The Platinum Guide Blog

Sweethearts, get ready to relieve the enchanting wedding of Melissa & Akash. The wedding, orchestrated by the meticulous Platinum Celebrations, unfolded like a dream. Golden Terrace, NY, transformed the venue into a paradise of flowers and lights. The Crest Hollow Country Club, a gem in the heart of elegance, was the perfect backdrop for the enchanting reception. Guests entered a luxurious and welcoming venue with twinkling lights on sprawling lawns and grand ballrooms featuring opulent chandeliers and plush decor. The reception welcomed guests to indulge in Le Sucre Vanille's cupcakes and KLN Events' charcuterie cups. Laughter echoed as memories were captured in the Fun Times Photo Booth, each click preserving a moment of happiness. The air buzzed with melodies from Vicadi Singh Official & Tony Cuttz, their voices weaving magic into the night. But the true essence of this unforgettable day was captured by Events Capture Photography. Their photographers moved like silent storytellers, knitting through the laughter, tears, subtle glances, and grand gestures, ensuring no precious moment slipped away unrecorded. Enjoy today's feature!

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
In the midst of the deadly COVID-19 outbreak, Akash and I found a rare bright spot. We had been scrolling through dating apps as the world was in lockdown, and let's face it, the dating scene as we know it had changed. Akash stumbled upon my Facebook dating profile and knew he had to take a chance.

Akash and I spoke every day for almost two months before actually meeting in person. I was captivated by Akash's charming words, and I had a feeling there was true genuineness behind them. Akash was impressed by my sense of independence and how accomplished I was. We would go on virtual dates; playing video games together was one of our favorite pastimes. Akash even let me beat him in Mario Kart, but only one time.

We finally went on our first real date on December 8, 2020. Akash took me on a romantic dinner. After that first date, I knew this was the beginning of something special.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
On Akash's first trip to Canada with me, he decided he wanted to propose to me in my favorite country. Unbeknownst to me, Akash and my family were secretly planning the fairytale proposal. On October 10, 2021, Akash took me to Casa Loma, a castle in Toronto, Canada, and said to his princess, "Babe, I know you always wanted to get married in a castle, but since we can't, let's do the next best thing." With our families watching in-person and virtually, Akash dropped to one knee and asked me to marry him. Without any hesitation, I said YES!

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 had been planning my wedding for as long as I could remember (long before I found my groom, LOL)

I knew I wanted my Hindu Wedding at Golden Terrace Catering Hall in Queens, NY, because not only could it hold up to 700 guests, but they also catered food and provided decor, including a beautiful royal mandap that matched my theme.

I also knew that I always wanted to have my reception at Crest Hollow Country Club on Long Island, NY. This venue is beautiful! The back area for cocktails is lovely, as guests are surrounded by a pool. The ballroom inside is also very large and can accommodate many guests. Crest Hollow had preferred vendors for decor. I decided to go with Stylish Events as they had the royal and blingy theme that I was going for.

For hair and makeup, I knew I wanted someone who could do hair and makeup for all my events. After researching and pricing out different MUAs, I went with Rebecca Bhagwandin (bexxalicious), and I was not disappointed. She made me feel like a beautiful princess for all my events!

For my Hindu wedding bridal entrance, I wanted to go for a Bollywood theme. Zamandari Inc. choreographed a beautiful entrance with my choice of songs. We left everyone, including my groom, in tears!

For photo and video, I also researched a bunch of vendors, but Events Capture had the best package. I am so pleased that we went with them because they captured everything we wanted and more!

For entertainment, we hired our family friend Jay Ramkishun and his team at FantaCSoundz. They kept our guests rocking for all our events!

Finally, our wedding was coordinated by Shivie Sookdeo at Platinum Celebrations. Shivie's execution of all my requests and needs was top-notch; he did not disappoint! I am so happy that I hired him and highly recommend his services for all weddings. Our wedding would not have gone so smoothly without him!

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
For my Hindu wedding, there was no other place I wanted to go than to Nazranna. I made my family watch Nazranna's diaries every weekend until my appointment. I worked with Shia to find my royal and blingy outfits. And made sure that my groom's outfit complemented mine.

For my reception, I had always wanted to Kleinfeld. I used to watch Say Yes to the Dress with Mom for years! To my excitement, on the day of my appointment, my bridal consultant was Lisa! I was so excited because I was a fan of hers. After only trying on 4 dresses, I found my dream gown and said yes to the dress!

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
I loved working with all of my vendors! Everyone delivered and made our whole wedding a dream come true!

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Everyone loved my attention to detail and how beautiful everything was.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
My Hindu Bridal Entrance.

I will never forget being carried in on the doli with my hubby waiting under the mandap, and he was crying! I never thought he would cry because he is a very jovial person. I had to try to contain myself when I saw him crying. I have never felt so loved by anyone in my life, and I will cherish that moment forever.

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 hired Omadevi Somai as a dancer for our entertainment. She is one of our favorite dancers in the West Indian community.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Limit your guest list. We had about 400 people at our wedding, and it was overwhelming and exhausting because everyone wanted to take pictures with you! Additionally, the more people you have, the more costly things tend to be.

If I had to do things again, I would definitely cut my guest list in half!

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
I got all my jewelry from Nazranna as well. It looks really good when you match your jewelry and outfits together.

Darlings, join us in reliving a new fairytale, a tale of love that will echo through the ages.

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Welcome, darlings, to Sanam & Savanth's tale that unfolded at the magnificent Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun. Every moment of this celebration was meticulously orchestrated by Pyaar Planning, who weaved a tapestry of love and joy through their exceptional planning and design. Amidst the kaleidoscope of colors and emotions, Tulipania & Gama brought dreams to life with their flowers and decor. Sanam emerged, looking like a vision in her exquisite attire designed by Reeta Bhatt. The masterful touch of Alex Corbanezi & Styling Trio further accentuated her beauty. The night was filled with love melodies thanks to the vibrant beats of MVP DJs, who set the rhythm for the celebration. The highlight of the evening was Pyotech's spectacular display of fireworks, which lit up the sky. Romanza's photography immortalized every candid smile and tender glance, creating memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. The seamless travel arrangements by Indian Destination Wedding, Inc. ensured a worry-free experience for all, making the journey to this paradise as magical as the destination itself. They offered travel solutions, blending the essence of Indian hospitality, ensuring that the journey to this dream wedding was as magical as the ceremony itself. Enjoy it!

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
We met on a dating app. The craziest thing is I only had the app for 4 days before I deleted it. I matched with Savanth & we clicked right away. We spoke for a month before our first date. We were complete opposites, but for some reason, that was what brought us together. We started to learn about each other and quickly realized we were each other's missing pieces, and the rest is history!

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Savanth planned a dinner for us in NYC and was being really weird that day. He was dropping subtle hints all day, so I had an idea something was up. We usually take the PATH train from Jersey City to NYC, but for some reason, Savanth insisted we take the ferry to NYC that day. We ended up walking to the ferry, and Savanth convinced me to walk past the ferry because we were early anyway for dinner. As we were walking, there was a whole setup. The setup had 2 poster-sized pictures of us, roses, a Marry Me sign, and an infinity rose set up where we stood. Savanth & I have always said infinity is our symbol because the S from my name flipped upside down for the S in his name makes the infinity sign. Savanth got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. Our families were hiding in the back, and they came out to surprise us. The next day, Savanth surprised me with a huge engagement party. It was a dream!

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.
We absolutely loved planning our wedding. Each milestone during the process was so precious, and we genuinely did not sweat the little things. We booked our resort a year and a half out and did not see it in person until 2 months before our wedding. We saw pictures of the resort and venue and fell in love. We trusted the process and knew it'd be perfect. When it came to our vision, I knew I wanted it to be a Bollywood Theme fairy tale. I went into wedding planning, thinking of each event from the guest's perspective. I didn't want them to attend a wedding they felt like they had already been to or felt like they were idle and just waiting around. I wanted my guests to be entertained and in awe during all events. Our event started off with the Haldi. We wanted the color theme to be royal blue for our guests and yellow for Savanth & me. Our decor matched the colors, and our theme was inspired by the movie YJHD (super fun and heartwarming). From our entrance to each guest interaction and mini party, we started off event 1 with a bang. That night was our welcome dinner. Our vision was for everyone to interact but not be forced to. We had decor set up all around, including a family tree, an SOS kit, fun facts about us, a disposable camera with tasks like "take a picture with the tallest person in the room," and lastly, a performer. Our performer (@shakesprod) combined Hindi & Telegu songs into one! What was supposed to be a chill night ended up with all 115 guests dancing on the dance floor to our performer, and boy, did this set the bar for the rest of the events. The following night was our Sangeet. We had a huge red carpet where all our guests were being interviewed, and paps were all around them. We had a Filmmare award show where our siblings emceed the night with a fun script. We wanted to keep things fun and stick to the theme, so we had pamphlets of the performances placed on each seat. The night also included a tarot card reader, DIY bangle station, mendhi station, and hookah stations. We ended the show with a couples performance with voiceovers, props, and a standing ovation!! & to top it off, the Sangeet ended with fireworks! Oh boy, now the wedding. Of course, it was filled with tons of surprises. From the baraat to Savanth entering the mandap. In order for Savanth to enter the mandap, my brothers stopped him with a fun wedding contract to sign, followed by my cousins attacking him for his shoes. My entrance was a big dharma production, which was followed by color bombs and my own Kiara and Sid moment when we exchanged jaimalas. The ceremony ended with all my bridesmaids holding signs to remind Savanth that he was taking me away, so he had to pay for the shoes! To end all the events was the crazy reception. We wanted this even to be the most hyped hyped event yet!!! From a unique first dance, which was a combined father/daughter, son/mother, and couple dance to our music video to the confetti blaster to the LED robot to the dhol to the mariachi band to the flip flop station to ending the night with our parents dancing on tables, the reception was a dream. Our guests, Savanth and & I, enjoyed every last second. All our hard work paid off!!

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
This came easily to me because I have been working with the designer Reeta Bhatt since my teenage years. I told her I wanted a light pink lengha with a long train with mine & Savanth's name hand stitched, and oh boy, did she deliver. We designed the dress together and worked closely through WhatsApp for a year as she was located in India. I trusted her fully, and I tried the dress on for the first time 1 month before the wedding. It was everything and more! I fell in love with it, and it exceeded my expectations. Huge shoutout to Reeta!

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The most enjoyable part was making memories with my family during the planning process. It was a heartwarming feeling to see the entire family come together to plan and help out.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Our guests loved our Award Show Sangeet with all the little details and stations!

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Enjoy wedding planning and treasure every moment. It is the one time you will get all your family and friends under one roof to celebrate you. Make those core memories. Do not stress yourself out. Things fall into place. You want to look back on your wedding and planning as a happy moment, so smile and have fun :)

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
A huge shoutout to our vendors. You guys went above and beyond, and we are so grateful for you guys!!
Farewell, sweet darlings, until we meet again in another tale of love and splendor. See you soon!

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Welcome to a mesmerizing tale of the breathtaking wedding of Rashi & Sunny. This enchanting event unfolded under the starlit skies of Planet Hollywood Cancun. The meticulous planning and design by Preeti Exclusive transformed the venue into a dreamlike realm. The floral arrangements by Tulipania added to the allure, creating a picturesque backdrop. Rashi, adorned in the exquisite creations of Rimple & Harpreet Narula, glided through the aisles with the masterful touch of Crispin Beauty. The magic of the night was further amplified by the vibrant beats of Premiere Entertainment, setting the stage for unforgettable moments as the couple swayed to their first dance, choreographed by the talented team at YSDC Wedding Choreography. The glamorous reception saw Rashi in a stunning ensemble by Suneet Varma Couture. Each moment, from the laughter-filled speeches to the joyous dances, was captured exquisitely by Ptaufiq Photography, creating memories that will be cherished forever. Amidst this splendor, Indian Destination Wedding, Inc. ensured that every guest experienced seamless comfort, their travel concierge services turning the journey into a part of the celebration. They know what it takes to make your dream wedding happen. Enjoy it!

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Sunny had planned a trip for us in July 2022 and told me to pack for a beach destination but wouldn’t tell me where exactly we’d be going. I packed as best as I could, but the curiosity was gnawing at me. The destination was finally revealed when we got to the airport: we would be going to Turks and Caicos! I was extremely surprised as I had just offhand mentioned to Sunny that this was a bucket list destination for me.

We spent three amazing days soaking in the sun, sand, and island vibes. On the final evening of our trip, Sunny mentioned that he wanted to take a walk on the beach after dinner. Our routine when we travel is to take one airpod each and listen to some of our favorite Bollywood songs. We plugged in our AirPods, clasped our hands, and walked the expanse of the beach. Sunny then led me to a beautiful, lit gazebo and asked me to close my eyes. He pulled out the ring, and the rest is history.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I had a very specific look in mind for our wedding day. I wanted to replicate a look from a Sanjay Leela Bhansali film since period pieces are my favorite. However, after perusing all the NYC bridal stores for a lehenga, I still hadn't found "the one."

My mom and I decided to go straight to the source and take a mother-daughter trip to Delhi, India, to do all our wedding shopping. We spent 12 days in Delhi extensively searching for the perfect bridal lehenga. After scouring all the stores in Mehrauli, I found the perfect lehenga at Rimple and Harpreet.

Though I was leaning more towards staying in the pink color family, I spotted a stunning red lehenga on one of the mannequins in the store and decided to try it on just in case. As soon as I looked in the mirror, I knew I had found my dress. The intricate handwork and melody of colors absolutely took my breath away. I also loved the fact that the dress had a veil to blend in the best of Indian and American culture. My mom and I shared a look, and it was a done deal!

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
Planning the songs and dances for the Sangeet for sure! Sunny and I connected on music and dancing very early on when we had started dating, so it was natural that this was our favorite element of planning. Searching for songs that we loved when we were younger and songs that were really meaningful to us was a blast! We’d be listening to songs every time we were taking a long drive or had some downtime trying to shortlist what we wanted to perform. Our families also love to dance, and seeing everyone's excitement about performing amped us up! We really appreciate the time, commitment, and dedication all of our family and friends put into making the Sangeet performances absolutely phenomenal! Not only was planning for the Sangeet our favorite part, but it was also our favorite event!

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
This was the first destination wedding for many of our family members. It felt like a massive family vacation where it was nice for guests to be able to zen out and grab a drink in between wedding events. Being together in one location for the duration of the events enhanced the experience for everyone. It was nice to be able to bump into wedding guests at breakfast and lunch, catch each other by the pool or beach, and debrief about the night before.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
Sunny’s performance at the Sangeet completely blew me away! I’ve been dancing and taking Bollywood dance classes since I was very young, but that wasn’t the case for Sunny. He stepped out of his comfort zone to do a solo at the Sangeet and was extremely diligent about practicing his steps daily in the weeks leading up to the wedding. He wouldn’t even let me catch a sneak peek at all. Seeing him dance at the Sangeet was amazing! His energy and expressions reminded me of the actors dancing in Bollywood movies when I was growing up; I truly couldn’t stop smiling! When Sunny’s performance concluded, he hopped off the front of the stage and gave me a massive bear hug. This will be a moment I will cherish forever!

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

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In the heart of Arlington, Texas, where love stories find their perfect setting, Sirisha & Nagu's wedding unfolded like a dream at Live! by Loews. The venue's expert staff, known for their attention to detail and exceptional service, work tirelessly to ensure every event is nothing short of perfection. Sirisha looked stunning in her Pattupleats sari, making it clear this was no ordinary event. They expertly craft exquisite fabrics into timeless and modern styles, ensuring every detail reflects the bride's unique personality and heritage. Her beauty was accentuated by Ms. Painted Lady's artful hair and makeup and the exquisite mehndi designs by Bridal Henna Mehndi By Zohra. As she walked down the aisle adorned in Prashe's stunning floral decor, every eye was drawn to her grace and the pure joy that emanated from her being. The meticulous planning and design by Sejal Bhakta ensured that every moment was flawlessly orchestrated, resulting in a harmonious symphony of love and celebration. The air buzzed with excitement, amplified by the beats of Desi Junction DJs, as the couple exchanged vows, promising each other a lifetime of happiness and understanding. The magic of their love was captured beautifully by MnM Photography, immortalizing these moments. Enjoy! 

Darlings, I hope you enjoyed reading about our Maharani brides and their inspiring weddings! 

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Hello, darlings! Priyanka & Priyank's wedding was a perfect blend of tradition and contemporary style. Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley's luxurious ballrooms, adorned with opulent chandeliers and plush carpeting, offered an ambiance of regal charm ideally suited to the grandeur of the occasion. Pramukh Mandapam's floral and decor mirrored the couple's blossoming love. Uthsaav's meticulous planning and design ensured the ceremony was seamless, weaving the couple's dreams into tangible threads of reality. Priyanka's visage is aglow with KK Weddings Luxury Makeup and Hair's artistry, and her silhouette is a dazzling cascade of Sipani Jewelry's finest craftsmanship. Neena Jain's intricate mehndi designs told ancient love tales in every curl and dot. Every beat of the heart was set to the rhythm of Carolina Elite Events' music, urging the guests to their feet, their spirits uplifted in celebration. Azitra's catering tantalized the palate, creating a feast as much a journey as a meal. From the very first announcement on Uttara Shah's elegantly crafted invitations to the final snapshot of joy captured by Carolina Elite Events' photography, the wedding was an anthology of moments, each one to be cherished and remembered. Enjoy today's gallery!

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
I met Priyank (the groom) on the dating app Dil Mil. I knew he was the one when he met my family for the first time and it felt like he had been a part of the family forever. Everyone felt so comfortable with each other and that really made me feel like he was the perfect match for me.

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.

We started with getting a wedding planner and the planner was very helpful in pointing us to all of the vendors we needed to speak with. Would strongly recommend getting a wedding planner, they make sure you think about all the things you wouldn’t even imagine thinking about.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?

Priyank and I made sure to go up to each and every one of guests to give them a moment of our time and thank them for coming. Our guests really appreciated this because a lot of them had mentioned that they have been to many weddings where they don’t even get to speak to the bride and groom.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
Priyank surprised me with a flash mob at our Mehendi event. All of a sudden I see him and some of our friends and family entering the Mehendi venue in a choreographed dance number and I was so surprised and happy that I started crying tears of joy.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?

Enjoy your big day. You’ve planned for so long, so whatever stress/worries you may have leading up to your big day, put them to the side and just be in the moment and enjoy each and every part of your big day.

Witness the love, laughter, and breathtaking moments of South Asian weddings. Come back for more!

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