Some love stories are slow burns. For Alanna & Abhishek, it began with an effortless connection during their days at Drexel University College of Medicine. This friendship would simmer quietly for years before igniting into something beautiful. It wasn’t until after graduation, during a visit to a mutual friend in Washington, D.C., that things shifted. A spontaneous day exploring the city turned into the start of something undeniable. Years later, at her family’s lake house in upstate New York, Alanna found herself in sweats watching a kids’ movie with her nephew, completely unaware that her life was about to change. Abhishek, with the help of her family, lured her outside under the pretense of testing fireworks. But instead of sparks in the sky, she found a table covered in flowers and candles by the lake. After a moment of disbelief and a humorous “No!”—quickly corrected to a tearful “Of course I will, you big dumdum”—they were engaged. From there, their wedding story unfolded like a perfectly written rom-com with sequins, puns, and tropical backdrops.
With the help of Indian Destination Wedding, every guest arrived in Riviera Maya with ease and excitement. The couple’s vision was clear from the start: each event would reflect their personalities, playfulness, and love for bringing people together. Hotel Generations Riviera Maya set the scene: a Sky Deck awash in mango-hued light for the mariachi-backed welcome party; Gazebo 55’s sugar-soft sand for the turmeric-splashed haldi; and a starlit pier where two cultures promised forever. I Do Celebrations masterminded the flow, turning Alanna’s pun-laden themes—The next day’s Haldi ceremony—dubbed “Let’s Grow Gold Together”—was held on the beach under the warm Riviera sun.
As day turned to night, the Sangeet brought the sparkle. “You’re a Gem” was the theme, and everything—from golden arches to an LED dance floor—shimmered in the candlelight. Friends and family delivered epic performances (shoutout to Alanna’s sister for belting Queen live!), and fire dancers lit up the beach. Alanna & Abhishek twinned in emerald green and gold mirrorwork outfits, serving full regal energy. On the morning of their ceremony, Abhishek made his entrance in a traditional baraat on a white horse, led by Drums In Paradise and DJ Amsal, surrounded by vibrant pink and blue smoke bombs. Though it’s usually just the groom’s side, Alanna joined the party—because if there’s music, why sit it out?
Their ceremony, lovingly named “A Shore Thing,” took place on the pier deck overlooking the ocean. Designed with care by The Floral Experience and Zuñiga Deco, the space was adorned with white tropical blooms and lush greenery. Alanna & Abhishek wore stunning cream-colored embroidered ensembles by Seema Gujral, a perfect fusion of Indian bridal elegance and Western white-wedding tradition. Their vows were personal, lighthearted, and heartfelt, officiated by their friend Katie and blessed by both mothers. Even the fans given out to guests had flair, opening to reveal “Big Fan of Love.” Gallardo Films masterfully captured every single moment—from joyful pranks (like when Alanna punked Abhishek during their first dance by playing “Cotton Eyed Joe” instead of their real song) to quiet exchanges by the sea. Their work brought the entire celebration to life with cinematic beauty and emotional precision.
And then came the grand finale—“Until Death Do Us Party.” With disco balls, mirrored dancers, lasers, LED glasses, and a dance floor that pulsed like a club, the reception was a full-on rave-meets-romance extravaganza. Enjoy it!
How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
Abhishek and I met in medical school at Drexel University College of Medicine. We had mutual friends and shared a love of electronic music. We hit it off immediately, there was this natural, effortless connection between us, but it wasn’t until years after graduation that we had our first date. I was visiting my friend Erica (who later became one of my bridesmaids), and Abhishek came to hang out with us in Washington, DC. What began as a casual hangout with friends quickly took an unexpected turn. During a spontaneous adventure frolicking through the city, something sparked between us. At the time, I was living in Miami, and Abhishek was in Baltimore, so our relationship turned into a long-distance journey. We started talking on the phone every night, flying to see each other or going on trips somewhere together almost every other week. After countless phone calls and flights, we decided to make it official. I don’t think it was one specific moment when I knew he was “the one.” It was a beautiful compilation of memories, laughter, and adventures that quietly grew into something undeniable. Our relationship has always felt as natural and effortless as our friendship did from the start, and I knew that was truly special.
Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
We were in upstate New York celebrating the 4th of July with my family at my parents’ lake house. We were all on the couch in the living room watching a kids' movie with my nephew. I was dressed in sweats. My dad is infamous for his fireworks displays (a dock or two may have been unintentionally lit on fire over the years). Abhishek and my brother asked if we'd step outside to watch my dad set off a "test firework." After the firework was set off, Abhishek started walking me towards the lake, where I saw a table covered in flowers and candles. I was super shocked and thought it must be a prank, I didn’t even know he had the ring! I turned around and saw my mom, sister, and sister-in-law all standing there with their phones ready, which is when I realized it was real. After a very surprised/shocked “NO!” (probably not what he was hoping to hear), he dropped to one knee and asked if I would marry him, and I quickly followed up with, “Of course I will, you big dumdum, I love you.” It was a perfect proposal I’ll never forget, full of surprises, laughs, and surrounded by a whole lot of love.
Tell us how you went about planning your wedding, and your overall experience with the Venues, Hair & Makeup, Outfits, Decor Theme, and all of the other important details.
Planning our wedding was an adventure. As someone who loves puns and themed parties, I knew I wanted to bring a playful element to each part of the celebration. I started with a pun-inspired theme for every event, and from there, we built out the details.
To kick off the weekend, we threw a vibrant Mexican fiesta-themed welcome party that we titled “Taco ‘Bout Love.” Guests were greeted by the sounds of a mariachi band as we made our grand entrance. The event was held on the Sky Deck, which was glowing in golden hour light. The naturally beautiful space was made more festive with bright florals and custom papel picado, intricately cut with our names, hearts, and of course, “Taco ‘Bout Love.” We served tacos and churros along with two signature drinks: Passion Fruit “Amor Margaritas” and “Mango Mint-To-Be Nojitos.” I wore a white dress with a colorful flora and fauna pattern and long fringe hanging from the shoulders that danced with every step. My hair was styled in a curly high ponytail paired with bold eyeshadow and a red lip to complete the look. Abhishek looked effortlessly cool in a custom burgundy suit jacket. It was the perfect way to welcome everyone to our wedding celebration, overflowing with joy, color, and so much love.
For the Haldi ceremony, we leaned into the golden glow with our theme: “Let’s Grow Gold Together,” a nod to growing old together, the turmeric paste, and the marigold petals guests showered us with. Held on the beach at Gazebo 55, the venue was blooming with flowers in radiant hues of yellow, orange, and pink. Guests sat beneath breezy canopies draped in flowy yellow and orange fabrics. The food and drinks matched the festive vibe: “Dosas & Mimosas,” inspired by a party anthem we love. After the ceremony, we ran into the ocean with our friends to rinse off. I wore a gold sequin palazzo pant set that sparkled in the sun, paired with glistening gold eyeshadow and a braid woven with fresh yellow flowers. Abhishek looked radiant in a mustard yellow mirror-embroidered kurta that caught the sunlight beautifully. The morning was magical, glowing, and golden.
The Sangeet was a glamorous celebration, themed “You’re a Gem.” The decor was elegant, with guests entering under golden arches. Twinkling fairy lights were strung above, and an LED dance floor lit up the night beneath our feet. The true stars of the evening were our friends and family who delivered incredible performances packed with love, laughter, and serious swag. My sister brought the house down with a live rendition of Queen’s “Somebody to Love.” A performance with fire dancers and water drums transformed the beach into a stage of light and sound. For the signature drinks, we poured up a “Sapphire Spritz” and “Ruby Rose Lemonade,” and the Indian dinner spread, catered by Patravali, was nothing short of spectacular. Abhishek and I matched in emerald green and gold outfits adorned with mirrored detailing that caught every flicker of light. I wore my hair in a sleek bun with warm brown and gold eye makeup for a look that felt regal. In the ocean breeze at the White Gazebo, we danced the night away with sandy feet, full bellies, and full hearts.
Abhishek made his grand entrance to the Baraat on a white horse. While it’s not traditional for the bride’s side to join, I’m not one to miss a dance party, and we wanted this moment to be a celebration of bringing our families together. The two sides collided in a burst of color as pink and blue smoke bombs filled the air. Together, we danced our way to the ceremony to the beats of the DJ and the dhol.
Our ceremony, "A Shore Thing," took place on the pier deck, overlooking the beach and stunning blue water. The space was adorned with white tropical flowers and lush greenery, designed to complement the natural beauty of the setting. To keep guests cool, we handed out fans that said “You Look Hot” on the handle, and when opened revealed “Big Fan of Love” beneath a logo made of two A’s shaped into a heart. The bridesmaids and groomsmen wore beachy hues of blues and greens. In true celebration style, we skipped the traditional walk and our bridal party danced down the aisle to fun, upbeat music. Our friend Katie led the ceremony with thoughtful, personal words, sprinkled with some silly stories that had us laughing through happy tears. We invited each of our moms to give a blessing during the ceremony. It was the perfect balance of sweet, emotional, and lighthearted. Abhishek and I coordinated in a cream-colored outfits by Seema Gujral, featuring intricate embroidery. For good luck, I had something old (my grandmother’s ring), something new (my lehenga), something borrowed (a vintage pin that belonged to my grandmother and now belongs to my best friend/maid of honor Julie, which she attached to my bouquet), and something blue (my juttis). My makeup look was soft and glowy, and my hair was styled in a twisted low bun with romantic curls. It was a beachy dream, serene, stunning, and full of love.
Cocktail hour kicked off with a fun surprise: guests were greeted by a beer donkey for a photo op sporting sombreros and sipping cervezas. Our signature drinks were “Something Old Fashioned” and “Something Blue,” a tribute to the wedding tradition.
And finally, for the reception, we went full party mode with “Until Death Do Us Party.” The space was decked out with disco balls and lasers, and everyone waved glow wands in the air as Abhishek and I made our entrance to an electronic remix of “Party All The Time.” The seating chart was a giant disco ball, and each table was named after one of our favorite songs. To get the party started, a troupe of dancers in mirrored outfits (basically human disco balls) hit the floor with a choreographed performance, then invited everyone to join in. We handed out LED glasses, and Abhishek and I jumped on stage, shooting cryo guns into the crowd, turning the reception into a rave. I wore a fitted wedding gown that sparkled from head to toe and had intricate beading detail, while Abhishek rocked a tux with a sparkly silver bow tie and matching pocket square. My hair was styled in Hollywood waves, paired with glam makeup. It was a disco party dream, sparkling, electric, and the most epic way to close out a weekend we’ll never forget.
From the themes and venues to the decor and outfits, every detail was designed to celebrate the love we share and bring it to life in a way that was visible and tangible for us and our guests to experience together. Even with all the planning, it was truly mind-blowing to see everything come to life in person. The whole experience felt surreal, and watching it all unfold was nothing short of magical. We couldn’t have been happier with how everything turned out.
How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I wanted to combine both American and Indian wedding traditions, so I had the idea of wearing a white lehenga. It seemed like the perfect way to honor both cultures in a bridal look. I explored lots of options, but I kept coming back to this beautiful Seema Gujral lehenga I found early in the search process. I absolutely loved the intricate embroidery and the tassel details. Plus, the fact that it had a matching outfit for Abhishek made my life so much easier!
For the reception dress, I knew I wanted something that sparkled to match the disco ball shimmer and overall party vibe. I found a fitted gown made from glittery fabric that hugged my curves and shimmered from head to toe, making me feel glamorous. The intricate beading at the waist added a touch of elegance. It was the perfect blend of sparkle and sophistication.
What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
I thought I would go straight to the source and ask some family and friends, and this was what they said:
What I loved most, besides the stunning aesthetics and incredible food, was how each event beautifully showcased the love you share, not just for each other but also for your family and friends. I also loved that everyone stayed in the same location, making it easy to connect and celebrate all day, every day. Aka Party all the time , party party all the timeeee. And that donkey at the reception
I have never felt so uplifted, happy, and grateful to have attended a wedding where every event was beautiful and memorable due to every detail being taken into consideration!
The outfits, the colors, the stories, the cultures, the ambiance, the people, the laughs, the tears, the memories…Can I just say everything?
I personally loved the fun themes! Everything was on theme. I also loved that you guys managed to keep us entertained the entire weekend. There was always a wow effect at the events and something to do. You were able to incorporate the traditions of both cultures, + some Mexican fun bonus
I loved how every event was something different and unique, but each one of them was a blast that blended the two cultures in such a perfect way that it maxed out the fun party aspect of it all. Honestly, one of the most fun weekends of my life. Truly
I loved being able to be submerged in such a beautiful culture! Everyone was so welcoming, and the food was delicious.
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.
One that always makes me smile is a prank I pulled on Abhishek that carried from our ceremony into the reception. Our friend Katie officiated the ceremony and shared a story about the time I took over the speaker he was listening to at home and kept playing Cotton Eyed Joe on repeat. It took him a few rounds of switching songs before he realized what was happening, while I was laughing uncontrollably in the other room. Later that night at the reception, as we stood at the edge of the dance floor holding hands and waiting for our first dance song to start, Cotton Eyed Joe suddenly blasted through the speakers. I had secretly asked the DJ to help me continue the prank. It caught Abhishek totally off guard, and we (well, at least I and our guests) were cracking up. Once I finally regained my composure, our real first dance song, Next to Me by Rufus Du Sol, came on, and we shared a sweet moment after the silliness.
Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Use your stress productively. People love to tell brides, "Don’t stress!" But let’s be real, planning a wedding can be overwhelming, and it is totally normal to feel stressed. When the big day arrives, all that planning will make it so much easier to enjoy the moment. The best thing I did was focus on being fully present and stress-free on the wedding day itself. Trust your team, trust your vision, and know that everything will come together beautifully. It’s worth every bit of stress when you’re finally soaking it all in and celebrating with your loved ones!
With every beat, bloom, and burst of laughter, their wedding weekend became unforgettable.
