Welcome to Maharani Weddings

Experience the beauty of Mala & Anush’s big day—now unveiled on the Platinum Guide Blog!

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

We were introduced by my best friend, Shelly, and his brother Sachin. They were medical school classmates and good friends who brought their friends and family together often. One of those times, Anush, I crossed paths and stayed in touch...and the rest is history!

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Anush was living in New York City, and I was visiting from Philadelphia for Memorial Day Weekend. We had our religious engagement a few weeks prior, so I had a feeling Anush had something big planned. However, when I came up on Friday, and we had a lowkey dinner, I thought it wasn't going to be the proposal weekend just yet...

The next morning, he asked me to meet him at his place before brunch with his friends. I came dressed in a casual brunch outfit, so I was surprised to see him in a blazer - he even hinted that I should change into something nicer, which he never does! Now I was a little suspicious, but New York does have upscale brunch spots, and his friends are quite fashion-forward, so I thought it could be a hint to meet those standards. I changed, and he came by in an Uber to head to brunch.

Then of course, Uber had car trouble...Anush seemed a bit stressed now. He called another Uber to take us to brunch, citing that his friends were already there and that we were running late. On a typical day, I am the one stressing about being late, and he would be the one staying calm and stress-free, so I was definitely surprised but again thought nothing of it.

We get to the rooftop and head upstairs - the hostess tells us our table is in the back corner and walks us through the restaurant past other diners. As we keep walking toward the back, some of the diners have their phones out and are smiling at us - I knew something was up! And of course, as we turned the corner, there was a MARRY ME sign and flowers set up in a secluded corner area with the NY skyline in the background! Anush, of course, got down on one knee while a photographer captured the perfect moment. Then we spent the rest of the long weekend checking out more of the city and sharing the great news with friends and family!

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 have been lucky enough to be a part of Dream Shaadi for 6 years - a wedding planning company based in the DC area and run by a good friend, Sumeet Bagai. Through my years of experience, I knew what priorities I had when it came to vendors and the types of personalities I wanted to work with for our big events. Since we had plenty of family in India, we had one large religious ceremony in Chennai, India and a fun 3-day party and reception in Cancun, Mexico. For a couple that loves to travel, we ended up having a double destination wedding/reception, and we were so, so lucky that Sumeet helped us plan everything.

For our Mexico celebration, we had 3 main events and picked 3 different types of themes for each. The first day was a welcome party, and we found a cool all-white outfit idea for Anush - so we built the theme around it! I also wore white (and gold), and we had the decor reflect white, black, and accents of gold/neutrals. Since we wore white, the guests could wear "bright" (colors) to make everything go together nicely.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
My favorite color is blue -for my Indian wedding, my sari was a gorgeous blue one from Tulsi Silks. So for this epic celebration and vow ceremony, I got a custom outfit made with multiple shades of blue in it as well from Harshita Singhvi's Shades of Blue collection.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The weekly meetings with Sumeet, duh! Of course, other than that, I enjoyed working on "projects" with Anush, our brothers, our families, and select friends. For example, we planned themes and other details together as a couple, dances with the brothers/cousins, ceremony details with the parents, and so much more. We also liked both site visits and all of the dance practices - small moments that end up being like the "calm" before the actual moment. Sometimes dance practice also brought a lot of laughter and teamwork as we work on a common goal and get better and better with time. I'm also not a huge fan of trying on and shopping for clothes (neither is Anush) but we still had a nice time spending time with family on these tasks and taking breaks with yummy snacks and other activities when needed.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Two things come to mind - 1) was the fun method of bringing people out to the middle of dance floor during the welcome party: we had our MC say custom rhymes that applied to a group of people (let's say guests who are at their first indian wedding or our high school friends) and then a song clip played indicating that those folks should come out and dance with us. It was a huge hit because people loved that they could identify with one or more of these special groups to us and spend a fun moment with us in the limelight 2)

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
Our vows, of course - I had come up with some general topics to touch on when I said mine, including fun references to all of Anush's favorite things (NBA, Marvel) and things we liked to do together. Anush, on the other hand, blew me and everyone away, but came up with thoughtful, sweet words completely on the fly. The weather, view, and other details were also absolutely perfect during our Vow Ceremony, followed by the most gorgeous rooftop dinner event. On top of that, Sumeet was our talented "officiant", which was meaningful as he has been a big brother, mentor, friend, and planner to us over the years.

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 reception evening was an homage to our love of travel and the various places we have lived, traveled together, and so on. Many of our friends and family also felt connected to these places, and we featured themed ways (like travel postcards!) to connect with us. During the reception, was also when our brothers gave fantastic speeches, our parents said some really nice words, and our best friends sealed the deal with fun memories from our past. Just like our cross-cultural upbringing of being Indian American and having such a diverse group of friends, our dances all featured English, Tamil, Spanish, and Hindi music (often mashed up), and everything came together in an epic fashion.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Get a planner! It doesn't matter if you are detail-oriented and have a vision - it's nice to just have another person or team on your side that understands your vision and vouches for your ideas when it comes to complex family-related decisions or dealing with vendor-related issues. As a couple, it's necessary to be in the moment and enjoy things instead of stressing out - so with a planning team handling things in the background, we were able to truly enjoy every moment! On top of that, a good planner just knows how to save you money and work with your budget at every stage. Highly recommend!

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
We wanted to certainly shout out two vendors that were extra special to us - Dynasty AVE and Saptapadi Weddings. I have worked with Dynasty extensively through my time as a wedding coordinator, and so many of them have become good friends with us over the years.  The other vendor, of course, is Saptapadi Weddings - I also had the privilege of working with them at several destination weddings - Federico, Poncho, and Hector have become such familiar, friendly faces that it was nice to have them at our Mexico events. They kept us relaxed and brought out the most beautiful moments through film and photography. Not only are both vendors our friends, but they are just amazing at what they do and go above and beyond all expectations.

Maharani brides, if you’re dreaming of a destination wedding, share this with your planner.

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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. Aashika’s intricate bridal henna was beautifully crafted by Sheetal Henna Designs Dallas, whose detailed and elegant patterns adorned the bride’s hands and perfectly complemented her bridal ensemble. Meenas Mehndi delighted guests with elegant henna designs of their own, adding a personal and festive touch to the celebration.

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.