The Platinum Guide Blog

When you mix oceanside luxury with vibrant Indian traditions, the result is pure magic—and Shruti & Moneal’s wedding in Cancun was just that! Hosted at the stunning Moon Palace Cancun, this multi-day affair had all the right ingredients: color, culture, charm, and a whole lot of rose petals. Shruti lit up every scene with her radiant smile and show-stopping outfits. From her tropical-meets-traditional mehndi lehenga bursting with sunset tones to her classic red ceremony lengha, she embodied modern elegance with a playful twist. Moneal matched her energy, rocking a crisp ivory sherwani for the big day and looking smitten from baraat to bidaai.

One of the most unforgettable moments? The Haldi ceremony! Picture this: a sea of sunshine-yellow outfits, flower petals flying like confetti, and everyone laughing under a mandap drenched in marigold vibes. It wasn’t just a celebration—it was a color-splashed explosion of love and laughter. Another highlight? Their first look was tucked under a thatched gazebo, where Moneal couldn’t stop beaming as he saw Shruti twirl in her floral lehenga. Talk about a Bollywood moment!

Indian Destination Wedding went above and beyond as the travel concierge, making sure every guest arrived stress-free and ready to party. From coordinating group travel to navigating resort logistics, they were the behind-the-scenes MVPs who ensured this destination celebration unfolded without a hitch. Desibeatz Entertainment brought the heat to every event! Whether it was hyping up the baraat with pulsating beats or keeping the dance floor alive through the night, their energy was unmatched.

The vibe they created had everyone—from aunties to the flower girls—breaking out their best moves. Chhaya Patel, the planner and designer, curated each event with an eye for detail and a heart full of love. Styling Trio gave Shruti that effortless glow while Loto Mehndi transformed her hands into a gallery of traditional art. 

And of course, Gareth Davies Photography captured the heart and soul of Shruti & Moneal’s wedding with artistic brilliance. Every photo tells a story—whether it’s the candid giggles during the Haldi, the intricate swirls of henna, or the quiet tenderness of a sunset stroll by the palms. Gareth has a gift for making moments feel both intimate and iconic, blending vibrant color with emotion in every frame. His lens didn’t just document the events—it elevated them into timeless works of art. From golden-hour portraits to those tear-jerking ceremony glances, his work lets you relive the magic over and over again.

From a petal-perfect Haldi to a beachside ceremony framed by floral Ganesh decor, this wedding was a dream come true. Shruti & Moneal’s love story unfolded in full technicolor, and we were lucky enough to witness the magic.  And with Asha Films handling cinematography, this dream team ensured no moment was missed. Every laugh, every vow, every swirl of Shruti’s lehenga was preserved with cinematic perfection.

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
We met on Dil Mil during the pandemic while he was completing his MHA program in Chicago and I was in medical school in Virginia. We were long-distance for 2 years until he moved to Charleston, SC, for work, and I matched there a year later for residency! I knew he was the one even before we met in real life, from the endless FaceTime calls we had for months. Meeting in real life just confirmed that he was the one.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
We went on vacation to South Africa after I graduated from medical school. He took me to the most beautiful location in Cape Town, “The Rock,” and proposed there.

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 had a wedding planner, Chhaya Patel, and she did an amazing job making sure we got everything done in time. I had no time to plan our wedding since I am in my second year of residency, but having her as our planner made all of my stress go away. We had our wedding at Moon Palace Cancun, and overall it was a good experience. I LOVED my hair and makeup artists, David and Dayana, with stylingtrio; I would recommend them to everyone.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I went to India to get all of my outfits, and was open-minded regarding color. I didn't really have a specific style in mind. I ended up trying on over 50 different wedding lenghas of all colors. But the one I ended up picking was the one that my dad actually picked out from day 1, and I ended up liking that one the best as well.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Having it at a resort, we got to hang out with everyone for the whole week. Whether it was chilling by the pool, playing beach volleyball, or getting coffee/food between events.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
Dancing with everyone during our reception. We could tell that every guest was genuinely enjoying their time, not only during our reception, but during the entire wedding week, which meant a lot to me and Moneal.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Planning a wedding is a lot of work and can be stressful, but once you are at your wedding, just enjoy. Do not focus on or think about what is wrong; no one else is going to notice. Just have fun and be in the moment, because it will go by so fast.

Vibrant looks, heartfelt vows, and major dance floor energy—Shruti & Moneal had it all!

Indian Destination Wedding and Desibeatzs Entertainment are members 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.

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Sun, sand, and a whole lot of love—Aishu & Kavish’s wedding in Riviera Maya wasn’t just a celebration; it was a full-blown experience. Picture this: ocean waves crashing in the distance, families dressed in vibrant hues, and a couple so in love you’d think they walked straight out of a Bollywood romance. From the moment guests arrived to the final dance under the stars, this destination wedding had everyone saying, “Can we do that again?”

Set against the mesmerizing backdrop of Riviera Maya’s sparkling beaches, Aishu & Kavish’s wedding was a true destination delight. The ceremony occurred at Generations Resorts, where soft ocean breezes and heartfelt rituals created magic under the tropical sun. Their reception was held at the elegant El Dorado Spa Resorts, transforming into a luxe party under the stars. With Jennyfer Reyes and Lilly Cruz leading the Planning & Design dream team, every event was immaculately executed. Think: floral arches that looked like they grew straight out of a fairytale and decor that felt equal parts traditional and tropical-chic. The mehndi, executed by the talented Loto Mehndi, was not just intricate—it was a canvas of Aishu’s love story on her hands. (We saw those hidden initials, girl.)

Aishu stunned in every look she donned—from a traditional silk saree that paid homage to her roots to a richly embroidered pink lehenga that made her look straight out of a bridal fantasy. Her bridal hair and makeup by Pooja Yaragarla were effortlessly elegant—think fresh-faced radiance with a touch of regal glam. The guests were also treated to beauty expertise by Gamaliel Alvarez, ensuring the whole squad looked flawless. Kavish, not to be outdone, brought his fashion fire. From his cream sherwani that perfectly matched the coastal vibes to his pastel-hued reception ensemble, he was every bit the modern Maharaja.

Then came the ceremony—intimate, emotional, and filled with those little glances and smiles that said, “We made it.” At the reception, speeches that had us laughing one second and tearing up the next gave way to a packed dance floor thanks to Kundan Events, who knew exactly how to turn up the energy.

Saptapadi Weddings is no stranger to South Asian weddings, and it shows the photo and cinema team behind the lens. Their photography style is emotive and editorial—capturing not just what the day looked like but what it felt like. From dreamy portraits of Aishu peeking behind her dupatta to bursts of laughter mid-color toss, their work made every shot a keepsake. They have an innate understanding of the emotional beats, the cultural nuances, and the split-second moments that mean everything. Every frame from Aishu & Kavish’s wedding sings with movement, meaning, and that perfect dash of cinematic flair.

At the heart of it all? Aishu & Kavish are two people deeply in love and surrounded by family, culture, and joy. Their celebration blended tradition and fun, glamor and sentiment, elegance and riotous, colorful happiness.

Their dreamy Riviera Maya wedding is what destination dreams are made of.

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

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If you've ever wondered what happens when old-world tradition meets modern luxury before the sun even rises, allow us to introduce Divya & Sasikant's jaw-dropping wedding in the heart of Miami. This radiant couple didn't just tie the knot—they rewrote the rulebook with a 2 AM ceremony (yes, you read that right), a sea of gold and red silk, and enough sparkle to make even the chandeliers blink twice.

Divya, the epitome of bridal grace, looked like a goddess straight out of a temple fresco—wrapped in a stunning red silk saree adorned with traditional gold zari work: her radiant smile and regal poise made every frame by Joshua Kane Photography an editorial-worthy masterpiece. Sasikant, dashing in an ivory sherwani with classic embroidery, mirrored elegance with just the right amount of groom swagger. Their wedding seamlessly blended tradition and luxury, with two completely different style vibes for their ceremony and reception. In the morning, the couple was immersed in rich reds and golds, while the evening was swept in soft blush and ivory glam, a literal day-to-night transformation worthy of a Vogue spread.

If you're still Pinterest-ing venues, go ahead and make a new board labeled "Divya & Sasikant Goals."The JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa provided a canvas of elegance and versatility—from the serene, sun-dappled gardens to the ballroom that turned into a glimmering fairytale. Whether it was the early-morning rituals or the high-energy reception, the venue offered a setting so stunning, guests may or may not have forgotten to check their phones (a miracle in itself).

Here's a fact: a good DJ keeps the dance floor full. A great DJ? They ignite it. DJ Pavan Events brought the house down with an epic soundtrack that had aunties, uncles, and millennials throwing down side by side. With a seamless blend of classics, high-energy remixes, and feel-good favorites, Pavan took the celebration to another dimension. If music is the soul of a wedding, this one had a platinum-plated one.

The décor by Suhaag Garden transformed each space into a sensory dream—mandap shimmered in mirrored detail, while blush-toned florals created a delicate, ethereal vibe that balanced tradition and trend. The aroma of decadent cuisine by Fifth Element lingered lovingly through the event. Trust us, their menu deserves a standing ovation. No wedding is complete without that first "wow" moment—and for guests, that was the invitation. Betel Leaf Co created the invitation suite as a luxurious nod to culture, featuring marigold tones, traditional motifs, and just enough gold to make your mailbox blush. Beyond the glamour, what made this wedding truly unforgettable was how deeply personal it felt.

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
It was a beautiful New York evening, the Manhattan skyline twinkling by the Hudson River, I felt a warmth that seemed to settle in right away. There was something gentle and genuine about our encounter, like we had stumbled upon a quiet understanding. Our conversation flowed easily, weaving together stories of our favorite city spots, food, family and life’s aspirations. It was more like two friends hanging out together, and catching up on all the recent life adventures. I just remember laughing a lot. He had a great sense of humor, the kind that was so comforting and exhilarating. In that moment, I knew I wanted to explore more of life with this person by my side.

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 was a traditional South Indian Brahmin wedding. From the day we decided to tie the knot, we sat down with our parents and learnt about all the rituals and their significance. Several FaceTime calls later, we came up with a date! We started looking for venues in Miami. JW Marriott Turnberry is a beautiful resort, and it was a perfect blend of contemporary and classic architecture. Design and decor were very important to us, we put in a lot of thought into what captures our essence and culture, but also to keep it very modern and romantic. All the colors and aesthetics really complemented our outfits and fit the overall regal-romantic theme very well. All the time we spent with our families to understand the customs, we shared those insights with our guest on the ritual cards, so they could also follow what was happening and the relevance of it, In a way our guest could be a part of it and share those sentiments with us in that moment. We went to several tastings for food, we wanted to serve a wide spread of food, that everyone could enjoy. We curated the menu in a way that it would have some south indian dishes on the menu, some north indian and a few fusion food items.

The ceremony was in the early morning, before the sunrise, and yet so much energy, high spirits, contagious smiles and joy all around, and of course lots of coffee & snacks. We both were dressed in tradtional silk outfits. As I bride, I was adorned in temple Jewelry and some heirloom jewelry that has been in the family for over four decades. I had a long braid that was coiled with strings of jasmine flowers under the gold veil that was draped over the head, which completed the bridal look. The smell of jasmine is also a core memory now, and it somehow takes me back to our wedding day! But as the sun was rising, we walked around the holy fire and soon we were officially Mr & Mrs. After a late night wedding the live dosa station and south indian Breakfast catered by @the fifth element was cherry on the cake.

The sangeet- was the evening after our wedding. We wanted it to be an after-wedding event once all the serious stuff was done, we wanted a more fun, relaxed time with our guests, to enjoy music, food, and dancing. We chose our outfits accordingly, so we could really dance our hearts out. I wore an Archana Shah lehenga that was bright, beautiful, and easy to carry. We had a unique mix of Hindi, English, and Telugu music, and had a great time celebrating our love. Every dance performance was so unique and had a personal story behind it, which made the night even more special. Our hearts were exploding with all the love and joy.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
As a traditional South Indian bride, I knew I would wear a Kanchipuram saree. The madhuparkam- essentially a white saree with Red border, I knew I wanted to do something different for both of us. I picked an ivory gold and lavender silk saree from Gowri Signatures.As for the first bridal saree, I had a red saree in mind. To make it different from the madhuparkam, I opted for a red meenakari saree from a local weaver in Hyderabad with floral patterns and birds on it.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The most enjoyable part of the planning was learning about all the rituals and understanding their significance, what they meant to us and our families. And being a designer myself, I truly enjoyed designing every little detail of our wedding with Betel leaf Co.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Our wedding was a small, intimate family affair. We had our families and both of our closest friends attend our events. It was filled with so much joy and everybody coming together from all over made it a lot of fun. Everybody enjoyed the decor and food that reflected our true Hyderabad essence. Our venue was JW Marriott Turnberry, and the ballroom was reimagined as a beautiful, palace-like, intricate mirror work structure with blush flowers, chandeliers, and candles. It was a perfect blend of Modern and traditional design. We worked closely with @Suhaag Garden.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
I think a moment that is etched prominently in my memory is the "Panigrahanam" ritual from our wedding ceremony. The anticipation on either side of the curtain around the time of Panigrahanam and Jeelakara Bellam unfolds like a timeless poem for us. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous, but the moment Sasikant's hands clasped mine from the other side, it was our first day of forever. Everyone and all the chaos around us faded away, as we looked at each other and promised to love, respect, and laugh a little bit more each day!

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
I always wondered why weddings are so emotional….As a bride, you are standing at the cusp of the past and the future. So you pivot. It’s like a beautiful tapestry of love and heritage. It is natural to get overwhelmed, and get hung up on some small details, customs or missing the most important person in your life. What's important is to ask for help, delegate, or simply take a break from the planning and go on a nice date and enjoy.

It was clear this wasn’t just a celebration, it was a love letter to their families, and to each other.

JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa and Pavan Events are members of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

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What do you get when you mix stunning South Asian traditions, a bride who radiates joy (and impeccable fashion sense), a groom who could pass for Bollywood royalty, and a dream team of vendors? The answer is simple: Elena & Sohil’s wedding extravaganza in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey. This multi-day celebration had everything from heartfelt mehndi moments to a baraat fit for a modern-day maharaja.

The festivities started with vibrant pre-wedding events where Elena stole the show in a glowing sage green outfit, her hands adorned with henna that deserved its gallery show. Surrounded by friends showing off their intricate mehndi designs like they were auditioning for a hand-modeling agency, the vibe was pure fun and family. Sohil, of course, matched the energy with his own regal style—because what’s a bride without a well-coordinated groom? Their chemistry was palpable during their adorable pre-wedding moments, which included giggles, forehead kisses, and one jaw-dropping twirl that would put any rom-com scene to shame.

The big day unfolded at The Westin Mount Laurel, a venue that effortlessly combined modern luxury with timeless charm—making it the perfect canvas for Elena & Sohil’s wedding dreams, there the couple tied the knot under a breathtaking floral mandap designed by Rangoli Weddings. We’re talking full floral fantasy—blush pinks, ivories, and soft gold cascading from every corner. With sunlight streaming in and love thick in the air, the moment they exchanged garlands was truly one for the ages. From seamless logistics to picture-perfect design, XO Events LLC ensured every moment flowed like a well-rehearsed Bollywood number. They worked hand-in-hand with all vendors to ensure Elena & Sohil’s vision came to life, blending traditional Indian elements with contemporary elegance.

The reception was where the couple turned the glamour dial to eleven. Elena stunned in a white and silver bridal lehenga that sparkled with every step, while Sohil’s classic black tux gave significant “I’m here to sweep you off your feet” energy. DJ Div and MVP DJs had the beats going all night—and let’s say if there was a dance battle between the bride’s and groom’s sides; we’re still waiting on the judge’s verdict.

Let’s pause for a serious standing ovation for House of Talent Studio, the photographers and cinematographers behind every dreamy frame. They captured Elena & Sohil’s laughter, loving glances, and those blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments (like Sohil whispering something sweet during the ceremony—swoon). Their artistry transformed this celebration into a timeless gallery of memories, full of light, color, and genuine emotion.

From vibrant pre-events to a glam reception, it wasn’t just a wedding but a full-scale experience.

House of Talent Studio and The Westin Mount Laurel are members of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

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