The Platinum Guide Blog

Some destination weddings embrace the beach. Others completely transform it. Devanshi & Zeel’s breathtaking wedding at Hyatt Ziva Cancun felt like stepping into a romantic dream painted in blush florals, ocean blues, and pure celebration. Set against the sparkling waters of Cancun, this unforgettable wedding weekend perfectly blended the beauty of a tropical destination with the richness of Indian traditions, creating an experience guests will undoubtedly be talking about for years.

And honestly, when your mandap appears to float above the sand beneath a canopy of thousands of blooms, people tend to remember it. From the moment guests arrived, the weekend carried an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation. Destination weddings naturally create a unique sense of togetherness—everyone leaves behind daily routines and fully immerses themselves in the celebration. For Devanshi & Zeel, that meant gathering their closest family and friends in paradise and creating a wedding experience that felt equal parts luxurious, joyful, and deeply meaningful.

Behind every beautifully executed moment was Dream Shaadi, whose planning and design expertise transformed the couple’s vision into reality. Multi-day Indian destination weddings involve countless moving pieces, yet every event flowed effortlessly, allowing guests to simply enjoy the magic unfolding around them.

The ceremony itself was nothing short of spectacular. Set directly on the beach, a breathtaking acrylic mandap appeared to rise from the sand beneath an overflowing canopy of blush pink and ivory florals. Designed by Zuniga Decor, the ceremony space felt airy, romantic, and ethereal—perfectly complementing the natural beauty of Cancun’s coastline. Soft florals framed every angle while the turquoise ocean created a backdrop no ballroom could ever compete with.

Devanshi looked absolutely radiant in a dreamy lavender bridal ensemble, bringing a refreshing and modern interpretation to traditional wedding fashion. The soft pastel palette paired beautifully with the floral design, creating a cohesive aesthetic that felt both contemporary and timeless. Styled by Styling Trio and Adrial Cantara Makeup, her bridal look balanced elegance and glamour effortlessly, perfectly suited for a destination wedding by the sea.

Beside her, Zeel looked equally sophisticated, complementing the romantic color palette while embracing the celebratory spirit of the occasion. Together, they embodied everything we love about modern South Asian weddings—respecting tradition while confidently making it their own.

Throughout the weekend, guests enjoyed incredible culinary experiences from Patravali, whose authentic Indian cuisine brought familiar flavors to the tropical destination setting. Because no matter how beautiful the venue may be, South Asian wedding guests will absolutely remember whether the food was exceptional—and this wedding delivered on every level.

The celebrations only intensified once the music began. With entertainment led by Dynasty AVE, the baraat and reception quickly transformed into the kind of high-energy celebration that destination weddings do best. Guests danced beneath the Mexican sun, celebrated alongside the ocean, and embraced every moment with the enthusiasm that comes from knowing there’s nowhere else in the world they’d rather be. Adding another layer of grandeur to the festivities was lighting design by Mills James Mexico, which elevated the evening atmosphere beautifully as the celebrations continued long after sunset.

Intricate mehndi artistry from Loto Mehndi added another meaningful cultural layer to the weekend, while our Platinum Guide member Indian Destination Wedding, Inc. helped ensure guests could focus on creating memories rather than worrying about travel logistics—a true luxury when coordinating an international celebration of this scale.

Capturing every breathtaking moment was Saptapadi Weddings alongside Saptapadi Films. Their photography and cinematography beautifully preserved the romance, color, and emotion woven throughout the wedding weekend.

Devanshi & Zeel’s Cancun wedding was the perfect reminder that destination weddings aren’t just about beautiful locations—they’re about creating unforgettable experiences. Surrounded by the ocean, overflowing florals, and the people who mattered most, they celebrated the beginning of their forever in a way that felt entirely their own.

Come back for more dreamy tropical destination inspirations and heartwarming celebrations.

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

Indian Destination Wedding VIEW PORTFOLIO

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

If wanderlust were a love language, Helli & Meet would be fluent in it. From the moment these two met at a wedding in 2022—because honestly, South Asian weddings continue to outperform dating apps everywhere—their story unfolded like the kind of romance that feels written by fate itself. What began as an unexpected connection quickly evolved into passport stamps, international adventures, and a love story spanning more than 14 countries. So naturally, when it came time to celebrate their own wedding, a traditional ballroom simply wasn’t going to cut it.

Instead, the couple brought their guests to the breathtaking Paséa Hotel & Spa, where ocean views, coastal elegance, and dreamy California sunsets created the perfect backdrop for a wedding weekend inspired by travel, romance, and intentional detail. And honestly? The entire celebration felt like a luxury destination editorial come to life.

As proud Boston natives planning from across the country, Helli & Meet knew they needed a team capable of transforming their vision into something seamless—and Opal Events delivered beautifully. Working alongside planner Ridhi Ratanjee, the couple curated four unforgettable events over two days, each designed with its own unique personality while still feeling deeply connected to their story. It takes serious talent to make a multi-event South Asian wedding feel cohesive yet distinctive, and this team absolutely understood the assignment.

The festivities began with a haldi celebration that radiated sunshine and softness all at once. Pastel floral installations by our Platinum Guide member, 2Create Design, transformed the space into a romantic floral daydream filled with peachy hues and airy elegance. Helli looked radiant in a peach-orange lehenga while Meet wore a custom-designed outfit that complemented her perfectly—because coordinated couples who commit to the aesthetic deserve their own award category.

The family styling only elevated the visual magic further, with coordinated orange palettes tying the entire celebration together beautifully. It was joyful, modern, and refreshingly intentional without ever feeling overly styled. Basically, Pinterest wishes it looked this effortless. Then came the sangeet—and this is where the energy shifted into full celebration mode.

Trading soft romance for bold vibrancy, the evening embraced rich blue and green tones inspired by the couple’s desire to create something deeply personal rather than traditionally expected. Elephant centerpieces nodded to cultural elements while still feeling contemporary and elevated. Helli stunned in a blue lehenga from Frontier Raas, while Meet once again appeared in a custom-designed ensemble, proving that this groom clearly understood the importance of fashion continuity.

The night overflowed with performances, surprises, nonstop dancing, and enough emotional family moments to keep waterproof makeup brands fully employed. And with Special Occasions DJ & Lighting leading the entertainment and lighting production, the dance floor never stood a chance. Guests fully committed to the celebration from the first beat to the final encore—and honestly, we love to see it.

But the wedding ceremony itself? Pure magic. Before the festivities officially began, Helli & Meet shared an intimate first look and private vow exchange—one of the most emotional moments of the entire weekend. Removed from the crowd and celebration, it gave them the opportunity to fully pause and absorb the significance of the day together before stepping into the grandeur ahead.

And what grandeur it was. A mirrored aisle lined with white roses led guests toward a breathtaking mandap adorned with delicate crystal birds swaying softly in the coastal breeze. The symbolic detail paid tribute to the couple’s shared love of travel, creating an atmosphere that felt ethereal and deeply personal all at once.

Helli’s rosy pink Rachit Khanna lehenga was nothing short of spectacular. Rejecting the traditional red bridal palette, she embraced soft romantic tones while still incorporating a classic red chooda as a nod to tradition. The intricate peacock detailing throughout her lehenga beautifully echoed the crystal bird motifs woven into the décor, creating a level of thoughtful styling that true wedding lovers immediately appreciate. Her bouquet, featuring cherry blossoms, served as a meaningful tribute to the couple’s unforgettable Kyoto engagement during cherry blossom season—because apparently, this couple refuses to stop being cinematic.

Meet complemented the aesthetic perfectly in an elegant Adani ensemble, together creating the kind of regal Maharani-and-Maharaja energy that photographers dream about capturing.

And speaking of capturing… Balerina Films documented the entire weekend with breathtaking artistry through both photography and cinematography. Every frame feels intentional, emotional, and visually rich—from intimate vow exchanges to sweeping coastal portraits and high-energy dance floor moments. Their storytelling style beautifully preserved not only how the wedding looked, but how it felt.

The reception embraced Pantone’s mocha mousse tones, creating a monochromatic atmosphere filled with candlelight, warmth, and understated luxury. A custom LED installation featuring the couple’s “MH” wedding logo circled by a tiny airplane served as yet another thoughtful nod to the adventures that brought them together—and the many still ahead.

From Kyoto proposals to crystal bird mandaps and destination celebrations by the ocean, Helli & Meet’s wedding weekend was more than visually stunning. It was personal, meaningful, and entirely reflective of a couple who built their love story exploring the world side by side.

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
Meet and I met at his cousin's wedding back in 2022. He asked for my number at the reception bar haha. I knew he was the one when I saw how patient he was with me. We also had the same interests and loved to travel! We ended up taking our first international trip 4 months into dating!

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Meet proposed to me on 04-04-2024 in Kyoto, Japan. He proposed under the cherry blossom trees during peak cherry blossom season! This was the most special trip ever.

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.
Meet and I looked at over 400 venues all over the US. When I found Paséa, something about it made us fly there the next weekend from the East Coast to check it out. It just felt so us.

Hair & Makeup: As someone who loves to do her own makeup, picking a makeup artist was a huge deal for me. I wanted someone who was going to make me look like me, just elevated. My makeup artist Jessi did just that!

Outfits: Picking my outfits was a tough decision- but I knew I wanted to wear a different color and vibe for each outfit.

Decor Theme:
For my themes, I wanted something timeless, especially for my wedding ceremony. The mandap was a mirror aisle with all white flowers and hanging crystal birds; even the chairs were clear. This let me stand out in my rosy pink lengha. For our reception, I chose the Pantone color of the year for 2025, which was mocha mousse. Usually, reception decor is very dark; we wanted something different and very monochromatic.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I always knew I didn't see myself in the traditional red. When I got to India for my shopping, one of the first lenghas I tried on, I fell in love with. I spent the next 3 days looking for one, but nothing looked or felt like that first one. It was a rosy pink that included some red details.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
Dance practices! Whether it was with my husband or with my friends and family, it was a time full of laughter and fun.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
The food, hotel, timeline, and location. Being the first destination wedding in our family, from Boston to California, everyone was ready to see what it was like. The hotel was right on the water, and the weather was not hot, just breezy.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Don't let others' opinions get in the way of what you like; do what makes you feel the best on your big day! Ex. outfits, decor, hair, and makeup.

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
My bouquet was white roses and included cherry blossoms! I knew I needed to add that touch because we got engaged in Japan during cherry blossom season!

My mom and I wore the same handpiece! I wore one, and she wore the other on my wedding day.

Love stories with a passport—only at MaharaniWeddings.com. Enjoy it.

2Create Designs and Pasea Hotel & Spa are members of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

2Create Designs VIEW PORTFOLIO

Pasea Hotel & Spa VIEW PORTFOLIO

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

Some venues whisper romance; The Mansion on Main Street sings it from a sweeping staircase. Shruti floated down those marble steps in a modern-lilac look that caught the light like champagne, and Saroj Studios—our Platinum Guide pro—did what they do best: crisp editorial frames, story-first candids, and that perfect “pause” right before happy tears spill. Outside, the courtyard became a color story—bridesmaids in jewel tones, groomsmen dapper and coordinated, and a couple framed by creamy stone arches that felt purpose-built for album covers.

The ceremony unfolded beneath a garden gazebo transformed by Mandap Milap into a cloud of blue-and-white blooms. Petals carpeted the aisle, roses climbed the pillars, and vows fluttered open like secrets finally ready for daylight. We loved the little winks of personality: a shy smile tucked behind the dupatta, a squeeze of hands mid-pheras, and the “did we just get married?” grin that refuses to leave the face. Jessica Shah (Maison de Beauty) delivered the kind of camera-literate glam every bride dreams of—radiant skin, softly sculpted features, and eyes that stayed luminous from first look to last dance.

By night, Luxe Event Group and Arjun Patel turned elegance into electricity. The reception room glowed in blush and crystal with mirrored pedestals and towering florals; then came a first dance on the clouds—yes, actual cloud effect—so dreamy even the chandeliers seemed to sigh. The soundtrack moved from classic romance to “text the group chat immediately,” and the dance floor never considered a break. Meanwhile, Bhog Caterers delivered the kind of feast that starts new family legends—guests were plotting second helpings before the gulab jamun even landed. Consider this your friendly reminder that great lighting and great laddoos are equally important to guest satisfaction.

The portraits kept delivering: a lakeside stroll that could double as a couture campaign, a bridge kiss with soft garden bokeh, and a regal stage moment that balanced modern sparkle with heirloom grace. It’s the blend we love—tradition honored, personalities centered, and production values that make everything look as good as it felt.

Dive into the full gallery and save your favorites to your planning board. 

Tap our Platinum Guide to start crafting a celebration that’s unmistakably, joyfully yours.

Saroj Studios, Luxe Event Group and Bhog Caterers are members of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

Saroj Studios VIEW PORTFOLIO

Luxe Event Group VIEW PORTFOLIO

Bhog Caterers VIEW PORTFOLIO

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

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!

The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club is a member of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club VIEW PORTFOLIO

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

Once upon a time, in the heart of the grand Lucien's Manor, a magical wedding unfolded that would forever be etched in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to witness it. This was no ordinary celebration; it was the day Kruti & Priyank vowed to embark on their forever journey, wrapped in love and laughter, under the watchful eye of the vibrant Gujarati traditions.

As the sun rose, the venue buzzed with anticipation. The bride, Kruti, adorned in a breathtaking ensemble from the looms of traditional artisans, was a vision in red. Her attire was intricately embroidered, sparkling with gems that caught the morning light—a true masterpiece crafted for a queen. Priyank, her gallant groom, complemented her perfectly in a splendid sherwani, detailed with gold threads that spoke of royal tales from the East.

The ceremony was nothing short of spectacular, with the grand entrance of Kruti—a moment frozen in time. The air was thick with excitement as she walked through a corridor of applause, led by her jubilant bridesmaids in a harmonious floral dance. Mandap Milap outdid themselves with a floral and decor spectacle that transformed the venue into a celestial garden. Curated Events ensured every detail was impeccable, creating an elegant and electrifying ambiance. Amidst this setting, Chowpatty Foods served a feast fit for the gods, with flavors that danced on the tongue and left guests craving more.

As day turned to dusk, M4U Events took the stage, and oh, did they bring the house down! Their beats were the pulse of the night, guiding every step, twirl, and leap on the dance floor. Laughter roared louder than the music, and spirits soared higher than the soaring notes as Priyank swept Kruti off her feet, their first dance a ballet of grace and love.

Heral Beauty, the artisans behind the scenes, wove their magic through brushes and palettes, turning every face into a canvas of perfection. Kruti's radiant beauty was their pièce de résistance, a testament to their mastery in makeup and hair.

With their impeccable artistry and a keen eye for detail, Saroj Studios transformed the simple act of photography into a grand storytelling spectacle at Kruti & Priyank's wedding. Their cameras worked not merely as tools but as portals, capturing the essence of every fleeting glance, every shy smile, and every teardrop of joy, weaving them into the fabric of timeless memories. These photographers did more than document the day; they narrated a rich tapestry of emotions and events, capturing the untold stories of joy that bubbled beneath the surface, the silent whispers exchanged between the couple and their loved ones.

Thank you for joining us in an incredible love story; may their joy inspire your fairy-tale moments.

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

M4U Events VIEW PORTFOLIO

Saroj Studios VIEW PORTFOLIO

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