Welcome to Maharani Weddings

In the heart of Philadelphia, where modern sophistication meets timeless tradition, an extraordinary visual story unfolded at the luxurious Loews Philadelphia Hotel. With its history and grandeur, this stunning venue provided the perfect backdrop for a one-of-a-kind stylized shoot that blended South Asian culture with a modern boudoir twist. The result? An elegant narrative that celebrates the beauty of tradition while pushing the boundaries of contemporary style.

The vision for this shoot was simple yet bold: to redefine what boudoir means in the South Asian bridal world while maintaining a deep respect for cultural roots. And that vision came to life as the #DesiBoudoirShoot—a celebration of elegance, charm, and timeless beauty captured.

Posh Kreations, known for their visionary approach to event design, transformed this shoot into an artistic masterpiece. With a keen eye for detail, they brought the luxurious setting to life, curating a decor that perfectly balanced natural textures with rich, elegant accents. From the soft glow of candlelight to the intricate floral arrangements, every element was meticulously crafted to create an atmosphere of pure opulence. They told a story of modern bridal elegance through each thoughtfully designed scene, elevating the entire experience with their signature touch of sophistication.

Draped in exquisite designs by Meghna Jain, models Shelisa Shaju & Geethika Bhagavatula embodied the essence of the modern South Asian bride—confident, poised, and stunning. Their attire showcased intricate detailing and rich fabrics that exuded luxury. To complete their looks, Tinted Teal provided breathtaking jewelry, adding a layer of regality to the shoot. 

John Martin Productions used the subtle interplay of light and shadow to highlight the models’ grace and the luxurious textures of their attire. The result was a series of timeless, cinematic frames that transported the viewer into a world of opulence. Alvin Alex Films documented the shoot’s behind-the-scenes moments, ensuring that the energy and excitement of the day would be forever remembered.

Boudoir photography often focuses on sensuality, but this shoot took a more conservative yet equally powerful approach. The goal was to create a visual story that expressed the elegance and charm of the modern-day South Asian bride. The blend of tradition and modernity gave the shoot its unique twist, with each frame embodying sophistication and beauty.

This shoot captured timeless elegance with a modern allure, leaving an unforgettable impression.

Loews Philadelphia Hotel is a member of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

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Take a look at Shilpa & Maneesh's stunning wedding journey in our latest Platinum Guide Blog!

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
We met online, and after texting back and forth, we met for our first date in Brooklyn, where I lived at the time! We went out for dinner, and the conversation flowed naturally as we realized how much we had in common. I knew he was the one who had a similar personality, how he always made me laugh at silly jokes, and especially because we bonded over our common love language of sharing food!

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
One of my favorite shows has always been The Bachelor/Bachelorette. Knowing this, he recreated a Bachelorette finale and proposed with a traditional Bachelor proposal! We were on our way to what I thought was his work holiday party, with plans to meet some friends at The Fleur Room in NYC beforehand. As we stepped into the empty rooftop, I assumed we were the first ones there until he played a video from Jesse Palmer welcoming me to my final rose ceremony and proposal! After I said yes, he surprised me with our parents, family, and friends coming to The Fleur Room to celebrate the night with us.

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 planned our wedding in about 8-9 months, and planning involved lots of checklists, Google Docs, and phone/video calls! We did a lot of research to pick our vendors, but once we did, everything fell into place really quickly. We were looking to have a traditional Indian wedding with modern and fun twists, and all of our vendors really helped us achieve this. For our decor and color scheme, the first thing we picked was the colors of my bridal, reception, and bridesmaids' outfits, and then the rest of the decor complemented those colors. Working with our decorator was amazing, she was so creative and really helped to bring our vision to life. We didn't have a specific theme in mind besides the colors and wanted to keep our reception elegant and classy, and with our decorator's help, we designed the perfect aesthetic. Our wedding planners were great and they were really essential for coordination amongst all the vendors for the day of the event. One of the best things we did during the planning process was a walk-through at the venue about one month before the wedding with the wedding planner, decorator, and venue. This really helped us feel at ease that everyone was on the same page for the timing and flow of events of the big day!

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I always knew I wanted to wear bright red for my bridal lengha but never really had a design in mind. I went shopping in India with my mom and found my bridal lengha at the first shop we went to! I only tried on 5-6 outfits and instantly knew this was the one when I saw it! I loved the bright color and detailed work and knew it would stand out amongst the color scheme of the ceremony.

Darlings, for more wedding inspiration from this incredible day, follow @maharaniweddings.

Florista Decor and Detailed Affairs Team are members of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

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When Nitika & Chip decided to celebrate their love, they knew their wedding had to be as unique and vibrant as their journey together. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Asheville, NC, this wedding was the perfect blend of two cultures, two families, and two days of pure joy from the serene elegance of Chestnut Ridge, where they said, "I do."

The first day kicked off with a beautiful Christian ceremony, where Nitika looked stunning in a white gown, and Chip wore a sharp suit that made him look like he'd stepped straight out of a movie. From the heartfelt vows to the surprise Sangeet that followed, the night was a riot of color, music, and dance, setting the tone for the festivities. A special shoutout goes to the incredible team at "I Do" Asheville Weddings, the masterminds behind this magical celebration's flawless planning and design. As Platinum Guide members, their expertise and attention to detail shone through every moment, from the seamless transition between the Christian and Hindu ceremonies to the fun-filled reception with everyone talking. If you're looking for a unique and impeccably organized wedding, this is the dream team to make it happen! The floral arrangements and intricate details by Vikwabs Decor Design perfectly complemented the fusion theme, adding a magical touch to the festivities. 

On day two, things got wild. Chip's grand entrance was the stuff of Bollywood dreams. And yes, the turban ceremony? An absolute hit. Seeing Chip transformed into a regal groom for the Hindu ceremony made for a perfect moment, and plenty of amazing shots from Natasha Dale Photography. Now, let's talk about the reception. Forget your standard dance floor and cake-cutting routine—Nitika & Chip went above and beyond. The Restoration Hotel became a fun zone with bowling lanes, pool tables, and arcade games. Who knew weddings could be this fun? Their guests were entertained at every turn, and Martin Wedding Film captured the playful energy perfectly.

Feeling inspired? Follow along for more wedding magic on Facebook and Instagram! And don't forget to tag us if you're planning your own fusion celebration—who knows, maybe you'll be our next feature! 

This wedding was celebration of love and timeless moments, forever captured in stunning detail.

"I Do" Asheville Weddings is a member of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

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Discover Sadia & Marcus's stunning fusion wedding on today's Platinum Guide Blog!

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
One of our friends owns a lifestyle clothing brand and asked us months ago if we could model some of his merchandise in a photo shoot. So we agreed; on the day of, his friend told us I was going to start creating and editing videos and start my own content creation company on the side. Which was actually very believable, so he said if you guys don’t mind, I can use you guys to make a promo video. I still didn’t think anything of it. So we went to downtown LA, and he followed around all day and shot content of us on a “date,” etc. Towards the end of the day, he said I got some great content. I think it would be perfect if we wrap it up with a couple of shots of you two at the beach; my husband and his friend had an entire staged conversation in the car, deciding where to go and whatnot, and I totally believed it all. Once we got to Malibu, we started walking down the beach, and behind a little cliff, I walked into an entire setup of his proposal that he and my friends coordinated. They were all in on it; they even posted fake stories about being out of town, so I wouldn’t think anything was up. (See video for details) It was absolutely magical!

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
Before I even started my selection process, I knew my wedding lehenga had to be one of my favorite designers, either Sabyasachi or Manish Malhotra. I flew to New York with both of my maid of honor and went to Sabya's New York location. Sadly, they only had two wedding options to choose from, and none of them spoke to me. Plus because I knew i was going to be getting married by the beach I knew I wanted a lighter color. So i came home and started doing my research I fell in love with the paste; green color I saw on a model in Manish Malhotras page. I contacted them online and the rest was history, They were able to make adjustments to create the wedding Lehanga of my dreams. Ultimately, I ended up with the perfect Manish Malhotra piece.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
My best friends walked me to the aisle under a 'phool chadar' that my maid of honor handmade, under a veil that my best friend's mom is hand-made. My entrance to the wedding was so powerful it felt like time had stopped as I was walking out. The sky was perfect, and the song we used was perfect. My best friend holding the chadar to see me off was extremely powerful.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Dear future brides, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. All the emotions, stress, and joy you feel right now, you will remember for a lifetime. I know it’s hard not to stress over the little details to make sure your visions come to life exactly the way you pictured, but I promise you when it’s all over, all you will remember are the emotions you felt during this time. So, if I can leave you with anything, I would say, enjoy this time and be truly present so that later in life, you can reflect on how truly precious this time in your life really is.

This perfect blend of tradition made every intimate moment feel like a scene from a love story.

Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa is a member of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

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The first look between a bride and groom is one of the most intimate, emotion-filled moments of any wedding day, especially for South Asian weddings that are steeped in tradition. This intimate event, full of raw emotions, offers a beautiful opportunity to capture the couple’s first look before the ceremony. Whether you're still deciding on having a first look or seeking tips to make the moment perfect, this guide will help you plan an unforgettable experience for your big day.

Why Consider a First Look at Your Wedding?

In traditional South Asian weddings, it's common for the bride and groom to see each other for the first time during the wedding ceremony. However, the trend of incorporating a first look into the wedding day has been growing in popularity. But why should you consider it?

Capture Authentic Emotions: The first look provides a private, heartfelt moment, away from the crowd. It’s an opportunity for the couple to see each other in a relaxed setting, allowing candid emotions to unfold. This makes for some of the most cherished and natural photographs of the day.

Calm Your Nerves: Indian weddings, often packed with multiple events and customs, can be a whirlwind. The first look offers a serene moment, giving the couple a chance to connect and calm their nerves before the ceremony begins.

More Time for Photos: With a first look, you can take the pressure off post-ceremony photos. By taking portraits before the wedding, you free up time after the ceremony to mingle with guests and enjoy the reception.

Bride and Groom First Look Tips

1. Choose a Scenic, Private Location

The location sets the tone for your first look. It should be intimate enough to allow you both to express your emotions freely but also beautiful enough to capture the magic of the moment.

• Outdoor Gardens: If you’re hosting a destination wedding, consider a lush garden or beach setting that enhances the romance.

• Cultural Venues: If your wedding takes place at a traditional temple or a venue with significant architecture, choose a secluded corner that aligns with the cultural beauty of your day.

• Rooftop or Balcony Views: For a city wedding, a rooftop with a panoramic view adds grandeur to your first look.

2. Plan the Timing Perfectly

Timing is crucial for creating the best atmosphere for your first look. Schedule this moment at least 1-2 hours before the ceremony to give yourselves time to savor the experience and take photos.

• Golden Hour: The soft, warm lighting during the golden hour (around sunset) enhances the beauty of your photos.

• Pre-Ceremony: If you want to honor cultural traditions during your South Asian wedding, plan the first look a few hours before the main ceremony. This ensures you still have time for pre-wedding rituals.

3. Coordinate with Your Photographer and Videographer 

Your first look is a major part of your wedding story. Ensure your photographer and videographer are prepared to capture every moment perfectly.

• Experienced Vendors: Choose photographers and videographers familiar with South Asian weddings. They’ll know how to capture your special moments while respecting traditions.

• Scout Locations Together: Visit potential first-look locations with your photographer to plan where the best shots will be taken.

• Multiple Angles: Ensure your team captures the first look from various angles—both the groom’s reaction and the bride’s approach.

4. Add Personal Touches 

Make your first look even more memorable by incorporating personal elements.

• Exchange Gifts or Letters: Consider exchanging small gifts or letters during the first look. This creates added sentiment and provides emotional moments your photographer can capture.

• Traditional Attire: Brides might consider wearing part of their traditional outfit during the first look—such as a dupatta—before adding the full ensemble for the ceremony.

• Meaningful Heirlooms: Include a family heirloom or significant jewelry piece during your first look to honor tradition and add sentimental value.

5. Make It a Private Experience 

A first look should feel like a private, intimate exchange between you and your partner. It’s a special moment away from the eyes of guests, allowing you to focus on each other.

• Just the Two of You: Request that family and friends give you space during this time. Keeping it private allows you to savor the moment without distractions.

• Choose a Quiet Spot: Opt for a peaceful location that will allow you both to express your emotions fully without interruptions.

6. Prepare for Emotional Moments 

It’s common for emotions to run high during the first look. Be prepared for tears, laughter, and overwhelming joy.

• Happy Tears: Have tissues handy, as it’s common for both brides and grooms to shed a few happy tears during this moment.

• Take a Moment: After the first look, give yourselves time to soak in the emotions before moving on to the next part of the day. This will allow you to fully embrace the experience.

• Be Present: Focus on each other and let the emotions unfold naturally—this is a once-in-a-lifetime moment!

7. Blend Modern and Traditional Elements 

South Asian weddings are deeply rooted in tradition, but you can still incorporate modern elements like a first look without straying too far from cultural customs.

• Pre-Wedding Rituals: Schedule the first look before traditional pre-wedding events, such as the Mehndi or Haldi, to balance both modern and cultural practices.

• Sacred Spaces: If you’re having a religious ceremony, choose a first-look location near a temple or sacred space to add spiritual significance.

8. Involve Your Bridal Party (Optional) 

After your private moment, consider involving your bridal party for some lighthearted fun and group photos.

• Bridesmaids and Groomsmen: Invite your closest friends for a few fun group shots after the first look. This adds excitement and energy to the day, creating a memorable start to your celebration.

A bride and groom’s first look is a magical experience that sets the tone for your wedding day. Whether you choose a private, intimate moment or include your bridal party in the excitement, the first look is an opportunity to create lasting memories. By planning with your vendors, selecting a beautiful location, and incorporating personal touches, your first look will become one of the most cherished parts of your wedding story. Let these tips guide you in creating a first look that is as unique as your love story. Enjoy every moment, and may your wedding day be filled with joy, love, and beautiful memories!