Welcome to Maharani Weddings

In the heart of the city, Mounika & Shantan's wedding at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel was a captivating blend of tradition and elegance, flawlessly orchestrated by Posh Creations. Mounika, the bride, radiated grace, her beauty enhanced by Makeup By Anu Sarin and her hands artfully decorated by Art of Henna by Aswini. Knotty Filmer beautifully captured the event with each detail, from the lush floral arrangements by Abhishek Decorators to the exquisite cake from Classic Cake Philly, adding to the day's splendor. The aromas of Southern Spice's cuisine filled the air, promising a future as rich and diverse as the dishes served. As the night unfolded, Mounika and Shantan, surrounded by loved ones, reveled in the most joyous celebration, a perfect fusion of their heritage and the beginning of their new journey together. It was more than just a wedding; it was a carnival of love, a symphony of colors, and a dance of cultures orchestrated to perfection,  a harmonious finale to a day that Mounika and Shantan. The wedding of Mounika & Shantan was not just an event; it was a beautiful beginning penned with love, lit with joy, and lived with grace. We celebrate their love.

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
We met through our parents after they saw we weren't having much luck on our own. My medical school roommate also went to college with Shantan and put in a good word for him. I took the initiative and reached out to Shantan, and he texted me back right away. I found so many similarities between us during our first text conversation that I thought he might be "the one" even before we met in person! It was love at first text!

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
We got engaged within a year of meeting. I had told him we didn't have many pictures together, so he said we could dress up one day and take photos at sunrise. I was suspicious that it could be a proposal, but the day before it looked like he hadn't put much thought into it because I suggested a park we could go to, and he instantly agreed. The next morning, we went to Herman Park and tried to find someone to take a photo of us, but the joggers weren't particularly happy to stop for us. Just when I said we should leave, I saw the setup for the proposal, and soon after, our families both joined us for a photoshoot! It was just a coincidence that the park I suggested was the one he had planned on.

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 reached out to my friends who got married in the New Jersey area for vendor contacts since my wedding was in Philly. Our venue, the Loews Hotel, also gave us some contacts for whom they worked in the past. Abhishek decorators just have so much experience in the field that we gave them some photos of what we wanted, and they helped embellish each event into something more beautiful than we had imagined! Our "day-of" event planner, Posh Kreations, made sure that everything ran smoothly and helped us come up with a timeline two months before the wedding. We had a few events at my house, but the sangeet, baraat, wedding, and reception were all at the Loews Hotel Philadelphia. Our venue was perfect to hold about 400 people for each of the events!

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
Since I had to plan my wedding during residency training, I didn't have time to go to India, so my mom and mother-in-law just FaceTimed me before they bought my wedding saris in Kanchi. I ordered my reception lehenga from Seema Gujral online, and it fit perfectly!

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
I enjoyed how all my family came together and got really hyped before the wedding! Wedding planning was a long process, but it was all worth it!

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
The food and DJ were a big hit! We were lucky to have Southern Spice from NJ cater all our events. The baraat outside City Hall in Philly was also quite memorable as it was a gorgeous day outside.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
I remember my dad coming into my hotel room to practice our father-daughter dance right before the reception and how ready he was to dance in front of hundreds of people for the first time in his life!

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 worked with a choreographer from India who held dance practices over Zoom for a few weeks leading up to the wedding.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
It's nice to have a few things that you are particular about, but be as flexible as possible so you don't stress about all the details and enjoy the process more!

This wedding was a mesmerizing fusion of Indian traditions and modern elegance.

Amplifire Entertainment, Makeup By Anu Sarin and Loews Philadelphia Hotel are members of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

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Hello Maharanis! Don't forget to check out Lauren & Kam's wedding in today's Platinum Guide Blog!

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
I worked as a Cardiac ICU nurse and Kam was finishing up his last year of Cardiology fellowship when we first met. We both lived in Philadelphia and decided to explore the city together. Our favorite hobbies are still finding the best spots in Philly to eat at and visiting cocktail bars and wine lounges.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Kam lived in Rittenhouse his last year of fellowship and we enjoyed many days hanging out at his rooftop. When proposal time came around, he recruited my best friends to take me out to brunch. They recommended we go out to Kam's old building to see a mutual friend, and to my surprise, Kam was waiting at the rooftop with both our families and closest friends.

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 wanted a wedding that celebrated both our cultures and us as individuals. We decided to have a traditional Hindu ceremony followed by a chic black-tie reception. We chose W Philadelphia in Center City and could not have been happier. W Philadelphia provided multiple sites for our Sangeet, Ceremony, and Reception with modern elegant backdrops.

Nazranaa in Edison, NJ was crucial in helping us with our outfit selections. They went above and beyond in helping Lauren's family wear traditional Indian attire. It was a fun experience for Lauren's family as it was their first time wearing traditional Indian clothes.

Many guests complimented our DJ for the weekend, DJ Shilpa. Our Baraat down Chestnut Street with DJ Shilpa blasting music was a memory many people would never forget. Our dance floor at the reception was packed from the beginning due to DJ Shilpa.

My bridal make-up artist, Pauline from Flawless Beauty by Pauline, helped me feel like the most beautiful version of myself for all of the weekend's events.

Abhishek Decorators built the most beautiful sets for our Sangeet, Mandap, and wedding reception. They truly created the exact vision we wanted for all the events.

Nathan Dang's team from Lightyear Studio provided photography and videography. They were able to capture all the events perfectly and encapsulated the energy and love present all weekend.

And, of course, our weekend would not have turned out so well if not for Evenings of Elegance, run by Dharmi Shah, who was our Wedding Planner. We worked with her for over a year before our wedding day, and she kept us on track in meeting deadlines while navigating our hectic work schedules. Her wealth of knowledge and contacts helped us make decisions, even when we couldn't decide. Due to her attention to detail and timeliness, we were even able to start our ceremony early and finish ahead of schedule (who is able to say that!).

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
All of our guests commented on how seamlessly each event went without any hiccups or problems. This is 100% attributed to the work, dedication, and planning of our Wedding Planner/Coordinator, Evenings of Elegance. There was almost no stress on our part during the weekend, knowing we had Dharmi Shah from Evenings of Elegance in our corner.

Their wedding was not just an occasion but a vivid tapestry of love, joy, and unity.

Shilpa Entertainment, Monaco Experiences and Lightyear Studio are members 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.

Step into a world of enchantment, where the magic of South Asian weddings meets decades of expertise. Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings provides unparalleled experiences at Disney.

Choose from an array of breathtaking backdrops and event spaces, ranging from immersive resorts and iconic theme parks to exclusive behind-the-scenes venues, all complemented by Disney's world-class culinary and entertainment offerings. Whether amidst the enchanting resorts or iconic theme parks, every location promises an unforgettable wedding week with cherished family and friends.

No matter your South Asian wedding vision, Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings offers unique venues matched with their signature service.

A dedicated wedding planning team brings your love story to life, crafting magical moments at every turn. With deep relationships with expert vendors, Disney Weddings Consultants, experienced in global cultural traditions and specifically trained in South Asian Weddings, make planning seamless for both local and destination brides.

Disney's renowned chefs can curate custom menus, catering to the diverse tastes of South Asian couples. Planning your South Asian wedding experience is seamless, with Disney boasting in-house planning services and all the clements needed to make your wedding vision come to life - from floral and décor to lighting and photography.

Boasting over 100 immersive venues from castles and beaches to grand ballrooms and everything in between, Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings offers a transformative backdrop for all your South Asian functions. The Disney Weddings planning team handles the details, from mandap to Sangeet, Garba to Baraat, allowing couples to savor every moment of their dream wedding.

Disney excels at creating magical experiences. Disney Fairy Tale Weddings couples can choose from a wide variety of offerings such as fireworks viewing, private after-hours ceremonies in Disney Parks, unique culinary options, and personalized entertainment offerings. Preserve this milestone moment with private wedding portrait sessions inside the Disney Parks, an exclusive and magical experience available to Disney Weddings couples.

With decades of dedicated wedding expertise, Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings' best-in-class service ensures your South Asian wedding brings your dreams to life, creating memories to last a lifetime.

Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings - Walt Disney World, Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings - Disneyland Resort, Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings - Aulani Resort, Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings and Honeymoons - Walt Disney World, Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings and Honeymoons - Disneyland Resort and Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings and Honeymoons - Aulani Resort are members 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.

Let's enjoy Khelly & Shrava's bright day, melding tradition with modern grace at The Westin Princeton at Forrestal Village. It offers a luxurious and sophisticated setting, its spaces designed to provide the perfect canvas for such a memorable occasion. Khelly looked elegant, and Emaan Kawaja's skillful touch enhanced her beauty. The seamless orchestration by Euphoria Events and the breathtaking visuals by Wedding Design & Decor created a backdrop of dreams. Ajit Singh's photography was a mirror to the soulful connections and heartfelt emotions that danced through the day, while Moghul Catering delighted palates with sumptuous flavors. The energy soared as DJ Magic Mike filled the air with music, and the cinematic magic of Unique Visions Studio immortalized the celebration. Their ability to capture the essence of the celebration, with a keen eye for the subtle nuances and grand gestures, resulted in a cinematic keepsake that will be cherished forever. Loves, hit play, and enjoy it!

Unique Visions Studio and The Westin Princeton at Forrestal Village are members 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.

At the picturesque Garza Blanca Cancún, Crystal & Vish's wedding was a captivating fusion of love, culture, and emotional celebration, meticulously brought to life by Eunice Bravo Weddings. The venue was even more beautiful with the vibrant floral decorations provided by Casa Selva. Zúñiga Decor Cancún and Event Tent enhanced the venue's elegance. Zoe Elizabeth Team's exceptional hair and makeup artistry truly accentuated the natural beauty of Crystal. Loto Mehndi's intricate designs on Crystal's hands symbolized their deep love. The atmosphere buzzed with energy from Crow Entertainment's music and lighting, while Ravjeet Singh's Bollywood performances performed under a sky lit by Pyrotech's fireworks. Each moment was immortalized by Luxart Wedding Studio and About Time Wedding Films, ensuring that the magic of Crystal & Vish's union would be relived for generations. Shaadi Destinations ensured a seamless experience for all guests, making this celebration a memorable gathering of families and cultures promising to cherish each moment. Love!

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

Vish and I met during our orientation for medical school. We had this event called a “white coat ceremony” where they presented us with the very first white coats of our career. He tells this very cheesy story where he saw me from across the room and had to meet me. I did not notice him initially, but he came up to me introduced himself, and asked for my number. I thought he was a handsome confident man so I gave it to him. That week we got to know each other and fell for each other quickly. Honestly, I don’t think there was a specific moment when I knew he was “the one.” I think it was more of an organic process where he kept revealing more of himself to me over time, and I loved every bit of it. Eventually, I found myself always wanting to be around him and I knew that I needed to spend the rest of my life with this man.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!

We got engaged at the end of our second year of residency. We had been together for six years but had to spend residency in a long-distance relationship. I was in Kansas City, Missouri and Vish was in Chicago, Illinois. We would see each other about once a month and this time we had a week of vacation and I was planning on spending it with him in beautiful Chicago in the summertime. When I arrived, he had surprised me with a new dress for each day. He played it off by saying that it was so that the week could feel like a real vacation. We were too poor at the time to travel, so he wanted the week in Chicago to feel special. In reality, he just wanted to make sure that whatever I was wearing when he proposed was fit for the moment. When the day finally came, he took me to beautiful Lincoln Park where there was a nice restaurant that he had a reservation at. Instead, in front of the beautiful Chicago skyline next to Lake Michigan, he asked me to be his wife. We then took a walk through the park and neighborhood and along the way he surprised me with my family, his family, and our close friends who flew out to celebrate the moment with us. He rented out the patio of our favorite restaurant so that we could have it to ourselves while we celebrated with margaritas by the fountain. It was the second-best week of our life (second to the wedding itself of course).

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

So we had two different marriage ceremonies for our wedding. We had a traditional South Indian Hindu ceremony along with a “black tux and white wedding dress” Western ceremony. In terms of finding my wedding dress, it was pretty straightforward. I went to a bridal store in Dallas with my sister and younger cousin who are my closest friends (we have a very close family) as well as my mother and aunt. As soon as I put on the wedding dress of my dreams, we all knew this was the one! It was a romantic ballgown with a fitted corset bodice, and it was perfect. In terms of my Indian outfits, it is a more exciting tale. Vish’s family took us both to India to do our wedding shopping. The country was unlike anything I ever experienced in my life. There was beauty in the organized chaos that was Hyderabad, India. We toured the different sari shops where we were shown hundreds and hundreds of saris. Vish and I decided to go with gold as the color of our bridal outfits, and we found the perfect sari at Gawri Signature. It was so beautiful. Again this is cheesy, but my husband is very cheesy. He describes me as being a goddess wrapped in gold in this bridal sari. I think one of my favorite outfits for our wedding is my Sangeet dress as well. I have to mention the designer who custom-stitched this piece for me. Vaishali Agarwal created a beautiful cherry red lehnga with a corset top complete with a sweetheart neckline that I loved.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?

Our guests had such positive comments about the décor of our wedding. We have to give credit to our wedding planner Eunice Bravo and her entire team. She did such a spectacular job working with us to create our vision for our wedding. In terms of the different events of our wedding week, each had a different theme. Our Vietnamese Tea Ceremony was simple and elegant and held in Vish’s parents' loft at the resort. Our Sangeet had a theme of Moroccan nights with deep colors such as navy blue and maroon all around. There were beautiful lanterns suspended from the grand gazebo called the Tierra Luna in front of the Garza Blanca Cancun. Our Hindu wedding ceremony was on the beach with a beautiful Mandaap decorated with bright yellow and orange flowers. Our American ceremony was also outdoors on a terrace overlooking the beach. There were beautiful pastel purple, blue, and pink florals. The reception which is further described in the question below was the exclamation point in terms of décor. Our wedding planner along with the help of Casa Selva (florals), Canteiro (design), Zuniga (design), and Minimal (design) did an incredible job recreating an indoor rainforest. In general, our guests (along with us) were enamored with the design and décor of the events of our wedding.

 Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?

Our first dance was so special to us. We had been preparing for it for at least 2 months. Nearly every day we learned and practiced a choreographed dance to “Golden Hour” by JVKE. When the actual moment came it was perfect. Our reception was at the ballroom at the Garza Blanca Cancun which is an indoor venue on the highest floor of the building. Our wedding planner Eunice and floral vendor Casa Selva teamed up to create the most beautiful setting for this moment. They recreated a rainforest with real plants and flowers under which we got to have our first dance as husband and wife. The low smoke was in full effect to make the moment even more dramatic. It was so special to us to have our dance in front of our families and friends in this beautiful setting. It had multiple spins and lifts and our guests were cheering us on the entire time. It wasn’t technically flawless (although it almost was haha), but it was such a special unforgettable moment for us.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?

I will keep this one short and sweet – start early so you get to book the venue of your dreams, 8-12 months is usually enough time for this. Hire a wedding planner especially if you are having an Indian wedding, because there are so many details that you may not even be able to think of yourselves and it helps to have someone good to guide you along the path. One of the most important things is to establish your guest list early in the process so you how much to budget. Make a list of things that are most important to you for your wedding (for us it was décor, photo/video, and food), and once you have that established, spend aggressively on the aspects of the wedding that matter to you but save aggressively on those that do not.

They embarked on a journey of forever, promising to cherish each moment together in love.