The Platinum Guide Blog

Under a canopy of sunlit pines and later beneath sparkling chandeliers, Chetan & Yuvaram celebrated love—bold, beautiful, and joyfully Indian—at Springfield Country Club in Pennsylvania. From soft pastels to regal blues, their palette felt like a love letter to tradition with a modern heartbeat. The Wow Factor? Two grooms who made every space—bridges, ballrooms, and dance floors—feel like a movie set for magic.

Their pre-wedding portraits were all charm: breezy kurtas, dhoti-style bottoms, and a playful, multicolor scarf that kept finding its way into the frames (and their hands). On a sleek bridge, smiles and sweet banter said everything a “first look” usually does—only here, two first looks were happening at once. Nature approved. So did we. Springfield Country Club set the tone for a lively baraat where aunties twirled, friends cheered, and one very jubilant groom quite literally levitated off the pavement. Inside, Leo Design Gallery dressed the mandap in serene teal and crisp white, creating a soft, elegant frame for the sacred rituals. The ceremony, officiated with warmth and inclusivity by LGBTQ+ friendly wedding pandita Sapna Pandya, balanced reverence with real, human joy. When the varmala moment came, it was equal parts gentle and triumphant—petals, grins, and the kind of eye contact that makes you forget there’s a crowd.

Let’s talk about Surya Garigipati Photography & Films LLC, because this gallery sings. Surya’s team moves like storytellers—never intrusive, always intentional—catching the split-seconds that define a day: a shared smirk during the vows, a mid-air baraat jump, the crisp geometry of dandiya sticks in motion. Their color work stays true to life (those teal drapes! those sapphire kurtas!), while their portraits feel editorial without losing tenderness. From sun-drenched greens to moody, art-filled backdrops, every frame honors Chetan & Yuvaram’s style and spirit. It’s inclusive, artful coverage at its best—the kind couples revisit for years.

The reception turned into a masterclass in celebration. Dynasty Ave kept the dance floor pulsing, and our grooms delivered a synchronized dandiya that had the room roaring—proof that love (and practice) conquers two-left-feet energy. Jewel of India Catering brought the flavor fireworks—think fragrant spices, comforting classics, and seconds (let’s be honest, thirds). Between cake-cutting and late-night portraits—hello, dramatic gallery wall and sparkling LED backdrop—guests lived that “just-one-more-song” life well past bedtime. A favorite personal touch? Mehndi night at The Clay Studio—complete with a pottery class. Guests rolled sleeves, spun clay, and left with keepsakes they want to display. It was tactile, thoughtful, and perfectly them: a little bit of art, a lot of heart.

Their Springfield wedding glowed with tradition, laughter, and a love that lit every room.

Springfield Country Club and Surya Garigipati Photography & Films LLC are members of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

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Shalaka & Pratik’s Old Town fairytale began with laughter, marigolds, and a love note written in henna. From a heart sketched on his palm to her intricate bridal mehndi, every frame felt personal—playful one moment, impossibly elegant the next. Alexandria’s charming streets, a sun-splashed baraat, and a night that glittered in navy and gold delivered the kind of “pin-me-now” inspiration our maharanis live for.

Their celebration opened with the sweetest detail: Shalaka’s name, framed in a delicate mehndi heart on Pratik’s hand—proof that romance and good handwriting can happily coexist. Mehndi with Heena spun storybook patterns across their hands, while Makeup by Ana B gave our bride the soft-glow complexion of a dream sequence. Portraits in the courtyard set a refined tone: a modern, slate-toned lehenga for her, rich textures for him, and the calm hush of a fountain behind them—timeless, yet now. NS Events orchestrated the flow so every chapter felt effortless. Then came the high-energy switch: a convertible from Turo, dhol beats, and DJ Sidd Kel igniting a street-side dance-off that even the Virginia sun seemed to cheer on. If joy had a speed limit, the baraat would’ve broken it.

The ceremony at the Westin Alexandria Old Town was anchored in tradition, with Achala & Chandrahas Bapat guiding each ritual as the couple exchanged smiles and garlands. Warm apricot and cream tones wrapped the mandap, petals framed in gold—classic, serene, and deeply heartfelt. And now, the design mic drop. DMV DECOR delivered a cohesive, multi-event aesthetic that moved beautifully from day to night. Think marigold-laced pre-events, a rose-and-peach ceremony palette that felt soft and sun-kissed, and a reception reveal featuring sculptural floral arcs and floating candles against champagne draping. The twin floral hearts behind the couple were the “Wow” moment—architectural, romantic, and perfectly scaled to the room. They layered textures (blooms, metal, fabric, and light) to create depth in every direction, so no matter where you stood, it looked like the cover shot.

Feasts this memorable deserve their standing ovation, and Sukhadia Caterers brought the flavor fireworks. Guests grazed through vibrant, vegetarian delights—chatpata favorites, crave-worthy mains, and a mithai selection that doubled as décor. It was the kind of menu that sparks second helpings and third-date stories. With puja flowers from Vivek Flowers and pedas by Rajbhog, even the sacred offerings felt curated and beautiful—soulful details that tied cuisine and ceremony together. When the lights dipped for the reception, Shalaka shimmered in midnight blue and mirror work while Pratik traded his sherwani for a sharp black-tie. Nuwave Multimedia’s lighting washed the room in a soft glow, the Westin’s monogrammed dance floor gleamed, and a joyous group performance set the tone for an evening of pure celebration. Paperboys Films caught the motion and music. The Wedding stationery by I Print For Less brought the story full circle—elegant on the outside, unforgettable within.

A special shout-out to photographer Nat Wongsaroj Photography, whose lens stitched all of this into a living narrative. From the tender mehndi close-up to that sun-flared baraat dance and the editorial-perfect reception portrait framed by floral hearts, his images balance crisp color with candid emotion. It’s storytelling you can feel—quiet glances, big laughs, and everything in between—preserved with luminous, true-to-life detail. Planning your own celebration? Save this post, share it with your planner, and tell us your favorite moment in the comments. For more inspo and real-wedding magic, follow us on Instagram and tag us when you recreate these looks—we love featuring our maharanis!

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
My husband, Pratik, and I met through the collegiate South Asian (Desi) A Cappella circuit when our respective teams competed at the University of California at Berkeley in 2013. Pratik was a member of the University of Washington's Awaaz, and I was a member of the University of Texas at Austin's Hum A Cappella. Even as alumni, we stayed actively involved in the community over the years, along with many of our close friends. For 9+ years, Pratik has been a board member and leader of the Association of South-Asian A Cappella (ASA), a non-profit organization that supports the growth of the Desi A Cappella genre and organizes the annual intercollegiate national championship for Desi A Cappella called All-American Awaaz (A3). After college, I was a member of the alumni Desi A Cappella group called Alumkaar in its first 2 years. After crossing paths many times over 7 years, Pratik and I connected again during the pandemic, after he boldly slid into my DMs! Overall, the more we talked and shared things that interested us with each other, the more we realized how much we have in common. After we started dating long-distance in 2021, we met in person for the first time in New York City, where I was living at the time. That first weekend together was amazing, and every moment we spent together after that helped me know that he was "the one"! The rest is now history! :)

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
My husband, Pratik, along with his family and my family, all did an amazing job not revealing what he had planned for his proposal to me! I was under the impression that we were all going to a nice brunch together as a part of my now sister-in-law's wedding planning process, which was ongoing at the time. It was a cold, foggy Seattle day in February 2023, so I had no reason to think anything else. It was only once I got there, saw the beautiful way the room had been decorated, and saw that my family had flown there from Houston that I realized and processed what was actually happening. It was a really special moment in our journey, and I'm very glad that we got to celebrate it in such an intimate way with our parents and siblings. I am immensely grateful to Pratik for these precious memories in our love story!

It was really important to me to do something different and propose to Pratik, as we got engagement rings for each other. So, in April 2023, I also surprised him and proposed to him with a special cake saying "Will You Marry Me?" in front of some of our friends in Arlington, Virginia, where we now live. Planning this unique proposal was really memorable for both of us. It was a great way to kick off our wedding planning journey!

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.
Pratik and I loved the Westin Alexandria Old Town right away when we visited it. It was the first place we saw on our long list of potential venues that we visited in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area over several months in the summer of 2023. However, we came back to this venue because we loved the neighborhood and had very positive interactions with the team there, who made us feel immediately welcome and quickly demonstrated their experience and knowledge of everything involved with organizing Indian weddings. We both felt 100% sure that this was the place where we wanted to get married!

Overall, I wanted makeup that would enable me to still look like me. I worked with Lucy and Uzma at MAB Artistry to come up with three different hair and makeup looks for each event. For my wedding ceremony, I wanted to keep the makeup a mix of natural and soft glam in style. My hair for the wedding was elaborate with both jewelry and fresh flowers interwoven into a long pull-through braid. For the other two events, I wanted a slightly brighter look. So for the Sangeet, I went with a braid and bun updo and red lips that matched my red jewelry. This culminated in the Reception night makeup, which was the most flashy with a smoky eye and bright pink lips, paired with classic old Hollywood style curls in my hair.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
For my wedding ceremony outfit, I really wanted to wear a traditional sari style from the state of Maharashtra in India, where my family is from, called the "Paithani". Paithani is a type of sari made from silk and zari, known for its intricate tapestry-woven designs and vibrant colors. I was able to go sari shopping with my parents in Mumbai and find the perfect sari for my wedding in a vibrant dual-toned shade of orange and pink with beautiful peacock motifs in the embroidery.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The best part of wedding planning was working with our planner, Neha Sukumar Elhence at Nirali Shah (NS) Events! Neha has been a close friend of mine since college, because we are both alumni of UT Austin's Hum A Cappella. Neha is a very experienced wedding planner and did a great job supporting us and our families through the entire planning process. She gave us so much of her time and effort and took great care of all of us during the actual wedding weekend, which enabled us to really enjoy each and every moment! HUGE shoutout to Neha, Binali Patel, Sruti Nuthalapati Jain, and the entire NS Events team for helping us execute our vision for our entire wedding and making it a memorable weekend for us, our families, and all our guests!

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Our guests were blown away by the food at our wedding! We really wanted to serve traditional Marathi and Konkani food for the post-wedding ceremony dinner and make the food experience truly memorable for everyone. So, we are very grateful to have Sukhadia Caterers be our primary catering vendor. Shaivi Sukhadia and the entire Sukhadia Caterers team worked very closely with us and our parents to craft delicious menus for every event, incorporating various cuisines and accommodating all dietary restrictions. Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed the amazing food all weekend, making us, our families, and all our guests very happy! :)

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
My favorite moment was our First Look! Pratik and I didn’t see each other at all once we started getting ready on our Wedding Ceremony day. So, when we first saw each other fully dressed up to get married, we were both very happy and emotional. Getting to have that moment with just the two of us was very special, before we got into all the ceremonial rituals and festivities with our families and friends!

From mehndi hearts to floral arches, their day ended where joy and style hold hands. Together.

Sukhadia Caterers and DMV DECOR are members of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

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If you think South Asian weddings are all about grandeur—wait till you hear about Arianne & Ashwin. These two lovebirds took a decade-long journey of love, loss, healing, and joy and wrapped it all into a wedding that was as personal as it was spectacular. Set in the sun-kissed paradise of Huntington Beach, CA, this multiday celebration was anything but ordinary. Think velvet peacocks, rooftop Renaissance disco vibes, candlelit glam, and a dance floor that doubled as a Boiler Room set.

Arianne & Ashwin’s love story is a Netflix series waiting to happen—part drama, part comedy, with a strong Bollywood subplot. From meeting on Tinder in 2014 to weathering the storms of loss, long-distance med school years, and navigating family acceptance, this couple emerged not just intact but invincible. Their wedding wasn’t just a celebration of love—it was a triumph over every obstacle they had faced. The festivities kicked off with haldi and mehndi events that beautifully honored their Punjabi heritage. Drenched in vibrant turmeric yellow, their haldi ceremony radiated joy, while the green-hued mehndi event was a serene, laughter-filled evening where Gopi Henna worked her magic. Arianne fangirled meeting her dream mehndi artist—and we get it. Gopi’s work was so breathtaking, Ari practically wanted it tattooed permanently.

If Beyoncé had an Indian cousin who threw rooftop parties, it would be this sangeet. Hosted at the ultra-chic rooftop venue The Fifth OC (with Disneyland fireworks illuminating the sky), the event ditched the traditional “family dance battle”. It transformed into a complete Renaissance cocktail party. All-black dress code? Check. Custom hookah bar by Puffscape with clever flavor names? Double check. Live performance by R&B artist Amir Kelly (who’s also the groom’s cousin)? Say less. And let’s talk fashion: Arianne & Ashwin stunned in rich royal purple ensembles by B.H. Kazimov, shining brighter than the disco balls overhead.

The wedding ceremony at the iconic Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa was nothing short of magical. With its ocean views, sprawling grounds, and a seasoned team that knows South Asian weddings like the back of their hand, this venue was the dream canvas. Shoutout to their phenomenal coordinator, Brittany, for making every detail—from the mandap to the mimosas—seamless. Arianne’s custom cranberry velvet lehenga was embroidered with scenes from nature, including peacocks (a nod to her childhood pet) and elephants (her mom’s favorite animal). Ashwin complemented her perfectly in a regal sherwani and velvet shawl. The mandap, a lush masterpiece of dark wood, red roses, and purple accents by JnJ Florals, set the stage for a ceremony led by the very same pandit who had married Arianne’s parents—completing a full-circle moment that left not a single dry eye. From the moment Arianne started planning, she knew exactly who to call—Neha from Amora Events. Having admired her work for years, Arianne entrusted Neha with one of the most emotionally layered and logistically complex weekends of her life. And Neha? She delivered like only a seasoned pro can. From navigating multiday events with wildly different themes to perfectly executing every small, meaningful detail (like incorporating personal heritage elements and cultural symbolism into the décor), Neha was the steady force behind it all.

Ashwin’s passion for Formula 1 was cleverly woven into the décor with race-themed table names, while DJ Nitro of 3D Sounds turned the dance floor into a full-on Boiler Room set. Seriously, no one sat down. Arianne’s reception look, paired with Deepika Padukone–inspired jewelry featuring dark purple stones, completed the aesthetic like a cherry on top of a couture cake. And then there’s the visionary duo behind the lens—Balerina Films. If ever a love story needed a cinematographer to match its depth and grandeur, it was Arianne & Ashwin’s. Balerina Films didn’t simply capture moments; they created a narrative that felt both cinematic and deeply intimate. Every frame was artfully composed, every candid glance perfectly timed. From the emotional haldi ceremony to the rooftop sangeet spectacle and the moody candlelit reception, they showcased each event’s unique energy and aesthetic while never losing sight of the couple’s heart. Their photography evoked nostalgia before the weekend was even over, and their videography turned memories into timeless heirlooms. The true magic? You could feel the love, laughter, and legacy in every single shot.

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
We met on Tinder in 2014 in the early days of the app. After 3 months of talking, we finally met in person and everything fell into place after. A couple of years in we went through a string of tough times, more than your average 22-23 year old, losing each a parent and then experiencing 5 years of long distance, but having watched how much stronger as a unit we were after those events solidified that he was the one!

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
For the day he planned as a hang out with one of my best friends (who was in on it), we started the day at Soho House in West Hollywood, and after he wanted to do something "just the two of us" and took me to the Getty Villa in Malibu. My two best friends were stationed at the garden balcony to take photos and record secretly! We were walking down the garden but there were a lot of people, so he got nervous and then when pretending to take photos from behind, he proposed at one of the side balconies away from people! I couldn't stop crying, and we ended up going back to the balcony to re-create the moment. It was private and beautiful and it was a perfect day, ending with a dinner by the water with my dad and our closest friends <3

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.
After 10 years together, I was already calling vendors the day after the proposal! In total, I planned the wedding for about 16 months, but made sure to frontload the big things so as things got closer it would just be the small details that were finalized.

Immediately I made sure I had a planner, and I knew I wanted to call Neha at Amora Events. Her events are always amazing and her taste is impeccable. After that, I booked Balerina for photography (also another team I'd followed for years and knew I needed them), and then found Arooj who did all of my hair and makeup - she is a diamond in the rough, I am so thankful for her!

Venue finding took some time, but once finalized everything ran super smoothly. The Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach is no stranger to Indian weddings, so we knew we were in the best hands. Our coordinator, Brittany, was incredible and made it so easy and smooth and was so helpful with every detail of our ceremony and reception.
The DJ was a HUGE aspect for us - and I knew 3D Sounds would make it happen. My husband loves to curate playlists and he loves listening to Boiler Room sets, so music is very important to him. When we consulted Nick at 3D, we gave him some of our music preferences and then essentially we told him to make our reception his own Boiler Room because we wanted him to be center stage on the platform - and he DELIVERED. People were hardly sitting down, almost everyone was on the dance floor throughout the night!

The themes really came from our outfit colors, which inspired the rest. Working with JnJ Florals in collaboration with Neha was the best team, and they brought such wonderful creativity to take our ideas to the next level.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
One of my long time friends and designer of B.H. Kazmi, Bilal, said when Ashwin and I first met that he wanted to design my wedding, and you bet I followed through on that promise and called him soon after the proposal. I went to India about 8 months before the wedding for outfit inspiration, but nothing really stood out to me, even with the large fashion houses. Upon returning home, we got to work on the design process for all 5 outfits for each event. We wanted each to be identifiably different in theme/look/color but still be super elegant. It was an amazing, collaborative process!

For the bridal lehenga, we immediately gravitated to a cranberry color, which fit the fall season of the wedding. To add richness to the color, we planned to make it in a velvet material. I really enjoy outfits that tell a story or show a scene, and so the embroidery work had trees, vines, flowers, temple motifs, etc. I had a peacock my mom used to care for as a child, and so I wanted to include peacocks in the design. Also, my mom's favorite animal was an elephant and we had elephants all over our home, so it was non-negotiable to include in the design too. Being a part of each piece of the design process was so fun and such a labor of love, and to top it off it was made by some of the most talented and skilled artisans who work with labels such as Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, Sabyasachi, and Manish Malhotra, so seeing my outfit when it was completed was so emotional.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
I really loved doing the stationary! I don't get to have that creative artistic side of me come out often, especially being in a healthcare job, so this was where I got to really go off. I made all of the invitations, all of the signs for the events, the logos and stickers on items, and the favors. My DIY heart was so happy - and very thankful for Canva!

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Everyone still talks to us about our sangeet, which was our most untraditional event. Typically, this event is a coming together of both families where there is a performance from each side, almost like a dance competition! We made it clear from the start that this is not what we wanted, and wanted to take a cocktail party style event in replacement. The night was constantly buzzing, the drinks were flowing, the hookah bar was a hit! And the view of the Disneyland fireworks was the perfect entertainment for the evening. That night by far was our favorite - and just like our guests, we can't stop talking about it either!

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
One thing that will always stand out to me was looking out from the mandap and seeing all of the faces there and knowing every single one of them and feeling that love for us. At the end of the ceremony, it began to drizzle ever so slightly, and people kept coming up to us saying that it was a blessing from our parents and they were there that day. Feeling so bittersweet in the moment that three of our four parents were not present to physically see us get married, this was some divine validation that we felt their presence with us that day.

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 mentioned before, a lot of our themes and colors were inspired by our outfits, here's a bit of a breakdown:
Our haldi and mehndi were most traditional and it was reflected in our outfits. The haldi was simple and small, but still so happy seeing the start of our 3 day wedding journey kick off! My husband mentioned wanting to wear a vest for the mehndi, and so we took inspiration to make it a traditional green Punjabi suit, with mine as a complementing mint sharara. I really wanted a chance to have the long braid with the paranda, which completed the look.

The sangeet was inpired by Beyonce's Renaissance, so we wanted it to be shiny and silver, with guests wearing all black, and then we would wear the pop of color, and a royal purple was the perfect accent! We also had a performance by R&B singer Amir Kelly, which was even more special since he's my husband's cousin.

For the reception, I love a dark color theme and initially I wanted black, white and gold but take a different angle, which led us to choose navy blue. With subtle nods to my husband's love for Formula 1 in the table numbers and the seating chart, the navy blue, white, and gold colors with heavy candles all around complemented perfectly! I choreographed a Ranveer mix (Tattad/Malhari/Khalibali) for my husband and his friends, our first dance to Chaleya in combination with a dance with our whole bridal party to Chaiyya Chaiyya, and then a dance for me and my dance friends to an item girl mix.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
- It's okay to start early and know what you want. We are planning our wedding for years before it actually happens, frontloading the work saves so much trouble near the end.

- Book your makeup artist, photographer, and venue first! These book up quick, and coordination of dates is everything!!
- Having family's opinions about how they want your wedding to be will happen, don't let it consume you and dampen the joy you feel when planning. You know in your heart what your perfect day consists of, so just listen to what they say, compromise where you can and then do what your heart tells you.

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
HUGE SHOUTOUT TO THESE VENDORS
Karak House in Aliso Viejo, CA for the coordination of amazing chai and little mini milk cakes for our haldi ceremony. Everyone thought the chai was amazing, and we still go back there when we can
Gopi Henna was my dream mehndi artist, there's no one else I wanted to do my bridal henna. Low key fangirled when I met her. I am so thankful for our hours long chat that night, her charisma and kindness, and dealing with my endless amounts of movements and little fixes. Her work is unparalleled, I wish I could have kept it forever on me!

The Taco Cart in Los Angeles (https://thetacocartcatering.com/) was a vendor change due to a last minute cancellation for catering our mehndi, and quite honestly I couldn't have asked for better. Their owner was incredible with communication, so helpful with all the bumps along the way leading up to our event, and the food was spectacular. They had vegan and meat options with great agua frescas, and quite honestly the vegan option was my favorite! Can't wait to utilize their services again.

Puffscapes for the full service custom hookah bar. I knew I wanted a hookah bar to be a focal point for the sangeet, and I was put in contact with Palomi by Neha, and from there we hit it off. She made it all full creative experience, with making our own custom flavor mixes with song associated names and descriptions for each, and made menu signs matching the Renaissance theme. Palomi was incredible to work with, and I cannot wait for her business to blow up!
Cali Turbans based in the Inland Empire for making my husband's turban as well as all of the family members look impeccable. He even provided the talwar for us too!

Designs by JP for the custom bridal party outfits for the ceremony. She made it a full custom experience with helping to choose patterns, colors, down to the small details - and she works with all budgets. She was great to work with and everyone loved the outfits!

B.H. Kazimov, who designed all of mine, my husband's, and my dad's outfits. Bilal went above and beyond, designing not just the outfits but also all of my jewelry, accessories, and shoes. Each jewelry set was designed with custom colors and rich stones. In particular, my ceremony jewelry was inspired by Deepika's look in Padmavaat, and we tried to elevate that look to complement my lehenga with dark purple stones to match the silk dupatta. He coordinated all of my floral pieces, arranged for Cali Turbans, and helped with all of the last minute tailoring. To top it off, he was there the whole week getting all of our outfits organized before the wedding and styled me for all events. The whole time he was by our side as our stage mom, and we are so thankful.

Their wedding was more than a party—it was proof that love always finds its perfect moment.

Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa is a member of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

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Maharanis, you know a wedding will be iconic when the baraat pulls up in a decked-out Jeep, and the bride serves looks that could stop traffic on the St. Johns River. Jaynisha & Eric’s wedding weekend in Jacksonville, FL, was a true celebration of love, tradition, and sparkle, with enough glam to light up the city skyline.

Let’s talk about the wow factor: from a floral mandap that looked plucked from a royal garden to a reception where the energy was so electric that we half-expected a confetti cannon (or five). Jaynisha’s bridal looks ranged from gorgeously traditional to red-carpet-worthy modern — think intricate mehndi by Henna by Priya, luxe makeup magic by Atlanta Makeup Artist, and that ceremony ensemble dripping in maroon, gold, and bridal royalty. Eric matched the vibe with equal panache, especially during his baraat entrance, where he danced like nobody was watching (except the entire city block).

The festivities started with a joyful sangeet at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront, expertly planned and designed by the brilliant team at Apsara Events. With waterfront views and guests who took their dance floor duties very seriously, the tone was set for a weekend full of joy, laughter, and the occasional wardrobe change.

And let’s not ignore the real MVPs of the weekend — the food and sweets. BAPS catering brought the flavors that had everyone lining up for seconds (and thirds), while the cake and treats from Publix Bakery were a sweet finish that didn’t last long enough for seconds. The event moved flawlessly with sound and beats handled by Awaaz Entertainment, who kept the celebration lit well into the night. Oh, and that stylish baraat ride? Courtesy of Turo, decked out with florals fit for a king.

Now, let’s talk about visual magic. Sona Photography truly worked their artistry from every angle — capturing not just the big moments but the soft, in-between magic, too. Each photo felt like a living memory, from dramatic portraits with the downtown skyline to intricate close-ups of Jaynisha’s bridal jewelry and mehndi. Their storytelling style brought out the laughter, the tears, and all the sparkle in between, making every image as unforgettable as the celebration itself. Remember to enjoy the full gallery for more incredible moments.

Darlings, we're captivated by this unforgettable celebration, where tradition blends with joy.

Sona Photography is a member of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

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If romance had a signature style, Chrissy and Chetan's wedding would embody effortless elegance, vibrant traditions, and modern charm. Their Indian wedding was nothing short of a masterpiece, where old-world grandeur met contemporary flair, creating an unforgettable spectacle.

Nestled in the heart of St. Petersburg, The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, Autograph Collection was the crown jewel of Chrissy & Chetan's wedding celebration. With its historic architecture, lush gardens, and waterfront views, it set the stage for a love story that deserved nothing but the best. Whether it was the dreamy mandap framed by tropical greenery or the grand ballroom drenched in candlelight, every moment at The Vinoy felt like a scene straight out of a royal wedding fantasy.

Chrissy, dazzling in an intricately designed lehenga, and Chetan, looking every bit the regal groom, began their celebrations with a mehndi night filled with laughter, dance, and vibrant henna artistry by Henna Allure. The festivities escalated as Empire Entertainment took over the Sangeet, ensuring no guest remained seated too long! On the wedding day, the magic truly unfolded. The Baraat, led by Cypress Breeze Farm, was a procession of pure energy and joy—where Chetan, surrounded by his hyped-up crew, danced his way to the mandap. And let's say this groom had some serious moves!

Guided by Priest Padmakar Gangatirkar, the ceremony beautifully blended heartfelt traditions and meaningful moments. Apsara Events meticulously planned and orchestrated every detail, ensuring a seamless and enchanting experience. Chrissy's bridal draping, perfected by Saree Stylist Ruchi, was a vision of elegance as she walked down the aisle to her forever. The mandap, adorned with breathtaking floral artistry by Partyland Sajawat, was a picture of divine beauty, enhancing the sacred rituals that united this couple in matrimony.

A wedding isn't complete without something sweet, and Cake Affection delivers with a stunning cupcake display that has guests sneaking in second (and third) servings! Anastasiia Photography beautifully captured every magical moment of the celebration, ensuring that the joy, laughter, and elegance of Chrissy & Chetan's big day will be cherished forever.

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
We are both vascular surgeons and we met in residency. Our residency program accepts two applicants per year and we happened to be the two that were accepted. We initially became best friends and eventually fell in love.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
He proposed while we were on vacation in Banff. We went on a sunset hike around this beautiful lake called Peyto Lake. He hired a secret photographer to capture the moment. It was perfect because we both really enjoy hiking so it was very fitting that he proposed while we were hiking on a mountain together.

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 got married at the Vinoy Resort and it was an amazing experience. The staff was extremely hospitable and easy to work with. They went above and beyond and kept the bar open for two extra hours at no charge as they could see our guests were having such a good time.

I absolutely loooovvved my hair and makeup company. The owners name is Caroline Minerva and she was incredible! I recommend her to everyone I meet. She made me feel extremely comfortable with the whole process. We had an Indian wedding and I’m not Indian, so the entire process was very new and sometimes overwhelming to me. Caroline exposed me to some more non traditional hair and makeup styles which were more my style. I really prefer a more natural makeup look and she spent the extra time to ensure I was happy. Before every event she would ask me what I wanted changed before we finished and didn’t make me feel bad or uncomfortable for critiquing her work. She is amazing and I recommend her to everyone I meet.

Our photographer Anastasiia is also a close friend of ours. She has such a gift for capturing those special moments and using her artistic abilities to showcase your special day. She has done so many of our good friends weddings because she’s just so talented. Were all just ordinary people who don’t know the first thing about photography, yet somehow she captures the most beautiful qualities of her clients and everyone ends up looking like gorgeous models.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
My husbands cousin owns an Indian clothing boutique based out of Chicago and she helped me pick out all of my outfits. She would send me ideas until I found something that I loved. The best part of it all is that we did this remotely. Her clothing is made in India but we decided on all the options virtually. My husband and I are both surgeons so and very busy, so it would have been difficult to take time off to travel directly to India for lengha shopping, but she made things incredibly easy for us. All of the embroidery from the outfits is handmade and it’s absolutely stunning.

For my wedding gown, I made several alterations through an extremely gifted seamstress based out of Tampa to make modifications. She was wonderful to work with and very talented.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The food!! Going around to several different local Indian restaurants for tastings was the absolute best part, and for obvious reasons - Indian food is delicious!

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
The general atmosphere from both our families and friends of just overwhelming love and happiness. Everyone said they could feel it during our events. Chetan and I, and our families and friends were all just so genuinely happy to be getting married and it was apparent to the guests and really set the tone for the weekend to be focused on love and happiness.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
Our first look. Our wedding day started extremely early around 5am with hair and makeup. After hours of being separated while getting ready, the Sehra Bandi, the baraat, etc, I was just so so happy to be reunited with my best friend during the first look. Seeing each other after being apart all morning, and really having that one moment to ourselves, was extremely 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.
We had a fusion wedding (since I’m not Indian) and I really appreciated our planner and decorator during this process. They both helped me make small adjustments to the more traditional Indian decor to customize the events towards my style, without compromising on the traditional aspects that were important to our parents.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Be patient. The planning process is overwhelming. Choose a planner who you’re comfortable will help you showcase your own style while not compromising on what’s important to your parents.

Maharanis, here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and happily ever after for Chrissy & Chetan!

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