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Katherine & Marun's extraordinary wedding—now unveiled on the Platinum Guide Blog.

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Some weddings feel like a getaway. Others feel like a celebration. Ummae & Ryan’s destination wedding in Puerto Vallarta managed to be both—an unforgettable fusion celebration set against the stunning coastline of Mexico.

Hosted at the breathtaking Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort, their multi-day wedding celebration brought together loved ones from across the world for a weekend filled with vibrant traditions, seaside elegance, and joyful cultural blending. Behind the seamless flow of events was Dream Shaadi, whose planning and design expertise ensured every detail of the destination celebration unfolded beautifully. The décor by Mayero Mero Weddings elevated the tropical setting into a vibrant celebration space. Florals and design elements complemented the natural beauty of the resort, blending rich colors and textures with the relaxed elegance of the oceanfront surroundings.

Ummae was radiant throughout the weekend. Her beauty, styled by Atlanta Makeup Artist, enhanced her natural elegance with a polished yet effortless aesthetic that transitioned seamlessly from ceremony to reception. Each look reflected the joy and excitement of the celebration, while Ryan’s timeless style brought a calm confidence that anchored every moment. One of the weekend’s most meaningful artistic elements was Ummae’s mehndi, created by I Love My Mehndi. Intricate designs adorned her hands, adding a beautiful layer of cultural tradition to the celebration and symbolizing the beginning of a new chapter.

As with any unforgettable South Asian celebration, food played a central role in the experience. The culinary team at Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa Resort ensured guests were treated to a memorable dining experience. The evening celebrations were brought to life by Dynasty AVE, whose music kept the energy high throughout the festivities. Lighting design by Encore enhanced each event space, adding depth and ambiance that made every moment feel cinematic as the sun set over the Pacific Ocean.

Destination weddings often require thoughtful coordination to ensure guests can travel and celebrate comfortably, and Indian Destination Wedding, Inc., a trusted Platinum Guide member, helped make that experience seamless. As specialists in South Asian destination weddings, their team ensures couples and guests can focus on enjoying the celebration rather than worrying about travel logistics. Their expertise continues to make them an invaluable resource for couples planning weddings abroad.

Every moment of the celebration was beautifully captured by Hector Gonzalez and the team at Saptapadi Weddings, whose photography documented the weekend with artistry and authenticity. SSimhal Designs added a thoughtful personal touch through elegant invitations and wedding stationery that set the tone for the celebration long before guests even arrived in Mexico.

Ummae & Ryan’s Puerto Vallarta wedding was a beautiful reminder that fusion weddings are about more than blending traditions—they’re about celebrating love across cultures, families, and continents. With the sound of ocean waves in the background and a dance floor full of joyful guests, their wedding weekend became an experience that no one who attended will ever forget.

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
Ryan and I met our freshman year of undergrad at UC Santa Barbara, our third week of school, at a friend’s dorm party. We talked for hours and clicked immediately - we’ve been inseparable since!

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
I had absolutely no idea it was coming - he totally surprised me! He said his mom was visiting and wanted to take her to Destin to see her friends and asked me to come along. The next morning, he woke me up to take a walk on the beach (I should’ve suspected something then because he is NOT a morning person). As we were walking and talking on the beach, he got down on one knee and popped the question! Afterwards, he led me to a picnic spot he had set up with champagne and rose petals and we enjoyed a toast together. On our way back to the hotel, he said he had a brunch planned and when we got to the restaurant, his parents and my parents were waiting for us! It was amazing to have both sets there and it totally took me by surprise.

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.
Sumeet and his team at Indian Destination Weddings were incredible planners and an amazing support throughout the process. Our parents played a large role and helped with decor, outfits, and themes. It was a very detailed process, but so worth it to watch it come to life and celebrate with friends and family.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
My mom, cousin, aunts, and I went to India to go bridal dress shopping. My mom loves fashion and design and she has amazing taste, so she had scheduled some designers for us to go and see. I had always imagined wearing a white dress, and was excited to wear a white lengha down the aisle.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The most enjoyable part was working with my mom and mother-in-law to make our vision into a reality. I loved bouncing ideas off of them and putting our heads together.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
I think our guests loved that there were so many opportunities to get together and party!

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
The most magical moment was getting to the aisle, taking my dad’s hand, and walking down to meet Ryan. It was the incredible moment I had dreamed of and everything about it felt surreal like a fairytale.

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.
We tried to have a unique aspect to each event so it all felt fresh and new. Our welcome reception was Santorini-inspired, and we tied in the white and blue decor throughout. We played games like Bari Barsi to have everyone get to know each other that first night. The second day was the Haldi, where we also offered casino games after the ceremony was over. That evening we held a sunset cruise so everyone could get out of the resort and enjoy Punta Mita on a boat! The next day we had the Mehendi, which we termed a “Riot of Colors” and had a bazaar theme with different carts holding bangles, scarves, sunglasses, and carnival attractions like a tarot card reader and a magician that went around performing tricks. That evening was the Sangeet which was more traditional with the coordinated dances and speeches, and we ended that night with a beautiful display of fireworks.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Soak in the moment and have as much fun as you can with all your friends and family, it all goes by so fast!

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

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If there’s one thing Indian weddings do exceptionally well, it’s turning celebrations into full-blown festivals of love—and Rachita & Yash’s Maharashtra wedding was exactly that. With multiple breathtaking venues and an energy level that could rival a Bollywood finale, this celebration unfolded as a vibrant tribute to family, tradition, and unforgettable dance floor moments.

The festivities began with the Sangeet at Legacy Banquet in Borivalli, Mumbai—an evening where music, laughter, and choreography took center stage. Bollywood performers and instructors led by Ketan Kathekar transformed the night into a true spectacle. Guests didn’t just attend the Sangeet; they became part of it. Dance routines were rehearsed, spontaneous performances erupted, and the dance floor quickly turned into the heartbeat of the celebration.

Of course, no Sangeet would be complete without stunning glam, and Rachita’s beauty team delivered flawlessly. Hair and makeup artists Poonam Shali and Pritii Panchal created looks that balanced bridal radiance with effortless elegance. Each appearance felt fresh, luminous, and perfectly suited to the vibrant energy of the events.

The ceremony took place at the scenic Forest Club Resort in Karjat, where nature provided a breathtaking backdrop for the sacred rituals. Surrounded by lush greenery and the calm beauty of the landscape, the ceremony created a peaceful contrast to the high-energy festivities that preceded it. Floral and décor design by Artharth Vows transformed the space into a dreamy mandap setting filled with texture, color, and romantic detail. Rich florals and thoughtful design elements framed the ceremony beautifully, creating a setting that honored tradition while enhancing the natural beauty of the venue.

Following the ceremony, the celebration moved to one of Mumbai’s most historic and iconic venues—the Royal Bombay Yacht Club. With its colonial charm, waterfront views, and timeless architecture, the venue offered a stunning backdrop for a reception that felt both regal and celebratory. Guests arrived ready to toast the newlyweds, reconnect with loved ones, and of course—return to the dance floor.

Capturing every vibrant moment of the celebration was Meet Bora Photography. Known for their ability to blend artistic composition with emotional storytelling, their images documented everything from the joyful chaos of the Sangeet to the quiet intimacy of the ceremony. Each photograph feels alive with movement, color, and meaning—ensuring that Rachita & Yash’s wedding story will be remembered for generations.

Indian weddings have a beautiful way of bringing people together—family, friends, communities, and traditions all woven into one extraordinary celebration. And Rachita & Yash’s wedding captured that magic perfectly.

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
In a world full of possibilities, two bright and ambitious students unexpectedly found each other, setting off a journey filled with laughter, adventure, and love.

It all began at a house party I didn’t even want to attend (I genuinely had to be dragged there). Crowded and loud, it was definitely not my scene until Yash walked in.

No cape, no superpowers, but somehow he managed to draw everyone’s attention as if he were the main character. What started as a random encounter soon turned into a highlight reel of moments we never saw coming. From quirky café dates to laugh-until-you-snort memories, our chemistry brewed stronger than the coffee. In many ways, we were opposites — but somehow it worked perfectly, like lassi and latte.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Years later, Yash turned a familiar place into one of the most unforgettable moments of my life with a beautifully planned surprise proposal. He transformed my backyard into the most romantic setting, creating a candle-lit pathway lined with rose petals that led to a gazebo adorned with flowers.

Waiting for me at the end of that glowing path, he asked the one question that changed everything.

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.
Planning our wedding meant bringing together two places that mean so much to us, New Zealand, where we’ve built our home, and India, where our families and roots are. The celebrations unfolded in thoughtfully planned chapters across both worlds.

We began with a traditional sangeet evening on 28 November 2025 at Legacy Banquet in Borivali, Mumbai. It was an evening filled with music, dance, laughter, and the warmth of our families coming together.

Our wedding itself was a one-day destination celebration in Karjat at The Forest Club Resort on 2 December 2025, where we hosted both the haldi and the wedding ceremony on the same day. Living in New Zealand has made us fall deeply in love with its openness and connection to nature, and we really wanted to recreate that feeling for our wedding. We chose a hilltop venue with uninterrupted views and built the entire day around one non-negotiable dream of mine, sunset pheras.

The day began with an intimate haldi ceremony before slowly transitioning into our wedding ceremony as the evening light turned golden.

We concluded the celebrations with a reception on 4 December 2025 at the historic Royal Bombay Yacht Club in Mumbai, the perfect setting to celebrate with everyone and bring our wedding festivities to a joyful close.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I had always imagined myself as a traditional red bride. But while looking through my mum’s wedding photos, I discovered that she had worn a beautiful fuchsia pink on her wedding day. The colour instantly stayed with me, and I felt inspired to reinterpret that sentiment in my own way. That’s how I eventually decided on a rani pink lehenga for my wedding.

When I tried it alongside the traditional reds, I realised the rani pink complemented my skin tone far more beautifully and felt more like *me*. It struck the perfect balance between honouring tradition and adding a personal touch.

Another deeply meaningful element was my haldi outfit, which I designed and created from scratch. The dupatta I wore for the ceremony was the exact one my mum had worn on her own wedding day, making the moment incredibly special and full of sentiment, a small but powerful way of carrying a piece of her story into mine.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
For me, the most enjoyable part of the planning process was designing and personalizing every detail of the wedding — from my outfits to the décor, and even the little moments like our pre-wedding pool reels and bonfire. I loved being able to bring my vision to life and make the celebrations feel truly “us.”

It was such a joy to see ideas I imagined in my head transform into reality, whether it was selecting the perfect rani pink lehenga, deciding on vendor outfits, or interviewing several DJs to ensure we had the perfect music. Every decision, from curating little experiences for our guests to the big-picture details, felt like a creative adventure.

Some of the most challenging ideas, like having a one-day wedding with the chooda and haldi, while making sure our pheras happened during the sunset, somehow all came together perfectly. Seeing everything unfold exactly as I envisioned, especially when so many elements seemed impossible on paper, was absolutely amazing and made the entire planning journey incredibly fun and fulfilling.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Our guests often tell us they loved how personal and immersive the celebrations felt. From the carefully curated décor to the thoughtfully planned events, every part of the wedding reflected who we are as a couple.

Many people especially enjoyed the sunset pheras at our hilltop wedding in Karjat, the golden light and panoramic views made the ceremony feel like something out of a dream. Others loved the playful and intimate moments, like the rock–paper–scissors decision for the varmala and the unexpected sindoor mishap, which made the day feel joyful and authentic rather than overly staged.

Our pre-wedding celebrations were also a hit! Guests loved the cozy bonfire the night before the wedding, where everyone relaxed, laughed, and shared stories, and they had a blast during the pool day one, making reels, splashing around, and capturing silly, candid moments. These little chapters made the entire wedding experience feel fun, memorable, and deeply connected.

The sangeet, with its music, dance, and warmth, and the reception at the historic Royal Bombay Yacht Club also stood out. Guests told us they felt included in every chapter of the celebration, which made them feel like part of our story rather than just attendees. Overall, people loved that the wedding was not just beautiful, but truly *us* — full of love, laughter, and memories that felt both magical and real.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
One playful moment during our ceremony perfectly captured our dynamic as a couple. Staying true to how we often make decisions together, Yash and I decided who would place the varmala first with a spontaneous game of rock–paper–scissors right there on the varmala stage.

Another unforgettable moment came during the ceremony itself. Overcome with emotion, Yash applied a little more sindoor than intended, leaving my forehead and even my nose covered in vivid red for the rest of the evening. Completely unplanned, it became one of the most memorable moments of the day, a beautiful reminder that when love leads, the most perfect memories often come from the most spontaneous ones.

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 celebrations began with a lively sangeet, filled with music, dancing, and joyful moments shared with family and friends.

The haldi ceremony was intimate and deeply personal. One particularly meaningful detail was Rachita wearing her mother’s wedding dupatta, a sentimental touch that connected generations.

The celebrations concluded with a high-energy reception party at the Royal Bombay Yacht Club, where guests danced and celebrated late into the night, creating the perfect finale to a wedding defined by intention, joy, and heartfelt moments.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
If I could share one piece of advice with brides-to-be, it would be to remember that the wedding is only one day, but the love and memories you create are what truly last. It’s easy to get caught up in the details, timelines, and expectations, but the most meaningful moments are often the unplanned ones.

Try to stay present and soak in every little moment, the laughter with your friends while getting ready, the quiet glance you share with your partner during the ceremony, and the joy of seeing your families come together. Those are the memories that stay with you long after the day is over.

And most importantly, make choices that feel authentic to you as a couple. Trends come and go, but a wedding that reflects your story, your values, and your personalities will always feel timeless.

Also, don’t be afraid to make your dream wedding possible, whether it’s your ideal location, décor theme, or photography style. If it truly matters to you, it’s worth it. Those thoughtful choices are what make the celebration feel deeply personal and unforgettable.

For more breathtaking Hindu weddings and endless inspiration, follow @MaharaniWeddings.

There’s something about Cancun that instantly puts everyone in a celebratory state of mind—and Palak & Jay leaned into that magic beautifully. Their Gujarati destination wedding was vibrant, emotional, and unapologetically joyful, blending deep-rooted tradition with the kind of high-energy fun that only a beachfront celebration in Mexico can deliver. From the moment guests arrived, it was clear this wasn’t just a wedding—it was an experience.

Set against the electric backdrop of Hard Rock Cancun, the celebration unfolded with a perfect mix of glamour and laid-back coastal energy. The wedding struck that ideal balance: large enough to feel grand, intimate enough to feel personal. Behind the scenes, Moksha Weddings brought thoughtful planning and design expertise to every event, ensuring the couple’s traditions were honored while allowing space for modern, destination-inspired moments.

Visually, the wedding was a showstopper. Floral and décor teams Botanique Floral and Minimal 4.0 transformed the spaces with lush textures, clean lines, and a refined tropical aesthetic. The result was décor that felt fresh, elevated, and perfectly suited to the Cancun setting—proof that destination weddings can be bold without being overdone.

Palak was a radiant bride, glowing with confidence and joy. Her hair and makeup by Neetu Beauty struck the perfect balance between glamorous and beach-ready, holding flawlessly from daytime ceremonies to late-night dancing. Intricate mehndi by Loto Mehndi added a beautiful layer of tradition, completing her bridal look with artistry and meaning.

One of the true unsung heroes of a destination wedding is travel coordination—and this is where Indian Destination Wedding, Inc., a Platinum Guide member, truly shined. From managing guest travel to coordinating accommodations and timelines, their expertise made an international wedding feel surprisingly effortless. When hundreds of guests are flying in for a celebration, that level of organization isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

As the sun set and the music turned up, the celebration shifted into full party mode. DJ Mish kept the energy high, delivering a soundtrack that had guests on the dance floor well into the night. Every laugh, tear, and perfectly timed moment was captured by Gareth Davies Photography, whose eye for storytelling preserved both the grandeur and the intimate emotion of the weekend. On the cinematic side, Asha Films ensured the movement, music, and magic of the celebration were brought to life in a way Palak & Jay will relive for years to come.

Palak & Jay’s wedding was a celebration of culture, family, and fearless joy. It proved that traditions travel beautifully, that destination weddings can feel deeply personal, and that when the right team comes together, magic happens effortlessly.

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
We're a Hinge success story! We realized very quickly that even though we were complete opposites, we perfectly complemented each other.

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.
Planning an Indian wedding is hard and planning a destination wedding is even harder. Getting a planner was so important for decor themes. Getting a travel agent was crucial for the venue choice. However, when it came to DJ, hair/makeup for the bride, outfits and etc, it was important to first choose outfits not based off Pinterest and Instagram, because typically what you see may not align with your budget but what you see in stores first. For decor, instagram was very helpful to see past brides and their decor and then finding a way to align with your budget. It’s very easy to go over budget because everything adds up. For us, we were paying for the wedding ourselves so budget was super important. The first day we did a Seas of Blue theme to bring elements of the ocean into our first welcome night. Everyone wore blue. For haldi, we wanted purple and yellow because I love lavender. For the wedding we wanted neutral colours because with my lehenga along with my husbands beige with hints of pink, a neutral decor would bring it all together. Having the mirror aisle was super important because the reflection is stunning. For the reception, we went black and gold. We designed our own monogram for the dance floor. We wanted to keep it dark and fun because the real highlight was the dance floor.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
We went to many stores all over Mumbai, from high end designers to entry level stores. My experience wasn’t the best with the designer however I cannot deny that I loved every part of my wedding lengha. The corset blouse felt modern yet traditional with the long sleeves. I really wanted something diffferent because I wasn’t doing a traditional banquet hall ceremony. Being a destination bride with the ocean steps away from the mandap, I wanted a colour that complemented my environment but also was different.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
With Indian weddings that have a morning time, your hair and makeup starts super early. So getting ready and then having the sunrise while you got ready was super special. We made a stressful decision the night before while it was thunderstorm that we wanted to keep the wedding on the beach the next morning. We signed the waiver for the weather clause because we couldn’t imagine a destination wedding with the ceremony inside. Before we went to sleep, we prayed to god it would stop raining. Then while we got ready, we saw the sun shining and everything was going to work out. We took our pre shoot photos and it was so stress relieving at that moment with the sun shining. We think about that decision all the time and just how crucial that design was. The hotel said to move it inside, our planners recommended to move it inside but we took our chances and it all worked out.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Follow your heart, don’t listen too much to outside noise. This is your and your partners’ time to shine. It’s okay to be selfish in your decisions because you only get married once.

Come back for more love stories, breathtaking wedding inspiration, and behind-the-scenes magic.

Indian Destination Wedding is a member of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

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

There’s something incredibly special about a wedding that doesn’t try to be anything other than exactly who the couple is—and Rajvi & Kirtan Gujarati's wedding was a joyful, heartfelt reflection of that truth. With over 300 loved ones in attendance, their celebration was big in scale, rich in tradition, and overflowing with emotion, laughter, and the kind of energy that only comes from a room full of people who truly know and love the couple.

The day began with a calm buzz of excitement—one of those mornings where time feels like it’s moving too fast and too slow all at once. Surrounded by family and friends, Rajvi & Kirtan prepared separately, soaking in the anticipation of a day they had dreamed about for so long. But the moment they saw each other, everything else faded away. The nerves, the noise, the schedule—gone. It was just them, standing at the start of forever. Hosted across multiple events at the elegant Royal Albert's Palace, the wedding weekend unfolded seamlessly from sangeet to ceremony to reception.

Bringing their vision to life was The Bridal Bestie, whose thoughtful planning and design ensured every detail felt intentional and deeply personal. The ceremony honored Gujarati traditions while weaving in meaningful touches that reflected Rajvi & Kirtan’s journey—from heartfelt rituals to quiet, emotional moments shared in front of their loved ones. Visually, the celebration was elevated by Mandap Milap, whose décor struck a beautiful balance between grandeur and warmth. The mandap, stage, and reception spaces were styled to feel regal yet inviting—setting the perfect backdrop for vows, laughter, and countless photo-worthy moments.

Rajvi was a radiant bride, glowing with confidence and joy. Her bridal beauty was flawlessly executed by Natia MUA, who created a look that was timeless, polished, and perfectly suited for a full day of celebration. Her fashion story was equally stunning, featuring bridal ensembles from Asopalav and Kalki Fashion, paired with elegant jewelry from Kalamandir Jewelers. Together, every detail reflected tradition, craftsmanship, and Rajvi’s personal style. Kirtan complemented her look effortlessly in classic groom fashion from Riyaasat, bringing a refined, regal presence to the celebration.

And then came the party—because what’s a Gujarati wedding without a dance floor that never quits? MVP DJs, led by DJ KRU and MC Dubs, kept the energy sky-high all night long. From emotional first dances to full-blown dance floor takeovers, the celebration was nonstop, joyful chaos in the very best way. Sweet treats by D Town Cakes ensured guests had the perfect sugar-fueled finale to an already unforgettable evening.

Every moment—big and small—was captured beautifully by Romil Shah Films, whose storytelling style preserved not just the visuals, but the emotion behind them. Their photography and cinematography documented the smiles that wouldn’t quit, the tears that came unexpectedly, and the pure happiness that defined Rajvi & Kirtan’s wedding day.

Their day was filled with gratitude, joy, and the kind of love that feels steady, genuine, and deeply rooted. It wasn’t just a wedding; it was a celebration of every chapter that led them here, and every adventure still to come.

Head to Instagram, tag @MaharaniWeddings, and tell us your love story.