Welcome to Maharani Weddings

In the radiant setting of Hacienda Siesta Alegre, Mahrukh & Chris's wedding unfolded like a page from a fairy tale, meticulously orchestrated by KAZ Events by Ariadne Comulada. The venue blossomed under the artistry of Lorraine's Flowers, setting a scene of ethereal beauty, while Juan Carlos Mont Beauty accentuated Mahrukh's elegance with exquisite hair and makeup. The culinary delights from Food Design Rebecca tantalized the senses, complementing the melodies spun by DJ Eric, Puerto Rico Wedding DJ. Amidst this, the prowess of Alex Dali Weddings in photography stood out, capturing moments with a depth that spoke volumes of Mahrukh & Chris's bond. Each snapshot was a testament to the day's joy, framing Mahrukh's radiant smiles and the couple's tender exchanges with a clarity that promised to keep their memories alive for decades. The additional vendors, from Zura Film's cinematography to the playful Flipéate Group photo booth, Invitaciones Paper Crafts' elegant invitations, Plenativa Pleneros' vibrant music, and El Churro Bar's delectable desserts, each contributed to the day's enchantment. Dive into this feature and experience love's magic.

In the enchanting city of Prague, Moumita & Lee's wedding was a picturesque celebration of love, expertly orchestrated by Butterfly Weddings Prague. The festivities kicked off at the Art Restaurant Mánes with a vibrant Sangeet, setting the tone with DJ Styx's music. The Grand Mark Prague, adorned with Blooming's floral creations, provided a romantic backdrop for the ceremony. At the same time, Salabka hosted the reception, showcasing Moumita's elegance, accentuated by Marketa Zakostelska's hair and makeup artistry. The couple's joy was captured by Primetime Video and Fotobedna's photo booth, with every detail, from Ivana Švarcová's Mehndi art to My Bakery's delectable cake, contributing to the day's magic. Katka Koncal's photography captured their wedding day with an artistic elegance. The images are windows to the soul, ensuring that generations will feel the beauty and essence of their celebration to come. What truly made Moumita and Lee's wedding special was the coming together of guests from across the globe. It was a celebration of love that transcended borders and cultures, a testament to the power of love to unite them all. Let's celebrate love!

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
I met Lee through a dating app called Coffee Meets Bagel. The funny story is that I was on a date with a different person who suggested the app to try (clearly, that date was not going well, hence the suggestion). A LOT of early signs were present that Lee was the one. On the first date, while I had planned for a 2-hour rendezvous and an exit to a salsa social (with my salsa classmates), Lee showed up and announced that he had practiced some salsa steps via YouTube videos. Initiative - CHECK. Beyond the 2-hour timeframe, we did go for the salsa social together. As he watched the salsa dancers doing way more complex steps than what his humble training may have taught him, he offered to sit back and encouraged me to go dance with my classmates. Humility - CHECK. Respect and acknowledgment for my wishes - CHECK. Many more instances of getting a sense that 'he was the one' followed this first date...and I'm glad that I trusted my instinct and turned that 2-hour date into a much longer commitment.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
He proposed on Valentine's Day in 2020 in a simple, sweet moment at home.

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.
We had the BEST wedding planner in Prague - Eva (from Butterfly Weddings https://www.butterflyweddings.cz/en). She helped us navigate through every important detail of our multi-cultural wedding experience. We started early in the process just to take enough time to plan it all. She led us to our three venues - a riverside venue for our Mehendi evening at the Art Restaurant Manes (https://manesrestaurant.cz/en), a gorgeous courtyard with peacocks for the Hindu wedding ceremony in The Grand Mark Hotel (https://www.grandmark.cz/), and for a spectacular Exchange of Vows ceremony at the vineyard Salable (https://salabka.cz/). Our photographer Katka (https://katkakoncal.com/) captured all of the beautiful moments, along with our videographer Leos (Instagram handle primetime_video).

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
Lots of deliberation went into both the wedding outfits. For the Indian wedding, I wanted something simple and traditional with a touch of yellow (my favorite color). My dear friend Preeti Sharma, who is a fashion designer in Mumbai, helped me plan the outfit for the wedding day - including a custom-created dupatta (a yellow shade, of course) to go along with my saree. I wanted my Western wedding gown to have intricate details and be light and fair so that I could actually dance in it. My dress was from The Atelier Couture (designed by Jimmy Choo) - hand-crafted with 5 layers of light fabric with delicate sequin details, a nice long train that could be managed with a French bustle.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
We loved planning aspects of how we can personalize the experience for our wedding guests. We had custom-created invitations with Prague as a theme, and working with the designer (at Etsy - alacartepaperie) was a lot of fun. We also created individualized menu cards for the 3-course dinner (with themeladesignco at Etsy) at the western-style wedding. Since we has our final western ceremony at a vineyard, we decided to create individualized wine charms with each guest's name placed at the table (made by vumbacawhite at Etsy). We also had a similar Prague-themed thank you note for every guest at their seat (again from Etsy - alacartepaperie).

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Our hand-written thank you notes at the Western wedding dinner were highly appreciated by our guests. We had guests coming in from all over the world, and we wanted to show our appreciation for them in a unique way. Lee and I sat for hours before the wedding, writing notes for our guests since we wanted to capture and highlight specific moments with each guest as a memory that we cherish with them and a way of thanking them for all the efforts they made to attend our 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.
For our "Meet and Greet with Henna" event, we had a lot of help from Kriti Sutwala, a fantastic wedding decor expert from Kanpur who happens to be a close friend. She brought decor elements like colorful umbrellas, fabric for tables, gift bags with Indian-style bracelets and bindi for women, and colorful stoles for men. She is also a fantastic choreographer, and she handled the dances for the evening. Having a truly multi-talented friend helps.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Start the planning early; don't let anyone drown out what YOU and YOUR PARTNER want for your wedding - trust your gut.

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
Cake. Our planner Eva knew that this was a super important aspect for me, so she helped us with cake tasting from the best places in Prague. After tasting 20 different options from 5 bakers, we finally found our cake flavor with My Bakery, Prague (Instagram handle mybakeryprague).

Their love story was a fairy tale that came to life, a testament to love that knows no boundaries.

Welcome, darlings, to Shivani & Shivam's love tale! Shivani, resplendent, entered Royal Alberts Palace with a radiant smile, creating an aura of anticipation and excitement. Amidst the golden hues of the setting sun, Shivani & Shivam exchanged vows, their voices quivering with love and promise. Their names echoed in each other's ears, encapsulating the depth of their love. DJ Monu Entertainment's music filled the air, blending tradition and modernity seamlessly. Known for their exceptional skill in blending cultural rhythms with contemporary beats, they ensured the celebration was vibrant and lively. Beaut by Far highlighted Shivani's features with a flawless makeup application that radiated elegance and grace. Her expertise lies in makeup application, understanding the bride's vision for her wedding day look, and making it a reality. Virsa Studio's photography captured every heartfelt moment. Amidst the golden hues of the setting sun, Shivani & Shivam exchanged vows, their voices quivering with love and promise. Their first dance as a married couple was a beautiful testament, encapsulating their journey together, a day that will forever be etched in their hearts.

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
We met in 2017 on a little dating app known as DilMil. We spent the better part of 7 years eating and traveling with each other, strengthening our bond. I knew he was the one when I saw his personality and how sweet and caring he was to me, and I knew he was the one as soon as I met him on our first date. Through the years, he showed me he cared and made an effort to keep me genuinely happy, making sure all of my thoughts and feelings were heard and understood.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
He proposed to me in Akumal Bay, Mexico in a cenote. This was by far the most unique experience I have ever had or seen! He took me through a jungle in my dress and him in a suit and took me to a cenote with a little lake in it and proposed to me while the photographers were hidden.

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.
It was possibly one of the most stressful times in my life, but it was well worth it! We spent countless hours a day looking at ideas, dances, makeup ideas, venues, etc to find the best fit for us. We ended up choosing our vendors based on countless hours of research and talking. Overall, the vendors were the best! They informed us and kept up with our needs and thoughts, as well as made sure we didn't miss anything, even if we didn't mention it! Pinterest, Instagram, and viewing influencers were my main ways of finding ideas and thoughts about what we wanted!

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I knew I wanted to do a variation of a red color and went to India through many different markets and shops to look for the perfect outfit until I went Thakur G in Vadodra and saw the lehnga and fell absolutely in love with it! It was love at first sight, and I never regretted or thought about that decision.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
It was for sure planning it with my husband and having him with me every step of the way. The way we bounced ideas off each other and managed not to pull each other's hair out amazes me to this day. He not only was active in giving ideas, thoughts, and insights but also was integral in all the vendors and other things we did

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
The guests, for sure, still rave about the food and music. The food was absolutely perfect (I never had the time to try it!), and the music, especially the MC during the baarat, engaged everyone and made everyone involved dance and enjoy the moment. People we have never seen move at any event were seen actually dancing and enjoying themselves!

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
The pheras and first look we had were the special moment. The way he looked at me and said "DAMN" out loud to the moment we walked around the fire were all the most special moments I will never forget and keep replaying over and over again. It signified to me that I was finally with my "forever person," and I could enjoy my life with him!

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.
For our events we did something a bit different than most by doing our dances during the garba and only had younger people at our reception. We made sure every single person in both families joined us for a group dance where, even for the slightest time, they all got out of their seats and came on the dance floor to celebrate not only us but also to have them enjoy themselves too! For the dances, we spent hours practicing with each other and our groomsmen/bridesmaids, and as for the decor, we didn't want to stick to the traditional decor and ideas, so for unique ideas, our food rather than being served on tables, we had them on "street carts" during the garba similar to the food carts you see around India, we had out stage decorated bottom to top with fabric, umbrellas, and an "Arabian" seat style sitting.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
There will be stress and a lot of it, but in the end, it's all worth it! Always keep in mind something my husband kept reminding me: if something can go wrong, it WILL go wrong, and the more you try to make it perfect or try to fix things, the more it'll be stressful but also make things worse, so take it easy, relax, plan what you actually can and once you're on wedding days let it all be and enjoy your time and look forward to being with your "forever person."

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
The Mehndi person we used was absolutely amazing! (Rita Shah)She hid Shivam's name in my hand to the point where I struggled to find it, and it stumped almost every member trying to find it. We didn't know where it was until we had to beg her to tell us! The jewelry I used was handed down by Mom or bought from Jersey City at Taj Jewelers, where they not only gave us amazing prices but also made sure everything and anything we had asked for was there for us! The venue heard us out and did everything in its power to make our events go smoothly (Royal Albert's Palace). They ensured the food, seating, etc, were handled and done at a proper time and allowed our vendors ample time to come in early to handle their business, giving us a smooth and easy event!

The wedding was an unforgettable fairytale, a day that blended tradition and modernity, romance and charm.

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In the heart of Windsor Locks, where love stories are celebrated with grandeur, Priya & Mohan's wedding unfolded like a fairy tale at the venue renowned for its elegance. The ceremonial vows echoed in the opulent halls, setting the tone for a day to be remembered forever. Priya, the radiant bride, was the epitome of grace and beauty, her aura amplified by the exquisite hair styling by Nadia's Beauty and the flawless makeup artistry of Aneela Ashraf, making her every glance a captivating spell. As she walked down the aisle, the floral wonders by Vine & Ivy seemed to whisper tales of love, framing every moment in the natural splendor that resonated with Priya's charm. The transition to The Riverview for the reception was seamless. The air was filled with melodies from DJ Speede, each note a testament to Priya & Mohan's harmonious journey ahead. At the same time, the savory delights from Haveli catered to a symphony of flavors, each dish a tribute to the couple's exquisite taste. As the evening unfolded, Tashography captured every smile and tender look, immortalizing the essence of a love story as enchanting as the settings themselves. This wedding was a charm and contemporary elegance. It was a heartfelt gathering and a celebration of love and union. Check it out!

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
I met my now husband Mohan on the app "Dil Mil" after encouragement from my friend during COVID and reflecting upon what I want next in my life. Despite living in different states, Mohan drove to Connecticut to meet and eventually changed his job to be closer to me! Once he relocated, everything fell into place, and he proposed a year later.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Mohan proposed in our hotel room in NYC. He had the room decorated without my knowledge while we spent the day at a spa, sightseeing, and dining. When I walked into the room, he had sent up a tripod, got down on one knee, and gave me several gifts representing reasons why he loved me before proposing! The whole hotel's staff was in on the surprise and even had a group chat going!

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I am Guyanese-American and have always envisioned myself in a classic blood-red silk lehenga with light green jewelry, a small red bindi, and a flowered, braided bun. I believe that classic looks have the ability to be tweaked for individuality without spoiling their natural timelessness and elegance. I modified my bridal lehenga by having a sleeveless blouse, forgoing the double dupatta, and embroidering Mohan's Telugu handwriting on my veil with the phrase "I love you."

Since Mohan is Telugu, I also incorporated a South Indian bridal look. However, instead of purchasing a new saree, I walked out in my grandmother's ivory and red silk saree. Mohan's family stitched a matching blouse and gifted me traditional gold temple jewelry. Some pieces, such as my bangles, matha patti, surya chandra pins, and jhumka, stayed on throughout both looks to keep them cohesive. As green is my favorite color, I also wore my mom's emerald ring as my "something borrowed", Mohan's stole was woven with green, and our immediate family/bridal party wore different shades of green!

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
I believe if you are marrying someone, you are respecting their background as it makes them who they are and will be a part of your future. We truly hope our guests felt how the wedding was a blend of our cultures and reflective of ourselves, the love we share, and the friends and family who shaped us throughout our lives. With that in mind, we wanted our guests to experience and enjoy a mix of Indo-Caribbean and Telugu culture. Our wedding was an intentional and respectful fusion of rituals, attire, food, and music. People got to see one another after a very long time, and it was very family-orientated, supportive, and emotional.

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 theme was vibrant South India meets famous New England fall. We specifically wanted a September/October wedding to showcase the beauty of the Connecticut countryside. It works because the natural brightness and colors embody both settings, and we stayed true to that: a mandap and set-up in yellow and oranges, deep green backgrounds with marigolds, and lots of gold touches! Special details included a live painter, malas flown in from India made from white lilies, my cousin conducting our ceremony, a Guyanese tassa band that played alongside our entrances with lots of dancing, and my great-uncle (my grandmother's remaining sibling) giving a speech. We also misplaced my toe rings prior to the ceremony, so my sister-in-law placed my mother-in-law's on my feet instead!

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
My mehendi was very intimate after work in my living room, and my cousin was my mehendi artist! On the day of my haldi, a tropical storm hit the area, forcing many delays in arrivals. We moved the haldi into my basement, and it was very relaxed. My cousins stayed late packing sweet boxes, talking, and dancing. For our American-style reception, I had purple wildflowers in my bouquet that were reflective of me growing up in rural CT, and we even saw a bobcat during our first look! Lastly, for our post-wedding puja, my in-laws gifted me a saree woven with real gold and silver. Regardless if you have six events or one, try to represent the many facets of yourself with unique touches and make it special to you and your significant other! Don't sweat the small stuff, and everything will work out! :)
Enjoy this celebration, enveloping all in warmth, happiness, and the beauty of shared emotions.

Hello, darlings! Relieve the magic of Deanna & Ravi's wedding in the Platinum Guide Blog. Enjoy!

This wedding was a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, a romantic symphony of love. 

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