Some love stories feel like they were always meant to be. Manisha & Jason's is one of them. Their journey began not with fireworks or grand declarations but with a simple question at a mandir wedding: "Do you know where the photoshoot is?" Little did they know that that moment would lead to lifelong snapshots together.
When Jason asked Manisha to "get glammed up" for a surprise, she didn't know she was stepping onto her red carpet moment. On a breezy August afternoon at the LIC Pier, Jason—accompanied by their families and closest friends—popped the question with florals, a glowing Marry Me sign, and a chorus of "Say Yes!" If that's not cinematic magic, what is?
Manisha & Jason envisioned elegance, minimalism, and meaningful moments for their big day. Every venue was thoughtfully chosen to reflect their journey. Their Sangeet came alive at Pearl Banquet in Hicksville, where a vibrant Jungle Disco theme set the tone for a lively celebration. The wedding ceremony found its perfect home at Chateau La Mer, Long Island, fulfilling Manisha's dream of a mandap over water. For the grand finale, the couple hosted their reception at Hyatt Regency Long Island, an elegant space that embraced their large guest list with impeccable service and charm.
The talented team at Studio Sheen Events brought their vision to life, ensuring every detail flowed seamlessly. Stylish Events crafted the floral and decor elements, striking the perfect balance between minimalism and sophistication. Manisha's flawless beauty looks for each event were in the expert hands of Makeup by Gurdeep, whose versatility brought a fresh and unique style to every celebration. The artistic touch of Henna by Pallavi adorned Manisha's hands with intricate mehndi designs, telling stories of love and heritage.
Capturing the magic on film was Bliss Wedding Films, a team whose name says it all. More than just documenting events, they artfully wove Manisha and Jason's story into a visual masterpiece, where every glance, every laugh, and every emotional moment felt cinematic yet intimate. From the soft morning light during bridal prep to the golden hour pheras by the water, Bliss Wedding Films knew how to let each moment breathe, making the couple's love story the show's true star.
From there, the celebrations pulsed with rhythm and joy, thanks to the energetic beats of DJ USA's Arjun Patel and DJ Smooth's Akshay Luthra, who kept the party alive from Sangeet to reception. Live performances by Premier Drummers and Raj Daffu added layers of vibrant energy, perfectly complementing the carefully curated ambiance. The baraat procession, led by Ponies Will Travel, was a show-stopping spectacle that kicked off the festivities in style, ensuring every guest felt swept up in the magic. Enjoy today's footage!
How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
I first met Jason at the mandir during my best friend’s Mata Ki Chowki. I was a bridesmaid, and he was a groomsman. We exchanged glances but didn’t speak—until the day of the wedding.
That’s when Jason approached me, asking if I knew where the bridesmaids and groomsmen photoshoot was taking place. When I told him I wasn’t sure, he asked for my number so he could send me the details. What started as a simple exchange turned into texts, then FaceTime calls, and eventually, our first date—and the rest is history!
Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Jason asked me to find the perfect outfit and have my hair, makeup, and nails done—but little did I know what was in store. On a beautiful August afternoon, he brought together our families and closest friends and proposed at the LIC Pier.
A red carpet adorned with florals led the way, with a glowing Marry Me sign setting the scene. As he sang, "Girl, I got a question for you, can I get an answer?" our loved ones chimed in with "Say yes!"—creating a moment straight out of a dream. Then, in front of everyone dear to us, Jason got down on one knee and proposed. It was truly unforgettable.
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 began our search with venues, and one of my top priorities was having the mandap over water. Chateau La Mer on Long Island was the perfect choice, offering the breathtaking setting we envisioned. For our Sangeet, we wanted a venue that felt fresh and up-and-coming, and The Pearl in Hicksville was a perfect fit.
When it came to our reception, we sought a venue that embodied elegance while accommodating a large guest list. The Hyatt Regency – Long Island exceeded our expectations, not only with its grandeur but also with its attention to detail and exceptional customer service. It was everything we had hoped for and more.
MakeUpByGurdeep is truly a bride’s go-to makeup artist. After scrolling through countless MUA Instagram pages, Gurdeep’s work stood out—her ability to create any look was unmatched. For the same bride, she effortlessly crafted unique and fun styles for each event, making every look feel fresh and distinct.
Jason and I put a lot of thought into our décor, as we both gravitate toward minimalism. We saved the most elegant designs for our Reception, while our Sangeet was a vibrant Jungle Disco—an idea we envisioned together and brought to life with the help of our incredible team.
The décor closest to my heart, however, was for my Mehndi. Originally planned for another location, it was moved to my backyard, where my bridesmaids took on the entire setup. From morning till night, they worked tirelessly, hanging banners, draping curtains, arranging flowers, and adding countless thoughtful touches. Who knew a group of girls with medical backgrounds could pull off such professional-level décor? It was truly a labor of love.
How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I knew I didn’t want the traditional red—I don’t even own anything red. I wanted just a hint of it, but the base color had to be something unique (no pinks or whites). I shared my vision with my best friend—the same friend whose wedding led me to meet Jason.
At one point, I had a backup dress, but I wasn’t in love with it. Sensing this, she kept searching and then sent me the dress. The moment I saw it, I knew—it was perfect. I reached out to the vendor, Baljit from Zardozi Couture in Canada, who was an absolute pleasure to work with. After more than a year of searching, I had finally found the dress.
What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The time spent with your partner is truly special. Wedding planning is a creative journey—one that involves endless brainstorming, bouncing ideas off each other, and celebrating the moments when something just clicks. Each decision, big or small, is a reminder that you're in this together. (Jason and I would high-five whenever we had one of those "aha" moments—those were the best!)
More than anything, planning a wedding lays the foundation for marriage: teamwork. I’m grateful that Jason and I embraced this early on in our relationship, but for couples just starting out, cherish this process. It’s the first of many beautiful moments of working side by side—just the beginning of forever.
What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Our wedding ceremony itself was the highlight for many of our guests. They described it as something straight out of a movie—filled with magical moments. From live painting capturing the essence of the day to our sunset vows, the soothing melodies of wedding tunes, and our pandit beautifully explaining the meaning behind each vow, every detail was woven together to create an unforgettable experience.
Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
Jason and I have always been captivated by sunsets—the way they paint the sky with warmth and promise. It felt only natural to exchange our vows as the sun dipped below the horizon, our pheras unfolding by the water’s edge.
As if fate had woven its own blessing, our pandit smiled and noted that sunset is the most auspicious time for this sacred ritual. With a hint of amusement, he added, "I don’t know where they got this idea from," as if the universe itself had whispered it to us, guiding us toward that perfect moment and blessing our union.
Their first conversation was about a wedding photoshoot. Today, they're the stars of their show.
