Get ready to have your hearts warmed and your eyes water as this final film introduces you to a father, whose beautiful words, will make you laugh and shed a tear — or two. Jonathan Yonkers captured and edited our final, breathtaking film, and this destination sensation is sure to leave you feeling more than inspired. It features the most gorgeous couple, Maharani Saloni and Raja Shaneen, and their unforgettable wedding event at the Reserva Conchal, in Playa Conchal, Costa Rica. Aimee Monihan, of Tropical Occasions, planned and designed this spectacular event, from the pre-wedding celebrations to the romantic beach ceremony and incredible reception. You're heart will melt when you see the groom holding back tears during a charming first look — which also gives you your first look at the violet-blue bridesmaids' saris. Pooja Mehta helped the Princess bride channel her inner Hema Malini with a glamorous updo, dark, retro-lined eyes and a bold red lip. Her entire look, was pure perfection from head-to-toe. After she and her Prince tie the proverbial knot, DJ Yogi-G of Karmadjs helps them and their guests celebrate in true tropical style with a party that is sure to go down in history. See if all for yourself!
The bride, on how she met the Prince of her dreams:
"I met Shaneen, my "Raja", when I moved to Utah for residency. Our first date involved yoga and a sunset hike overlooking the valley of Salt Lake City. There have been many moments that reiterate that he was "the one", but the first such moment occurred while he was teaching me to ski at Snowbird, on a black diamond no less. I was terrified, so he told me to hold onto him, with my skis between his, and he skied me down the rest of the mountain. It was so loving and sweet."
On the super romantic proposal:
"Our proposal story is very personal. First of all, Shaneen organized a private partners' yoga class with one of our favorite teachers. At the end of this, while we were in savasana together, he slipped a ring onto my finger and asked me to spend the rest of this lifetime and many more together. After we went home, he surprised me with a made-from-scratch cake, and he usually NEVER bakes! I usually bake for him and our friends, and baking is very important in my family, so this was a very cute gesture."
On her wedding style:
"Our theme was the natural beauty of Costa Rica, along with it's pura vida way of living. We wanted the look to be natural, and to be eco-friendly, using sustainable and "found" materials such as driftwood. We really wanted the wonder of Costa Rica to be the main background (the beach, the ocean, the lush and verdant flora)."
On what she enjoyed most about planning the wedding of her dreams:
"We truly enjoyed the way in which our families came together. We became one big family, planning an amazing celebration of love and life. We also enjoyed planning the celebration from the point of view of the guests. We wanted to give them an experience they would never forget!"
On choosing her wedding lengha:
"I did spend a lot of time researching on the Internet first. We had a very limited timeline when we went to India for wedding shopping, so I wanted to be prepared. We went to Bombay and Ahmedabad, where we also visited family. I wanted an antique/baroque look for the wedding lengha. For the sangeet, I wanted bright pops of primary colors. We worked with a tailor for the sangeet outfit, and went to the fabric store to find the specific colors and materials we wanted."
On her most memorable wedding day moment:
"There were many wonderful moments. The most magical is the moment I walked down the aisle with my parents on either side of me. Our friends and family were all around us, and we walked toward Shaneen and his family and the insanely beautiful mandap."
On their first dance song selection:
"We danced to "Pehla nasha." We did a Latin ballroom dance to this song. We chose this song because it is one of the older classics, and because we love the lyrics."
On her hair and makeup:
"I love the classic, retro Bollywood look a la Hema Malini. I wanted big hair piled on top of my head in a sophisticiated rather than messy way, and thick black retro eyeliner accompanied by red lips. My childhood friend who is an incredibly talented hair and makeup artist in Arizona, Pooja Mehta, did my wedding day hair and makeup."
On the role family and friends played:
"Our wedding definitely could not have happened without the help of family and friends. In planning an Indian destination wedding in a place that is not heavily populated with Indians, we had to pack a lot of things and transport them there, including Indian snack foods, the ingredients for chai, cones of mehndi, Indian gifts such as bindi's and bangles and scarves, etc. A lot of people pitched in and packed these items in their bags. The most incredible thing was that family and friends woke up early each morning and used the hotel kitchen to make chai and Indian breakfast foods for all of our guests."
Here's a look at some of the most memorable wedding highlights from this past week:
- This adorable Maharani getting ready
- A Hawaiian wedding to remember
- A fabulous fusion in New Delhi
Let's also give a warm welcome to our newest Platinum Guide Members:
Ambiance AV
Westin Chicago Northwest
Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles
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By Pgadepa. 11:05am May 3, 2015 (PDT)
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