The Platinum Guide Blog

When Meghna & Bhavin decided to tie the knot, it was clear that this wouldn't be any ordinary wedding. With a perfect blend of traditional charm and modern elegance, their wedding at The Venue at Lenoir City was a testament to the magic that happens when two souls, two families, and a crew of immensely talented vendors come together.

The day began with a heartwarming first look. As Bhavin awaited his bride, the anticipation in his eyes was matched only by the shimmer of his intricately embroidered outfit. Meghna's entrance was enchanting, complete with delicate henna by Sweetly'z Creations. The mehndi design on Meghna's hands is a masterpiece of intricate detail and elegance. The pattern covers her palms with mesmerizing precision, featuring traditional motifs of floral and lace-like patterns that seem almost woven into her skin. The design extends up her fingers, with delicate lines and symmetrical shapes creating a beautiful harmony. As she frames her face with her henna-covered hands, the depth and artistry of the mehndi come alive, reflecting the beauty and love surrounding her wedding celebration.

And just when you thought it couldn't get more magical, the ceremony kicked off with the rhythmic beats of Jeetu Singh dhol, filling the air with energy and excitement. Every detail was thoughtfully curated by the visionary team at Amaari Events, who brought the couple's dream to life. From the floral arrangements to the carefully designed seating by Era Events, every corner of the venue radiated elegance and cultural vibrance.

The reception hall transformed into an enchanted wonderland as the sun dipped below the horizon. The couple's grand entrance was the epitome of sophistication, thanks to Meghna's flawless hair and makeup by Sumiyah Simjee. She walked in, a vision of grace and beauty, hand in hand with Bhavin, who couldn't take his eyes off her – and honestly, who could blame him?

None of this would have been immortalized so beautifully if not for Bhowmik Dave Films & Photography. Their team managed to capture the events and the essence of Meghna & Bhavin's love story – the shy glances, the heartfelt laughter, and the intimate moments that could easily slip away amidst the day's festivities. Each shot is a masterful portrayal of artistry and emotion, from the vibrant mehndi patterns that tell a thousand stories to the grandeur of the decor that sets the perfect stage. Bhowmik's keen eye brought out the unique details, from playful, colorful scenes with the couple in traditional attire to cinematic shots with dramatic lighting and a helicopter entrance. Every image they crafted speaks to the love, joy, and unforgettable moments that made Meghna & Bhavin's day truly magical.

And if you're planning a wedding yourself, don't forget to check out the amazing vendors who made this dream come true. Because, as Meghna & Bhavin would say, love is all about creating magical memories – and maybe a little dancing till dawn.

A celebration that speaks to the heart setting a beautiful example of love and tradition intertwined.

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When high school sweethearts Simran & Ben first locked eyes, they probably never imagined that years later, they'd be locking eyes again—this time under the sun-drenched skies of Cancun, Mexico, surrounded by the turquoise ocean, vibrant floral decor by Palace Productions, and their dearest friends and family. Fast forward to a sunset proposal on the shores of Cancun, where Ben popped the question just in time before his new job whisked them away into adult life. The answer was a resounding yes, and they returned to the same paradise, now as bride and groom, to say "I do"!

The stage was set at Moon Palace Cancun, where the skilled hands of Pyaar Planning transformed the venue into a dreamscape, blending tropical charm with cultural elegance. Guests were greeted with a burst of colors, intricate floral arrangements, and the unmistakable beats of Drums in Paradise kicking off the baraat in a truly epic style—think Bollywood meets beach vibes, with a hint of Hollywood glam. With a lineup of dances at the Sangeet and heartfelt speeches at the reception, the night was a whirlwind of laughter, tears, and the clinking of glasses. Friends and family lit up the dance floor, and for most of Ben's American friends, this was their first attempt at Indian dance—trust us, the videos will be cherished (and maybe a little teased) for years to come! Simran's excitement for her friends' moves was contagious; let's just say even the palm trees swayed along! 

Indian Destination Wedding, Inc. played a pivotal role in bringing Simran & Ben's dream wedding in Cancun to life, and it's easy to see why they're a top choice for couples planning South Asian destination weddings. With a reputation for seamless execution and personalized service, they coordinated the travel, accommodations, and unique cultural requirements that made Simran & Ben's wedding a spectacular experience for all who attended. Saptapadi Studios has truly outdone itself with Simran & Ben's wedding, capturing each moment with an artistic flair that brings their love story to life. The photos reveal the studio's expertise in blending traditional South Asian wedding aesthetics with modern romantic elements. The way they captured Simran's intricate mehndi designs and her soft smiles, alongside Ben's admiration-filled glances, highlights their intimate connection.

If Simran could give future brides a tip, it'd be to cherish every second because the day goes by faster than you can say, "Shaadi Mubarak"!

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
We met in high school and have been inseparable since!

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
In early September 2022, Ben was offered a job starting in December. We quickly realized that our tentative winter break plans would no longer be feasible, and our next vacation wouldn’t be for another year. And so, we planned a last-minute trip to Cancun. On the first evening of the trip, September 29th, Ben proposed!

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.
When we started searching for wedding venues, we kept thinking back to the breathtaking views of Cancun, where Ben proposed. So we thought, what better way to celebrate than to bring our friends and family to Cancun! We worked with Indian Destination Weddings (s/o to Ateet and his unmatched responsiveness!) and Pyaar Planning to bring our wedding visions to life. The styling trio did my hair and makeup, and they were fantastic!

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
We did most of our wedding shopping in my birth city, Amritsar, Punjab, in October 2023. I knew from the start that I wanted a pink lengha. When I tried this one on, I immediately knew it was the one!

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The site visit! We loved walking through the venues at Moon Palace and getting an idea of how our plans would come to life. We also loved taste-testing items from our customized menus. We were fortunate to do the site visit with our families and planners, and it was a blast!

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
We exchanged our vows and wedding bands at our first look the morning of the ceremony, at a small patio near the shore. It was absolutely perfect!

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 absolutely loved watching all the dance performances that our friends and family did at Sangeet Night and Reception. For most of our American friends, this was the first time they were doing an Indian dance, and they did great!

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
https://vimeo.com/934375524

Indian Destination Wedding and Saptapadi Weddings are members of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

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We are delighted to share the enchanting love story of Roshni & Parth, whose wedding was a fairytale come true. Set against the picturesque Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa, the venue's rustic charm, combined with its modern amenities, offered the couple and their guests a unique experience. The magical ambiance was masterfully curated by Mandap Creations, who planned, designed, and adorned the event with exquisite floral arrangements. Roshni gracefully walked down the aisle in her stunning bridal attire, leaving everyone in awe. The talented Rathi Menon Events added sophistication and charm, ensuring perfect detail. Desi Junction set the stage on fire as the night unfolded, inviting everyone to dance and celebrate. Jennifer Campos Photography captured Roshni & Parth's special day's laughter, tears, and unforgettable moments. You won't want to miss the breathtaking moments of this beautiful wedding. Dive into the photo gallery and relive the magic. 

How did you meet your Groom, and when did you know he was "the one"?
I was living and working in St. Louis, MO. I owned a small home and was very happy with my growing career in medicine. I could easily take weekend trips to Iowa to visit my family. However, I struggled to date. So I left everything and took a chance on life and moved to a bigger city. I quit my job, sold my home, and moved far from my family. I found a new job and, in October 2022, began establishing myself in Houston, TX. And within three months of moving to Houston, I met Parth on Hinge (an online dating app). We instantly connected and started planning the next date and the next date.

And just a couple months into dating, my dog became ill. He needed to be hospitalized and needed close attention. I had a couple very busy work days so Parth stepped it up and took care of my boy Max. He brought him home from the Vet and spent the entire following day with him, so I could focus on my work. I appreciated him so much and knew at that moment that he was the one for me!

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
The PROPOSAL was a dream come true.

Parth and I planned a beautiful trip to Peru last November. Since this was our first trip together - just the two of us, I wanted to do a photo session one evening with special outfits, a photographer and hair and make up. Parth utilized this photo opportunity to plan the most beautiful proposal.

We stayed at the Rio Sagrado, A Belmond Hotel in the Sacred Valley. As the sun went down, we got dressed, and the hotel staff picked us up in a golf cart. We were escorted to a private dinner set up outdoors. Romantic music was playing in the background, and we had our own private wait staff. The photographer was waiting, and we took gorgeous photos. After that, we were treated to a private 4-course dinner. When the staff brought out our dessert, they also brought an additional glass jar and told us it was a special from the house. As they opened the lid, the fog cleared, and a ring was sitting over rose petals. Parth took the ring, walked around the table, and asked me to be his wife. And the photographer was there to capture every moment. We cried and laughed...it was perfect in every way!

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 soon as we got engaged, I started looking for a wedding planner. After making a few calls, I chatted with Rathi Menon and I knew she was going to be perfect for us. She is intelligent, organized, and well versed with the Indian wedding scene, particularly in Texas.

As soon as we met, we got started on searching for a venue. I wanted a destination wedding and Parth wanted a location nearby to Houston so things are more convenient. After searching many options we absolutely fell in love with the Hyatt Lost Pines Resort and Spa. It was the perfect destination feel, just two hours away from Houston!

Once we had our date and venue set, everything else just fell into place. Everything flowed seamlessly together. The first step was to decide my outfits. I knew I wanted something fun and funky for the haldi, traditional for the sangeet, modern for the wedding, glamorous for the reception, and fresh for farewell. I went to India last December and worked with a Mumbai-based stylist, Shikha Dhandia. She understood my vision and we carefully curated each outfit and matching outfits for Parth. My outfits were only complete after discussing hair and make-up with my artist, Artee Kumar. She really understood my vision and pulled each look together so perfectly.

Each look really set the tone for each event and allowed the same themes to flow into the decor. Mandap Creations did an absolutely amazing job making each event come to life. The haldi was bright with yellows, whites, and pops of pink. The Sangeet was traditional with all the jewel tones. The wedding was modern, with ivory and pastel hues. The reception was glamorous, with a Paris theme and a curated Moulin Rouge entrance. Finally, the farewell was fresh for this final morning event.  

Music and dance is something that is important to me. As a trained Bharatanatyam Dancer myself, I knew I wanted to dance at my wedding, but I also wanted to include everyone else. I found an amazing India-based choreography team (AnushaWeddingChoreography) that created 23 dances in total. We had dances at the mehndi, haldi, sangeet, wedding and reception! The Sangeet night was incredibly special because we had a musical extravaganza featuring all of our family members on both sides and our friends! Everyone worked so hard to perform their best and it was remarkable to see it all come to life. The Bharat Welcoming dances by the ladies of my family and my father was spectacular. The reception featured a father-daughter dance with both my father and father-in-law and a heartfelt mother-son dance between Parth and his mother. Parth and I also performed together at each event!! Our first dance at the reception was something that I will remember forever. DesiJunctions, our DJ for the wedding, really kept the energy alive at each event. The LED wall at the Sangeet and Reception really made everything come to life.

We really wanted to add personal touches to the wedding, which really made everything so special. First, we started off our wedding week by releasing 2 of the three episodes of our own Podcast to introduce our love story and describe the details of the wedding weekend ahead. The third episode was our thank you episode which we released on the final day. Second, we created a personalized wedding newspaper containing photos, our love story, a personalized crossword puzzle, a word search, a remembrance of my mother, and a special thank you to our guests. We also created beautiful welcome hampers in packable cases containing snacks, personalized water bottles, and an emergency kit with all the essentials. Finally, we created a WhatsApp community for all of our wedding guests. We were able to be in touch with all of our guests during the entire wedding weekend, updating them with times and locations for each of the next events.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
My wedding dress was an absolute dream!! Growing up in America, I always dreamed of a white wedding dress. However, I am well rooted with my Indian heritage and wanted to be a traditional Indian bride. So I knew I wanted to wear a combo of the two with an ivory lengha!

I went to India last December to go shopping for wedding clothes. I tried on every white lengha I saw; however, nothing fit my vision. Finally, I met Simone Contractor, an up-and-coming designer, in Mumbai. I absolutely fell in love with her workmanship and decided to partner with her to design my own wedding dress. With the help of a Mumbai-based stylist, Shikha Dhandia, we designed a one-of-a-kind beautiful ivory lengha with floral accents. The lengha was designed in the form of French knots and loop stitches. There were highlights of rice pearls, glass beads, and crystal sequins. We added a cathedral-length veil with graded falling florals and personalized it with our names/wedding dates, my parents' names, and my son (dog) Max's name. It was incredibly personal, and I felt like a queen. To complete the outfit, I styled the ivory lengha with my mother's diamonds. Having lost my mother five years ago, it felt incredibly special to have my mom close to me during such an important day.

Check out Simone's IG page: @simone_handcrafted
Check out Shikha's page: @shikhadhandhia

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
EVERYTHING!!!

I absolutely loved every minute of the wedding planning process. It was a once in a lifetime event and we worked very hard to make it all happen! But in all honesty, I believe the entire wedding planning process brought Parth and I even closer. We worked together on everything and I am grateful to have him as a partner in life.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Our wedding guests loved all of the personal touches that made the wedding so special. They really felt immersed in the love that Parth and I share for each other and wanted to experience everything that was going on.

During the Sangeet, we had a desi bazaar where we had two carts decorated with shopping goodies for our guests. The carts were filled with Indian styled purses, bangles, bindis, and earrings for the ladies and boxes filled with leather wallets and belts for the men. This bazaar was a huge hit with our guests who enjoyed the shopping experience! In addition to this, we had personalized dandiya that our guests enjoyed during the sangeet night.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
My wedding entrance was so special and personal.

I knew the song I wanted to enter with but to make it more personal I pre-recorded a message for Parth. The audio played as I made my entrance and walked down the aisle. Hearing this audio and seeing Parth and his eyes filling with tears was priceless. I waited my entire life to meet him and that moment felt so special.

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.
I wanted each event to have a name.

Mehndi: 
Bride Outfit: Chamee and Palak 
Groom Outfit: Curato 

Haldi: Color Bash (Colors - Hot Pink, Yellow, White) (Theme - Fun and Games)
Bride Outfit: Label Anushree
Groom Outfit: Curato

Sangeet: The Dhoom Dham Mela - (Colors - Jewel Tones) (Theme - Traditional, Rajasthani, Carnival)
Outfits: Jayanti Reddy

Wedding: The Vows - (Colors - Soft Floral Hues - lilac, mint green, pink, peach) (Theme - Modern Traditional)
Bride Outfit: Simone Handcrafted
Groom Outfit: Kora

Reception: Soiree 'A Paris (Colors - Red, Black, and White - Black-Tie) (Theme - Glitz and Glam)
Outfits: Gaurav Gupta

Farewell/Vidhai: Happily Ever After (Colors - Summertime fun - Yellow, Green)
Outfits: Label Anushree

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
I have a few pieces of advice. First, try to be as organized as possible during the wedding planning process. The more organized you can be, the more smooth things will flow for your vendors and your guests. Second, never live life with regrets, so try to turn all of your dreams into a reality. There are so many creative and fun ways to make your wedding personal and unique, so let your imagination run wild! Finally, I would say to enjoy every single moment of the process and wedding weekend. Weddings are stressful with so much to plan and so much to do, but everything goes by so quickly, and then it is over. Once things are over, life goes back to routine, so enjoy this very special period in life.

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
The Podcast:
We made a podcast in our own words which we shared Episode 1 and 2 the week leading up to the wedding and Episode 3 immediately following the wedding. Please hear our story.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3ksDmyay7vRnHFmrQXbUUt

Max:
My son (dog) Max is my special boy, and I wanted him to be present at every event. I had custom-made clothes made for him for each event. He was present during each event and part of all photo sessions. The most special moment was Max's entry at the wedding. He came in styles in a lilac-colored kurta in a motorized white Mercedes convertible. As he entered the aisle, our guests watched in awe and photographed his entrance. He looked handsome and was so well-behaved.

The Food:
Dawat Catering did a remarkable job with the catering. Each menu was curated along with the theme of each event. The Sangeet was exquisite with 4 spreads (Thai, Italian, Indian street food, and Dessert) beautifully coordinated with 4 food stalls created by our decor company (Mandap Creations). The Wedding Lunch was a traditional spread of Gujarati and Rajasthani Food. We received numerous compliments about the food during the wedding.      

The Cake:
Roland's Swiss Pastry & Bakery did an absolutely amazing job creating our 4-tier Black-Tie Cake draped with 50 fresh red roses. It was gorgeous and fit the Parisian theme perfectly. The taste of both the fresh raspberry and chocolate swirl layers was incredible.
Darlings, the celebration was a perfect blend of romance, tradition, and unforgettable moments.

Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa is a member of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

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We're delighted to share the enchanting tale of Sharanya & Arjun's spectacular wedding that began at the magnificent Hayes Mansion, where Sharanya was adorned in intricate Mehndi designs by Henna by Jinal. Her stunning look, crafted by Makeup by Abhilasha Singh, highlighted her radiant smile, captivating everyone present. The ceremony was a picturesque affair, meticulously planned and designed by Avant Planners, with Flowers by Edgar providing lush floral decor that transformed the venue into a floral paradise. The reception at the San Jose Marriott was breathtaking, showcasing the venue's grandeur and sophistication. The ballroom glowed with an aura of elegance. Sharanya & Arjun's guests danced the night away to the beats of Wicked Entertainment, ensuring the celebration was lively and unforgettable. Wedding Documentary beautifully captured the couple's love story, preserving every precious moment for eternity, from heartfelt vows to joyous celebration. Enjoy!

Darlings, we invite you to look at the features that beautifully encapsulate the day's magic.

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

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Today, we're excited to share the enchanting tale of Khushali & Purav's wedding, a celebration that beautifully blends tradition and modern elegance. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Chase Center on the Riverfront, the venue's sophisticated charm and stunning river views made it the perfect choice for this joyous occasion. The expert team at Aria Events orchestrated the entire celebration with impeccable attention to detail, ensuring every moment was as magical as the love story between Khushali & Purav. Abhishek Decorators transformed the venue into a floral wonderland, with vibrant blooms and intricate decor that left everyone in awe. Khushali, radiant in her traditional attire, walked down the aisle towards Purav, who looked equally dashing, with the ethereal ambiance capturing their everlasting love. The couple's grand entrance was spectacular, thanks to Monaco Experiences, who provided luxurious transportation that added glamour to their special day. Capturing every precious moment, Memories Studio immortalized the couple's love with stunning photographs that will be cherished forever. Let their story inspire your romantic dreams. 

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

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