Good morning Maharanis! We're so excited to share this whimsical wedding, photographed by Joseph Kang Photography, with you all! The lovely couple, Payal & Michael, radiated joy the entire weekend, and we're obsessed with the thoughtful details they sprinkled throughout their events. Both the ceremony and reception were held at the elegant Stonegate, with design and decor perfectly executed by Rami’s Mandap. Maharani Payal glowed in her vibrant bridal looks, including her unique green, white, and red lehenga and orange reception gown by Aso Palav. We love that Payal and Michael chose such unique colors to highlight throughout their wedding. For example, their turquoise, gold, and purple mandap was a color combination that we haven't seen often, but worked so wonderfully! Because of their unique choices, their decor and fashion truly popped and was very memorable! Payal's hair and makeup was elegantly done by Diem Angie, with beautiful mehndi by Kamini's Mehandi. Michael's breath was truly taken away during the couple's first look, and we adored the couple's pre-ceremony photos with their excited bridesmaids and groomsmen. Their ceremony set-up was incredibly lavish, with gold columns, an elaborately draped ballroom, and numerous accenting chandeliers. The outstanding talent at Rami’s Mandap truly outdid themselves! Please join us later this morning to learn more about Payal and Michael's reception, which was full of inspiring details and clever touches. In the meantime, click below to check out the full gallery for more wedding inspiration!
How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one?"
Michael and I met in Boston, MA while we attended the same graduate program. He was in the class one year ahead of me and we would frequently bump into one another as we studied in the same student lobby. I couldn't help but think about what an advantage it was to befriend an upperclassman! As our friendship continued, I quickly realized that the late night study sessions and laughter we shared was something more! Michael moved back home to California and I moved back home to Chicago after completing the program. We continued our relationship and as the saying goes "distance makes the heart grow fonder.” In between all the air miles we earned traveling to see each other, the phone calls, texts and FaceTime sessions, we both came to realize that we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together.
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.
As stressful as wedding planning was, it was equally as thrilling and exciting. Planning the wedding while continuing our long distance relationship definitely was a challenge but we made the best of the situation by frequently reminding one another that the big day was the start of an amazing life together! I researched vendors prior to committing to their services. I wanted to be sure we found vendors that we connected with and that shared our excitement with us. If that connection was lacking, I decided to continue searching.
How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I knew I wanted to follow tradition and incorporate the red, green and white color combination. We went to India to shop for the wedding. Although the choices were overwhelming, I knew which dress I wanted when I tried it on! It made me feel confident and beautiful and to see the reaction on my parent's face said it all. I didn't have a particular color in mind for the reception dress but definitely knew the style that I wanted. After shopping at several stores, I tried on a dress and when I looked in the mirror it was immediately "love at first sight!”
Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
One memory that's still so vivid is when I prepared to walk down the aisle. In that one instant, it all became so very real! Hearing the prelude play on cue, seeing the faces of all our guests looking back at me with cameras in hand ready to take pictures, seeing the faces of my parents filled with joy and happy tears, and seeing the wide and bright smiles of the bridal party will forever be a special moment.
Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Remember that the wedding day is just the beginning of your happily ever after. Enjoy the ups and downs that wedding planning consists of. Enjoy the planning process with friends and family. Prioritize and budget accordingly. Keep in mind that at the end of the day, your wedding day will be what you make of it. Most importantly, be sure to enjoy every moment on the big day as you've spent lots of time planning it. Simply live in the moment and take a few seconds to take it all in!
We'll see you in a bit to share more from Payal & Michael's joyous reception!
