Welcome to Maharani Weddings

Welcome, sweeties, to a mesmerizing tale of love as we unravel the lovely wedding story of Sasha & Kunal. The stunning event took place at the lavish Newark Airport Marriott. Sasha was the epitome of grace and beauty, adorned in exquisite bridal fashions by Anushree Reddy and Seema Gujral, her allure accentuated by the skilled hands of Divya Bhawnani & Dawn Gomez, and the intricate mehndi art by Henna By Tanvi. Wedding Design transformed the venue into a dreamy paradise with vibrant floral arrangements and bespoke decor. Aria Events went above and beyond to make their special day perfect! Their meticulous planning and flawless design ensured that every moment was unforgettable. They ensured Sasha & Kunal's special day was a seamless and memorable experience. The electrifying beats of the incredible M4U Events emanating from the speakers were impossible to resist and had guests moving and grooving with unbridled joy. And amidst this symphony of celebrations, the talented Nura Weddings captured every smile, tear, and heartwarming moment, weaving together a visual story they will cherish forever. Come and check out the amazing gallery!

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
In 2017, I crossed paths with Kunal at The Park, a now-closed bar in New York City. The memory of that place lingers because it was such an unforgettable moment for me. The evening began at a friend's housewarming, transitioning to the bar around 10pm. I was enjoying the night with my friends in the bottom level of the bar and when the night drew to a close, I started to make my way upstairs to catch my Uber. In the rush, I accidentally bumped shoulders with Kunal, who happened to be there with his friends. We exchanged apologies, recognizing a possible connection through a mutual friend. With my ride waiting, I attempted to leave, but as I prepared to leave, Kunal had asked me for my number. The next day, I waited for his text message, but never received one, leaving me disappointed. Later that evening, I logged onto my Facebook and messaged him saying it was nice to meet him. This is when we realized that I accidentally gave him the wrong number by one digit - which is why I never received his text message that he sent that same night! Shortly after our first date, I realized he was the one for me because of his family oriented, genuine, and caring personality.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
During April 2022, Kunal and I embarked on a weekend getaway to Puerto Rico, where he mentioned a networking event at a beachside restaurant with his coworkers on the night of our arrival. Given his affiliation with the Major League Baseball Players Association, I felt a little apprehensive about engaging in small talk about a sport I wasn't super familiar with. While in the Uber, the driver informed us of some traffic ahead, and that's when I saw Kunal becoming a bit restless. He received a phone call in the Uber and stated, "Is everything ready?" At that moment, a suspicion of a potential proposal crossed my mind. Trying not to raise my expectations, I subtly began to moisturize my hands, just in case. Upon reaching the beach area, as we strolled on the sand toward the "restaurant," I instinctively started to take off my shoes—because, obviously, who keeps their shoes on in the sand? Surprisingly, Kunal urged me to keep my shoes on and instructed me to "look up." To my surprise, a massive "MARRY ME" sign adorned the sand, accompanied by a picnic table set up for us to savor champagne and charcuterie. Despite my feeling in the Uber, I never imagined he could orchestrate such a memorable moment!

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?

In February 2023, I traveled to India with my mom, fiance, and mother-in-law. We stayed at my masi's home in Mumbai and had 10 days to focus on wedding shopping. Having a clear idea of the color I wanted for my wedding outfit was extremely helpful. I had envisioned a beautiful off-white, beige shade, which narrowed down my choices significantly. During my second day of shopping, I tried on just one wedding lengha before discovering my perfect match - my Anushree Reddy dream lengha. The delicate, handcrafted embroidery and exquisite details were everything I had envisioned, making it the ideal choice for my special day.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The most enjoyable aspect of the wedding process, for me, was the satisfaction of checking items off the to-do list. There's a unique joy in accomplishing each task and seamlessly moving on to the next. Aria Events played a pivotal role in expediting decision-making and bringing my vision to life. Additionally, my mom's immense support and help throughout the entire process was invaluable. I could not have done anything without her. The wedding weekend truly ran smoothly, and I am so grateful and happy with how things turned out. Now that the wedding planning process is behind me, there's a strange sense of nostalgia for it. The anticipation was truly one of the most exciting aspects—there's a mix of fear, happiness, and thrill that makes it unique. Imagining and picturing the day every day leading up to it created a feeling that you can never quite replicate or experience again.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
It is awesome to hear that many of our guests appreciated the seamless flow of the entire weekend. Juggling four events consecutively might sound overwhelming, but thanks to the exceptional day-of coordinators, everything ran smoothly. The food catering experience was a highlight for our guests, particularly at the sangeet and reception cocktail hour. Moghul went above and beyond to ensure the food remained hot, and the food stations stayed open until late at night, allowing people to grab a second or even third quick bite during the ongoing programs. Their commitment added an extra layer of enjoyment to the festivities - especially because food is life! Also, the MC and DJ excelled in keeping the energy high on the dance floor. Crowd surfing during the reception was an incredibly fun and memorable moment for me and Kunal. It was such a lively and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone that attended- I wish I could go back and re live it!

Darlings, I hope you enjoyed today's feature. Leave us a comment, and keep coming for more stories!

M4U Events and Aria Events are members of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

M4U Events VIEW PORTFOLIO

Aria Events VIEW PORTFOLIO

For more information on how Platinum Guide members are chosen, click here.

Hi, loves! Check out Kaajol & Pruthul's wedding on the Platinum Guide Blog. You will love it!

We hope you enjoy today's feature, darlings. Cheers to love and the endless possibilities it brings!

The Westin Galleria Houston and M4U Events are members of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

The Westin Galleria Houston VIEW PORTFOLIO

M4U Events VIEW PORTFOLIO

For more information on how Platinum Guide members are chosen, click here.

As the first hues of dawn painted the skies, a palpable excitement buzzed through the air at Knotting Hill Place, setting a magical stage for Kelsey & Varun's enchanting wedding. Kelsey was a vision to behold; her beauty accentuated by the deft hands of Make Up & Hair By Pooja, Look What's In & Styles By Vero, while the intricate mehndi adorning her hands and feet, masterfully applied by Sheetal Behra, told tales of their blossoming love story. Varun awaited her under the floral paradise meticulously created by Tilly Events, where blooms whispered secrets of romance and commitment into the surrounding air. Every moment was seamlessly orchestrated by the adept team from Dreams Geplant Event, ensuring that the day unfolded like a dream woven in the clouds of love. The guests were captivated by DJ Riz Entertainment's electrifying beats, where each note and rhythm was expertly curated by the music maestro, creating an atmosphere of joy and celebration that drew everyone like moths to a flame. As the day progressed, the aroma of delectable cuisines, meticulously crafted by Red Hot Chilli Pepper Dallas, enticed the senses. The ambiance, a testament to the couple's unique story, was beautifully brought to life by the creative genius of Divine Decor of Dallas. As the day turned into night, the lens of Capture Your Legacy immortalized every laughter, tear, and dance. 

Stay tuned for more unforgettable tales; until then, may your hearts be filled with everlasting joy.

DJ Riz Entertainment is a member of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

DJ Riz Entertainment VIEW PORTFOLIO

For more information on how Platinum Guide members are chosen, click here.

Namitha & Pranav's wedding was one of those enchanting events where dreams unfold into reality. Although they knew each other from their time at the University of Florida, it was until a fateful Christmas break that their hearts recognized each other as refuge and strength, a sanctuary where ambitions and dreams were not just nurtured but flourished. 

The harmony in their spirits birthed a profound connection, sealed in on a crisp February morning in the poetic surroundings of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Pranav knelt before Namitha with a shimmering ring. Alli Gaiss from Coastal Coordinating was the wand-wielder who orchestrated the symphony of their nuptials. Every detail, from the sublime embrace of the Sawgrass Marriott to the divine artistry of Utopian Events, was a sonnet of seamless elegance.

The pre-wedding events were an artistic interlude where traditions met creativity. Namitha's mother, a visionary, transformed their backyard into a canvas of cultural homage. Every decor element, from origami parrots to intricate backdrops, was an expression of affection and effort, manifesting a reality where love was both the artist and the art.

In the kaleidoscope of celebrations, the nuanced artistry of Utopian Events' decor, the electrifying pulse of DJ Firoz from Dudha Productions LLC, and the immortalizing lens of Andrew Do Photography wove a narrative of enchantment, where each element was a verse in the ballad of Namitha and Pranav's love. Their celebration was a melody echoing the timeless dance of souls converging and destinies unfolding amidst the poetic embrace of Florida's sun-kissed shores.

Congratulations Namitha & Pranav!

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
Pranav and I knew of each other from college at the University of Florida, but we never actually met then. It wasn't until a very eventful Christmas break that we reconnected in my hometown of Jacksonville, Florida, where he is working at the time. What was supposed to be a chance meeting turned into a long-distance relationship while I completed medical school. The rest is history!
I knew Pranav was the one when he quickly became a part of my support system while I was in medical school. His support through all my board exams, countless moves, and rotations really cemented our relationship. I felt like we could do anything together!

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Every weekend, we look forward to winding down with a coffee from our favorite cafe and a walk in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. It was one such weekend on a cold but sunny February morning that Pranav got down on one knee in Domino Park! It was simple, romantic, and beautiful. I couldn't have dreamed of a more perfect proposal.

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.
Since Pranav and I were based out of New York during our wedding planning process. It was important for us to find a planner who could help us navigate planning a wedding around our busy schedules. Allie from Costal Coordinating was incredible! From helping us find our vendors to helping us stay on track with all the deadlines to ironing out details with every vendor, she was with us every step of the way.
The Sawgrass Marriott was a perfect venue for us because it encompassed all the best parts of Florida. From the beautiful beaches to immaculate golf courses and the amazing southern hospitality, it was the experience we wanted to give our guests.
My MIL had some great ideas when it came to the decor for the ceremony and reception. We were lucky to find Utopian Events that helped bring our vision to life. They were incredibly patient with us and did a beautiful job putting together our dream wedding.
Pinterest and Instagram were my best friends in picking out hair and makeup ideas!

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I knew from the beginning that I wanted to wear a beautifully woven kanjeevaram saree to honor both of our South Indian roots. Due to my rotation schedule, I couldn't go to India for wedding shopping so my mom did the heavy lifting there. My mom and I sifted through countless images on Instagram, Pinterest, and Maharani weddings for inspiration. Picking the color was a tricky task. I loved the blush-toned gold tissue saree, but I wanted something unique. After a lot of back and forth and many 2 AM Facetime calls from countless stores, my mom and my Rama aunty found this fabulous light Peachy-gold tissue saree in Hyderabad. The inspiration for my bridesmaid outfits and the wedding decor came from this saree as well!

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?

The two things our guests loved about our wedding were the venue and the food!
We had guests flying in from all over the world for our big day, and the Sawgrass Marriott at Ponte Vedra Beach took care of them like family. Between events, our guests enjoyed the complimentary shuttle to the beach, rounds of golf on their stunning property, and time at the spa. They couldn't stop raving about the hospitality shown by the Sawgrass staff.
Fifth Element has been catering the events in our family for years, so when it came to picking a  wedding caterer, it was an easy choice. Sridhar, Uncle of Fifth Element, took out all the stops to make sure the food at all our events was unforgettable! The food selection was appreciated by our Indian and non-Indian guests!

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
The most special moment at our wedding was all our family flying in from all over the world to celebrate with us. After COVID, this was the first time all of our family gathered together. It was truly a blessing to meet and reconnect with family and friends who shaped our lives for 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.
My pre-wedding events were truly special! My mom had this vision of turning our backyard into a traditional Telugu wedding setting for years before my wedding. Our close friends and family came together to build a traditional Telugu Pelli pandri (wedding pandal) in our backyard! From the origami parrots to the backdrops, all the decor was my mom's brainchild. Family and friends came together to build the entire pandal from scratch. It was incredible to watch. The decor and the construction of the pandal were truly a labor of love that I will never forget! I felt truly blessed to have such wonderful family, and friends come together to give me the wedding of my dreams. It's one of the most priceless wedding gifts I have gotten.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Planning a wedding is a stressful process. It's overwhelming. But remember, the most beautiful part of life comes after the wedding when you get to build a dream life with your partner. Your wedding day will fly by, so enjoy every minute of it and look forward to adventures to come, and don't fret about the small stuff!

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
Utopian did a phenomenal job with the decor of our entire wedding weekend. We wanted simple elegance, and that's exactly what we got. My MIL had some great ideas for adding textured lighting to the sangeet decor, which just made it next level. Thanks to DJ Firoz for elevating our events with the textured lights! DJ Firoz was also a phenomenal DJ who completely transformed our events with music and energy. I loved that he was able to get even those family members who would never be seen on the dance floor up and dancing!
Last but not least, Andrew Do, our photographer, was phenomenal! He was so patient with us and worked through any last-minute issues and delays. He captured some incredible moments. I couldn't recommend him enough!

Darlings, I hope you enjoyed reading about our Maharani brides and their inspiring weddings!

Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa and Andrew Do Photography are members of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa VIEW PORTFOLIO

Andrew Do Photography VIEW PORTFOLIO

For more information on how Platinum Guide members are chosen, click here.

The story of Gayatri & Shyam’s union began not with a whisper but between the artistry and inks of a tattoo shop in Singapore. An unconventional beginning to an everlasting tale! A conversation that started by the serene waters of Clarke Quay River continued across years and miles, and their hearts, though separated by the American landscapes, beat in harmonious rhythm until words of love, spoken and heartfelt, sealed their serendipitous connection.

Their wedding planning in the hands of Elaan Events was woven with threads of mutual understanding and complementary desires. Knotting Hill Place, a castle surrounded by expansive landscapes, provided a perfect canvas for their intimate indoor setting yet felt like a grand celebration. 

Guests were regaled not just by the captivating dance performances and the upbeat melodies played by DJ Riz Entertainment but also by an air of uncontainable love and joy. Every smile, every laughter, every touch bore testament to a love story that, though written in the stars, found its expression in the tangible beauty of intricate decorations, the ethereal glow of the venue, and the radiant smiles of the newlyweds.

Yet amongst the grandeur and the spectacles, it was the intimate, unuttered moments that lingered. The soft kiss shared post vows, the familial warmth encapsulated in speeches, and the unspoken promises reflected in the eyes of the bride and groom were just the preamble to a love story that will last forever, echoing through the corridors of time.

Congratulations Gayatri & Shyam!

How did you meet your Groom, and when did you know he was "the one"?
I met my Groom at a tattoo shop in Singapore 6 years ago. I know, not your generic-meet cute at a bar. We were both interning in Singapore during our summer breaks in college and happened to match on a dating app then. By the time we were ready to go on a date, Shyam had less than a week left before his flight back to the United States, and the evening he was going to get his first tattoo was the earliest we could meet, so we did.
After he got his tattoo, we went on a romantic walk by the Clarke Quay River and talked for hours. One of the conversation topics was what he wanted to name his future child and why - I knew at that moment that I wanted the same for myself. I think I hoped he was "the one" that night itself, but I didn't know for sure. At that time, I lived in Seattle, and he was in Michigan, and years of long-distance after just three dates seemed daunting. The first time he told me he loved me was when I knew for sure.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Due to the long distance and my family living in Singapore, Shyam & I were never able to be in the same place for my birthday despite having been together for four and a half years. So I knew he wanted this one to be extra special. He planned an entire weekend trip to Cancun for it and kept every activity a complete surprise. I didn’t even know which resort we would be in till we got there.

After 2 days of adventure and exploration, Shyam had one last surprise activity planned before a romantic dinner, so we dressed accordingly and went for it. As we got closer, the activity coordinators said they needed to blindfold us - which I thought was suspicious, but since Shyam was blindfolded too, I didn’t question it. Little did I know he took his off immediately and got down on one knee. I took mine off, yelled in surprise, and said, “Yes,” and the rest is history.

Pro-tip for anyone reading this who is planning to propose: I was really taken aback because when we had vaguely discussed getting married in the past, he had always hinted at proposing during a timeframe that was 6 months after when he actually proposed. Mislead your partner if you want to surprise them!

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 venue actually ended up being the first venue we ever visited! Shyam always wanted an indoor wedding (he didn’t want us to worry about wind or rain), and I always thought ballrooms were a little too closed in. That narrowed down our options to estates and villas, so when I came across Knotting Hill Place with its castle-style property, expansive landscaping, and massive ceremony hall windows, it was an instant yes!
I picked my outfit at Aso Palav Ahmedabad, and my mother-in-law knew it was the one the moment I put it on because of the spring wedding vibes it gave, which was perfect for our May wedding. I actually ended up passing out from food poisoning the day we picked my jewelry, but thankfully, my husband and our parents helped me make that decision. The decor for the wedding was meant to be simple and elegant, while our reception decor was where we really invested a ton of creativity, and we loved watching that play out on the day of. Hair & makeup was an easy decision once I realized that I wanted a reasonably priced artist who was an expert in dark skin and young and familiar with new-age makeup products; my makeup artist really made magic happen that day. We also loved our DJ Riz; he was great with uplighting and hyping up our crowd, but our favorite vendor of all time was Tommy from Thompson Studios - he was the ultimate hype man and he and our amazing photographer, Hubert, did a great job ensuring we were enjoying ourselves throughout the weekend.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
R. I always knew I wanted a red outfit with gold jewelry because that was what I felt said “bride” in our culture. The hues of red and gold I wore on our wedding day felt like armor that was painstakingly crafted by generations of aunts, moms & grandmothers who dressed the same way when they started their married lives.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The dance choreography and practice sessions! My husband was on a competitive dance team during his time at the University of Michigan and has always been an incredible choreographer. I already miss our practice sessions from when he would teach us our first dance because we would often break out into laughter and have dedicated time just to have fun in the midst of the stressful logistics that come with wedding planning.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Every guest loved the many dance performances! Besides that, I thought this guest summarized what he enjoyed best:

“The entire event was truly spectacular, and every detail was meticulously arranged. Gayatri looked absolutely radiant, and Shyam was handsomely charming. It was evident that they were deeply in love, and their happiness was contagious, filling the atmosphere with warmth and joy.

From the stunning venue to the exquisite decorations, everything was picture-perfect. The ceremony itself was a heartfelt reflection of their love and commitment to each other. It was a privilege to witness their vows and be a part of this special occasion.

I must also commend you and your family for your gracious hospitality. You ensured that every guest felt welcomed and cherished throughout the celebration. Your dedication and efforts truly made the event memorable for everyone involved.”

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
So many! I’m still very head-in-the-clouds from our wedding; all I can think about is how sweet our grandparents were, how Shyam kissed me right after I walked down the aisle, how competitive he was during the ring fishing game right after our ceremony, how much our Masi’s speeches made us cry, how cute our parents looked when dancing, how helpful our brothers were every step of the way, how funny they and our emcees were - the list goes on!

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.
Having an intimate Mehendi with our closest family and friends as the first event was so much fun. Everyone got to meet each other in a very relaxed setting in a beautiful garden.
We also loved how participative everyone was during our Garba - even guests who had never done it before! Having a big enough space for Garba is key; we had an entire hall for it instead of just a dance floor, and it was incredible to watch all our guests come together and spin in such a large space.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Keep your engagement period around 12 months if you can. Ours was a few months longer, and it was by the 12-month mark that we began to go stir-crazy and wished the wedding was already done. Having enough time to plan is key, but having too much can be frustrating in the long run!
Lastly, prepare to cry! I never thought I would, but Shyam and I shed so many tears through every speech during our Sangeet and reception.

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
Having dippin dots at our Wedding was a hit!! If you can get them, we highly recommend it :)
Join us in celebrating the beginning of more adventures, and may love continue to inspire us all.

DJ Riz Entertainment is a member of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

DJ Riz Entertainment VIEW PORTFOLIO

For more information on how Platinum Guide members are chosen, click here.