Welcome to Maharani Weddings

Some love stories unfold slowly, while others arrive with a ping notification and a smile that feels like destiny. For Ashwin & Destry, it was the latter. In the summer of 2022, while Ashwin was traveling in Portugal with his family, a Hinge match connected them across continents. Destry's warm smile and charm captured his attention instantly. One conversation led to countless more, with them talking every day. When someone feels like home even before you meet, it’s a sign that something special is happening. By their first official date—after their board exams—it felt more like a reunion than a new encounter. Each date revealed shared values and a natural connection. Their relationship solidified at a cozy Christmas pop-up bar when Destry asked Ashwin to make it official. Their proposal, planned together in Chicago, involved them exchanging rings and reading vows over cocktails. There was no pressure, just two people confidently choosing each other. It was an iconic moment.

When it came time to plan their wedding, the same thoughtful approach guided every decision. Drawing on recommendations from loved ones in the Chicagoland area and their own deep-dive research, they curated a dream team that balanced expertise with heart. Lincolnshire Marriott Resort offered convenience for traveling guests and flexibility for a multi-event celebration. From impeccable South Asian catering that guests are still dreaming about to seasoned creative partners behind the lens and on the dance floor, every vendor felt like a natural extension of the couple’s vision. A special nod goes to Events by Shaun Rajah, whose organization, calm confidence, and trusted recommendations tied it all together seamlessly—proof that a great planner is worth their weight in gold (or at least crystal chai glasses).

Fashion lovers, take note. A visit to Sabyasachi in New York City set the tone for a wardrobe that was equal parts romantic and refined. Guided by a stylist who truly understood their aesthetic, Ashwin & Destry embraced a pastel peacock palette—lavender, dusty rose, and mint green weaving through their looks and décor. The result? Soft, elegant, and quietly show-stopping, with hues that felt fresh yet deeply symbolic. While many couples bond over seating charts and spreadsheets,

The ceremony itself was the kind that stays with you long after the last song fades. A fusion Christian-Hindu celebration, lovingly crafted and led by family and friends, honored both Ashwin’s Hindu roots and Destry’s Methodist background. Rituals blended seamlessly, not as a compromise, but as a celebration of unity. It was emotional, joyful, and deeply affirming—a true testament to love in all its forms.

When asked for words of wisdom, Ashwin & Destry offered something refreshingly real: learn how to communicate—really communicate—before marriage. Understanding each other’s strengths, weaknesses, and rhythms is key, whether through daily check-ins or shared rituals. Their favorite tool? A simple app that sparks meaningful conversations, one prompt at a time.

Above all, their wedding weekend felt like a pause button on the chaos of everyday life—a space where love, intention, and community took center stage.

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
We met like many other couples in their 30s do these days—online, through Hinge.

It was the summer of 2022, and after 33 years, we had both finally mastered the art of being happily single. Ashwin was traveling in Portugal with his mom and sister when he received a notification: “You have a match with Destry.” Curious, he opened Hinge to find a message waiting from a charming guy with a huge, infectious smile.

We exchanged numbers soon after, and from that day on, we haven’t gone a single day without talking, even while continents apart on various trips. After patiently waiting for Ashwin to complete his board exams, we finally went on our first date a month after matching. It felt like our souls had already known each other for ages. As fall unfolded, each date grew more interesting with our interests, values and goals aligning seamlessly.

Then, one evening at a cozy Christmas pop-up bar, Destry asked Ashwin to make it official—and the rest is history.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
While a bit unconventional, we actually planned our proposal and exchanged rings! We each prepared vows ahead of time and spent the evening at a cocktail bar in Chicago.

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 husband and I discussed vendor options with his friends and family members that were previously married in the Chicagoland region. We had specific vendors in mind after researching online and approached them directly. We choose the Marriott Lincolnshire due to ease of access from O'Hare airport for out-of-town guests and the various venue options they had on site. We knew we wanted catering from the incomparable Anu Sharma, owner of Mantra in Chicago. We also wanted the expertise of Wynn Films, Joseph Kang Photography and DJ Krush. After these initial decisions, we connected with Shaun Rajah. We are so thankful we spent the year prior coordinating through him. He was very organized and truly pulled everything together recommending additional vendors & services. We are so grateful for our team!

How did you select your outfit? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
We visited Sabyasachi in New York City and fell in love with their designs. We partnered with a stylist, Alex, and he walked us through our events, themes and potential options. We choose a pastel peacock theme with lavender, dusty rose and mint green anchoring the color palette.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The most enjoyable part of the planning process was learning our unique opinions and styles. The most enjoyable task was most definitely our private dance lessons with Cesar Salinas! We spent 12 hours with him over the course of 3 months preparing a stellar first dance with an upbeat foxtrot with two grand lifts!

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Our guests were appreciative of the guest-centric nature of our weekend. All events were on site, meals were provided and personal touches were featured at each event. We had art made by friends and family designed as prints and acrylics as party favors. We also incorporated hand-written thank you notes in our seating chart for the reception.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
We had a fusion Christian-Hindu LGBTQIA ceremony with family and friends presiding over the ceremony. We crafted a blended ceremony with rituals from both Hinduism, Ashwin's background, and Methodism, Destry's background. The entire ceremony was a testament of love, joy and celebration!

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 weekend was comprised of two days' worth of events. On Friday night, we hosted a Sangeet for guests at the Lakeside Pavilion. Friends and family wowed us with beautiful performances, and we both surprised each other with our talents as well! We chose a Spain-themed aesthetic with Indian-inspired Spanish cuisine such as Indian paella. Our Saturday events started at 3:30PM with the Baraat and flowed seamlessly into the ceremony, cocktail hour and the reception. Our color palette emulated the colors of the peacock, a symbol of our time spent together in India - specifically a beautiful memory in Jaipur at the Rambagh Palace.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
If you are not able to communicate both the strengths and weaknesses of your relationship with your spouse, attempt to resolve this prior to marriage. Understanding how each partner communicates is key. Set aside time to learn more about one another whether it be a small daily or larger monthly ritual. For example, we use the Paired App which is a free application that provides a daily prompt that we both answer covering many topics that revolve around relationships.

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
We truly felt our weekend provided respite to our guests from the hectic world that we live in. We were able to enjoy this ourselves as well! We had such a wonderful time and encourage couples to keep the guests in mind when planning their wedding. If the guests have an amazing time, you will too!

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Welcome to the mesmerizing tale of Monica & Akash's wedding in today's Platinum Guide Blog.

Feeling inspired? Head to our Instagram and tell us—which moment stole your heart?

Bridgewater Marriott, Luxe Event Group and Nirali Decor are members of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

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Queens, NY knows how to throw a party—but when a Sofiya & Cameron's muslim wedding of this scale and style takes over the borough, it becomes something else entirely. Think cinematic energy, elegant tradition, and just the right amount of sparkle to make guests pause mid-conversation and say, “Wow.” With a guest count hovering between 201–300, this celebration was designed to be felt, not just attended.

The festivities unfolded with intention and flair, beginning at Royal Palm, NY, where the sangeet set the tone for the days ahead. Laughter echoed across the room, music carried from table to table, and the kind of joyful chaos only a South Asian sangeet can deliver filled the air. It was one of those nights where choreography meets spontaneity, and everyone—yes, everyone—ends up on the dance floor.

For the main event, Terrace on the Park provided a breathtaking backdrop for both the ceremony and reception. With sweeping views, expansive ballrooms, and an innate understanding of large-scale cultural weddings, the space effortlessly transitioned from solemn ceremony moments to a high-energy reception that kept the celebration flowing late into the night.

Design and ambiance were brought to life by Riwaj Events, who handled both floral and décor as well as event coordination. Their layered textures, thoughtful layouts, and seamless execution ensured that every detail felt intentional—never overdone, always elevated. Behind the scenes, Veer Entertainment delivered top-tier production, while DJ Tony and MC DJ Avhik kept the energy perfectly calibrated, knowing exactly when to turn up the volume and when to let emotion take center stage.

Capturing it all was Events Capture Photography, whose lens told the story with depth, clarity, and emotion. Their expertise in South Asian weddings shines through in every frame—from quiet, meaningful glances to full-blown dance floor celebrations. Their ability to document not just what the day looked like, but what it felt like, is what makes their work truly unforgettable.

Sofiya & Cameron's celebration was a beautiful reminder that South Asian weddings are more than events—they’re experiences layered with culture, connection, and unforgettable moments shared across generations. And trust us, this is one wedding you’ll want to see unfold frame by frame.

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Nirali & Darshak met in September 2021, the modern way—on the Indian dating app Mirchi. She had just moved to Dallas, and he lived in Detroit, but their long-distance connection felt anything but distant. “It was effortless,” Nirali recalls. “We shared the same values, loved travel and food, and he consistently showed up for me.”

Darshak planned the perfect proposal in Dubai, one of Nirali’s favorite cities. With the Burj Khalifa glowing at sunset, Bollywood songs playing, and a private rooftop dinner, he got down on one knee. “It felt like a Yash Chopra movie,” she says. “It was the Bollywood proposal of my dreams.”

The couple originally planned a five-event wedding weekend in October 2024 at the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort. But just two days before celebrations began, Hurricane Milton struck, forcing a full cancellation. “It was heartbreaking,” Nirali says. “But our friends, family, and vendor team were incredible.” They rescheduled for May 2025, and the dream wedding came to life with even more love and gratitude.

Nirali’s bridal look was rooted in tradition. “I always wanted to wear red,” she says. During a shopping trip to India, she found her lengha—the very first one she tried on. “I knew it was the one when I saw my family’s reaction.”

Of all the wedding memories, the first look stands out. “I was above him, quietly walking to our photo spot. When I tapped him on the shoulder and he turned around—it was a moment I’ll never forget.”

Her advice for future brides? “Stay true to what feels right for you and your partner. It’s easy to get overwhelmed, but focus on what really matters—celebrating your love.”

From a dating app match to a beachfront wedding with Bollywood flair, Nirali & Darshak’s journey is a true testament to resilience, romance, and the power of love—even when plans don’t go as planned.

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
We met the modern way - by swiping right on an Indian dating app, Mirchi. We matched in September 2021. Darshak was living in Detroit and I had just moved to Dallas at the time. Fortunately, he worked remotely which allowed him to visit me in Dallas frequently. We quickly learned that we had a shared passion for adventure, travel, and great food.

I knew he was the one because our connection felt effortless from the very beginning. We shared the same values and communicated openly. He consistently showed up for me in meaningful ways. There was a sense of calm and certainty with him.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Darshak planned a trip to Dubai, one of my favorite places in the world. One evening, he surprised me with a romantic dinner on a rooftop overlooking the Burj Khalifa at sunset. We enjoyed the most beautiful view and a delicious meal while all my favorite Bollywood songs played in the background. It felt like a scene out of a Yash Chopra movie. Then, he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him—it was truly the Bollywood proposal of my dreams!

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.
Once we got engaged, we went into full planning mode. Planning a wedding weekend with 5 events is not for the weak! We wanted all the celebrations to reflect both our personalities, so we focused on blending tradition with a modern touch. Choosing the right venue was our top priority, and we were lucky to find Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort. We knew that our families and guests would love being right on the beach.

Our wedding was originally planned for October 2024, but just two days before the start of the celebrations, Hurricane Milton hit Florida, forcing us to cancel everything at the very last minute. It was chaotic and extremely heartbreaking. What was meant to be the start of the most special week of our lives suddenly turned into a whirlwind of stress, uncertainty, and disappointment. But in the midst of all the chaos, we quickly realized how strong our support system was. Our family and friends, near and far, went above and beyond to lift our spirits. We rescheduled our events to May 2025.

Through all the chaos, I had the most incredible vendor team by my side. From the moment we had to reschedule, they were nothing but supportive, handling everything with grace and care. They went above and beyond—every event was flawlessly executed.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
We flew to India to do our wedding shopping. I knew I always wanted to wear a red lengha. My wedding lengha ended up being the first lengha I tried on. I knew it was the one as soon as I put it on and saw my family's reaction!

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
I had been dreaming about my wedding for a very long time. I'd say the most enjoyable part of the planning process was the fact that I was able to do it with Darshak. We learned a lot about each other through the process, in a good way. We had a lot of late night conversations about how we envisioned all our events. We also had the best vendor team who all worked tremendously hard to make our vision come to life.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
Our first look was a special moment. I was on the upper level, staying hidden and making my way to the spot for our photos, while he was on the ground level. He was completely unaware that I was just above him, moving alongside. Once our photographers had him in place, I came down, tapped him on his shoulder. When he turned around, we shared a special moment of seeing each other in our wedding outfits for the first time!

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Stay true to what feels right for you and your partner. Wedding planning can be overwhelming, so remember to take moments to breathe and enjoy the whole process. Surround yourself with people who support you. At the end of the day, it’s all about celebrating your love, so focus on what makes you both happy. Trust the journey, it's all worth it in the end!

Sona Photography, Michele Renee The Studio and Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort are members of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

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When it comes to love stories that blend elegance, emotion, and a touch of sparkle, Shikha & Vipul’s Baltimore wedding was pure perfection. Think panoramic waterfront views, five-star flair, and a celebration so artfully curated it could double as a masterclass in modern Indian luxury. Their love story began with a match on Coffee Meets Bagel—a digital twist on the classic “boy meets girl.” 

Their journey to “I do” unfolded over an unforgettable weekend that reflected both grandeur and heart. The festivities kicked off with a vibrant sangeet at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront, where the air buzzed with dhol beats, laughter, and choreographed joy. Shikha choreographed most of the evening and performed in nearly half the dances herself—her energy lighting up the stage. Events By Vaishali, the creative force behind the wedding’s seamless flow, transformed every space into a reflection of elegance and celebration. The décor by Partyland Sajawat was a feast for the senses.  Sachi didn’t just bring a vision to life—she turned Pinterest dreams into an experience even more breathtaking than imagined.

When the big day arrived, the Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore became the stage for Shikha & Vipul’s stunning ceremony overlooking the harbor, with sunlight streaming in like a divine blessing. Shikha, radiant in a handcrafted Nitika Gujral ensemble, exuded grace and modern Maharani allure. Her bridal glow was perfected by Style by Susmita, whose calm, artistic touch made every moment effortlessly elegant. From her intricate Om Sons Bridal Store jewelry to her serene smile, every detail spoke of joy and confidence.

Vipul’s grand baraat—led by Premier Entertainment—was pure celebration. His procession danced its way from the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront to the Four Seasons, framed by the sparkling Inner Harbor. In a special twist, Shikha made a surprise cameo from a terrace overlooking the lively crowd, a cinematic prelude to their vows. Their ceremony music by Pavan Verma added a soulful layer to the moment. He played “Madhanya” on the flute as Shikha made her entrance, filling the air with emotion. The ceremony itself was filled with laughter, reverence, and the kind of heartfelt glances that make time stand still.

The ballroom shimmered under chandeliers, with a custom dance floor by GoToShout setting the stage for nonstop revelry. Premier Entertainment once again kept the energy alive, ensuring guests danced until the very last beat. Culinary perfection came courtesy of Moghul Catering, who honored both Punjabi and Telugu traditions with exquisite dishes that had guests raving long after the weekend ended. But what truly set this wedding apart was its warmth. Despite the grandeur, every moment felt deeply personal—woven together with family, intention, and love. Shikha credits her parents for being her ultimate teammates: her mother’s calm wisdom and her father’s logistical brilliance turned planning into a family art form. From late-night checklist sessions to “Tetris-packing” a moving truck, every bit of this wedding was built with heart.

And of course, every stunning second was immortalized by Nayeem Vohra Photography, whose artistry turned fleeting emotions into timeless treasures. From Bhavna’s Henna-adorned hands to every dance floor spin, their lens captured the soul of the celebration. From heartfelt vows to sangeet sparkle, this Baltimore wedding was more than an event—it was a celebration of two souls intertwining, a masterclass in blending North and South Indian cultures with style, substance, and sincerity.

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
We met the good old-fashioned way...reaching for the same jalapeno in a grocery store..

Just kidding, we met on a dating app called Coffee Meets Bagel! After we matched, instead of small talk about the weather & our favorite colors, he immediately messaged asking to meet in person at a really cute cocktail bar in Philly called One Tippling Place. Our first date had some eavesdroppers who were sitting next to us & when he went to the restroom, they tapped me on the shoulder and were shocked that we were only on a first date! Even though it was a "school night," we closed the bar down & the rest was history.

Even though I'll never admit it to him, I knew he was the one pretty early on. I was in my GI fellowship at the time which can be really demanding, and he was endlessly supportive. From the start, we dated with intention. Every conversation, including the serious ones, only brought us closer. Nothing scared him off & if anything, it made us both even more excited for what was to come!

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 actually started planning our wedding before we were even engaged! Having attended so many weddings together, we quickly became experts in what worked (and what we’d do differently). Through those experiences, we organically discovered many of our own vendors.

We started a little backward by hunting for venues first. After touring multiple options, we ultimately chose a beautiful location at the Inner Harbor in Baltimore - perfectly situated between both sides of our families. Our vision was for everyone to move into the hotel for the entire weekend so that it felt like one big family reunion rather than a series of separate events. We did everything but the wedding ceremony at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront, which is where all our guests were staying. The baraat was super fun since it walked my husband's side from the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront, where they were staying, to the wedding venue at the Four Seasons with the backdrop of the Inner Harbor! I even got to pop out of one of the Four Seasons' terraces that overlooked the baraat walk for a quick cameo!!

By the time we found our wedding planner - Events By Vaishali, we already had the venue booked - but she was truly our saving grace. Her team coordinated every vendor, handled all the moving parts, and, most importantly, ensured the weekend ran seamlessly. I was able to completely hand over my stress (and my phone!) to them and just be present during the weekend. It wasn’t until after the weekend that I learned about all the little fires they’d quietly put out behind the scenes like true professionals.

Our planner also introduced me to my makeup artist, Style By Susmita, with whom I connected instantly. She has such a gift for enhancing your natural beauty and creating a calm, grounded energy - which is so important, especially since you spend more time with your hair and makeup team than almost anyone else during the wedding weekend! My planner also introduced me to my mehndi artist, who was equally incredible. We did a long Zoom consultation where she designed my patterns on an iPad. She spent over nine hours doing my full bridal mehndi but kept up the most positive, warm energy the entire time - it felt more like spending the day with a close friend than with a vendor.

Our decorator, Sachi from PartylandSajawa, turned from vendor to fast friend. She completely understood our vision and brought it to life with such attention to detail. Each event felt so distinct yet cohesive. She had this rare ability to take my Pinterest dreams and translate them into something even more beautiful than I imagined.

Our photographer was Nayeem Vohra, whom I met at my best friend's wedding over 5 years ago. I knew from that moment that he was going to be my photographer before I even had a man or a date selected. The universe was in my favor that he happened to be free! His team has an incredible way of making you feel comfortable in front of the camera, and he always gets the best shot!

Our caterer was Mogul Catering, which was out of this world! I am Punjabi, and my husband is Telugu so it was important for us to both have our cultures represented. During our tasting, Mogul made sure to have us try special dishes from both parts of India and absolutely came through during our weekend. Our guests could not stop raving about it!!

As a dancer, our musical talent was of the utmost importance. We used Premier DJs, HR Beats, and Ambition. They knew the vibe we needed for all four events, and we didn't have a single repeated song all weekend! Our planner also recommended Pawan Varma, who is a flautist & saxophonist. He brought such a unique energy to our baraat, wedding & reception. He played "Madhanya" on his flute for my bridal entrance and played saxophone covers of all our favorite Bollywood songs during the baraat & cocktail hour!

The outfit process was a whirlwind! We traveled to India for just a few days, so I had to make every minute count. I had done tons of research beforehand, but between choosing my own looks and helping my sister find hers, it was an adventure. Susmita, my makeup artist, was incredibly helpful even from afar, guiding me to pick outfits that complemented one another while still being unique for each event. Special shout-out to both my parents who never left my side during the shopping marathon. We also got a chance to custom make our bridal party outfits with Meetu Makkad in Shahpur Jat, which was such a cool & unique process!

And finally, the heart of it all, my family. My mom was my rock throughout the entire planning process. Together, we mastered the Notes app like pros, creating shared to-do lists and weekly check-ins with every detail meticulously tracked. My mom had this magical way of balancing logistics and emotions - she kept us organized, grounded and laughing through it all. Every little moment of our wedding had its fingerprints on it, from the tiniest décor details to the thoughtful guest experiences. My dad was instrumental in execution, helping us expertly pack inventory into bins in the months leading up to everything, and Tetris packing a huge moving truck without missing a single piece. It truly became a family project filled with so much love, teamwork, and joy.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The best part of the planning process was doing it together. We only had 6 months from our proposal to our wedding day, but we got through it all together! Things can definitely get stressful at times since there are so many moving parts but having each other through it all made it feel fun and meaningful.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
The wedding weekend goes by in a complete blur - everyone tells you that, but you don’t really believe it until you’re in it. For me, the one moment that felt like time actually stopped was in between our wedding ceremony and reception. Vipul and I had about an hour completely to ourselves, and it was the first time all weekend that things felt quiet. We just sat together, taking it all in - everything we’d planned, everyone we loved, and the fact that we were finally married. It reminded me that all of it, the planning, the details, the celebration,s was ultimately for these moments together.

Overall, the entire weekend was a special moment. Flashbacks of all our family & friends having the time of their life on the dance floor and eating biriyani & gol gappe will live in my heart forever! Weaving both the North & South Indian cultures was also really special!

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.
As a lifelong dancer, the Sangeet was especially close to my heart. I choreographed almost the entire evening and somehow still found myself performing in nearly half the dances! It was one of the most fun parts of the whole wedding weekend. Seeing our family and friends pour so much love, energy, and enthusiasm into every performance was incredibly special.

Vipul & I also did a special performance that mixed the Hindi & the Telugu versions of Chaleya/Chalona together!

Ready to feel inspired, maharanis? Dive into our features for more happily-ever-afters!