The Platinum Guide Blog

Greetings, Maharanis! In the heart of the vibrant city, the Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West Hotel unfolded as the enchanting backdrop for the love story of Sanika & Chad, where traditional elegance met modern sophistication. Within this opulent venue, with its stunning panoramic views and chic urban design, every corner whispered of grandeur, making it a fairy-tale setting. With the meticulous planning and design by the talented Rama Bhat, every detail was crafted to perfection. The venue was transformed into a floral wonderland by Elegant Affair DFW, enhancing the allure of every snapshot captured by the talented team at Bella Lumi. Sanika's look, perfected by Shilpa Makeup Artist, showcased a harmonious blend of tradition and contemporary style, highlighting her natural beauty with an air of sophisticated grace that meshed Chad. Do not miss it and enjoy it!

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
I met Chad on a dating app in 2014, and from our very first conversation, I knew he was the one. He was handsome and caring, and I felt incredibly comfortable and safe around him. It was remarkable because we talked for a month before we finally met in person, and on our first date, I didn’t want to leave. His energy was so addicting and captivating.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Our proposal was an interesting one! I knew it was going to happen within the next seven months, but I just didn't know when. Every Sunday, I would get my hair and nails done, ready just in case he popped the big question. He made reservations at amazing restaurants every Sunday, and my emotions were all over the place! He finally popped the question at a Michelin Star restaurant in Carlsbad, San Diego, on June 5, 2022. He was so spontaneous, rushing to the bathroom to call my parents and ask for their blessing. He had been carrying the ring in his pocket for months, waiting for the "right" moment. It was the perfect way to start a new chapter in our lives, reminding me that, just like our relationship, sometimes the most spontaneous moments create the best times in our lives.

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 absolutely loved my vendors! They were so nice and stepped up in so many ways. I appreciate them very much.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I had SO MANY inspirational pictures of what I wanted to wear. I definitely had 3 colors at the top of my list (royal blue, red, and red with lots of embroidery). I had my mom, dad, sister, and, at that time, fiancé go with me to India to try on clothes. The lengha I picked was the one that my dad loved the most. I wanted to see that smile on his face, so I knew which lengha was "the one".

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The most enjoyable part of the planning process was sharing this experience with my family. I always dreamed of my wedding day, so sharing my vision with my mom, dad, and sister was something I will cherish forever. We were able to create so many memories together and share so many laughs!

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
They loved the food, venue, and dancing, especially the guests who had never attended an Indian-Arab wedding before. I was so grateful that so much family came from all over the world to attend our wedding. We had people from China, Jordan, Lebanon, and India. My in-laws were amazing, fully embracing all the Indian traditions during the ceremony. It truly felt like our families were coming together.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
The moment we looked out on the dance floor during our reception and saw our closest family and friends dancing together and celebrating us. We had been together for 10 years, so living at that moment was surreal. It was something I dreamed about for a very long time.

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.
Our decor was beautifully designed and set up by Elegant Affairs. They put everything I had envisioned to life, and they thought of every little detail I forgot about. I just gave them colors and inspo pics, and they did the rest! My husband is Middle Eastern, so they also had ideas that they had, which was nice because it was different than a traditional sangeet or traditional Indian wedding in general.
I would suggest finding a choreographer and start choreographing the dances 4-5 months before the wedding date. People back out ALL THE TIME, and for mine, I had to choreograph my own dances, which was very stressful because mine backed out. (ALSO, it is totally worth it to make the bride and groom dance on the sangeet night; it is super romantic and cute.)
Our DJ (Empire DJs- DJ Prashant) and Elegant Affairs worked together and attended every meeting we had at the venue. They were seriously the best and I had nothing to worry about. DJ Prashant stepped up in so many ways that usually a DJ wouldn't do. I felt he cared a lot about the events and put his heart and soul into making it a special few days for us!

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
DO WHAT YOU WANT TO DO! It is your special day, so just enjoy it. Don't ruin it with stress or trying to make everything perfect. Everything will come together, and you will put the most effort into your photos! Decide where you want to do your pictures and pose in so many different ways because it is so much fun to look at your pics after the events!

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
Our venue was The Renaissance in Plano, Texas (at Legacy West)
Jewelry was from India!
Mehendi was Mehnaz Ranmal
Cake was from Legacy Cakes in Grapevine, TX
Bouquets were from Elegant Affair
Dj- Dj Prashant from Empire DJs
(For the reception: DJ Diamond and Sal Tabla-HIGHLY RECOMMEND HIM)
Makeup and Hair -Shilpa Makeup Artist
Wedding Planner- Rama Bhat
Indian food- Our Place and India 101

Sweet loves, delve into the captivating features we share and dream of your fairy-tale ending. 

Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West is a member of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

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We are delighted to share the captivating story of Krishna & Sanket's dream wedding at the Moli'i Gardens. The talented team at Love Letter Weddings Floral meticulously planned and designed every detail and created the exquisite floral and décor adorned the event. The radiant bride Krishna was mesmerizing, thanks to the magic touch of Tarmin Kaur Beauty, who handled her hair, makeup, and mehndi. The artistry of the day was captured brilliantly by Bogdan Weddings, whose photographs tell a story of love and celebration that words can scarcely describe. Every shot, from Krishna's gentle smile to Sanket's joyous laughter, was immortalized in a way that brought the day to life for those who couldn't be there. The evening came alive with the beats of DJ Troy Michael, who kept the dance floor packed and the energy high. Sohi Productions did an outstanding job with the cinematography, weaving the moments into a cinematic masterpiece that captures the essence of their love story. Their video showcases the defining moments and subtle gestures that genuinely define their bond.

Each feature is a testament to every couple's love, joy, and beauty. See you soon with more.

Sohi Productions and Bogdan Weddings are members of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

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Welcome back to relieve Mounika & Shantan's wedding, unfurled like a timeless tale of love. Nestled in the grandeur of Loews Philadelphia Hotel, it stands as a beacon of luxury and elegance. Its majestic architecture and sophisticated interiors provide a canvas where dreams are painted in hues of love and celebration and wrapped in the elegance of Abhishek Decorators' exquisite setups. Posh Creations orchestrated a flawless wedding, creating a masterpiece of unforgettable experiences. Mounika's beauty was enhanced by the artistry of Makeup By Anu Sarin, whose skill in hair and makeup captured the essence of elegance and grace. The air resonated with the beats from Amplifire Entertainment to the melodies that filled the air, whose music and DJ services ensured the night was alive with rhythm and dance, crafting an unforgettable soundtrack to their love story. Classic Cake Philly added a touch of sweetness with their meticulously crafted confections. Knotty Filmer immortalized the laughter, dances, and tender exchanges with their exceptional cinematography and photography, capturing the essence of these fleeting moments. Check out the gallery and enjoy it!

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
We met through our parents after they saw we weren't having much luck on our own. My medical school roommate also went to college with Shantan and put in a good word for him. I took the initiative and reached out to Shantan, and he texted me back right away. I found so many similarities between us during our first text conversation that I thought he might be "the one" even before we met in person! It was love at first text!

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
We got engaged within a year of meeting. I had told him we didn't have many pictures together, so he said we could dress up one day and take photos at sunrise. I was suspicious that it could be a proposal, but the day before it looked like he hadn't put much thought into it because I suggested a park we could go to, and he instantly agreed. The next morning, we went to Herman Park and tried to find someone to take a photo of us, but the joggers weren't particularly happy to stop for us. Just when I said we should leave, I saw the setup for the proposal, and soon after, our families both joined us for a photoshoot! It was just a coincidence that the park I suggested was the one he had planned 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.
I reached out to my friends who got married in the New Jersey area for vendor contacts since my wedding was in Philly. Our venue, the Loews Hotel, also gave us some contacts for whom they worked in the past. Abhishek decorators just have so much experience in the field that we gave them some photos of what we wanted, and they helped embellish each event into something more beautiful than we had imagined! Our "day-of" event planner, Posh Kreations, made sure that everything ran smoothly and helped us come up with a timeline two months before the wedding. We had a few events at my house, but the sangeet, baraat, wedding, and reception were all at the Loews Hotel Philadelphia. Our venue was perfect to hold about 400 people for each of the events!

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
Since I had to plan my wedding during residency training, I didn't have time to go to India, so my mom and mother-in-law just FaceTimed me before they bought my wedding saris in Kanchi. I ordered my reception lehenga from Seema Gujral online, and it fit perfectly!

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
I enjoyed how all my family came together and got really hyped before the wedding! Wedding planning was a long process, but it was all worth it!

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
The food and DJ were a big hit! We were lucky to have Southern Spice from NJ cater all our events. The baraat outside City Hall in Philly was also quite memorable as it was a gorgeous day outside.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
I remember my dad coming into my hotel room to practice our father-daughter dance right before the reception and how ready he was to dance in front of hundreds of people for the first time in his life!

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 worked with a choreographer from India who held dance practices over Zoom for a few weeks leading up to the wedding.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
It's nice to have a few things that you are particular about, but be as flexible as possible so you don't stress about all the details and enjoy the process more!

The love between the couple shines brightest, weaving a bond that transcends time and tradition.

Makeup By Anu Sarin and Loews Philadelphia Hotel are members of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

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Ritika & Parul's union at Hard Rock Punta Cana wedding stood out as a breathtaking epitome of love and celebration. Their skill in capturing the essence of the celebration, from the spirited Sangeet to the majestic Reception, elevated each moment into a timeless narrative. With the meticulous planning by Preety Weddings & Travel every detail of the event was a symphony of love and celebration. Ritika, radiant in Rimple & Harpreet Narula, with her beauty crafted by Justa Boss Babe and Beauty and Co. Artistry, was the epitome of elegance, as melodies by I am a Pogee and the traditional rhythms of Sukhi Dholi enveloped the air. Sonia Summaira's Mehndi designs on Ritika added to the cultural tapestry, complemented by the exquisite decor from Caribbean Celebrations and Creative Punta Cana and the vibrant florals by Mercaflor. Amidst this, JSK Photography's exceptional talent shone the brightest, capturing not just the visual splendor but the soulful moments of connection and joy between Ritika & Parul. Their ability to freeze moments in time allowed them to document the wedding and encapsulate their love story's profound emotions and vibrant essence, making every photograph a cherished memory. Maiyan Studios' cinematography wove these timeless moments into a moving visual saga. Enjoy and delight with today's 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.
Since P and I first met in Aruba during our study abroad program, the beauty of the Caribbean became a big part of our love story. We loved hanging out at Eagle Beach, especially after exams or when we needed a break from life's stresses.
When it came time to plan our wedding, choosing the Dominican Republic was an easy decision. The Hard Rock Punta Cana had everything we wanted: beautiful beaches, nice rooms, lots of food options, good drinks, plenty of venues, and direct flights. Plus, the rates were reasonable, and they promised to focus on making our South Asian celebration extra special.
For our vendors, we turned to Vancouver, knowing they understood the style we were going for. Finding the right hair and makeup team was important, especially since they'd be with me in the Dominican sun, making sure I looked great all day.
P spent hours searching for the perfect DJ on SoundCloud, and he nailed it with DJ Apogee. We wanted our music to be diverse and exciting, so we made sure there was no monotony in our playlists.
Our Dholi, chosen by P, kept the energy high all night long. Our wedding planner, Preety, connected us with a fantastic videographer and photographer who captured every special moment. Preety also connected us with a talented Henna artist who skillfully adorned my hands and feet with intricate designs, each symbolizing a special moment from our love story.
When it came to our outfits, we made a trip to India to find the perfect attire. I fell in love with Rimple and Harpreet's designs, while P went for fully custom-made bespoke clothes that matched mine but added a pop of color that had our family and friends enjoying his clothing at each event just as much as mine.
Our wedding was more than just a party – it was a beautiful blend of love, laughter, and different cultures, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Caribbean.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
Deep down, I really wanted to wear pink for my wedding, something a bit different from the usual red. I've always admired the designs of Rimple and Harpreet, so I thought, why not go for a RAH outfit?
I kicked off my search in Delhi, hitting up their store in Defense Colony first. But honestly, none of their stuff felt right for me.
I thought maybe the Mehrauli store would have more options, but no luck there either. I spent a good chunk of time going around Delhi, checking out different designers, but still couldn't find what I was looking for.
My family kept asking, "How will you know when you've found the one?" I joked back, saying, "I'll get goosebumps and probably cry!"
My sister-in-law had a lightbulb moment, realizing I was dead set on getting something from RAH. So, she called up her friend at the Defense Colony store, begging for help.
Turns out, they had a secret stash in the warehouse—a new outfit that hadn't even hit the shelves yet. I was game to wait it out.
Trying on that lehenga was like magic. Goosebumps? Check. Tears? Yep, they were there too. Stepping out in that dress, I knew my hunt in India wouldn't end without it.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The most enjoyable aspect of wedding planning is undoubtedly envisioning the perfect dream wedding together. From exploring potential venues and meeting with vendors to indulging in food tastings and curating the ideal menu, from crafting playlists that capture emotions at just the right moments to diving into DIY projects and adding personal touches, every step of the journey is a delightful learning experience. Pre-wedding events add to the excitement, but it's the culmination of all these efforts on the big day itself that truly makes the entire process worthwhile.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Guests particularly loved how we meticulously planned our events with color themes and organized a PDF wardrobe planner to assist them in packing for our celebrations. They were enamored by the ambiance of the resort, especially our unique decor that changed daily, ensuring each day held a fresh surprise. Many guests expressed that each event's decor surpassed the previous one.
As the first destination wedding in both families, guests relished the opportunity to gather at the resort for the celebration. They described it as a grand family vacation, relishing the chance to unwind during the day and dress up to commemorate the love in the air. They appreciated the variety of venue spaces and the cohesive themes we had meticulously crafted.
Our guests also appreciated how we broke from traditional Hindu customs by celebrating all our events together, foregoing separate rituals like the Haldi ceremony and Sangeets. Ultimately, they cherished the intimate moments we shared, noting the personal attention Ritika and I extended to each and every one of them. It was essential for us to reciprocate the love and respect they had shown by traveling the distance to support us.
These guests had stood by our sides since the beginning of our journey together, making it exceptionally meaningful for them to witness our ceremonies. Their presence made our wedding all the more special, infusing it with love, joy, and cherished memories.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
I still vividly recall P's words, "Babe, once we board that flight, whatever plans we've made, whatever happens or doesn't, let it all go. We'll embrace every moment from start to finish because there's nothing we can change anymore." His reassurance as my soon-to-be husband brought a sense of calm. The memories we crafted with our loved ones at The Hard Rock during our wedding will forever be cherished. Every event held its own significance, but what truly stood out was our mutual agreement: we'd eagerly relive it all again and again together if given the chance.

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.
The décor for each event was meticulously curated by P and me, with the invaluable assistance of our wedding planner, Preety, to imbue every ceremony with its own unique atmosphere.
At our Welcome Party, we set the stage for a relaxed yet vibrant gathering. Against a backdrop of twinkling fairy lights and swaying Caribbean palm trees, guests were enveloped in a boho-chic ambiance. Laughter and chatter filled the air as friends and family mingled, sharing travel tales and anticipation for the days ahead. A dance floor illuminated by string lights beckoned guests to dance the night away while custom bars added a touch of sophistication to the scene.
Our Haldi ceremony took place in a serene Glass Gazebo, where traditional marigolds adorned the backdrop. Surrounded by loved ones, we embraced the joyful ritual of applying Haldi together before heading to the beach for a spirited game of Holi, followed by a cleansing dip in the azure waters of the Caribbean.
Sangeet night, always a highlight for us, was a colorful extravaganza infused with nostalgia. A swingset adorned with vibrant bougainvillea flowers served as our focal point, while a wooden teepee provided a cozy spot for henna application. String lights cast a magical glow over the festivities, culminating in a breathtaking firework display set to the backdrop of Coldplay's "Hymn for the Weekend," a moment that left us and our guests in awe.
For our wedding ceremony, we envisioned a mandap adorned with an array of bright flowers, contrasting beautifully against the backdrop of the Caribbean Sea. As we exchanged vows, the sunbathed us in its warm glow, creating a moment of pure magic.
The night of our Wedding, our guests were treated to a memorable dinner at the Hibachi and Steak restaurant, followed by an unforgettable party at Oro Night Club. The energy on the dance floor was electrifying, with guests of all ages joining in the celebration until the early hours of the morning.
Finally, our Reception was a vision of romance and grandeur. As we stepped into the hall, we were stunned by the opulent décor, with ostrich feathers, towering candles, and gold accents creating an atmosphere of luxury. It was a night that exceeded our wildest dreams, a celebration of love and joy that will be etched in our memories forever.
Youtube dance videos can be found at this link.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
The journey to becoming a bride is long, tedious, and mentally taxing, yet undeniably worthwhile. When the big day finally arrives, it whirls by in a blur, unfolding at a dizzying pace from start to finish. While it's crucial to respect everyone's decisions, desires and needs on your special day, it's equally important to have a wedding planner fully dedicated to you and your soon-to-be husband. Ultimately, in that moment, you two are the sole focus.
Though tensions may run high, remember to smile, laugh, dance, and above all, respect each other. With roughly five hours allotted per event, it's not worth losing yourself over minor mishaps. If something doesn't go as planned, simply move forward—your guests likely won't even notice. Your smile holds the power to radiate positivity to your loved ones, encapsulating all the emotions you're experiencing as you take center stage on your wedding day.

Not just in memories but also in a visual feast, celebrating Ritika and Parul's journey of love.

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

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Welcome to the story of Rachana & Sagar as they embark on their journey of love and commitment. Blending luxury and natural beauty, the Chase Center on the Riverfront provided an unforgettable setting that resonated with their journey and aspirations. Aria Events transformed the engagement with impeccable taste and attention to detail, blending traditional elements with contemporary flair to create a culturally rich and modern ambiance. The air was filled with the sweet fragrance of blooms, thanks to the exquisite Floral & Decor by Partyland Sajawat. Rachana, radiant as a morning star, was a vision in her bridal attire from Annu's Creation, her beauty further accentuated by the skillful artistry of Erica Portal from Portal2Beauty. The echoes of joyous beats and rhythms by M4U Events created an immersive sensory experience that lifted the spirits of everyone present and left a lasting impression on the memorable engagement. As the guests indulged in the delectable feast prepared by Chowpatty, each flavor seemed to tell a story of love and unity. The day was not perfect; it was a chapter out of a fairy tale captured brilliantly by Studio Nine Photography. Enjoy today story!

Until next time, sweeties, stay enchanted, and may the magic of love always be with you.

Chase Center on the Riverfront and Aria Events are members of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

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