals from Elegant Affairs, setting a dreamlike stage for the day. Manjari, our resplendent bride, was a vision to behold. The artistry of Pattupleats in bridal draping transformed her into a goddess draped in silk; each crease and fold of her sari was meticulously styled to capture the essence of tradition woven with modern grace. The air seemed to pause, and all eyes were drawn to Manjari, whose every step was a testament to the heritage and beauty of South Asian bridal elegance. Epique Cinema captured these timeless moments, creating a symphony of joy and color. As you explore Manjari & Sankar's wedding gallery, dear Maharanis, may you find inspiration and magic for your special day. Their wedding remains a testament to the beauty of blending traditions with personal touches. May their story inspire you to dream of your own day. 

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
Our story starts in the spring of 2020. I realized I was ready to quit the dating apps and figured I would swipe right on one last person before deleting Hinge. I sent Sankar alike based on one of his icebreakers regarding cooking that included a swipe at Gordon Ramsay. Now, the description was admittedly corny and cringe. But hey, look at us now. From there started a never-ending conversation filled with sarcasm, gif wars, and one too many dad jokes. A few weeks later, we decided to meet at White Rock Lake's dog park, an open setting, as a precaution during the pandemic. I was more keen to meet Sankar's two dogs, Chance and Bella, than him. Well turns out dogs were more than welcome, but not needed as the conversation flowed seamlessly with endless laughter. I asked Sankar out for another date the following weekend, and the rest is history. He makes me laugh every day, even when the mundane routine has set in. He makes the ordinary feel exciting!

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
With the help of some of Manjari's closest childhood friends, Sankar planned an entire act involving getting Manjari out of the house by a certain time to meet her friends. Sankar, our families, and closest friends decorated Manjari's parent's house and backyard in record time. Once all was set, Manjari was dropped off at her house, where she walked into a surprise of one of our favorite songs playing, pictures of us, and a trail of red roses leading to the backyard, where Sankar popped the question with Chance and Bella.

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.
It took a village to plan this wedding, and there is no way I could have done it without my family and close friends! Sankar and I knew we wanted a big Indian wedding in Dallas to celebrate with all of our relatives and friends. We wanted our wedding to honor our Tamil familial traditions and ensure our guests had a phenomenal time. I do want to take this time to give a shoutout to our incredible team of vendors who guided us through the planning process to figure out our vision and bring it to life:

Catering: Malgudi Garden @malgudigarden
Decor: Elegant Affairs @elegantaffairdfw
DJ: DJ Tej Bhatia @djtej
HAMU (Bride): Ms Painted Lady @mspaintedlady
HAMU (Mothers): Glam Studio By Anshu @glamstudiobyanshu
Henna Artist: Sheetal's Henna Designs Dallas @sheetals_henna_designs_dallas
LED Screens: DJ Jazz Entertainment @djjazzentertainment
Photo and Video: Epique Cinema @epiquecinema
Sari Draping: Pattu Pleats By Akila @pattupleatsbyakila
Venue: Hilton Dallas/Rockwall Lakefront
Wedding Planner and Coordinator: Navi K Productions @navikproductions

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
Leaning into tradition, the wedding ceremony required me to wear two saris: a 6-yard sari and a 9-yard sari (madisar). I envisioned a mix of modern and traditional Tamil bride looks and knew I had to wear a kanjivaram silk sari. Traditionally, these saris are hand-woven and originate from a small town in India called Kanchipuram. It can take anywhere from 3-4 weeks to weave one sari. It was imperative for me to purchase my saris from local textile co-ops that continue to uplift weavers and craftspeople. While I did not have a particular color in mind, I wanted my saris to have specific motifs representing my heritage. To me, these saris are timeless elegance. One of my proudest moments was carrying my cultural heritage with me down the aisle.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
I would have to say it is seeing our vision come to life. We spent a lot of time and effort choosing small details to have our wedding represent us, our heritage, and our appreciation to our loved ones. Finally seeing it come together on the day of was unreal!

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
We focused on the top three things that any guest cares about at a wedding: food, drinks, and vibes. We ensured that the food and drinks were not only delicious but provided variety as well, like our dosa and street chaat stations. At our reception, we had a 360 video booth and a live jazz band to keep our guests entertained. We wanted our guests to know how much we appreciated them, so writing personalized thank you cards was the best way for us to show them. Hands down, that was the favorite part of our guests!

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
1. Wedding planning can be very stressful at times. Make sure you take time to recharge and take care of yourself first - whatever task there is, it can wait :)
2. Planning comes with decision fatigue. Figure out early on what matters to you the most and spend your energy there. Delegate the items that are lower on your priority list
3. Enjoy the small moments along the way!

Darlings, this celebration expressed cultural pride and joyous love for the union of two souls.

Pattupleats is a member of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

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In the enchanting embrace of Dreams Macao Beach Punta Cana, Nayna & Nick's wedding unfurled like a tale from a fabled romance. Every detail, meticulously orchestrated by Pearls Event & Co., resonated with the couple's vibrant spirit. Nayna glided through her day, her beauty enhanced by the artistry of Styling Trio, who weaved magic into her hair and makeup, making her every smile a radiant echo of her inner joy. The celebration transcended into an evening of jubilation, with MVPDJs setting the rhythm that echoed the heartbeat of their love. Amidst this revelry, the expertise of Shaadi Destinations, the travel concierge, was evident in the seamless experience that each guest relished. Lightyear Studio stood as the silent storyteller, capturing the essence of each moment with an artistic grace and precision that transformed fleeting seconds into eternal keepsakes. Their lenses didn't just click; they whispered the unspoken tales of joy, the subtle glances of love, and the vibrant celebration colors. Each photograph was a masterpiece, resonating with the emotion and beauty. 

Join us in celebrating the beginning of more adventures, and may love continue to inspire us all.

Lightyear Studio is a member of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

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Hello, Maharanis! We are ready to share Reshma & Raj's love story with all of you. Hyatt Regency Princeton embraced this wedding with open arms. The venue's grand architecture and warm hospitality created an enchanting ambiance, perfectly harmonizing with the couple's regal affair. Karma Events expertly planned and designed every aspect of the wedding. The venue exuded a royal charm with the expert touch of Abhishek Decorators. Reshma got ready with the talented artists from Color Me Rouge, who expertly styled her hair, and makeup and draped her saree with precision and care, enhancing her natural glow. With each stroke of their brushes and every delicate twist of fabric, they brought out the true essence of Reshma's elegance and grace. Under the starry night, DJ Sunny Entertainment set the mood with rhythmic beats, inviting guests to dance the night away. House of Talent Studio was there to capture each precious instant. Each image served as a timeless memento, immortalizing the essence of their wedding day and preserving cherished memories for a lifetime of reminiscence. You will love the gallery we have prepared for this feature!

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.
Wedding planning and preparations are very time-sensitive. Thankfully we had wonderful vendors who graciously answered our detailed questions and helped make our wedding weekend into such a memorable event. Our wedding planner guided us and helped us stay on track so that our dreams were able to come to fruition.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The most enjoyable part was having everything come to life and go smoothly as planned (and on time!). Our friends and family were able to celebrate with us, which meant everything.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
The food (Chaand Palace & Moghul Catering) and Venue (Hyatt Regency Princeton) made a lasting impression on all the guests as everyone was memorized by all the events, decorations, displays, and food options.

Friday, October 14th Evening - Sangeet
Saturday October 15th (All day) - Baraat + Wedding & Cocktail Hour + Reception

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
I had a bird's eye view from inside the hotel on the top floor on the morning of the baraat. When the DJ announced my name and pointed to where I was, I had 450+ people turn their heads and cheer me on. They were not only looking but smiling and dancing alongside me! Even though I couldn't hear the music, I was told my dance moves were on beat with the music!

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Work on the wedding planning together. This is a special occasion for both of you, and you should not take that lightly. Spend time and understand what each other wants. Take breaks from the wedding planning and also remember to enjoy the present time!
Also, make sure you have a system, write everything down, and keep organized!
Remember to enjoy the moment and let go of your worries on your special day.

We hope you enjoy today's feature, darlings. Cheers to love and the endless possibilities it brings!

House of Talent Studio, Color Me Rouge and Hyatt Regency Princeton are members of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

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Hello there, my beloved Maharanis! Tuesday is here, and I am eager to unveil today's fantastic story. It might be a bit different from the stories we usually share with you, but I promise you, my dears, you will fall in love with it! We won't be looking at a wedding celebration this time but at a lovely engagement photo session. Without further ado, Farheen & Karim's love story begins. Their journey started when their families introduced them as they both live in different areas in the United States. However, the love between this charming couple managed to find a way through their distance. There is nothing better than a love between two people who recognizes when their soulmate is right there! Don't you think? Maharanis, you know I love beach-themed photo sessions, but this one took my breath away; it was phenomenal! The blue color of the endless ocean, the natural sunlight, and elegant outfits is the most incredible combination to capture gorgeous pictures of you and your life partner! Our lovebirds knew this, so they decided to call none other than the highly acclaimed team of Hakim's Studio. And oh, boy, they worked their magic to capture the most incredible shots! This passionate and dedicated team photographed the couple being classy, beautiful, and, most importantly, in love! And, let me tell you, every image is a visual masterpiece that will make your heart smile! Believe me, ladies; you don't want to miss today's gallery. It will take your breath away!

Maharanis, come back tomorrow for another lovely and romantic story. 

Hakim's Studio is a member of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

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Hi, ladies! Get ready to enjoy because we're taking you on a journey through Bhavina & Roshan's wedding celebrated at the imposing Now Jade Riviera Cancun. If these names sound familiar, that's because their wedding featured in our Video Blog thanks to the fantastic film by Memories Photo Studio. And you loved it so much that we couldn't wait to share the fabulous shots also captured by Memories Photo Studio. So, let's jump right into it. We're starting this journey by looking at a fun-loving photoshoot leading to the fabulous wedding ceremony that united these two lovebirds in marriage.  For the wedding ceremony, Bhavina & Roshan trusted Urvashi Mishra to take care of the planning and execution and, Alquimia Events to take care of the decor. And what a great decision it was as they delivered nothing but perfection. There was so much beauty all over the place, but nothing compared to Bhavina's gorgeous look. She burst into the scene looking like a princess thanks to the spectacular hairstyle and makeup designed by Belladev Studio Hair and Makeup Artistry, and the artistic Mehndi by Loto Mehendi. Hands down, beauty and radiance at their best! After seeing this marvelous celebration, you will want to start planning your dream wedding and sending invites to your loved ones, so make sure to contact The Royal Collection! They did an outstanding job crafting Bhavina & Roshan's invitations & wedding stationery, and we are sure they will do a fantastic job with yours as well. In the meantime, make sure to check today's full gallery. You will love it so much!

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
Roshan and I met in 2015 on a dating app called Dil Mil. We chatted on the app for a few weeks and then decided to meet in person. At the time Roshan was working in Birmingham, AL and I were working in Greenville, SC. We decided to meet in Greenville at a cupcake place called Chocolate Moose. Meeting someone from an app, I was a bit skeptical but once we finally were face to face it was like we couldn't stop talking. We hit it off the moment we saw each other. I knew at that moment that Roshan was "the one" for me!

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
As a child I always envisioned myself wearing a traditional red and gold color bridal lengha. Once I actually got to India and started shopping I realized there are tons of “traditional red and gold” colored lenghas. Going into bridal lengha shopping I knew I didn’t want anything with velvet material. I tried on over 25 bridal lenghas before I was able to find “the one”. At first, I was hesitant to try on anything velvet or with heavy embroidery. But I gave it a shot anyway. As I was trying on the outfit knew it was “the one”.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The most enjoyable part of our wedding process was the resort site visits in Cancun, Mexico. We had an idea of the type of resort we wanted but actually visiting them was great. Getting to experience the different themes in the resorts, foods, hospitality, amenities, and venues really helped us put things into perspective for our events. Lastly, we really enjoyed watching a years worth of planning come together as planned and got to enjoy it with family and friends.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
The moment that plays in my head constantly is when my parents and grandmother (ba) walked me down the aisle the day of my wedding. Having my family walk me down the aisle was something I had always wanted during my wedding. Being able to finally embrace it and live it was amazing.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
For all of the brides-to-be, I would say enjoy the wedding process. Planning an Indian wedding can be stressful, time-consuming and at times frustrating but enjoy all of the emotions. For myself, I was planning my wedding the day after I got proposed to. I enjoyed having my husband alongside of me the entire way. He was really involved and reminded me to embrace the moments. Lastly, I would say to be patient on the day of your wedding and just know that things may go unplanned but it’ll all work out at the end!

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
I am a very simple person so dressing up more than casual for my wedding events was a little outside of my comfort zone. My jewelry I picked was antique bronze with a hit of maroon for my wedding day. I love tikas so I made sure to wear one at almost every event. My wedding bouquet was all hydrangeas which were my best friends favorite flowers. My outfits didn't have a particular theme to them I just wanted to make sure they were all different styles, colors, and embroideries. Lastly, I ended up finding my reception gown two nights before my flight back home from Bombay. I had a particular vision of how I wanted it to look and it had to be emerald in color (my favorite color). So finally I was able to find it and I was beyond happy!

That is all for today! Don't forget to join us tomorrow for more.

The Royal Collection and Dreams Jade Resort & Spa are members 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.