Shawna loves Anand

Happy Birthday to Maharani Weddings!  Yup, you heard me correctly, today Maharani Weddings turns one.  Everyday at Maharani Weddings my team and I try to find wedding inspiration for South Asian brides.  So, after much nudging by my business advisor, Alia, I thought that I would share with you what inspired me to start Maharani Weddings…it was my very own wedding.

I had never bought a bridal magazine until the day I got engaged.  I always avoided them because I didn’t want to spoil the surprise until one day, I too was part of the elusive engaged club.  So, after (finally!) getting engaged in Santa Barbara and waiting to board my flight to Los Angeles, I ransacked the magazine stand.  I grabbed every single bridal magazine I could get my hold little engaged hands on…Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle Weddings, Elegant Bride, and I think even some local Santa Barbara Bridal magazine – I was possessed! Even though I was having a blast planning, obsessing, and day dreaming about my big day, I felt uninspired and unable to connect to the pages of many of these publications. I longed for a place dedicated to me, and my wedding (just being honest here).  Fast forward a few months, after tons of research and a couple big pushes from my hubby... boom! Maharani Weddings was born.  

The best advice I got was from my bridesmaid Ella. She said to me, “Your wedding is like the Titanic ship, and once it starts moving, all you can do is stand by and watch it go.”  So, that is what I did, I just let everything go, and it was the happiest day of my life!

 
  
 

 
 
So here are some of my favorite parts of the day….Waking up and discovering that all the bridesmaid’s saris were missing and not flipping out about it…Nothing was going to spoil my day! Getting my makeup done by my dear friend Oscar…literally, his chair is like Disneyland for girly girls.  My bridal bouquet…It wasn’t something that I really thought about that much, but there was something just so extra special about it I even carried it to brunch the next day. Saying my vows….even though we had a traditional ceremony, Anand & I decided to say a few words to each other and it was the best. The doves…the Pandit wasn’t too happy with me for kissing my new hubby in the mandap, but it was the perfect ending to our outdoor ceremony. The beach...after our ceremony Anand & I went to the beach for a little alone time, and a couple got engaged while we were down there. Magical. Dessert and mojito station…I mean, I went for months without sugar AND alcohol! My wedding dress…I don’t really know what possessed me to take a huge white dress and get it made in red, but I am so happy that I went with my gut, and did something that was just ME.  The thing that I loved most was the only surprise of the day…my best friend/MOH/partner in life sang “Stand By Me” and blew everyone away. 
 
So, there you have it.  My dream day turned into my dream job. 

Special thanks to ALL the vendors that made mine and Anand’s (especially mine!) fairytale come true.

Photography : Aaron Delesie / Videography : Elysium Productions / Hair & Make-Up : Oscar, Ziba Beauty / Coordination : Kimberly Bradford Event Planning and Design / Wedding Dress : Monique Lhuillier / Doves : White Flight Dove Release / Venue : The Montage, Laguna Beach / Floral & Décor : Sadhna’s Floral Gallery / DJ : Kumba Entertainment / Car Rental : Beverly Hills Rent-a-Car / Ariel Banner : Aviad / Band : Essence Entertainment

Elysium Productions and Kumba Entertainment are part of The Platinum Guide.  For more details on how to become a member of The Platinum Guide, please click here.

Comments

[Shawna]

I am so happy that everyone enjoys Maharani Weddings, and our special first birthday post!

[PunjabiFlower]

I love the idea of wearing a red dress. It is non-traditional, but the color is very traditional. This is referencing. I recently got married, and the "trend" is for brides to wear blues at their reception, and honestly- it just doesn't provide the OOMPH oh your red dress and traditional bridal bold/bright/regal colors. Stunning- truly stunning. I actually thought of doing this for my reception, but in a burgundy. I ended up having a very traditional wedding, but my obsession with brides, decor, vendors, and weddings has not subsided. I love this blog, and I look forward to the many years to come. Congrats on your anniversary. :)

[Anjani]

This is such a great post Shawna! I am so happy for you, and glad to be involved in your special creation!

[Ella]

This was easily one of the best weddings on the planet, and so full of love! Congratulations to Shawna and Maharani Weddings on your dreams coming true!

[Sachi]

Loving the Red Dress, Loving the Lighting, Love the Heart Shape Drawn into the Sand... Fabulous Wedding!!!

[Dina Douglass]

Shawna, this is the cutest post ever!!! I'm so happy to see these lovely photos from your wedding, and OMG, your arms in that fabulous reception dress are ridiculous. You are an inspiration in so many things. I'm so glad I know you, and that you've been so successful with Maharani. You are the best and I know you are going to take over the world someday. :) Happy anniversary!

[Anar]

Gorgeous! Maharani is an Indian bride's dream! I love it... Your wedding pics look fantastic! Happy one year bday! <3

[Kristen]

Aww congratulations Shawna. I just wanted to let you know I truly enjoy your blog and all the hard work that you put into it for us all to experience. You had a wonderful wedding, if I do say so myself. You looked absolutely stunning and thank you again for the lovely blog. Keep up the good work!

[Katya - StoryMotion Studios]

Congratulations, Maharani Weddings, and Shawna, too! I love your mandap! I'm sure that you blog is an inspiration not only for the brides but vendors, too ;-) Look forward to working with you!