After sweethearts Madhavi and Bavesh got engaged at Princeton University, they started planning a wedding to remember! Full of celebration and tradition, their al fresco wedding was a lovely summer union at the Sheraton Eatontown Hotel in Eatontown, NJ. This exclusive spot set the scene for a sacred wedding ceremony adorned by Abhishek Decorators with a charming Ganesh floral silhouette and white flowery strings. They also added a pop of color to the mandap with vibrant floral arrangements. After a morning of preparation, the couple met to exchange vows. Maharani Madhavi wowed with effortless grace! She opted for a stunning red lehenga and matching blouse specially brought from India by Megha & Jigar and draped and styled by Shiza Ahmed Makeup. Beforehand, Mehndi by Anuja embellished the bride with an intricate mehendi design to complete the royal look. While Shiza Ahmed Makeup created her makeup with nude color eyeshadows and bold red lips that accentuated her natural beauty! Bavesh pulled off the ultimate Raja look! He was traditional and sophisticated in a three-piece sherwani with a golden coat, red trousers, and turban; he adorned with a jewelry piece. After the I do's, the couple welcomed their guests one more time at the Sheraton Eatontown Hotel for a blissful bash! I love how JK Cakery created a lovely wedding cake featuring the couple's avatars in clay. Such a sweet detail! I am glad these two found a beachfront post-nuptial retreat for their wedding photos. Sachi Anand Photography's team captured the couple on this sandy beach and the outcome is perfect, so ladies, you can't miss this amazing wedding gallery! Congrats to the couple for creating and designing such an outstanding and special event!
How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
I met him on Hinge and knew he was the one on our second date.
Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
He proposed to me at Princeton University a week before my birthday. He had plans to do propose at the lantern festival, but because of COVID the festival was canceled. He had limited options to surprise me, but it worked! He said he was taking me out for a birthday brunch, we took a walk after around the campus, and then he asked some strangers that were walking by to take a picture, but really he asked them to take a video. He came up to me casually like let's take this picture but then started talking to me about how much he loved me and got down on his knee! It was just so perfect.
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 mostly used Instagram to find all my vendors and plan our wedding.
How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I had been searching for a specific style of dress that was traditional red and gold but had some modern touches. I ordered my dress online very shortly after I got engaged from India's pop-up, it was a Megha & Jigar Designer lehengha and thankfully, I ordered it when I did. I heard of horror stories of packages not arriving from India during COVID, and a few people I know had to buy all new clothes from the USA last minute.
What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The most enjoyable part was being able to bounce ideas off of my husband. He very much wanted to be a part of the planning process. At first, I found it annoying, but then I felt grateful that he valued the day as much as me.
What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Guests were very impressed with our venue and the food. We got married at the Sheraton Eatontown, NJ and the food was from Chowpatty. We also got a lot of praise for our wedding photos, and I HIGHLY recommend her Sachi Anand Photography; she was the best! And so sweet!
Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
Walking down the aisle, what a rush of emotions I definitely will never forget. You can only plan and control so much of what happens the weekend of your wedding. What was told to me, and I am so thankful for, is the minute you start putting your Mehndi on or whatever your first event is, just let it go. Whatever planning you have done, it is going to come together, and if it doesn't do not stress about it. Enjoy every minute of the wedding because it will FLY by and if we're lucky, it won't happen again, so be present in the moment and happy, it will be the best weekend of your life.
There are so many real weddings for you to get inspiration from! I hope to see you tomorrow.