Welcome to Maharani Weddings

Angela & Sunjay’s began with a skeptical profile on Shaadi.com and a mother who said, “Just try it.” What was supposed to be one month of proving a point turned into virtual Netflix dates, long pandemic phone calls, and a friendship that quietly laid the strongest foundation. By the time they had their first in-person date, the connection was already undeniable. Sometimes “the one” doesn’t arrive with a dramatic entrance—sometimes he simply responds to your message.

When it came time to plan their wedding at the stunning Richard Nixon Library, a Platinum Guide venue and a true Southern California gem, the couple leaned into a vision that felt timeless and refined. With its grand architecture and manicured grounds, the venue provided a stately backdrop for both ceremony and reception—elevated yet warm, traditional yet modern. Angela, an emergency planner by profession, took the lead with calm precision, while Sunjay proudly selected the venue himself.

Under the thoughtful direction of SoCalEvents – Shumaila, who served as both planner and event designer, the wedding unfolded seamlessly. The décor by Deepti’s Florals embraced understated elegance—lush yet controlled, romantic without overwhelming the space. It was the kind of design that whispers luxury rather than shouts it. Rentals by Rosebud Rentals – Jessica Mora Casillas layered in softness and texture.

Angela made a bold and beautiful bridal choice—green. Though red is her favorite color, she had always envisioned herself as a green bride, long before meeting Sunjay. Working with Crossover Bollywood Se and Komal Creation – Komal Makkar, she brought that dream to life in a look that felt regal, intentional, and deeply personal. Her jewelry from IndiaTrend and Sokora Jewels added heirloom richness, while expert draping by Nisha Amin ensured every detail fell perfectly into place. Beauty by Dolled Up By Lulu gave Angela a polished, luminous finish that complemented the grandeur of the day without overpowering her natural elegance.

Sunjay looked effortlessly sharp in tuxedos from Nordstrom, embodying that classic groom energy we adore.

The culinary experience—an essential pillar of any unforgettable Indian wedding—was masterfully handled by White House Catering and Mantra Indian Cuisine, delivering flavors that guests are still talking about. The cake and sweet treats from the Richard Nixon Library and My Delight Cupcakery provided the perfect finale to an already indulgent celebration.

And then there was the energy. Dhamaka Productions kept the dance floor alive, proving once again why choosing the right DJ can define the night. (Fun fact: Angela’s sister meeting their DJ at another event sealed the deal. Sometimes fate handles vendor selection, too.)

Captured through the lens of KimFilms and Hollycal Production, every emotional glance, every joyful spin on the dance floor, and every quiet, reflective moment was preserved with cinematic grace. Their storytelling approach allowed the wedding to feel immersive—like you were right there in the ballroom, watching two resilient hearts choose joy after seasons of profound loss.

Because behind the elegance and celebration lies a deeper layer to Angela & Sunjay’s story. Over the course of five years, they experienced unimaginable grief—losing parents and beloved pets while planning their future together. They honored their loved ones with a memorial table, a quiet and meaningful tribute woven into a day centered on love.

This celebration was a reminder that weddings aren’t just about aesthetics—they’re about honoring the past, embracing the present, and stepping into the future hand in hand.

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
Sunjay and I met on Shaadi.com in 2020, on the eve of the pandemic. I was on shaadi.com because my mom kept telling me to go on there. I told her it would be pointless but signed up for a month to prove my point. I came across Sunjay’s profile a few times but didn’t interact with him until my last few days on the website. I ended up sending him a message and didn’t think he would respond. He did and the rest is history. Jk, he responded and then March came about and we went into shutdown. We ended up talking on the phone, watching Netflix virtually, and became really good friends over the course of the next 10 months. We went on our first date late in the year and have been together since then.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Sunjay had an elaborate set up for the proposal. We started talking about getting engaged and looking at rings in 2023, so I knew a proposal would be coming at some point but didn’t know when. Sunjay proposed in summer of 2023. Sunjay told me we would be going to a mixer type event for work. Prior to this event he took a keen interest in telling me to buy a nice dress and to get my nails done. So I thought ok this might be the proposal? We both met up in downtown and he made a big ordeal about forgetting to get his work name tag and went back to the car to get it. Once I saw the name tag I thought “oh ok we are going to a work event after all.” Once we got to the top floor and out of the elevator, an Ed Sheeran song started to play, til this day I can’t remember which one. We turned the corner and there was a whole set up with “Marry Me” letters, rose petals scattered all over the floor, and a photographer.

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.
I’d say I took the lead on wedding planning since I am an Emergency Planner by profession, it came easy to me. Sunjay was involved in the planning process, he actually picked out our venue Richard Nixon Library. We booked Dhamaka Productions as our DJ and it’s funny because while we were deciding on a DJ, my sister actually met our DJ at another event and that’s what sold us.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
Red is my favorite color but I always wanted to be a green bride. I decided this even before I met Sunjay, I think I was subconsciously drawn to the color because it’s my mom’s favorite color and turned out to also be Sunjays favorite color. I followed CrossoverBollywoodSe on instagram for some time, so when the time came to design outfits it was a no brainer that I wanted to work with them for both bride and groom outfits.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
Honestly, it was very challenging given that Sunjay’s mother suddenly and unexpectedly passed as we were planning for the wedding. We had to move our date out and it was an extremely difficult time. Also over the span of 5 years my dad passed away, both of Sunjay’s parents passed away, 2 of my dogs passed away, as did Sunjay’s dog. So it was very heavy and full of grief but we made it through together.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
The venue, the food, and the overall vibe. The feedback we got from our guests seems that they were not underwhelmed nor overwhelmed, it seemed just right and enjoyable.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
During cocktail hour our planner pulled us aside to show us the reception ballroom where we had an opportunity to take it in and were able to take a moment for ourselves.

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 vendors worked really hard to pull something together that was representative of Sunjay and I. The wedding decor was understated, classic, and smooth just like us.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Plan early, step number 1 is pick the venue, and dates and everything will follow and fall into place.

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
We had a memorial table set aside to honor my dad, Sunjay’s parents, and our dogs.

Tag @MaharaniWeddings and let us know which moment made your heart skip a beat.

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Aashika & Sanjay's wedding was nothing short of a South Indian celebration infused with creativity, cultural richness, and the perfect amount of joy. Set against the picturesque backdrop of The Hamptons, the couple’s journey unfolded in one of the most beautiful ways possible—a celebration where traditional values met contemporary elegance.

The ceremony took place at The Dallas Oasis, a venue that transformed into the perfect setting for their vows. This stunning location offered an abundance of space and grandeur, with beautiful Indian décor and design elements, courtesy of Rama Bhat's brilliant planning. The seamless blend of rich cultural traditions and modern flair was evident in every detail, from the floral arrangements by Elegant Affairs to the ambient lighting that set the tone for a truly unforgettable event.

Aashika was absolutely radiant, her beauty enhanced by the expert work of Makeup by Sowmya, who crafted a look that was as timeless as the love being celebrated. And with hair and makeup completed to perfection, Aashika was ready to dazzle everyone, with a traditional South Indian bridal ensemble that combined elegance and grace.

Guests were treated to a culinary feast from Bawarchi Irving and Anand Adiar Bhavan, whose catering ensured everyone was well-fed and absolutely satisfied throughout the night. The unforgettable wedding cake by Petite Sweets was a sweet conclusion to a decadent menu.

Arjun (Events by Orion) brought energy and excitement to the entire event, keeping the dance floor alive and full of joy throughout the evening. The Baraat, led by MTB Exotics, was a lively and unforgettable spectacle. As the vibrant procession made its way toward the ceremony, it added another layer of excitement to the entire day. The Meenas Mehndi designs left Aashika with intricate and stunning bridal henna artistry that complimented the entire bridal look beautifully.

Every moment was beautifully captured by Urban Phulkari. The photography and cinematography allowed Aashika & Sanjay to relive the most intimate moments of their wedding day for years to come, preserving the magic and emotion of this special celebration.

This wedding is the perfect reminder that when culture, creativity, and intention meet, magic happens. For couples planning their weddings, remember: it's not just about the venue, the décor, or even the catering—it’s about how each detail reflects you and your story.

Feeling inspired by this vibrant celebration? Follow us for more breathtaking wedding inspiration.

Dive into Asiya & Omar’s stunning muslim wedding, now featured on the Platinum Guide Blog.

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
We met on a dating app, and as it turned out, we lived less than ten minutes from each other. We took things slow at the beginning, but once things started clicking between us, things moved pretty quickly.

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.
My fiancé and I both wanted a small and intimate wedding with just family and close friends in attendance. We planned for a one-day event where we would have a Nikkah ceremony followed by a small reception/dinner, and began booking our vendors, most of whom I found by scouring Instagram.

Unfortunately, two months before the big day, we were informed by the reception venue that they had realized they double-booked the hall, putting us in a scramble to find a solution. With help from our wedding coordinator, we were able to move our reception to the next day at the Westfields Marriott, turning what was supposed to be a wedding day into a wedding weekend.

Thankfully, all of our amazing vendors were able to make things work, and everything came together.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I envisioned a wedding lehenga with a modern twist for the Nikkah and a traditional red dress for the reception. I reached out to Luxurious786 and provided details on the kind of dress I had in mind, and they worked their magic and came up with the design.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
I remember the wave of emotions I felt during the Nikkah, especially during my entrance and when the ceremony commenced. After months of hectic planning, culminating in this day, it started to sink in that "this is it, it's really happening!"

The other memorable moment was during the reception. Towards the end of the night, Omar unexpectedly pulled out a cartwheel in the middle of the dance floor, stunning everyone, including me!

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
While wedding planning can be stressful, don't let it take away from enjoying the experience and the day itself. There will most likely be some hiccups along the way, and that is ok. At the end of the day, you'll remember the joy your family and friends bring to the celebration, not the tiny details.

For more unforgettable moments like this, follow along and share your comments with us.

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The moment Janki & Nishil's wedding began, it was clear this celebration wasn’t about following trends—it was about honoring tradition with intention and celebrating a love story built on resilience, partnership, and unwavering support. Their journey started on Hinge, but it was life’s unexpected challenges that defined their bond. Just a year after moving in together, Janki began experiencing severe nerve pain that left one of her arms barely functioning. Through it all, Nishil became her rock—making her smile on the hardest days and proving, without question, that he was “the one.” If he could make her laugh through tears, she knew she had found her forever.

Hosted at the elegant Marriott Hanover, the wedding seamlessly transitioned from a heartfelt ceremony to a glamorous reception, all under one roof. Planning wasn’t always easy—especially while navigating health challenges and balancing two different personalities. But bringing the vision to life was Shaadi Factory Events, whose planning and design expertise ensured every detail felt intentional and polished. All Event Decorator brought their vision to life with a pastel pink and white palette inspired by Janki’s outfit, creating a soft, romantic atmosphere. Their open mandap concept ensured every guest had a clear view of the ceremony—an intentional choice that kept the focus where it belonged.

Janki always knew she wanted to wear red. After traveling to India with her parents and visiting countless stores, she nearly gave up—until she stepped into one final shop. The moment she saw her lehenga, she declared, “This is it.” No second guesses, no comparisons. Just certainty. Glowing from head to toe thanks to Makeup by Ami and adorned with intricate mehndi by Henna By Shweta, Janki embodied tradition with confidence and grace.

Guests raved about the food—an experience made even more special when Janki’s father, an avid cook, personally collaborated with Moghul Catering's chef during the tasting. The result? A feast that had everyone going back for seconds. Sweet treats by Palermo Bakery added the perfect finishing touch.

The dance floor was equally unforgettable thanks to DJ Rish. Although Janki had been navigating health challenges and they only began practicing their first dance two weeks before the wedding, Nishil calmly stepped in—remembering every move and guiding them through. What began as stress turned into laughter-filled practice sessions. And in a surprising twist, the self-proclaimed non-dancer may have outshined them both.

From transportation by Monaco Experiences to joyful snapshots captured at Miles of Smiles, every element flowed effortlessly. Saroj Studios preserved not just the visuals of the day, but its emotion—the quiet glances, the laughter, the strength behind every smile.

Janki & Nishil’s wedding was joyful without being overwhelming, elegant without being rigid, and deeply rooted in culture while feeling entirely their own. It was a celebration of love tested and strengthened, of teamwork in its truest form, and of two people who chose each other—through health, through challenges, and into forever.

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?

I met Nishil on Hinge. We moved in together a year after dating. Unfortunately, as soon as we moved in I ended up having medical issues with nerve pain and one of my arm barely functioning.  He was my rock during that time, and always made me smile on days I was in pain. I knew right then that he is the one because it is not easy to make me smile when I am crying so for him to be able to do that said a lot!

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
He took me on a hike on our dating anniversary to Bear Mountains and proposed there. We had gone on a hike when we first started dating, promised to stay active and do more of these. However, due to my health we could not do any of it. Therefore, he took me there to propose to show that once I am better we will do more of these in our new chapter in life.

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 wedding planning was not easy, especially with both of us having different views. We started off by seeing venues. Finding a venue was the easy part for us. The real stress came when we had to find other vendors and create a guest list with our parents. We ended up splitting our work where he did all of the work for his side, and I did it for my side to make it easy. He took care of making Excel spreadsheets, emailing vendors, etc. I took care of talking to them on the call and figuring out the details of decorations, etc. he would then jump in when I had my top three options ready to help me pick. I would say splitting it with each of our strengths is a big help. I am a people person, so I was always ready to call, meet on Zoom, and discuss the details. He is more of an introvert, so he took care of the Excel, guest list, and emails.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I knew I wanted red from the moment I got proposed to. I travelled to India with my parents and got the help of my cousin in India to pick out my lengha. We went to many stores, and I was not able to find the one until I stepped into one last shop before I almost gave up. The moment they showed it to me, I said, “This is it!” Do not show me any other ones. I tried it on, and my parents and cousin also agreed it was the one.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
When we were doing our photoshoot, mailing the save the date cards, and practicing our first dance.  During the pre-wedding photoshoot, we had so much fun, and after that we went to have dinner at a restaurant. It turned out to be a day full of laughter and good food! When we were labeling the save-the-date envelopes, at first it was overwhelming. We had over 300 people on the guest list, so you can imagine the number of envelopes we had to mail. We ended up making it a fun thing by playing music and distributing who does what. I did the putting cards in each envelope, and he would label them one by one. We had fun laughs reading some of the street names, etc. During the wedding planning, I was still going through a tremendous amount of pain due to my health. We could not practice our dance until last two weeks before the wedding. I was freaking out, but he stayed calm and basically remembered all of the steps and helped me learn as well. He doesn’t like dancing, but then turns out he was better than I was! We ended up enjoying ourselves so much during practice.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Everyone loved the food!

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
Our wedding ceremony and first look! The first look was so special for me because I was tearing up the moment I started walking towards him. Our wedding ceremony was special because it felt like it was just him and me, because we both just focused on each other.

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.
The decor was picked based on our outfit colors, so we went with pastel pink and white. We did an open Madap concept and loved it! It gave everyone a good view, so people weren’t constantly getting up to see the ceremony. We did our first dance songs based on our love story and the experiences we have had so far, so it made it even more special. During our food tasting, my dad, who loves to cook, stepped in and spoke to the chef personally. This made the food completely different, and every single person loved it!

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Communicate with your partner before the planning starts! Tell him what you expect from him to support you during the wedding planning. Highly recommend splitting the tasks based on each of your strengths, just like my partner and I did.

Don’t forget to share which detail made you fall in love with this stunning New Jersey celebration.

Maharanis, check out Heather & Ken's stunning Valentine's wedding on today's Platinum Guide Blog!

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
What began as a chance meeting at a local bar turned into a real-life fairytale for Heather and Kinjal, whose Valentine’s Day weekend wedding celebrated the joining of two hearts, two families, and two cultures.

From the moment they met, the conversation between Heather and Ken flowed effortlessly and never seemed to pause. Ken courted Heather with thoughtfully planned, meaningful dates, including romantic trips to New York City and Philadelphia, intimate sushi dinners, and relaxing spa experiences. One especially meaningful date was seeing Aladdin on Broadway, a moment that beautifully reflected the “whole new world” Heather felt she had discovered with Ken. The song became a heartfelt choice for their wedding song and first dance together, symbolizing the magical journey they began together.
It didn’t take long for Heather to know Ken was the one. With each shared moment, they built a deep, unshakable bond that only grew stronger with time.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
On 1/11/24, came the moment every girl dreams of, a true fairytale proposal, high above the city at The Edge in Manhattan. Surrounded by sweeping views that felt as infinite as their love, they began their beautiful forever. To this day, it remains the easiest, fastest, and most certain “yes” of Heather's life. Since finding one another, Ken and Heather have experienced life’s highest highs together, sharing clarity, depth, and perspective, continuously lifting each other to exhilarating new heights.

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.
The venue, along with Heather’s hair and makeup, embodied a stunning blend of modern elegance and timeless glamour, details destined to be remembered for a lifetime. For the Indian ceremony, her hair was adorned with striking red and soft pink flowers, honoring tradition with vibrant beauty. For the American celebration, she wore delicate pearls and shimmering diamonds, reflecting romance, glamour, and the magic woven throughout the weekend.

Our floral designer spent countless hours transforming the mandap and chuppah, ensuring each was meticulously distinct while remaining equally breathtaking for their respective cultural ceremonies. The culinary experience was just as memorable—abundant, indulgent, and thoughtfully curated to delight every palate. Guests enjoyed expansive Indian buffets during both wedding celebrations, followed by an exquisite sit-down dinner at the reception, creating a dining experience as rich and unforgettable as the weekend itself.

The wedding color palette featured deep shades of red, vibrant pinks, and radiant gold, an intentional blend chosen to reflect a Valentine's wedding celebration rooted in love, wrapped in fairytale magic, and filled with romance and cultural symbolism.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
Red is the most iconic and powerful color in Hindu weddings. Traditionally worn by brides, it symbolizes love, prosperity, and strength. Blessings that honor both the sacredness of the union and the promise of a vibrant, abundant life together. The perfect color to celebrate the love and romance between the bride and groom during their Valentine's wedding weekend.

During several 3:30 a.m. video calls with the groom’s parents in India, Heather thoughtfully selected a breathtaking lehenga adorned with intricate, exquisite details, each element chosen with love, intention, and deep respect for culture.

Heather wore a custom-made lehenga handcrafted in India, weighing nearly 25 pounds, while Ken donned a perfectly tailored kurta. Every immediate family member wore custom outfits as well, individually measured and brought from India by Ken’s parents, a testament to the care and unity surrounding the couple.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Over a year later, guests continue to compliment the opulent venue, delicious and endless amounts of cultural foods, the special dances from the couple's nephew and bridal parties, as well as the bride and grooms dance, which left guests in tears, thinking they had taken professional dance lessons.

From start to finish, Heather and Ken’s wedding weekend was a true celebration of love, culture, and family. Guests still speak about the elegance, thoughtful planning, attention to detail, emotion, and unforgettable moments that made this Valentine’s weekend wedding one for the books!

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
The baraat was nothing short of unforgettable: Ken arrived on a real-life horse dressed for the occasion, accompanied by a drummer and sound system that energized the celebration and set the tone for the day. A pundit led the sacred ceremony in Sanskrit, the holiest of languages, as Heather and Ken officially became husband and wife. In a modern and playful twist, the couple made their exit in a Cybertruck, a perfect blend of tradition and contemporary style.

For the Indian wedding, the bridal party surprised Heather by arriving in stunning shades of purple, each dressed in beautiful Indian attire, creating a moment that was both unexpected and breathtaking. The groomsmen complemented the celebration in matching kurtas, creating a cohesive and timeless look that honored tradition with effortless elegance.

For the Jewish-American wedding, Heather embodied pure romance in a custom-made gown fit for a princess, complete with an extraordinarily long train and veil detailed with glitz and glam. At the conclusion of this ceremony, Ken stepped on a glass, symbolizing the unbreakable finality of the union. The shattered glass mirrored the irrevocable nature of the marriage vows and marked the joyful beginning of their marriage!

The reception continued with deeply meaningful family moments and surprise dances. Ken knelt before his mother during their dance to honor her. Heather shared a tender dance with her father, a surprise song, “Lullaby” by Billy Joel, added another layer of magic to the night! The couple and their guests didn’t want the celebration to end, departing with unforgettable memories and images they’ll treasure forever.

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
Our favorite detail was seeing both of our cultures honored so intentionally, from sacred ceremonies to meaningful dances, and delicious cultural foods. This was truly an epic Valentine's wedding weekend! From the very first event, the love between Heather and Ken was palpable in every room.

And if this affair has you dreaming up your own unforgettable moments, come back for more.

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