Some love stories start with a grand romantic gesture, but Megan & Raj’s began with a simple Facebook message—one that would unknowingly change their lives forever. Suggested by mutual friends as a perfect match, their instant connection sparked a love story that led to a stunning, joy-filled wedding in Dearborn.
From the moment guests stepped into The Henry Hotel, they were transported into a world of elegance, tradition, and a touch of Bollywood magic. Marigold Wedding Planners outdid themselves, crafting a breathtaking ambiance filled with soft golden hues, regal floral arrangements, and intricate décor that made the entire setting look like a scene from a royal Indian wedding.
No South Asian wedding is complete without a stunning mehndi design, and Radhe Henna delivered intricate, story-telling artwork on Megan’s hands that was nothing short of mesmerizing. The celebrations began with an intimate Haldi, followed by a high-energy Mehndi night filled with games, fireworks, and a grand welcome banner for Raj’s family (because this wedding was all about the details!). Let’s talk about Megan’s glam! Thanks to the dream team of Amanie Mokdad and Hair By Rochelle J, she looked effortlessly radiant from the first event to the last. It was all about that perfect blend of tradition and modern bridal beauty.
Speaking of firsts, Megan & Raj’s First Look was one for the books. As Megan approached Raj, the anticipation was palpable. With a gentle tap on his shoulder, he turned around, and their jaws dropped in perfect sync. Killer Creations Photography & Cinematography didn’t just capture this moment; they transformed it into a cinematic masterpiece. Their keen eye for emotion, impeccable lighting, and artistic composition turned a magical second into a frame-worthy memory.
For their grand finale, Megan & Raj opted for an elegant reception with gold and white décor, creating an atmosphere of timeless sophistication. The night was filled with heartfelt toasts that had everyone reaching for tissues (both from laughter and happy tears) while DJ Genesis kept the dance floor packed with an epic Bollywood-American fusion mix.
How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
Our story began in 2016 when Raj sent me a Facebook message out of the blue as many mutual friends had suggested to him that we'd be compatible -- it didn't take long for sparks to fly.
From the first date, I felt I could be completely myself around Raj. He inspired me to be my best, and we discovered a deep compatibility, tackling everything from the mundane to the momentous with ease. Most importantly, Raj immediately appreciated and reciprocated my off-beat wit and playful sarcasm – a clear tell to me that he was "the one".
Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
During the Holidays in our sixth year, I came home planning to attend Raj's company Christmas party...or so I thought!
Raj took me to the same spot where we had our first Valentine's day, and decorated the hall with the help of our family and friends. When we first walked in, I thought we were intruding on someone else's proposal -- little did I know!
With our favorite song playing in the background, Raj got down on one knee to propose to my surprise -- Afterwards, we had an unforgettable night celebrating with our close family and friends!
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 began planning our wedding, our top priority was creating a comfortable and enjoyable experience for our guests while still bringing our dream wedding to life. Knowing how overwhelming wedding planning can be, we took it one step at a time, breaking down the process into manageable pieces. Things fell into place beautifully from there.
We started with the venue and were lucky enough to find one that perfectly balanced our needs with the elegant atmosphere we envisioned. Next, we hired a wedding planner whose expert guidance proved invaluable. She connected us with a fantastic team of vendors, including a hair and makeup artist, caterer, DJ, photographer/videographer, and of course, a talented decor specialist.
Choosing my bridal outfit in Toronto with my family was a truly emotional moment. It was then that it really hit me – this was actually happening!
For the decor, I had always envisioned a simple yet elegant, almost regal, theme. My planner perfectly captured this vision and offered wonderful recommendations to bring it to fruition.
How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
At first, I envisioned a traditional maroon velvet lehenga for my wedding. However, when I found my ultimate outfit, all my preconceived notions vanished. Even though it was different from what I had imagined, it felt absolutely perfect. Wearing it, I felt like royalty -- In that moment, I knew my bridal outfit was decided.
What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The most enjoyable part of planning our wedding was the way it brought our families together. It truly takes a village to pull off a wedding, and we all had the same goal. Working together, we were challenged to have meaningful and honest conversations, which helped break down barriers and formalities, ultimately uniting us as one family.
What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Since our wedding, we've been so touched by the feedback from our guests. They especially loved the vibrant and warm atmosphere at every event, from the Mehndi to the Reception. We made it a point to keep the energy high and smiles on our faces, hoping that positive vibes were contagious and that our guests felt it, too.
We've also received rave reviews about the food. Even though we primarily served Indian dishes throughout our various events, our caterer did an incredible job of adding unique touches to each meal, keeping everything fresh and exciting!
Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
The special moment that replays in my mind is the First Look before our wedding. After getting ready for the ceremony, our photographer escorted me into into a private area where Raj was standing with his back turned -- from there, I tapped Raj on his shoulder, and with his back to me he slowly turned around and we had the same exact reaction, of pure excitement and jaws dropped --this has easily become my favorite picture from the wedding.
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 wedding celebrations began with an intimate Haldi ceremony with close family and friends. This was followed by a vibrant and eventful Mehndi party at my family's home, officially kicking off the wedding weekend. Raj and I had a joint Mehndi, a wonderful opportunity to welcome our families and informally introduce them to each other. We played games to engage all our guests and exchanged gifts. My parents worked tirelessly to transform our home into the perfect event space, adorning it with colorful, fresh flowers to welcome everyone. We also had fireworks and a large welcome banner for Raj's family.
The Sangeet was all about vibrant color and high energy, creating a festive and celebratory atmosphere. we even incorporated custom-made Bollywood posters, replacing the actors with our our faces, like "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai." We had live food stations serving Indian street food, and a jam-packed program filled with dances from our loved ones, including a surprise performance from Raj and me.
For our reception, we chose a more sophisticated theme using neutral colors like gold and white. Heartfelt toasts from our best friends and moving speeches from our parents brought both tears of joy and laughter to our eyes. Finally, our DJ took over, and with an incredible Bollywood-American fusion mix, keeping everyone on the dance floor all night.
Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
While wedding planning can be challenging and demanding, it's important to take it one step at a time. This is a unique opportunity to create a truly special event, bringing together all the most important people in your lives. Prioritize what YOU want out of the experience and try to enjoy the process.
It's also essential to find a team that shares your vision and values. I was fortunate to have a strong support system to step in when needed and vendors who expertly guided me through navigated uncharted waters.
Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
Early in the planning process, I sometimes questioned the value of hiring a wedding planner. Now, having gone through the experience, I can confidently say it's absolutely worth it. Especially when you're overwhelmed with the details, like timelines and itineraries, or even need expert advice on things like hair and makeup (which, as a first-time bride, I definitely did!), a good planner is invaluable.
Their path led to a breathtaking wedding celebration where every detail reflected their unique story.
