Welcome to Maharani Weddings

Nestled in the heart of Mexico, amidst the vibrant colors and the gentle sea breeze, Vaishali & Vishal's wedding unfolded like a dream. Over 140 loved ones gathered to celebrate their union, a testament to the love and joy that surrounded them. The weekend was an enchanting tapestry of moments, each meticulously woven to capture the essence of their bond.

The digital age brought Vaishali & Vishal together, where a simple swipe right on a dating app marked the beginning of their love story. Their names, almost mirror images of each other, hinted at a cosmic connection. It was Vaishali who took the lead, asking Vishal to be her boyfriend and being the first to say 'I love you.' The realization that Vishal was 'the one' came when his profile became the only one she wanted to swipe right on forever.

Their proposal story reads like an adventure, with Vishal meticulously planning each step. Choosing Santorini, inspired by a video game, set the stage for a romantic proposal. With blessings from their families, the journey to Santorini was filled with anticipation. The mix-up with Vaishali's dress added an unexpected twist, but eventually, everything fell into place.

Their engagement day in Santorini was magical. After breakfast, with a view of the caldera, they dressed in royal blue for a photoshoot. As Vaishali turned around during the shoot, she found Vishal on one knee, a moment filled with pure emotion and joy as she said yes.

Choosing her bridal lehenga was a journey rooted in tradition. Drawn to the classic red of Hindu brides, Vaishali found her dream lehenga in Asopalav, Ahmedabad, a place cherished by her family. Surrounded by her loved ones, she chose a lehenga that was not just beautiful but resonated with her heritage and perfectly suited for a beach wedding.

Among the many beautiful moments of their wedding, one stood out for Vaishali - their first look. Everything else faded away in that instant, leaving just the two of them in their own world, a world filled with love and promise. Their unique "We're Getting Married" dance, a playful ritual they created, captured the essence of their journey - a journey filled with love, excitement, and the joy of embarking on a new life together.

Congratulations, Vaishali & Vishal!

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
Well, we swiped right into the digital realm, and little did we know that a simple 'hello' would lead to a lifetime of 'I do. We hit it off right away – probably because our names were like a quirky cosmic match! Fast forward a few years, I gathered the courage to pop the big question: "Wanna be my boyfriend?" And, of course, I couldn't resist stealing the spotlight as the first one to declare, "I love you." As for knowing he's the one? I guess that was when his profile became the only one I wanted to swipe right on for life!

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Level 1: Before the girl.
Turns out, Vishal had his proposal spot picked from a video game – Santorini level unlocked! Who knew pixels could lead to such a romantic plot twist?

Level 2: Find the girl. Check!
A quick swipe to the right leads to the RIGHT girl!

Level 3: Blessings & The Ring
Vishal sought blessings from both our parents before orchestrating a surprise trip to Santorini. His hints about proposing abroad set my suspicions on high alert. Months in advance, we had already chosen a ring, adding to the excitement of what was yet to come!

Level 4: The Dress
Santorini is the perfect backdrop for a photoshoot—unless you accidentally order a maroon dress and throw your boyfriend's proposal plans into a chaotic dance. All is well. The maroon dress is out, and the royal blue dress is in.

Level 5: Arrival & ATV Adventures
When we arrived in Santorini, Vishal surprised me with a beautiful villa by the seaside, with a stunning view of the caldera and a hot tub overlooking the sea. While I was unpacking, he sneakily disappeared to discuss the perfect proposal moment with the photographer. His clever excuse? A hunt for a dry cleaner to steam our royal blue outfits, which he genuinely did. Making use of the island’s ATVs, he valeted our clothes to the dry cleaner and later humorously shared that he
felt like a Bollywood actor, holding our clothes in the air heroically as he drove to the dry cleaners!

The FINAL Level: Ask her to marry me!
The day had finally arrived on October 23, 2021! Vishal surprised me with a beautiful breakfast overlooking the caldera. We both got ready in our royal blue outfits. As we headed to Oia for our photoshoot and its breathtaking views of the caldera, I sensed something was off. Upon arrival, a photographer and guide assisted us to our photoshoot area. For the first location, I faced the water while the photographer snapped away. Little did I know, Vishal was preparing to propose. When the photographer finished, he asked me to turn around, revealing Vishal on one knee. Overwhelmed with joy, I burst into tears as he asked me to marry him, and of course, I said yes!

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
After endless scrolling through Instagram and Pinterest, I was drawn to the timeless allure of the traditional Hindu bride look. Opting for a bright yet elegant red, I embarked on the journey of finding the perfect lehenga. Asopalav in Ahmedabad holds a special place in the wardrobes of my mom and grandma, and instinctively, I felt it was the perfect destination to find my dream lehenga. With only 10 days in India to finalize all our wedding attire, my mom, dad, aunt, and uncle became my trusted style advisors. Together, we ventured beyond my comfort zone and discovered a dress that not only resonated with tradition but would also be perfect for my beach wedding. Remarkably, by 2 PM on day one, I stumbled upon and acquired my dream lehenga, transforming what could have been a frantic shopping spree into a cherished memory!

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
As cliché as it may sound, my absolute favorite moment from the wedding weekend unfolded during our first look. In that instance, I got to witness the reason behind it all—the love of my life. Time stopped around us, and all that mattered was me and him. And of course, in true Vaishali & Vishal style - we ended our first look with our "We're Getting Married" dance, which consists of both of us jumping up and down in a circle yelling "We're Getting Married!" to each other. It's a ritual we kept through wedding planning to remind us of what's to come.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Cherish each moment, embrace the imperfections, and prioritize self-care. Wedding planning is a beautiful experience for you and your partner. Lean on each other as it can become stressful. Don't dwell on the little things. 99.9% of the guests won't even know there's an imperfection. Don't forget to take in each moment; time flies when you're having fun. Remember, marriage is a journey, not a destination. Enjoy every step of it, learn from each experience, and grow together as a couple. Wishing you a lifetime of love, understanding, and happiness!

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Resham & Arjun's journey from a long-distance relationship to the altar is a tale of love, coordination, and surprises. Their proposal story is straight out of a fairy tale. The extensive planning by Arjun, involving Resham's family, friends, and even her boss, culminated in a magical moment at The Wharf, disguised as a cousin's sweet 16 birthday party. Resham's walk up the pier, with red balloons and flowers creating a dreamlike ambiance, led her to Arjun, a proposal that turned her dreams into reality.

Selecting the bridal attire is a crucial aspect of South Asian weddings. Resham's choice was a testament to her elegant taste. She chose a Rimple & Harpreet design, a perfect amalgamation of traditional and modern styles. The bridal lengha, adorned with red and pink hues and peacock designs, was not just a dress but a symbol of regal elegance, evoking tears of joy from her mother.

The planning process, often daunting, turned into a delightful experience for Resham. The joy for her lay not in the planning itself but in witnessing the realization of her dreams and visions. The vendors' kindness and thoughtfulness, along with the overwhelming love from guests from over 15 cities, made the events a perfect execution of her aspirations.

Halfway down, she danced to 'Sau Aasmaan,' a moment dedicated solely to her and Arjun, symbolizing the beginning of their new journey together. Resham shared special moments with each family member, creating unforgettable memories. Her entrance with her brother on a rickshaw during the Sangeet, the father-daughter dance, and wearing her mother's Sangeet outfit and jewelry were poignant tributes to her family's love and support.

Each element was infused with personal significance, from the meticulously chosen bridal lengha to the joyful Sangeet entrance. Resham's decision to honor her family's legacy, from her mother's jewelry to her dance for Arjun, added depth and emotion to the festivities. The thoughtful inclusion of family in every aspect of the wedding festivities honored their past and set a foundation for their future together.

Resham & Arjun's wedding story is a beautiful reminder of the power of love to cross distances, the importance of family in our lives, and the joy that comes from bringing together tradition and personal touches. Their celebration was more than just a series of events; it was a vivid tapestry of love, culture, and family, beautifully woven to mark the beginning of their new life.

Congratulations Resham & Arjun!

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
We spent about 6 months in a long-distance relationship, flying back and forth between the East Coast and the West Coast. Little did I know that while we were always coordinating when to see each other next, Arjun had decided in February 2022 that he wanted to pop the question! Apparently he spent coordinating plans with my parents, brother, and close friends (even my boss at the time was in on it!), and also ensuring that his own family flew in from India for the moment too. While I thought I was going to The Wharf for my cousin’s sweet 16 birthday party, I was actually heading to my own proposal. As I walked up the pier, I realized what was happening as I saw the red balloons, flowers, and everyone gathered around, but all I could feel was giddiness and happiness on the inside as I walked towards Arjun. He took my dream proposal and turned it into the real one: the decor, the location, the people.. It was truly such a perfect moment.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I have always admired Rimple & Harpreet’s designs as I feel they are the perfect balance of elegance, tradition, and modernity. So when the time came to plan my own outfits, I always dreamed of wearing a design of theirs. I tried on about 3 different lenghas at the boutique in Delhi; but I knew this was the one the moment I wore it. Not only was it the only one that made my mom tear up when I wore it, but it was also the perfect balance of the traditional and modern look I was hoping for. It had a balance of red and pink hues, and it also incorporated peacocks into the design giving such a regal feel when worn.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
For me, the best part of the planning wasn’t the planning process itself, but it was watching all my dreams and visions come to life during the events. The vendors that came together to put this weekend into action were so kind and so thoughtful through it all, and I appreciate the effort they put in to make sure the execution was nothing less of perfection.
I also remember feeling so overwhelmed with love as I looked around at all the people who had come together from over 15 different cities around the world to celebrate our love and union.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
For me, the entire wedding flew by in a second. Some moments from the wedding felt so surreal as if I had lived them in a dream. But, there is one moment I remember so clearly, and I think I will remember that moment forever. I knew when I walked down the aisle I wanted to honor my relationship with my father, but also give a moment to cherish my husband to be and the journey I was about to embark on with him. Only my parents, my wedding planner, and the photographer knew about the surprise I had planned for my husband. I walked halfway down the aisle with my dad, and then as I walked down the second half towards the mandap, I danced to Sau Aasmaan for my husband. In that moment, nothing else mattered, and it really truly was just me, him, and our love,

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
To me, my wedding was truly about cherishing and showcasing the bond I have with my parents and younger brother, as well as honoring the bond that I was building with my husband. I made it a point to have one special moment with each of them throughout the weekend. My Sangeet entrance was with my brother; he drove me into the ballroom on a rickshaw as everyone cheered us on. I was able to walk down the aisle with my father and also do a father daughter dance with him at the reception. For my husband, I danced down the aisle for him and also performed a solo performance to emote my feelings of love for him. To cherish my bond with my mom, I took the outfit and jewelry she wore to her own Sangeet and wore them all to my own Sangeet 25 years later.

In the bustling heart of New York City's Lower East Side, a chance encounter at 212 Hisae's bar set the stage for a beautiful love story. Sreshta, fresh from a medical school interview, sought a night of dancing to unwind. Meanwhile, Niketh, amidst his demanding third year of medical studies, had a similar idea. Little did they know their paths were about to cross in a way that would change their lives forever. As Sreshta stepped into the lively bar atmosphere, her eyes met Niketh's, sparking an instant connection.

One date was enough for Sreshta to realize Niketh was "the one." It marked the end of her search for love, as she found her perfect match in him. The proposal was a tale straight out of a romantic novel. Sreshta had always dreamt of being proposed to in a red dress. Attentive to her dreams, Niketh orchestrated a series of dates, each requiring Sreshta to wear a different red dress he had thoughtfully purchased. The third date, set against Washington Square Park's Christmas tree backdrop during the holiday season, unfolded the surprise proposal.

The wedding planning journey was a collaborative effort between Sreshta & Niketh. They chose New Jersey for its large-capacity venues, settling on the stunning Legacy Castle. They wanted something more unique and rustic for the sangeet, leading them to the enchanting Pleasantdale Chateau. They enlisted the help of Chandai Events, a wedding planner recommended by mutual friends.

Sreshta's vision for her wedding attire was clear and color-coordinated. She envisioned herself in red for the ceremony, white for the reception, and green for the sangeet. Sreshta's hair and makeup were carefully chosen from Instagram inspirations, ensuring a unique look for each event with the help of Looks by Jassi.

Sreshta's mehndi, crafted by SamArtHenna, was a beautiful blend of personal motifs and traditional designs. It featured a classical dancer and cups of coffee on Sreshta's arm, symbolizing her interests, while Niketh's arm showcased a Master Chief logo and a basketball, representing his passions. The intricate design on her palms depicted a man spinning his bride, symbolizing their love.

This wedding, a blend of personal touches, thoughtful planning, and cultural richness, was not just a celebration of Sreshta & Niketh's love but a testament to their journey together. From their serendipitous meeting in a New York bar to their enchanting wedding day, their story is a beautiful reminder of the magic of love, fate, and perfect timing.

Congratulations Sreshta & Niketh!

How did you meet your Groom, and when did you know he was "the one"?
We met while out at a bar (212 Hisae's) in the Lower East Side of New York City. I was coming back from my first medical school interview and wanted to go dancing to blow off some steam, while my future groom (Niketh) was in the middle of his grueling third year of medical school, wanting to do the same. My friend and I saw the long entrance line and almost decided to turn away when my friend happened to see a Snapchat of another friend inside that bar. We reached out to that friend who helped us skip the long line and make it in! As I walked into the bar, Niketh and I made eye contact and felt an instant connection. As fate would have it, the very people who got us into the bar happened to be sitting right next to Niketh … and the rest is history. He asked me for my number that night, and we went on our first date 5 days later after texting each other consistent paragraphs daily. After our first date itself, I knew he was "the one" and that I would not be going on a first date ever again.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
I had always envisioned myself wearing a red dress when I got proposed to. So, in the weeks leading up to the proposal, Niketh bought me 5 different red dresses and planned various dates that I would wear these red dresses too - the idea being that I could wear my red dress while still being surprised. I thought this would go on for a while as I recycled these 5 different dresses on various dates, but it ended up being on "date" # 3, where he proposed to me in front of our closest friends and family in Washington Square Park, where we spent the late hours of our first date, in front of the Christmas tree during my favorite time of year (the holiday season)! It was perfect and followed by a party at a space nearby with a larger group of friends & family.

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.
My now-husband, who was incredibly involved, and I started from square one together. We decided we wanted a venue in New Jersey because they had some of the bigger capacities that would allow for our anticipated guest count. Once we found Legacy Castle, we booked it almost immediately, and there was nothing like it! Then, working backward, we wanted a sangeet venue in the area, but one that would be more unique & rustic, not just a banquet space. I stumbled upon Pleasantdale Chateau in a Google Maps search, and as soon as we visited with our family, we knew we had to book it. After we booked our venue, we booked our incredible wedding planner, Chandai Events, after hearing about her through several mutual friends. As for our outfits, I was very much into color coordination and certain color palettes; for some reason, I immediately pictured myself in red for the ceremony, white-ish for the reception, and green for the sangeet. My husband luckily agreed to match all those colors to my satisfaction! I also wanted to wear different types of outfits for each event, so although it took a long time, we ended with a saree for the ceremony, a gown for the reception, and a lehenga for the sangeet. For the hair and makeup, I again wanted different looks for all of the big events, so I spent a lot of months on everyone's favorite Instagram account to find looks that would be suitable for each of the events. I found my makeup artist early on, Looks by Jassi, and also followed her page to see which of her styles I liked the best. Finally, for the decor, my husband and I have different styles - I am more into elegance, and he likes extravagance. I think the decor ended up coming together beautifully to reflect each of our styles. For our sangeet, I came up with the disco theme because I really wanted it to be all about dancing, given my family background in dance. Partyland Sajawat, our decorators, really took it from there and brought elements of neon, disco balls, and other things to bring the theme to life. For the ceremony, we really just focused on having a romantic, classic floral vibe with no theme in particular. We wanted our mandapam to be grand but practical (so everyone could see the rituals!). Lastly, our reception theme came from our decorator; we called it a Celestial Theme. We wanted a navy blue to complement our beige/ivory outfits and just went with ivory florals and gold accents from there.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
I would say the first look with my (now) husband but from the Sangeet. We did a first look before our sangeet & before our ceremony, but the sangeet one replay in my mind the most because it was our first large wedding event, kicking off the wedding weekend, and it just felt so surreal that it was actually happening. It was a beautiful, sunny, surprisingly hot day in April, and I was just trying not to pass out from my heavy lehenga & the heat, but seeing Niketh on the first look just reminded me what it was all about.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Enjoy the process and time spent wedding planning - being engaged is a time with your groom that will never come back! And wedding planning, though stressful, can engage some of those fun/creative parts of you that you don't always get to use; you can make the wedding as unique as you want and reflective of you and your spouse as individuals and as a partnership.

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
My mehndi was done by SamArtHenna, who incorporated all the motifs I wanted along with her signature, gorgeous designs. "My" arm had a classical dancer on it with cups of coffee, and my "groom's" arm had a Master Chief logo on it with a basketball - we felt this represented us each best individually. On the palms of my hands, we added a man spinning his bride around that you can see when the palms are together, a symbol that meant a lot to us, too. Ultimately, though, we didn't want it to be all motifs or too modern, and my Mehndi artist was able to make it look not too modern with some traditional, intricate henna detail as well!

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In the enchanting world of South Asian weddings, every love story blooms with its unique magic, and the journey of Saneet & Rajbir is no different. Their tale is a vivid tapestry woven with dreams, traditions, and heartfelt moments, beginning with a proposal that sets the bar for fairytales. Rajbir's surprise, orchestrated by Lux Affairs, was a spectacle of magical lights, heart balloons, and red roses, igniting their journey with the Lux Affairs team for the entire wedding process.

Saneet's bridal attire selection was a journey in itself. Dreaming of a traditional bright red bridal lengha, she initially planned to travel to India for the perfect dress. However, the pandemic altered her plans, leading her to collaborate virtually with the Manish Malhotra team. The result was a stunning outfit that fit perfectly despite the distance and digital measurements. This successful collaboration extended to her other wedding week outfits, all crafted by the same designer.

The planning process was a joyous adventure for Saneet. With the Lux Affairs team by her side, she turned her wedding visions into reality. Each element was carefully crafted into unique experiences for each event, from the emotions she wished to evoke to the outfits she adored. The execution left her in constant awe as her dreams materialized before her eyes.

The wedding's charm was further enhanced by Saneet's choice of jewelry, a blend of traditional and sentimental. She selected pieces from Hi-Class Jewellers in Vancouver, a nod to her mother's wedding jewelry choices over three decades ago, and from Sabyasachi. These pieces were adornments for the day and heirlooms for future generations.

The venue, Chateau de L'Amour in Oregon, was a picturesque setting that mirrored the couple's love for the state's natural beauty. As the first South Asian wedding at this location, they introduced the vibrancy of Indian weddings to Oregon.

In essence, Saneet & Rajbir's wedding was a celebration that transcended cultures and traditions, blending their personal love story with the elegance of South Asian customs. It was a testament to the power of love, adaptation, and the beauty of embracing one's roots while making new beginnings.

Congratulations to Saneet & Rajbir!

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
We chose to work with Lux Affair throughout our whole wedding journey after Rajbir surprised me with my dream proposal.  It was the proposal of my dreams, complete with the perfect setup of magical lights, heart balloons, and red roses too! This was when our relationship with the Lux Affairs team began, and we worked with them throughout our whole pre-wedding and wedding journey.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
It has always been my dream to wear a traditional bright red bridal lengha. I was initially hoping to make a special trip to India so I could pick the perfect dress; however, I was unable to do so due to the pandemic. Working with the Manish Malhotra team virtually to get my dream bridal outfit ended up being the best decision for me. My wedding outfit was everything I had dreamed of and even though I gave my measurements via Facetime it fit like a glove. I enjoyed working with MM so much that I ordered the majority of my wedding week outfits from this designer!

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The most enjoyable part of the wedding planning process was getting to create everything about my wedding vision from scratch with the help of the amazing Lux Affairs team. I mostly had feelings I wanted to evoke and outfits I loved. From there, we went about creating memorable unique experiences for each event. The level of execution was on point and I was always in awe of how Lux Affairs brought my visions to life.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
To this day, our guests still tell us how unique and refreshing our wedding was. It was secluded, which made it intimate. although each day was in the same space, it felt anything but. Each day was a completely different set-up by Lux Affairs. It felt as though we were in a different venue each day.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
Yes, the moment I walked into the breathtaking wedding venue setup with all the gorgeous florals and saw Rajbir looking back at me. It was a dream I had dreamt for so many years, and it was finally coming true. I could not have asked for a more beautiful wedding. I could not have asked for a more perfect life partner, and I knew by the way he looked at me that he felt the very same. We had many miles between us because I lived in Oregon and Rajbir lived in Vancouver Canada but he made the sacrifice to move for me, which is not traditional. He did this so that we could be together and I didn't have to leave my home. This was the special moment that always replays in my mind. The moment all of my dreams came true.

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
I picked the majority of my jewelry from Hi-Class Jewellers in Vancouver BC because my mom also bought all of her own wedding jewelry from there when she got married over 30 years prior. I thought it was quite beautiful that the store and same owner was still there making beautiful bridal pieces. I also bought some pieces from Sabyasachi. I chose traditional pieces that I could pass on to my future daughter.

The venue was Chateau de L'Amour, a romantic wedding venue in Oregon that is surrounded by majestic mountain ranges and awe inspiring views. We chose it because we wanted our out-of-town guests to enjoy why we fell in love with living in Oregon. This was the first South Asian wedding at this venue, so we had some fun bringing an epic indian wedding to Oregon.

I really wanted my Henna to tell my love story. I wanted whoever looked at my hands to see how our beautiful happily ever after came to be. I chose Henna by Tulsi because she is a true artist. Her attention to detail shows how passionate she is about her skills, and she was able to put the important milestones of our love story on my hands.

Mansi & Sahil's journey to matrimony is a modern love tale, blossoming from Hinge's digital realms to Long Island City's heartwarming lanes. It wasn't an instant spark for Mansi, who, tired from the online dating carousel, almost didn't give Sahil a second chance. However, his persistence and the allure of his warm, humorous personality gradually drew her in. Their love story is a mosaic of small, precious moments, culminating in a declaration of love amid the beats of a Diplo concert in Brooklyn.

Their proposal story is refreshingly simple yet profoundly intimate. Sahil chose their home for the grand question, surprising Mansi in her most comfortable state - sweatpants, fuzzy slippers, and all. This unpretentious, genuine moment perfectly encapsulates the essence of their relationship.

Mansi's bridal lehenga is a tale of patience, persistence, and personal touch. Despite the dazzling array of options in Bombay, none matched her vision. With the help of her designer, Ami Aunty, she created a lehenga that defied traditional expectations, opting for a unique color and design over the conventional red and sequins.

The wedding planning process was a joint adventure for Mansi & Sahil, making decisions together and involving themselves in every detail. This collaborative effort brought them closer and ensured their personalities shone through every aspect of the celebration.

A standout moment was their reception entrance, where they seized CO2 guns, turning the dance floor into a scene of exhilarating fun. This moment of pure joy and the sight of their loved ones celebrating together is a cherished memory that replays in their minds. Their event decor was a blend of traditional and unique themes. From a nighttime mela theme at the Sangeet, complete with nostalgic decor and an Ice Gola vendor, to an icy-blue, mirror-and-silver toned reception, the settings were a perfect backdrop for the festivities, dance, and laughter.

Mansi & Sahil's story is a reminder to stay true to oneself. Every decision reflected their authentic selves, from choosing a wedding venue that aligned with their dream of an outdoor wedding to opting for custom jewelry. Their journey is a celebration of love, a blend of modernity and tradition, and, above all, a reflection of their unique bond.

Congratulations Mansi & Sahil!

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
Like many modern love stories, ours began on Hinge. By the time we met, I was truthfully a little worn out from online dating and was ready to swear off the apps yet again. Sahil and I met up for a cup of coffee on a rainy Sunday in Long Island City. I thought he was nice, but I was so checked out of dating that I didn't think it was going to go anywhere. But he was persistent that we meet up again, so we went on a second date and a third date, and so the story goes. We are very different people, so it took me a while to get there, but ultimately, his kind personality, his warmth, and his humor took me in. I don't think I've ever felt so safe with another person, and I just realized that I loved being loved by him. I don't think there was a moment; it was a combination of a lot of small moments that made me fall in love with him! I told him I loved him for the first time at a Diplo concert at the Brooklyn Mirage because I knew at that moment that he was the person I wanted to keep having fun with for the rest of my life!

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
I didn't have many requests for a proposal, just that it be a surprise. I didn't really care if my hair or nails were done or what I was wearing. I just wanted it to be a moment that took me by surprise, which was a big ask in itself because I am very difficult to surprise, and I already knew it was coming at some point because we had gone ring shopping together.

So on to the Proposal...
Sahil proposed in the most special place, our home. I did not make it easy for him (oil in my hair for most of the morning, to say the least). But ultimately, we got engaged with me wearing sweatpants fuzzy slippers and wet hair, and I could not have been happier in that moment.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I went to India about 6 months before the wedding! I had a general sense of what I wanted, but my mom (aka my expert personal shopper) wanted me to have all the options. For one day of my 7-day trip, we went to what felt like every designer in Bombay. I tried dozens of outfits on and picked out bits and pieces of some that I liked. Ultimately, nothing I saw in person really fit the bill for what I had envisioned, as I am not really a sequins and glitter kind of person, especially for the ceremony. So instead, I worked with my amazing personal designer, Ami aunty, and I told her exactly what I wanted. We picked out the exact fabric color after spending hours in the fabric store and she hand dyed the fabric I wanted, and she then sent over swatches of the design each step along the way. It was a very involved process, but ultimately, I ended up with this gorgeous lehenga that was the perfect color and design I wanted. I could not have been happier. I'm glad I ignored the multiple designers who told me I wouldn't look "bridal enough" if I didn't wear red or have sequins covering my skirt:)

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
That Sahil and I did it together. While we checked in with our parents on certain things (especially catering!), he and I sat down with each vendor and ultimately decided who we wanted to go with and the vision we wanted. A huge thanks goes out to our parents for giving us the space to plan ourselves, but we had so much fun knowing that we made those decisions together. Seeing him genuinely interested and bringing up opinions made it more enjoyable than if I had just been doing it solo. I had a true partner in crime, and that made what is a tedious and exhausting process so much more personal, and it really brought us together even more as a couple.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
I think they loved all of the personal touches. It was very important to Sahil and me that our family and friends felt how loved and important to us they were. Sahil and I hand wrote personal thank you notes for each guest at our reception, which was something everyone said they loved. Another comment was how intimate everything felt, even with 300 guests. That was so heartwarming to hear because everything we planned was keeping that in mind. So it was really great to know that while we obviously felt an outpouring of love towards us, our guests felt warm and loved as well!

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
When we took the CO2 guns at our reception and blasted them onto the dance floor! I have never felt more like a rock star! Our dance floor was PACKED the entire night, and Sahil and I talked about how there were multiple moments when we were dancing on the stage and just stopped to take it all in. Watching our friends and family all in one room, having a blast, and just enjoying themselves all out was overwhelming in the best way. At that moment, we were full of gratitude and excitement that we had just thrown the party of our dreams, and it was playing out in real life better than we could have ever imagined!

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 knew that we wanted to have fun with the decor! For the sangeet, we've seen a lot of mela themes, and while I thought that was always fun, it felt like everyone was doing that. So our amazing decorator, Hasina, came up with a nighttime mela theme, with darker shades and table decor with old-school Fanta and Thums Up bottles and little rickshaw carts. We even had an Ice Gola vendor, which was so much fun! The warmer colors also made the huge room feel more intimate. The best part was all of the dances! Seeing how much work our friends and family had put into learning and practicing all the dances was heartwarming, and it was so much fun seeing people who never dance get on the dancefloor, just for us! I am still shocked that some of my uncles not only got up there but that they had actually learned the dance!

For our reception, I had this vision of an icy blue room with mirrors and silver tones. Our stage was covered in hand painted baby's breath and Hasina used a mix of mirrors, glass, and lots of candles to create a stunning visual for our reception room. She especially outdid herself with extraordinarily decorated Estate tables! With MVPDjs providing the perfect lighting and room wash, we loved how it all turned out!

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
PICK YOUR BATTLES! Even though it is your day, it is likely your families are going to have some things they envision as being part of your wedding weekend. Before you even begin planning, make a list of your non-negotiables for yourself, for you and your partner, and have your parents individually do the same. Then, have a conversation about those non-negotiables and level set of expectations. That made it SO much easier for us because we knew there were some things we had to include as we planned, and our parents knew there were some things they wanted that we were just not going to be doing (for us, it was some of the more traditional aspects that we chose to exclude). Sahil and I made the majority of the decisions by ourselves, so having had that conversation at the onset with our parents helped prevent any surprises as we got closer to the big day! I found that giving in on some of my "lower-care" items built a lot of goodwill between me and my in-laws. Sometimes, it's not about "giving in" but about thinking ahead and knowing that some compromise early on will pay dividends in the future. But remember, you don't have to give in to anything that sacrifices your mental peace or is something that is very important to you.

Second, just have FUN! Sahil and I had the more extraordinary team around us for the wedding weekend, so all we had to do was show up, eat/drink, and have the best time. I thought I would be worried about how things were going, but I found that when I let myself just exist in the moment, it was so much fun. Trust your vendors and hire a wedding planner (seriously!!), if it's in your budget. You won't remember what color your centerpieces were, but you will always remember how you felt surrounded by the people you love!

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
Overall, do what feels authentic to you. We didn't want to cut a cake as part of the program, so we got one but cut it privately during our reception photos. I wanted custom jewelry that was heavy for my ceremony but I could rewear in the future, so that's what I did. We wanted an outdoor wedding, so we looked at dozens of venues until we found the perfect one. This is YOUR weekend, and while it's easy to get caught up in the details, always go back to who you are and what feels right for you and your partner, and decisions will be a lot easier to make!

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