Welcome to Maharani Weddings

Some weddings begin with grandeur. Others begin with joy. For Ruchi & Shaunak, the magic started with marigolds, mehndi, and moments that made their hearts feel full before the ceremony even began. Nestled in the serene elegance of The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas, their celebration unfolded like poetry—each pre-wedding ritual rich with color, culture, and connection.

Draped in a striking orange outfit, her hands mid-air in a happy dance, Ruchi's mehndi night was a burst of tradition wrapped in bold personality. Her intricate henna by Sheetals Henna Designs wasn't just beautiful—it told the story of her roots, future, and radiant spirit. As golden threads of sunlight streamed through the windows, Ruchi beamed in a room filled with vibrant drapes, parasols, and laughter. Her friends showed off their mehndi-clad palms, and every corner of the space hummed with energy. This night celebrated sisterhood, stories, and the sacred art of preparation.

In matching shades of marigold and sunshine, the couple sat beneath a cascading canopy of yellow garlands. Ruchi wore a vibrant Devayani Chavan lehenga in fuchsia and chartreuse, adorned with floral jewelry that echoed the garden-like setting. Her soft, glowing makeup and flowing waves—expertly styled by Beauty by Joan Lis—enhanced her natural radiance as she laughed—no, glowed—as turmeric paste playfully covered her cheeks.

Shaunak didn't get off easy. Between his groomsmen ambushing him with handfuls of haldi and Ruchi smudging his cheeks with the biggest grin, it was hard to tell whether he was a groom or a full-blown art project.

And that's the thing—these weren't just rituals. They were celebrations of joy, playfulness, and the bond that carried them from college friendship to forever.

There's something sacred about silence. In a quiet green space before the ceremony, Ruchi & Shaunak stood back-to-back—eyes closed, hearts wide open. With "Hers" and "His" vow books clutched in their hands, they reached for each other. It wasn't a first look. It was something softer, more profound. A first touch. And it was captured with soul-stirring precision by WSS Weddings, a team whose talent lies in what they photograph and feel. Known for their expertise in South Asian weddings, WSS knew how to preserve this quiet exchange's intimacy without intruding. Every image from this moment—soft hands meeting, subtle smiles, quiet anticipation—is a masterclass in emotional storytelling.

When the sun set and the lights dimmed, DJ Riz Entertainment turned up the volume—literally and emotionally. From the couple's grand entrance to the night's final song, DJ Riz curated a high-energy soundtrack that had every guest on their feet. With seamless transitions between Bollywood beats, crowd-favorite bangers, and romantic slow dances, the dance floor transformed into a full-blown celebration of love and legacy. Ruchi & Shaunak's first dance was magical, and by the end of the night, even the aunties were grooving. Every ritual felt intentional, every detail filled with meaning. And thanks to a dream team of vendors who understood their vision, this celebration wasn't just picture-perfect—it was soul-stirring.

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
I first met Shaunak as an undergrad at Case Western in Cleveland, Ohio. I was a sophomore and he was a senior when we first became friends while on our college's Bollywood Fusion dance team, Case Kismat! Our friendship blossomed, evolving into something more towards the end of his senior year. However, with Shaunak embarking on medical school in Toledo, we decided to part ways. After a summer apart, we rekindled our connection and decided to give long-distance a try. While we faced challenges, our bond grew stronger.

Shaunak already knew knew from the start that we were destined to be together. I, still focused on completing my undergraduate degree, wasn't quite ready to envision a future with him. Over time, I realized that he was truly 'the one.' Our relationship was built on a strong foundation of friendship and mutual respect. We faced challenges head-on, learning and growing from every experience. We could effortlessly navigate both joyful moments and serious situations together.

Looking back, I am incredibly grateful for our journey. From our initial connection in college to our decision to spend the rest of our lives together, every step has been an incredible adventure.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Shaunak planned the most incredible proposal! Since it was my birthday, everything leading up to it was cleverly disguised as birthday celebrations. My parents flew in, I got pampered with nails and hair, and even picked out a dress with my mom and sister – all under the guise of birthday festivities. Everyone was in on the secret for over two months!

I had a sneaking suspicion that something special might happen that week, but I tried to convince myself it was just an elaborate birthday surprise. Then, right before we left for what I thought was my birthday dinner, Shaunak's sister arrived unexpectedly from out of town. That's when I knew.

Both my sister and Shaunak's sister accompanied me as we walked through downtown Cleveland to the stunning Arcade, a historic landmark. There, I was greeted by both our parents and Shaunak, who had transformed the space with beautiful flowers and printed canvases showcasing our memories together. To top it off, our best friends from out of town surprised me as the photographers!

Shaunak knelt down and proposed, and it was absolutely magical. The entire evening was so perfectly planned, but I secretly wished for a bigger celebration with all of our friends. After a lovely family dinner, I thought the surprises were over.

The next day, we headed to Shaunak's family home for brunch, and that's where the real surprise awaited me! Over 20 of our closest friends from high school and college were there, just as I had hoped. We spent the day celebrating with everyone, and later enjoyed the VIP section at a downtown club. It was the most unforgettable day!

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The most enjoyable part of the planning process was bringing two families and communities closer together. We learned about each other's values, beliefs, customs, and traditions, and explored how to weave the story of our relationship into the wedding.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Throughout the weekend, there was a palpable sense of joy that was a product of our amazing guests. Song and dance was how our relationship started and our guests shared with us that they loved the creative performances that came from the bride and groom, the bridal party, our families, and our friends.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
The most special moment of our wedding was undoubtedly our 'first touch.' Not wanting to see each other prior to the ceremony, we opted for this unique alternative to the first look. Standing back-to-back, we held hands and privately exchanged our vows. Amidst the whirlwind of wedding preparations, this intimate moment provided a much-needed pause. We were able to slow down, connect with each other, and truly be present before embarking on our journey as a married couple. The intense emotions we felt as our hands met, finally experiencing each other's presence on that day, will forever be etched in our memories. This unforgettable experience was made possible thanks to our brilliant photographer, Deepesh, who suggested this unique approach.

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
Jewelry played a significant role throughout our wedding festivities. My maternal grandmother has always cherished fine jewelry, and she carefully selected many of the sets I wore throughout the weekend. While each piece was beautiful, the most meaningful were those worn during the ceremony: a collection of my mother's wedding jewelry, chosen by her nearly three decades ago. I also wore my maternal grandmother's bangles, my paternal grandmother's nath (a traditional Maharashtrian nose pin), and gold hairpins from my great-grandmother. It was a poignant tribute to the generations of women who came before me.

It was the celebration of everything they've built together and everything still to come.

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Once upon a time… in Houston, Texas, a radiant bride named Kainat and her charming groom, Luqman, pulled off a legendary wedding. Set against the elegant backdrop of Springs Venue Cypress, this Indian celebration had all the makings of a blockbuster: show-stopping fashion, emotional moments, dazzling décor—and yes, a few happy tears (some even from people who claim they “don’t cry”).

When guests arrived, they were whisked into a world meticulously crafted by the creative geniuses at Dreams to Themes Events. Think lush florals, regal gold accents, and a mandap that could easily rival the Taj Mahal (okay, maybe a little smaller… but just as photogenic).

And speaking of photogenic, Ivan Garcia Studio captured every magical moment like a cinematic dream. From Kainat’s first tearful hug with her parents to Luqman’s grin that refused to leave his face, every shot felt like a page out of Vogue Weddings—except more real, sweeter, and 100% desi.

Forget walking. Kainat floated into the ceremony like she owned the clouds, while Luqman’s baraat came in hot—literally. The energy, the music, the dancing—the kind of entrance makes you want to attend 100 more weddings just like it. And thanks to Studio17, every second of it lives on in glorious, cinematic fashion. (We’re not saying they deserve an award, but we are saying we’d like to see this on Netflix.)

If you thought the ceremony was unforgettable, justwait for the reception. The couple’s entrance was nothing short of a red carpet-moment. The lights dimmed, the music dropped, and BAM—there they were, glowing under the spotlight and surrounded by floral perfection.

Kainat’s radiant bridal look was brought to life by Fashion Face Beauty, whose work could only be described as flawless. Her makeup stayed on point through laughter, dancing, and a few emotional hugs. That glow? Equal parts glam and pure joy. And the mehndi? A literal work of art by Heavenly Henna by Fiza. Intricate, elegant, and filled with personal touches—it had guests snapping close-ups like they were museum curators.

What truly set this wedding apart wasn’t just the stunning aesthetics—it was the love, the laughter, and the deeply personal moments woven throughout. From playful glances during the ceremony to inside jokes during the speeches, Kainat & Luqman’s wedding wasn’t just an event—it was an experience. A celebration of two hearts becoming one, surrounded by the people (and the details) that mattered most.

This wedding proved that fairytales exist, with a glowing bride and a lot of sparkle.

Some weddings whisper elegance. Others scream joy. And then there’s Jinal & Andy’s wedding in Ledyard, CT — a cultural symphony of style, soul, and serious swag. Imagine a celebration where Bollywood glam meets New England charm, wrapped in pristine whites, pearlescent pastels, and vibrant personalities. Yes, maharanis — this one delivers.

Let’s start with the entrance. Andy didn’t just arrive—he rolled in. Picture this: a rugged Jeep Mojave, smoke bombs blazing, and the groom and his crew hyping the crowd like they were headlining Coachella. It wasn’t just a baraat; it was a full-on parade, complete with beats by Premier DJ USA, who turned a quiet Connecticut road into a mobile dance floor. Bonus points to the wedding party for hitting synchronized steps as they had secretly trained for India’s Got Talent.

And then came Jinal. Radiant. Regal. Rocking a jaw-droppingly intricate ivory lehenga with ruby red chooda and the kind of polki and Kundan jewelry that deserves its own Netflix special. Her look, crafted to perfection by the magic wands at Cinderella Bridez LLC, was nothing short of breathtaking. (Let’s be honest; if elegance were a sport, Jinal would just win gold.)

As guests gathered under open skies, emotions ran high, and hearts melted. Andy, in a crisp ivory tux, couldn’t take his eyes off his bride — and we couldn’t either. When he saw Jinal for the first time, the world paused (or maybe it was just us zooming in on the photos… repeatedly).

And speaking of the photos… Let’s give a standing ovation to Lightyear Studio, whose jaw-dropping cinematic photography told this love story like an Oscar-winning film. From playful pre-wedding Jeep antics to emotional vows and that iconic post-kiss dip down the aisle, every frame radiates joy, intimacy, and authenticity. Their lens didn’t just capture moments — it bottled up magic. This is your sign if you’re still looking for your dream wedding photographer.

The celebration continued at the Pequot Museum, where elegant florals, glowing candlelight, and a killer dancefloor set the scene for a reception that brought the house down. Think epic speeches, sweet surprises, and a newlywed first dance that could rival any rom-com finale.

From the bride’s henna-detailed hands gracefully covering one eye (that iconic bridal portrait!) to the perfectly color-coordinated wedding party in soft mint green, every element was thought through and styled to perfection. Even the groomsmen looked like they stepped out of a couture catalog — coordinated, confident, and clearly having the time of their lives.

Every detail told a story from Jinal’s stunning jewelry to Andy’s bold, smoke-filled entrance.

Don’t miss the inside scoop on Aishu & Kavish’s wedding—exclusively on the Platinum Guide Blog.

Their dreamy Riviera Maya wedding is what destination dreams are made of.

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When you think of Hartford, CT, towering skylines and grand architecture might come to mind. But for one weekend, the city became the backdrop to a love story draped in jewel tones, shimmering lehengas, and dance moves worthy of a Bollywood finale. Meet Puja & Kushal—a duo that took "wedding goals" to a new level. In the city's heart, under golden-hour glow and amidst the towering buildings, Puja & Kushal shared a first look that could stop traffic. Quite literally—thankfully, no honking was involved. Puja, radiant in a plum and blush Rasaya lehenga (flown in from Mumbai, because obviously!), stood hand-in-hand with Kushal, who was the picture of princely charm in his deep-hued sherwani.

Before the grand ceremony, the couple started the festivities with vibrant haldi and mehndi celebrations that blended warmth and laughter with gallons of turmeric. Surrounded by glowing friends and layers of intricate mehndi, Puja's joy was infectious—her smile brighter than the marigolds! (And yes, we counted at least twelve hands showing coordinated henna designs around her. Squad goals? Check.) Draped in rich, glittering Rajwadi Jewelry, she floated down the aisle with the elegance of a queen. In ivory and gold with traditional touches, Kushal waited for her beneath a mandap beautifully dressed by Elegantize Productions, who truly outdid themselves with florals that whispered romance and regality in equal measure.

When the sun went down, the sparkle turned up. Puja became a dazzling, silvery lehenga that shimmered like a starry night sky. Kushal matched her elegance in a sharp Suit Supply tux that made every James Bond look feel underdressed. DJ Gaurav Sood turned the ballroom into a pulsating celebration, blending Desi beats with crowd-favorite classics. Guests danced like nobody was watching… except Juniper Domantay, who was watching, photographing, and turning every move into art. They captured this moment with such cinematic flair that we wouldn't be surprised if Netflix came calling.

Beyond the opulent decor, the show-stopping outfits, and the seamless blend of tradition and trend, what stood out was the pure, contagious joy of Puja & Kushal's loved ones. From the bridesmaids in coordinated sage green lehengas to the groomsmen cheering like courtside at a playoff game, the wedding had energy, elegance, and the moments you frame forever. Catering by Moghul Catering made sure everyone stayed fueled with mouthwatering Indian delicacies, and Sanjana Vaswani's magic brushes ensured Puja looked flawless from the first look to the last twirl. This wasn't just a wedding but a moment suspended in time. Do not forget to check the incredible gallery. Enjoy!

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
I met Kushal in my first year of college. Kushal stayed three doors down from me in our dorm building/floor. During our first day, he introduced himself to everyone, and when I first saw him, I said Oh, an Indian boy, and he’s kinda cute! Over the next 4 months, he would come into my room often. We talked about sports, music, our families, and so much more. We had many common interests, and I started to develop feelings. The more time I spent with him, the more I knew I could see a future with him. He was funny, fun, and loving. He finally told me he liked me one Friday night when we were getting ready to go to a house party our freshman year. Our dorm friends ditched us that night. We realized we were alone, and he finally said I’ve liked you! The next 10 years flew by, and here we are, finally married!

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
It was our dating anniversary weekend, and I had been asking Kushal to bring me to the Poconos since I had never been. He planned the whole thing, but I had no clue I was going to get proposed to. He brought me to this love hotel, where it was all heart-themed. I didn’t think much of it cause it was our anniversary weekend. I figured he was being romantic. When we checked into our hotel, he told me he entered us for a raffle for a free photoshoot. An hour later, we got a call from our hotel room, and the receptionist said we had won! I was in shock because I had never won a raffle. I got all ready, and we headed down to where they said to meet. It was so cold that day, but I still dressed up because who wouldn’t for a free photoshoot? The photographer took us down by the frozen lake, and that’s when he popped the question.

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 couldn’t have planned such an amazing wedding weekend without my family, friends, and sister in law. It was tough taking into consideration what my parents and in-laws wanted, but with budgeting, organizing, and planning thoroughly, I was able to pull it off. After hours on the phone with multiple vendors and hundreds of emails sent, I feel like I picked the perfect vendors for our wedding weekend. I especially enjoyed working with my hair and makeup artist, photographer, venue, and decorator. They all gave me a great price and were very accommodating. My decorator literally made my vision come to life with all my event decorations. My makeup artist became my therapist when I was nervous and stressed. My photographer got amazing content and created so many reels of us. I was pleased with everything!

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I only had 3 days in Mumbai to pick my wedding outfit. I was also traveling with my in-laws' fiancé and my whole family, so there were like 9 of us. If there is one thing about me, I am extremely picky and terrible at making decisions. We went to sooo many stores. I was hesitant to try on many dresses, but I still did. When I tried on my hot pink lehenga, it was the last color I expected to wear, but the way I looked, the way my face lit up when I wore it, I knew it was the one. I glowed! It helped that my family loved it too!

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The most enjoyable part was picking the decor. I don’t know why, but I love decor at weddings. Many people don’t care for it, but I like to think I have a good eye and a big vision. I love big, tall structures for decor with vibrant colors. It was fun picking different styles for each event.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
The food! Moghul is probably one of the best caterers in the northeast. Their food does not disappoint. They fuse together different dishes and still make them taste great. Their presentation is also very good, making the food look appetizing. People were stuffed at our wedding, which was great! We had so many dishes I can’t even remember which ones were a hit!

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
My solo performance to Kushal plays on my mind constantly. Not the dance itself, but the way he looked at me during my whole performance, and the reaction when it ended. I was so nervous that I immediately locked eyes with him when the dance started because looking into his eyes just calms me down. As I started to dance, his smile and cheering encouraged me. He gave me the biggest hug when I finished and told me he couldn’t wait to marry me! I’m pretty sure my solo dance was his favorite part of the wedding weekend, and I’m also pretty sure it plays on his mind constantly, haha!

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.
Here are some random facts from our wedding weekend! We had nine dance performances for our sangeet, and everyone killed it! There were so many songs and so much dancing; it was a blast!

My Mehndi was a mermaid theme; it was a beautiful setup!

My reception decor was all custom and built just for my wedding (told you I have a big vision).

I wore all real gold for my wedding ceremony from head to toe. It was really heavy!

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
My words of wisdom are to do everything you want to do, no matter what people say. Don’t think it will look stupid or what people will say, just do it. Having regrets is worse. Another thing is, not everything will go exactly as planned, and that is ok. It is rare that an Indian wedding ever runs on time, even with a planner. Trying to plan by the minute is pointless. There is no need to stress because everything will work out even if it is not as planned. Just have faith and trust the 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 jewelry for the wedding is from Rajwadi
My sangeet outfit was custom-made, and so was Kushal's
We have over 500 people for our wedding
My best friend from middle school did my Mehndi. She is the real one who spent 6 hours doing it for me for free!!!

It is a beautiful reminder that love is bold, vibrant, and meant to be celebrated in style.