The Platinum Guide Blog

Join us as we witness the magical union of Shivani & Aakash at the enchanting Legacy Castle. This grand affair, meticulously orchestrated by Wedding Elegance NYC, radiated a charm that left everyone spellbound. Their planning and design expertise transformed the venue into a celestial paradise, perfectly reflecting the couple's vision. The floral & decor by Partyland Sajawat Decorator added a touch of elegance and vibrancy, encapsulating the essence of a blooming love story. Shivani's attire, a masterpiece from Sabyasachi Weddings, captured the essence of traditional beauty. Susmita Style by Susmita worked magic, creating a hair and makeup ensemble that was nothing short of perfection. As the day progressed, the air was filled with the musical beats and rhythms by M4U Events, who didn't just play music but created an experience, a symphony that resonated with the couple's journey and love story. Their DJ set the perfect backdrop for the celebrations, making every moment memorable and ensuring the dance floor remained the center of joy and celebration. House of Talent Studio captured the pinnacle of this enchanting event exquisitely. Their photography was not just about capturing moments; it was about encapsulating a feeling, a memory, a fleeting glance of love. Each picture tells a story of love, laughter, family, and the beginning of their forever. Enjoy it!

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
Aakash and I met over 10 years ago while in medical school in Grenada. We were friends until we graduated and then moved to different parts of the country for residency. As fate would have it, he matched into fellowship in New York and asked if I wanted to go for dinner to catch up one night. We immediately hit it off! For our third date, we went to the San Gennaro festival, where we spent the entire night eating, drinking, and laughing. I couldn’t imagine spending my life with anyone else.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Aakash and I had made plans for one weekend in November, and the night before, he called to tell me that he forgot that he was working, and we had to cancel. He knew I would be upset, so he told me the next day he would make it up to me. This was how he was able to dress up in a suit and make all these grand plans without making me suspicious. We went for lunch at Palma SoHo before we were supposed to meet Aakash’s friends at a speakeasy to celebrate their passing fellowship boards. When we got to The Lofts at Prince, the entire rooftop was decorated, and Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” was playing in the background. He then surprised me by having our parents and my friends there!

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I knew I always wanted to wear red, but I was convinced I would look better in a dark red. I went to five or six stores in India, and the last store my parents and I went to was Sabyasachi. I fell in love with the traditional red lenghas that they had. I spotted my lengha in the mirror while I was actually trying on another dress, and once I put it on, I knew it was the one!

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 my Sangeet, I really wanted to have a Jaipur theme and make it as traditional as possible. I love Garba, and Aakash loves Raas, so we wanted to have a live singer for part of the event. Moghul did an amazing job with the menu, like letting me have khichu, and we also had a gola stand!

I have to give credit to my husband for the theme of our reception. He wanted to have a stark contrast with the ceremony decor, and the decor was very elegant.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Enjoy the planning process!

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
My hair and makeup were done by Susmita, and she is absolutely the best. A huge shoutout to all of our vendors; they truly did an amazing job and made our dream wedding come true!

Let the allure of new love stories inspire your fairy-tale moments. See you soon with more!

House of Talent Studio, Sukhadia Caterers, Wedding Elegance NYC and M4U Events are members of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

House of Talent Studio VIEW PORTFOLIO

Sukhadia Caterers VIEW PORTFOLIO

Wedding Elegance NYC VIEW PORTFOLIO

M4U Events VIEW PORTFOLIO

For more information on how Platinum Guide members are chosen, click here.

Welcome, darlings, to Sanam & Savanth's tale that unfolded at the magnificent Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun. Every moment of this celebration was meticulously orchestrated by Pyaar Planning, who weaved a tapestry of love and joy through their exceptional planning and design. Amidst the kaleidoscope of colors and emotions, Tulipania & Gama brought dreams to life with their flowers and decor. Sanam emerged, looking like a vision in her exquisite attire designed by Reeta Bhatt. The masterful touch of Alex Corbanezi & Styling Trio further accentuated her beauty. The night was filled with love melodies thanks to the vibrant beats of MVP DJs, who set the rhythm for the celebration. The highlight of the evening was Pyotech's spectacular display of fireworks, which lit up the sky. Romanza's photography immortalized every candid smile and tender glance, creating memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. The seamless travel arrangements by Indian Destination Wedding, Inc. ensured a worry-free experience for all, making the journey to this paradise as magical as the destination itself. They offered travel solutions, blending the essence of Indian hospitality, ensuring that the journey to this dream wedding was as magical as the ceremony itself. Enjoy it!

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
We met on a dating app. The craziest thing is I only had the app for 4 days before I deleted it. I matched with Savanth & we clicked right away. We spoke for a month before our first date. We were complete opposites, but for some reason, that was what brought us together. We started to learn about each other and quickly realized we were each other's missing pieces, and the rest is history!

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Savanth planned a dinner for us in NYC and was being really weird that day. He was dropping subtle hints all day, so I had an idea something was up. We usually take the PATH train from Jersey City to NYC, but for some reason, Savanth insisted we take the ferry to NYC that day. We ended up walking to the ferry, and Savanth convinced me to walk past the ferry because we were early anyway for dinner. As we were walking, there was a whole setup. The setup had 2 poster-sized pictures of us, roses, a Marry Me sign, and an infinity rose set up where we stood. Savanth & I have always said infinity is our symbol because the S from my name flipped upside down for the S in his name makes the infinity sign. Savanth got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. Our families were hiding in the back, and they came out to surprise us. The next day, Savanth surprised me with a huge engagement party. It was a dream!

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 absolutely loved planning our wedding. Each milestone during the process was so precious, and we genuinely did not sweat the little things. We booked our resort a year and a half out and did not see it in person until 2 months before our wedding. We saw pictures of the resort and venue and fell in love. We trusted the process and knew it'd be perfect. When it came to our vision, I knew I wanted it to be a Bollywood Theme fairy tale. I went into wedding planning, thinking of each event from the guest's perspective. I didn't want them to attend a wedding they felt like they had already been to or felt like they were idle and just waiting around. I wanted my guests to be entertained and in awe during all events. Our event started off with the Haldi. We wanted the color theme to be royal blue for our guests and yellow for Savanth & me. Our decor matched the colors, and our theme was inspired by the movie YJHD (super fun and heartwarming). From our entrance to each guest interaction and mini party, we started off event 1 with a bang. That night was our welcome dinner. Our vision was for everyone to interact but not be forced to. We had decor set up all around, including a family tree, an SOS kit, fun facts about us, a disposable camera with tasks like "take a picture with the tallest person in the room," and lastly, a performer. Our performer (@shakesprod) combined Hindi & Telegu songs into one! What was supposed to be a chill night ended up with all 115 guests dancing on the dance floor to our performer, and boy, did this set the bar for the rest of the events. The following night was our Sangeet. We had a huge red carpet where all our guests were being interviewed, and paps were all around them. We had a Filmmare award show where our siblings emceed the night with a fun script. We wanted to keep things fun and stick to the theme, so we had pamphlets of the performances placed on each seat. The night also included a tarot card reader, DIY bangle station, mendhi station, and hookah stations. We ended the show with a couples performance with voiceovers, props, and a standing ovation!! & to top it off, the Sangeet ended with fireworks! Oh boy, now the wedding. Of course, it was filled with tons of surprises. From the baraat to Savanth entering the mandap. In order for Savanth to enter the mandap, my brothers stopped him with a fun wedding contract to sign, followed by my cousins attacking him for his shoes. My entrance was a big dharma production, which was followed by color bombs and my own Kiara and Sid moment when we exchanged jaimalas. The ceremony ended with all my bridesmaids holding signs to remind Savanth that he was taking me away, so he had to pay for the shoes! To end all the events was the crazy reception. We wanted this even to be the most hyped hyped event yet!!! From a unique first dance, which was a combined father/daughter, son/mother, and couple dance to our music video to the confetti blaster to the LED robot to the dhol to the mariachi band to the flip flop station to ending the night with our parents dancing on tables, the reception was a dream. Our guests, Savanth and & I, enjoyed every last second. All our hard work paid off!!

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
This came easily to me because I have been working with the designer Reeta Bhatt since my teenage years. I told her I wanted a light pink lengha with a long train with mine & Savanth's name hand stitched, and oh boy, did she deliver. We designed the dress together and worked closely through WhatsApp for a year as she was located in India. I trusted her fully, and I tried the dress on for the first time 1 month before the wedding. It was everything and more! I fell in love with it, and it exceeded my expectations. Huge shoutout to Reeta!

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The most enjoyable part was making memories with my family during the planning process. It was a heartwarming feeling to see the entire family come together to plan and help out.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Our guests loved our Award Show Sangeet with all the little details and stations!

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Enjoy wedding planning and treasure every moment. It is the one time you will get all your family and friends under one roof to celebrate you. Make those core memories. Do not stress yourself out. Things fall into place. You want to look back on your wedding and planning as a happy moment, so smile and have fun :)

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
A huge shoutout to our vendors. You guys went above and beyond, and we are so grateful for you guys!!
Farewell, sweet darlings, until we meet again in another tale of love and splendor. See you soon!

Indian Destination Wedding is a member of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

Indian Destination Wedding VIEW PORTFOLIO

For more information on how Platinum Guide members are chosen, click here.

Welcome to a mesmerizing tale of the breathtaking wedding of Rashi & Sunny. This enchanting event unfolded under the starlit skies of Planet Hollywood Cancun. The meticulous planning and design by Preeti Exclusive transformed the venue into a dreamlike realm. The floral arrangements by Tulipania added to the allure, creating a picturesque backdrop. Rashi, adorned in the exquisite creations of Rimple & Harpreet Narula, glided through the aisles with the masterful touch of Crispin Beauty. The magic of the night was further amplified by the vibrant beats of Premiere Entertainment, setting the stage for unforgettable moments as the couple swayed to their first dance, choreographed by the talented team at YSDC Wedding Choreography. The glamorous reception saw Rashi in a stunning ensemble by Suneet Varma Couture. Each moment, from the laughter-filled speeches to the joyous dances, was captured exquisitely by Ptaufiq Photography, creating memories that will be cherished forever. Amidst this splendor, Indian Destination Wedding, Inc. ensured that every guest experienced seamless comfort, their travel concierge services turning the journey into a part of the celebration. They know what it takes to make your dream wedding happen. Enjoy it!

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Sunny had planned a trip for us in July 2022 and told me to pack for a beach destination but wouldn’t tell me where exactly we’d be going. I packed as best as I could, but the curiosity was gnawing at me. The destination was finally revealed when we got to the airport: we would be going to Turks and Caicos! I was extremely surprised as I had just offhand mentioned to Sunny that this was a bucket list destination for me.

We spent three amazing days soaking in the sun, sand, and island vibes. On the final evening of our trip, Sunny mentioned that he wanted to take a walk on the beach after dinner. Our routine when we travel is to take one airpod each and listen to some of our favorite Bollywood songs. We plugged in our AirPods, clasped our hands, and walked the expanse of the beach. Sunny then led me to a beautiful, lit gazebo and asked me to close my eyes. He pulled out the ring, and the rest is history.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I had a very specific look in mind for our wedding day. I wanted to replicate a look from a Sanjay Leela Bhansali film since period pieces are my favorite. However, after perusing all the NYC bridal stores for a lehenga, I still hadn't found "the one."

My mom and I decided to go straight to the source and take a mother-daughter trip to Delhi, India, to do all our wedding shopping. We spent 12 days in Delhi extensively searching for the perfect bridal lehenga. After scouring all the stores in Mehrauli, I found the perfect lehenga at Rimple and Harpreet.

Though I was leaning more towards staying in the pink color family, I spotted a stunning red lehenga on one of the mannequins in the store and decided to try it on just in case. As soon as I looked in the mirror, I knew I had found my dress. The intricate handwork and melody of colors absolutely took my breath away. I also loved the fact that the dress had a veil to blend in the best of Indian and American culture. My mom and I shared a look, and it was a done deal!

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
Planning the songs and dances for the Sangeet for sure! Sunny and I connected on music and dancing very early on when we had started dating, so it was natural that this was our favorite element of planning. Searching for songs that we loved when we were younger and songs that were really meaningful to us was a blast! We’d be listening to songs every time we were taking a long drive or had some downtime trying to shortlist what we wanted to perform. Our families also love to dance, and seeing everyone's excitement about performing amped us up! We really appreciate the time, commitment, and dedication all of our family and friends put into making the Sangeet performances absolutely phenomenal! Not only was planning for the Sangeet our favorite part, but it was also our favorite event!

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
This was the first destination wedding for many of our family members. It felt like a massive family vacation where it was nice for guests to be able to zen out and grab a drink in between wedding events. Being together in one location for the duration of the events enhanced the experience for everyone. It was nice to be able to bump into wedding guests at breakfast and lunch, catch each other by the pool or beach, and debrief about the night before.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
Sunny’s performance at the Sangeet completely blew me away! I’ve been dancing and taking Bollywood dance classes since I was very young, but that wasn’t the case for Sunny. He stepped out of his comfort zone to do a solo at the Sangeet and was extremely diligent about practicing his steps daily in the weeks leading up to the wedding. He wouldn’t even let me catch a sneak peek at all. Seeing him dance at the Sangeet was amazing! His energy and expressions reminded me of the actors dancing in Bollywood movies when I was growing up; I truly couldn’t stop smiling! When Sunny’s performance concluded, he hopped off the front of the stage and gave me a massive bear hug. This will be a moment I will cherish forever!

Join us in celebrating the beginning of more adventures, and may love continue to inspire us all.

Indian Destination Wedding is a member of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

Indian Destination Wedding VIEW PORTFOLIO

For more information on how Platinum Guide members are chosen, click here.

Thanmayi & Depak's nuptials unfolded in the elegant View at Bluemont, surrounded by lush landscapes that converged into a paradise. Diego Stuart's masterful cinematography captured every smile and glance shared under the tender, amber glow of the sun. It was a dance of light and shadows echoing the eternal dance of two souls in love. Darcey Generazio's adept planning and design brought celestial allure to every detail. Petal N' Bloom's flowers and decor created a tapestry of colors that infused romance into the atmosphere. Thanmayi was clad in stunning creations by Mokshaa, making her the queen of Deepak's heart. Beauty by Oni's expertise in hair and makeup transformed her into a celestial being, radiating grace under the starry night sky. DJ Kabir's music from Desi Beatzs Entertainment filled the air with promises and dreams of matrimony. Ishan Fotografi captured ethereal moments, where the weave of tradition and profound intimacy portrayed a painting of love. Each photograph testifies to a bond that transcends time. Every frame is a sonnet, and every smile is a verse in this poetic rendition of love. Explore the gallery for more details. Enjoy!

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!

Picture this: The glimmering NYC skyline, a mesmerizing sunset, and a rooftop filled with my best friends. Absolute perfection! And oh, those butterflies? 100% real! Even though I had a hunch it was coming, the effort Depak put in was heart-melting. He didn't just book any spot; he got an NYC rooftop, ensuring every detail was on point. And can we talk about the ring? The dreamy sapphire and diamond combo I'd always wished for!

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?

Shoutout to my mother-in-law - Mala Kumar for being the ultimate wedding fashion guru! My vision was a beige-pink South Indian Kanjivaram saree, which we magically found in Chennai. And for the lehenga, I wanted to go all in - a royal blue stunner with silver work. I wanted a bolder color for the reception vs. the ceremony. It was the perfect contrast to the morning hues. The quest was for countless months, endless facetime sessions with different clothing store owners, and many late-night chats because of the time zones.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
Our mission was to find THAT ONE venue where our loved ones would be spellbound! Everyone helped to find the perfect venue including both our families and friends. From chic wedding halls and plush hotels to enchanting vineyards and rustic barns, our weekends were packed with back-to-back venue tours. The moment I stepped into our chosen venue - The View at Bluemont, it was Love at first sight, thanks to the breathtaking view! We immediately stopped searching after that tour.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?

Our guests were head over heels for our mountain-top venue in the picturesque valleys of Bluemont, Virginia. All the guests appreciated the finer details of all our customizations, such as handheld fans with our names on them, a table seating arrangement chart with our picture hidden under all the names, an audio guestbook, and a wedding newspaper (this was the biggest hit!)

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?

With Depak hailing from Sri Lanka and me, from South India, our wedding was a vibrant cultural fiesta! Despite our cultural differences, all the family members embraced each other's customs and beliefs, which made it more memorable. From the NYC skyline making a cameo in my bridal mehendi to the hilarious moment when Depak’s friends tore his kurta post-haldi (his shocked face: priceless!), it was a rollercoaster of emotions. The playful garland duel, the electrifying baraat with dhol and ghana – every moment was cinematic. And Depak's dance? Who knew he had those moves hidden up his sleeve? But one thing remained consistent - my ear-to-ear grin, which was pretty much permanent!

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?

Just have lots of fun.

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)

Mehendi included – the NYC skyline, our first date spot – Dominic Ansel bakery, Pikachu, Elephants – depaks favorites, and our favorite show – Ted lasso.

We opted for traditional temple jewelry for the ceremony and a beautiful diamond set for the reception.

The venue was first founded by my father-in-law from Sri Lanka. He found it online and after looking at the venue it was so difficult to say no. It was majestic.

All the pre-wedding events were done by my aunt - Neelima Gogineni at her home. She put in tremendous effort in getting the backdrops and doing a trial run with all of them before the actual event.

Witness the love, laughter, and breathtaking moments of South Asian weddings. Come back for more!

Ishan Fotografi | Husband & Wife Wedding Photographers and Diego Stuart Films are members of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

Ishan Fotografi | Husband & Wife Wedding Photographers VIEW PORTFOLIO

Diego Stuart Films VIEW PORTFOLIO

For more information on how Platinum Guide members are chosen, click here.

Sweeties, immerse yourselves in the euphoria and grandeur of Aanchal & Ananth's majestic wedding at The Rockleigh. Its luxurious grounds and expansive ballrooms made it the ideal choice for this couple. Every detail was intricately planned and designed by Xquisit Events, and Nirali Decor captured the soul and essence of their love. Aanchal was clothed in the sumptuous fabrics of Tulsi Silks, Koskii & Sundari Silks, every thread woven with blessings and the tender touch of a thousand loving hands. The meticulous artistry of Cinderella Bridez accentuated her grace and elegance. The Mehndi, meticulously crafted by GK Henna, told tales of promises and dreams. Ananth was donned in the majestic creation of Manyavar. And oh, the euphoria of the celebrations was lifted to the celestial realms by the melodious tunes spun by Shilpa Entertainment, each note weaving through the air, kissing the soul of every guest, birthing dances and smiles as radiant as the moonlight. Moghul Catering tantalized the senses with delicious plates. Studio KSD captured every special moment of this magnificent event. With their vibrant style and personal approach, they captured images that will remind them of the love and happiness of the day. Enjoy today's gallery!

Thank you for reading, and stay tuned for more inspiring weddings from our Maharani brides!

Shilpa Entertainment, The Rockleigh and Studio KSD are members of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

Shilpa Entertainment VIEW PORTFOLIO

The Rockleigh VIEW PORTFOLIO

Studio KSD VIEW PORTFOLIO

For more information on how Platinum Guide members are chosen, click here.