Things are about to get magical, Maharanis! Welcome to a Tuesday spectacular with a gorgeous South Asian bride who shines in super romantic gold and violet. I love how the sleeves give a regal touch with gold embroidery just above her gleaming jewels! This color is sensational; and how about her extravagantly decorated hair by Cinderella Bridez? Wedding day wonderful! As this Maharani looks out from her suite at the Hyatt Regency Jersey City on the Hudson, she is dreaming of how perfect this day will be! She can rest easy knowing that Design House Decor and Rève.ology Events have all the stylish elements under control so she can relax and enjoy how lovely she looks with mendhi by Ruchi’s Mehendi. Soon enough she’ll be dancing the night away with the help of Prime Wedding DJs while Jason Groupp Photography snaps all the right pics! Remember, there are even more images in the gallery!

Be right back with exquisite portraits of the bride and groom!

We’ve had an amazing couple weeks at Maharani Weddings as our community came together with internationally acclaimed henna artist Ash Kumar to name the BEST mehndi artist in the nation! Our office was flooded with hundreds of entries, and we are so grateful to all the artists who shared their amazing talents with us, as well as our dear Maharani Weddings readers who so fervently participated in the voting process!

But alas, I am so happy to announce that we have a WINNER! The 2012 Mehndi Maharani goes to…

FINALIST NUMBER 8: Neeta of Mehndi Designer!

The fabulous Mr. K explains why Neeta’s talent captured his eye:

As I had said, I was looking for unique and different creative styles in henna designing for bridal henna. Dholi, bridal figurines, faces are not what I’m looking for, I’m looking for creative works.

This artist has truly stretched her diverse thinking and I am incredibly impressed with the clarity/neatness in her line drawings and shapes.

The use of other material and mediums made the final decision for me, that this is our winner. Not just an artist, but an artist thinking differently-now that’s what I like.

WELL DONE!!!

Ash Kumar

I congratulate Neeta for her amazing accomplishment in becoming this year’s Mehndi Maharani! Your work is truly beautiful and inspired.

Again, special thanks to Mr. K, ALL our finalists and every single one of you who voted. Now let’s get back to some more beautiful Indian weddings and celebrate with a toast to Neeta!

We interrupt Filmy Friday to make a VERY special announcement for a VERY special young lady who has blown our minds!

As you know, we sorted through hundreds of submissions to find the top ten finalists for this year’s Mehndi Maharani contest. The winner, chosen by our readers with the help of celebrity henna artist Ash Kumar, will be crowned the BEST mehndi artist in America.

As I rifled through the contestants, one entry particularly stood out to me.  Nayalesh impressed Mr. K, the Maharani Weddings staff and myself with her mehndi talent, but we were all floored to find out she is only 13 years old!

To honor this budding artiste (as well as young entrepreneurs everywhere!), I am proud to announce Nayalesh as the winner of this year’s Mini Mehndi Maharani contest!

Nayalesh has been practicing henna for three years (almost a quarter of her life!), and no one can deny this girl’s got talent! Congratulations Nayalesh, we can’t wait to watch your gift grow!

Stay tuned for our next Filmy Friday feature set in beautiful Toronto, Canada, and REMEMBER: today is the LAST day to vote for your Mehndi Maharani!

And now, last but not least in our Mehndi Maharani contest, I present to you the final 10th contestant: Sumeyya of Henna Craze!

Remember, it’s up to the Maharani Weddings community to choose their favorite henna artist, so please remember to check out ALL ten finalists and vote, vote, vote!

A bit about about Sumeyya: ”Let the beauty of what you love, be what you do.” This quote by Sufi saint, Mawlana Jalelleddin Rumi, is something of a personal mantra. I firmly believe that when one is passionate about something, it shows through in their work and hope that this is apparent when people view my henna work, or receive henna services from me.

If Sumeyya’s work truly moves you, make her your Mehndi Maharani by leaving a vote (aka comment) below. And remember, you have to Friday, July 27, 2012 at midnight to make one of these amazing henna artists’ dreams come true!

I’ll meet you back here tomorrow for Filmy Fridays!

We are nearing the end of Mehndi Week, but the excitement still lives on! I have just two more finalists to present, and they both need YOUR vote to become Mehndi Maharani!

Now I present Vidushi from Neena’s Mehendi…

A bit about Vidushi: I love mehendi because we do not just do it as a profession, but as an important opportunity to bring positive energy to the bride’s home and leave her with good wishes and blessings as she embarks on a new journey.

Isn’t her work lovely? If you think Vidushi’s work is the loveliest, however, you are going to need to vote! To do that, just leave a comment below!

Coming up next: the phenomenal reception to this Indian wedding and the FINAL contestant for this year’s Mehndi Maharani!