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If you’ve ever wondered what happens when culinary creativity, heartfelt storytelling, and fusion wedding magic collide in the Catskills, Jess & Yasir's wedding is your answer. Intimate, wildly personal, and layered with intention, their celebration felt less like a traditional wedding and more like an immersive love story—one that unfolded slowly, beautifully, and with just the right amount of joyful unpredictability.

Set at the charming Wayside Cidery & Taproom, the wedding embraced the natural beauty of upstate New York with open arms. Rolling hills, rustic textures, crisp fall air, and a relaxed countryside rhythm created a setting that immediately invited guests to slow down and truly be present. With just their loved ones in attendance, the celebration felt deeply communal—every hug lingered, every laugh echoed a little longer, and every moment felt shared.

What made this wedding especially meaningful was that the creative vision came directly from the bride herself. Jess, the force behind The Freckled Fork, led the planning and design. The result was a celebration that felt organic, expressive, and refreshingly unfiltered—proof that when couples trust their instincts, magic follows. From stationery to favors to event flow, every detail carried intention and personality, making the day feel unmistakably them. Visually, the celebration was soft yet striking. Shepherds Meadow Flowers brought the space to life with florals that felt as though they were gathered straight from the surrounding meadows—natural, textural, and beautifully imperfect in the best way.

Jess’s bridal look embodied fusion elegance. Her fashion choice from Lashkaraa blended modern ease with South Asian tradition, while jewelry sourced from Jackson Heights added cultural richness and personal meaning. With expert draping and styling by Nadia Rahman, every detail came together seamlessly. Hair and makeup by Karen Neblung completed the look—effortless, radiant, and perfectly suited for a Catskills celebration. Intricate mehndi by Maryam Henna Haven added yet another layer of artistry and tradition.

Food, unsurprisingly, played a starring role. Catering by Rachel Kruge and Shachar Cohen felt intimate and thoughtful, while desserts by Rachel Kruge, Cafe Mutsi, and Sweet Sams ensured that guests ended the night on a sweet note (or several). It was the kind of menu that sparks conversation and second helpings—always a sign of a successful celebration. As the evening unfolded, music by Sounds Good kept the energy warm and lively, guiding the celebration from heartfelt moments into relaxed dancing under the Catskills sky. Yasir looked effortlessly sharp in his tuxedo from Zurhem, rounding out a look that matched the understated sophistication of the day.

Every fleeting glance, quiet smile, and candid laugh was captured beautifully by Symboll, whose storytelling approach preserved not just the visuals but the feeling of the day.Their cinematography allowed this wedding to live on as a sensory experience—one that feels just as intimate on screen as it did in person.

Jess & Yasir’s wedding was a reminder that fusion celebrations don’t need to be loud to be powerful. Sometimes, the most unforgettable weddings are the ones that feel honest, intentional, and deeply rooted in who the couple truly is. This Catskills celebration was thoughtful, soulful, and effortlessly cool—exactly the kind of wedding that stays with you long after the last cider is poured.

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
Yas and I met on Hinge, actually, in August of 2004. I wasn't really on the dating apps, but my coworkers at the time convinced me the "play Hinge" on one particularly boring work day. So they helped make my profile and with a day or so, I met Yas. Funny enough, it was a little clunky trying to meet up at first. A late-running work thing caused him to cancel our first date at the last minute, and then our 2nd first date was missed due to a questionable food aversion.

Totally uninterested in forcing this to happen, I gave him my only remaining available time slot...9am on a Friday morning, for coffee. He had never been on a coffee date and was really thrown off, but it was such a great conversation...lasting over 2 hours and then he walked me 10 blocks to my climbing gym. We hit it off and then quickly started seeing each other and finding reasons to almost every day.

Coming off of a divorce from my previous 16-yr marriage, I wasn't looking to jump into anything too crazy, but Yas was so impressive and already so special to me. It was around Christmas time in 2024 that I knew he was someone I could do life with...which equally excited and terrified me all at the same time.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Yas actually proposed 3 times. It was the beginning of May 2025, a few months after my daughter and I moved into Yas' apartment. One morning we were waking up and he stood by the bed, looking at me and told me he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me, and if I would marry him. Not sure if he was seriously proposing or not, he said "Oh shoot, I got ahead of myself, I have a ring but it's not here yet...I just couldn't wait any longer."

Being neurodivergent, that made total sense coming from him. So that afternoon, we shopped around a favorite vintage makers mart and found a lovely vintage "stand-in" ring. The next day, Yas did what he wanted to do before...he called my family to tell them he was proposing and to get their input, their blessings, which they all gladly gave.

And then the next weekend was the actual plan. We went to the Catskills to help work at my friend's cafe for their anniversary party weekend. Millie washed dishes, I was on the line in the kitchen with Nicole and Yas brought his mom, too, to celebrate Mother's Day weekend. On that Saturday afternoon, after we finished service, Yas grabbed my hand and said he needed to tell me something. He led me outside, in front of the cafe and then got on one knee. The actual propsal! After enthusiastically accepting again, we celebrated the rest of the weekend with our friends and telling the world.

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.
Early on in the wedding planning process, we decided that the Catskills would be the venue since it was special to us and also the place we got engaged. Yas expressed his desire to have a Desi wedding, which was a really surprising and beautiful sentiment as he had distanced himself from his culture and religion for most of his life. This was to be a reclaiming and a reconnection for him and for us as a new couple, a new family. So I did all the research on Bangladeshi traditions, Muslim traditions and Desi weddings.

The internet and Instagram were my best friends. We were blending two distinctly different cultures...my Southern/White Girl/Christian American upbringing together with Yas' Bangladeshi/Muslim culture. We wanted it to be a beautiful acknowledgement of our pasts, along with celebrating our differences and our new blended life together.

We picked one venue first, sign a contract and paid a deposit only to find out it wasn't adequately equipped with ADA compliance standards, so we pivoted and moved to where we actually wanted to originally host, Wayside Cidery in Andes, NY. It was the PERFECT venue.

For the outfits, my family and friends to be respectful, appreciative and celebratory of the culture and the traditional dress for Desi weddings. I found beautiful Kaftans for my bridesmaids for the Holud night, and gorgeous Navy Sarees for the wedding ceremony. I searched for months and found the perfect Holud and Wedding outfits for my parents, my nephews, and my brothers. I consulted with Yas' sister Nadia and cousin Tania to make sure we were buying the appropriate ones. Yas' wedding suite came, custom made from Bangladesh by an up and coming designer, Zurhem, and his shoes were a custom art piece designed and made by his friend and artist, Saks.

For the theme, we wanted Desi-mountain-chic. Mountain muted tones, blending Southern greenery and florals with bright Bangladeshi accents.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
For my Holud dress, I wanted to veer from the traditional Holud wear, and stay true to my Southern, artistic roots. I went with a yellow and green floral dress, traditional Holud floral jewelry and adornments and funky vine/lace up heels. My wedding dress was SO gorgeous, from Lashkaara. It was out of stock for months and then finally I was able to snatch it up. A beautiful, jeweled Anarkali style Lehenga...modest, respectful and totally gorgeous. I knew I wanted to toe the line of traditional western and traditional Desi, so the white and red combination made me feel like a princess. My jewelry was sourced after a long day of shopping in Jackson Heights, NY, with my new sister-in-law, Nadia. She helped me find the most perfect vintage set that would be a blend of my style with the traditional Desi wedding jewelry.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
Planning things with my fiance and watching him lean into and learn more and more about Desi weddings and Bangladeshi traditions. I loved watching his face on the actual wedding weekend as he was able to see all the planning, moodboards and lists come to life in front of his eyes. H was so happy and so proud. I loved being able to do that for him.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
They've all reached out and shared that the food was the absolute BEST wedding food they've ever had. And the party, they said it all seemed so effortless and well blended. People still comment that it was their favorite wedding to-date and that they want us to do it again:)

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
Having my dad and Yas' uncle officiate our ceremony and vows was so very special. Being surrounded by friends and family who traveled near and far, touched our hearts so much.

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 Holud was a beautiful blended event similar to a rehearsal dinner, with elements of a traditional Holud. We had an amazing mehendi artist, Maryam, who did henna for our guests, and the bridal table was filled with southern and bangladeshi sweets. All the guests were invited to come by, paint turmeric paste on our hands (or Yas' face!) and feed us a sweet bite and shared their well-wishes. It was a lovely evening!

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Weddings are so complicated and everyone will have an opinion. Having had two weddings in my lifetime, I was able to do things MY way, OUR way, the second time, and I am so glad we did. Focus your attention and money on the things that matter and that will last beyond the day, the food is priority and dictates the general vibe of your guests and the photos/video are what you will keep forever, so don't skimp on those two things.

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
My flowers were curated by a local flower farm in Delhi, NY. Lauren Culpepper, from Shepherd's Meadow Farms, rescued the remaining blooms before the first frost to ensure we had the most beautiful peonies and wildflowers. She made gorgeously distinctive and thoughtful bouquets for my bridesmaids and for my bridal bouquet, as well as giving us a few buckets of the remaining blooms to use for decorations.

Our wedding cake was a delicious masterpiece by my Chef friend Rachel Kruge, she made a custom pistachio chai Tiramisu cake with a beautiful bright green pistachio icing. It was so good!

If this celebration made your heart flutter or your wedding Pinterest board grow, follow us for more.

South Asian weddings have always been rich in color, culture, and celebration—but in 2026, design is becoming more intentional than ever. Couples are focusing less on excess and more on atmosphere, storytelling, and guest experience.

From refined palettes to immersive layouts, here are the key design trends shaping South Asian weddings in 2026.

1. Intentional Minimalism

Minimalism doesn’t mean less beauty—it means purposeful design. Clean mandaps, curated tablescapes, and edited décor allow each element to stand out. This approach creates a sense of calm luxuryand timeless elegance.

2. Sculptural Florals & Architectural Installations

Florals are no longer just decorative—they’re structural. Think hanging installations, asymmetric mandaps, and ceiling-forward designs that transform venues into immersive environments.

3. Elevated Neutral & Earthy Color Palettes

Soft ivories, warm taupes, sand tones, and muted metallics are dominating 2026 weddings. These palettes photograph beautifully and allow textures, lighting, and florals to shine.

4. Guest-Centered Design & Experiences

Design is extending beyond aesthetics to focus on how guests move, gather, and feel throughout the celebration. Lounge seating, layered layouts, and thoughtful transitions are becoming essential.

5. Lighting as a Core Design Feature

Lighting is now one of the most powerful design tools. Candlelit receptions, warm uplighting, and dramatic spotlights create mood, intimacy, and cinematic depth—often replacing heavy décor.

The South Asian weddings of 2026 are defined by balance: tradition and modernity, luxury and restraint, beauty and meaning. Design is no longer about filling space—it’s about creating an experience that feels intentional, emotional, and unforgettable.

Discover our curated network of Platinum Guide vendors—industry leaders in décor, florals, and lighting who bring South Asian wedding visions to life with precision and artistry.

For more wedding inspiration, real celebrations, and trend insights, explore MaharaniWeddings.

Nayalesh & Zain’s fusion destination wedding in Los Cabos was the kind of celebration that reminds us why we love destination weddings so much—sun-soaked, deeply intentional, and overflowing with soul. This wasn’t a weekend built on excess; it was built on meaning. Every choice reflected who they are, where they come from, and how they wanted their loved ones to feel: welcomed, relaxed, and completely present.

Set against the dramatic cliffside backdrop of Grand Fiesta Americana Los Cabos, the couple hosted an effortlessly flowing multi-day celebration where each event felt distinct yet beautifully connected. From the first welcome moments to the final farewell hugs, the resort’s ocean views, warm hospitality, and all-inclusive ease created an environment where guests could truly unplug and savor the experience. At the heart of it all was Pyaar Planning, whose calm, behind-the-scenes mastery ensured that Nayalesh & Zain were blissfully unaware of any hiccups—exactly how a wedding weekend should feel. With dedicated bride and groom assistants and flawless week-of coordination, their vision came to life with grace and precision.

Their love story itself feels perfectly modern. After Nayalesh moved closer for her master’s program, the two connected the way so many couples do today—through social media. The connection was instant and undeniable, leading them to involve their families early on. Sometimes, you just know. And when you know, you plan a wedding that reflects that certainty.

Visually, the weekend was nothing short of breathtaking. Floral and décor teams K’ndy Flowers and Zuniga Decor Cancun transformed each space with lush textures and thoughtful color stories that complemented the natural beauty of Los Cabos rather than competing with it. The welcome dinner set the tone with an all-white palette—cascading baby’s breath, white orchids, flowing fabric installations that danced with the ocean breeze, and a live flute player creating the dreamiest ambiance. The tables were arranged in soft, wavy formations, encouraging intimacy and conversation instead of formality.

The mehndi night unfolded on the Whale’s Terrace, the furthest point of the resort, perched right above the sea. Color took center stage here—orange, yellow, and pink florals popping against cream linens and warm clay-toned architecture. Over 20 dances filled the night with energy, surprises, and nonstop joy. Fireworks exploded over the ocean at the height of the celebration, followed by CO₂ guns to cool down the dance floor—because yes, this crowd danced that hard.

Nayalesh styled her hair with Los Cabos Hair and Makeup and personally did her own makeup creating a look that struck the perfect balance between polished elegance and beach-ready beauty—holding flawlessly. Intricate mehndi by Henna by Pallavi added a meaningful layer of tradition, creating designs that were as elegant as they were symbolic. Fashion was a true storytelling element throughout the weekend. Nayalesh curated three distinct looks, each tailored to the event and setting. For the welcome dinner, she stunned in a white and silver bejeweled sari—an unconventional yet perfect choice for a destination Nikkah celebration—while Zain complemented the look in a sand linen suit. Her mehndi ensemble featured a Mohsin Naveed Ranjha lengha with a custom blouse, lovingly secured after Zain flew to Pakistan to make it happen. Paired with an heirloom piece from her mother’s wedding and a gold paranda, the look felt deeply personal and timeless.

For the baraat, tradition met drama in a custom cranberry-toned Farshi by Paisley and Bia, chosen to suit the evening light and Zain’s darker turban and pocket square. Zain embraced his love for black with a custom beaded black-on-black sherwani from Pakistan—sleek, bold, and undeniably him. Together, their looks were striking without ever feeling forced.

Food, as expected, played a starring role. Finding exceptional Desi cuisine in Cabo isn’t easy, but Rich Taste of India delivered flavors that tasted like home, even oceans away. The baraat, led by Takadum Dhol, brought the unmistakable energy of celebration to life—rhythmic beats echoing through the resort, guests dancing spontaneously, and smiles everywhere you looked. One of the most unforgettable moments came unexpectedly. What began as a decision not to exchange vows turned into one of Nayalesh’s most cherished memories. The couple took a boat out to Cabo’s iconic rock arches and exchanged vows on the water. Surrounded by people yet completely in their own world, the moment was intimate, emotional, and profoundly theirs.

Behind the scenes, Indian Destination Wedding, Inc., a Platinum Guide member, ensured that travel logistics, accommodations, and timelines ran smoothly, allowing the couple and their guests to focus solely on the celebration. Capturing every golden-hour embrace, joyful tear, and candid laugh was Sara Idrees, whose photography feels both cinematic and deeply personal—preserving not just how the wedding looked, but how it felt.

There were also moments of quiet reverence woven throughout the joy. To honor Zain’s late father, Nayalesh hand-painted a banner placed on a chair at every event—a deeply moving tribute that kept his presence close in both spirit and heart. It was these kinds of details that made the weekend so powerful. From a fresh cream and berries cake that perfectly echoed the floral palette to a single cascading bouquet of baby’s breath and orchids that made its own statement, every element was chosen with care. Nayalesh & Zain’s wedding was proof that fusion celebrations shine brightest when they are rooted in intention—not in doing more, but in doing what matters most.

If this Los Cabos love story left you dreaming of your own destination celebration, save this feature, share it with your wedding group chat, and follow us for more beautifully intentional South Asian weddings from around the world. Trust us—you’ll want to see what’s next. And perhaps the most full-circle detail of all? Nayalesh was once featured on MaharaniWeddings at just 13 years old through an Ash Kumar contest—making this moment not just a wedding feature, but a beautiful return home. 

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
I moved closer to his area for my masters, and like every couple our age, connected on social media! We knew very quickly that we were meant for each other, so the parents were made aware very early on and the rest is history!

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.
Our amazing planners: Pyaar Planning (@pyaarplanningmx) handled everything the week of, leaving us with a calm mind to enjoy our events! We were unaware of any problems as they arose because they were on top of everything, and they provided us with dedicated bride and groom assistants who made the whole weekend smooth.

Finding high quality Desi food was tough in Cabo, We had many tastings but stumbled upon Rich Taste of India and loved the food! They worked well with our venue, were accommodating and brought a little taste of home to our wedding in Cabo!

I did do my own makeup for all 3 days, and I ensured I got ready in peace and silence every morning which was the perfect start to every day. Malvina from @loscaboshairandmakeup did my hair, and I cannot recommend her enough! Calm, professional, timely and with great attention to detail, Malvina was the best hair stylist for my bridal mornings.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I had three dresses all chosen to be different, but complimentary to the event and location! I knew I wanted to wear white at some point in my bridal week, but it being non-traditional and with my Nikkah already done, I had to think outside the box. The white and silver bejeweled sari I chose was the perfect centerpiece to compliment everyone's Linen suits, and the women's saris for our "Saris under the Stars" welcome dinner! My husband wore a sand linen suit from Suit supply.

I had my eye on the specific Mohsin Naveed Ranjha I wore for my mehndi for a long time, but I wanted to have a custom top made to reflect my personal style and vision for the day. Since they didn't take custom orders at all, my husband flew to Pakistan to convince them to make a custom blouse for the lengha, and thankfully they obliged! I paired it with an heirloom piece from my mother's wedding, and a gold paranda to complete the look. My husband wore a Deepak Perwani Prince coat and Kurta, which couldn't have matched better. Flecks of teal and pink in his prince coat added some delightful and delicate details, but not so much that it took away from the rich rust orange color.

My Baraat look is made custom by Paisley and Bia in Ontario, Canada. I wanted to stick to traditional colors and the timeless Farshi look, but chose a slight cranberry color to fit our evening event and to match my husband's darker turban and pocket square. Zain has always been a fan of black, so he had a custom beaded black on black sherwani made straight from Pakistan! Keeping the hair and makeup simple, the full neck choker necklace I wore really stood out beautifully.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
Creating the decor moodboards was my place to shine. Being in the wedding industry myself, I have spent years collecting ideas and envisioning my own events. Once it came time for me to put those ideas to paper, I was more than ready to go!

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Most of my family and guests have never attended a muslim destination wedding, so they did not know what to expect. However, the constant stream of positive feedback makes us think they loved it all! It is clear everyone's favorite event was the mehndi; the weather was perfect, view was unbeatable, and the dancing was nonstop!

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
We initially were not planning on doing a vow exchange, but reversed our decisions last minute and it ended up being one of my favorite moments. We took a boat out to the iconic rock arches in Cabo, and exchanged vows right on the water. While there were many people around, speaking to each other it felt like nothing else was going on around us. I am grateful that I get to have that memory.

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.
I knew I wanted an all white welcome dinner, and Pyaar Planning was able to bring my ideas to life including cascading baby breath and orchid arrangements, a ceiling fabric installation that danced with the wind, and the most elegant flute player who set the vibe for the night! We chose to do a wavy setting for the tables, allowing a more intimate environment for out guests as compared to separate tables.

The mehndi night took place on the Whale's terrace, the furthest tip of the resort that was right on the water. Colorful was the theme of the night, and I wanted to ensure all the colors complimented the resort's rich clay orange color. Orange, yellow and pink fresh centerpieces with orange goblet glasses was the perfect contrast against the cream tablecloths, but everything came together beautifully. Looking out at the venue and the rest of the resort from the stage was a breathtaking view! We had over 20 dances, many of them came as surprises to us but the dancing was non-stop! Fireworks erupted over the sea at the peak of the party, and then we had Co2 guns to cool down the crowd after all that dancing!

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
All the little details blend together on the day. Make sure you have great planners who you trust to execute those little details, but if not, dont stress it as you may not even remember them! Focus on the details that matter, focus on your spouse-to-be, and on being present with your family as THAT is what you will remember.

Second- get ready alone/with minimal people around! I did this, and it was the most peaceful start to every morning. The more people around, the more stress!

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
As a mehndi artist myself, I knew I wanted to hire Henna by Pallavi for a long long time, and I was not disappointed! The stain was incredible, and stayed dark even a week later.

The groom's father unfortunately passed away a few years ago, and there hasn't been one moment during the planning process that he hadn't been on our minds. I hand-painted a banner to be placed on a chair for every event, honoring his memory and keeping space for him both physically, and in our hearts. I could have ordered one online, but I wanted to personally make the banner due to its significance.

We did a flat fresh cream and berries cake, and were so glad we did! The berries complimented our venue decor of mixed red roses, and it was something different as compared to the typical tiered cake!

I only had a bouquet for my welcome dinner, and it took enough attention for all the days! I got cascading baby's breath with white orchids spilling out, and it was breathtaking!

Darlings, come back for more incredible features and inspiration for your own story. 

Henna by Pallavi and Indian Destination Wedding are members of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

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Darlings, step into Divya & Matt’s breathtaking wedding, now live on the Platinum Guide Blog!

We want to hear from you—are you dreaming of a grand ballroom Indian wedding? Let us know.

M4U Events, WSS Weddings and Marigold Wedding Planners are members of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

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There’s something about Cancun that instantly puts everyone in a celebratory state of mind—and Palak & Jay leaned into that magic beautifully. Their Gujarati destination wedding was vibrant, emotional, and unapologetically joyful, blending deep-rooted tradition with the kind of high-energy fun that only a beachfront celebration in Mexico can deliver. From the moment guests arrived, it was clear this wasn’t just a wedding—it was an experience.

Set against the electric backdrop of Hard Rock Cancun, the celebration unfolded with a perfect mix of glamour and laid-back coastal energy. The wedding struck that ideal balance: large enough to feel grand, intimate enough to feel personal. Behind the scenes, Moksha Weddings brought thoughtful planning and design expertise to every event, ensuring the couple’s traditions were honored while allowing space for modern, destination-inspired moments.

Visually, the wedding was a showstopper. Floral and décor teams Botanique Floral and Minimal 4.0 transformed the spaces with lush textures, clean lines, and a refined tropical aesthetic. The result was décor that felt fresh, elevated, and perfectly suited to the Cancun setting—proof that destination weddings can be bold without being overdone.

Palak was a radiant bride, glowing with confidence and joy. Her hair and makeup by Neetu Beauty struck the perfect balance between glamorous and beach-ready, holding flawlessly from daytime ceremonies to late-night dancing. Intricate mehndi by Loto Mehndi added a beautiful layer of tradition, completing her bridal look with artistry and meaning.

One of the true unsung heroes of a destination wedding is travel coordination—and this is where Indian Destination Wedding, Inc., a Platinum Guide member, truly shined. From managing guest travel to coordinating accommodations and timelines, their expertise made an international wedding feel surprisingly effortless. When hundreds of guests are flying in for a celebration, that level of organization isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

As the sun set and the music turned up, the celebration shifted into full party mode. DJ Mish kept the energy high, delivering a soundtrack that had guests on the dance floor well into the night. Every laugh, tear, and perfectly timed moment was captured by Gareth Davies Photography, whose eye for storytelling preserved both the grandeur and the intimate emotion of the weekend. On the cinematic side, Asha Films ensured the movement, music, and magic of the celebration were brought to life in a way Palak & Jay will relive for years to come.

Palak & Jay’s wedding was a celebration of culture, family, and fearless joy. It proved that traditions travel beautifully, that destination weddings can feel deeply personal, and that when the right team comes together, magic happens effortlessly.

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
We're a Hinge success story! We realized very quickly that even though we were complete opposites, we perfectly complemented each other.

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.
Planning an Indian wedding is hard and planning a destination wedding is even harder. Getting a planner was so important for decor themes. Getting a travel agent was crucial for the venue choice. However, when it came to DJ, hair/makeup for the bride, outfits and etc, it was important to first choose outfits not based off Pinterest and Instagram, because typically what you see may not align with your budget but what you see in stores first. For decor, instagram was very helpful to see past brides and their decor and then finding a way to align with your budget. It’s very easy to go over budget because everything adds up. For us, we were paying for the wedding ourselves so budget was super important. The first day we did a Seas of Blue theme to bring elements of the ocean into our first welcome night. Everyone wore blue. For haldi, we wanted purple and yellow because I love lavender. For the wedding we wanted neutral colours because with my lehenga along with my husbands beige with hints of pink, a neutral decor would bring it all together. Having the mirror aisle was super important because the reflection is stunning. For the reception, we went black and gold. We designed our own monogram for the dance floor. We wanted to keep it dark and fun because the real highlight was the dance floor.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
We went to many stores all over Mumbai, from high end designers to entry level stores. My experience wasn’t the best with the designer however I cannot deny that I loved every part of my wedding lengha. The corset blouse felt modern yet traditional with the long sleeves. I really wanted something diffferent because I wasn’t doing a traditional banquet hall ceremony. Being a destination bride with the ocean steps away from the mandap, I wanted a colour that complemented my environment but also was different.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
With Indian weddings that have a morning time, your hair and makeup starts super early. So getting ready and then having the sunrise while you got ready was super special. We made a stressful decision the night before while it was thunderstorm that we wanted to keep the wedding on the beach the next morning. We signed the waiver for the weather clause because we couldn’t imagine a destination wedding with the ceremony inside. Before we went to sleep, we prayed to god it would stop raining. Then while we got ready, we saw the sun shining and everything was going to work out. We took our pre shoot photos and it was so stress relieving at that moment with the sun shining. We think about that decision all the time and just how crucial that design was. The hotel said to move it inside, our planners recommended to move it inside but we took our chances and it all worked out.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Follow your heart, don’t listen too much to outside noise. This is your and your partners’ time to shine. It’s okay to be selfish in your decisions because you only get married once.

Come back for more love stories, breathtaking wedding inspiration, and behind-the-scenes magic.

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

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