The Platinum Guide Blog

Maharanis, get swept off your feet into a world of pure love, timeless tradition, and magical enchantment. Join us as we delve into Isha and Jay's stunning wedding, where dreams come true. This captivating love story unfolded at the gorgeous Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa At Gainey Ranch, with the expert guidance of Weddings by Shy to bring their dreams to life. With every detail meticulously planned, from the exquisite hair and makeup by Makiaj Beauty to the mouthwatering delights served by Om Bistro, this celebration was nothing short of magical. Isha's beauty was accentuated by the intricate mehndi artistry of Henna by Purvi, which adorned her with intricate patterns. When Desi Junction DJs took the stage, they turned the night into a non-stop dance party. Unleash your senses and immerse yourself in the breathtaking moments captured by Santiago Almada Photography. Our gallery is a testament to his unparalleled skill and artistic vision. Come and experience the magic for yourself. These pictures captured every emotion and detail flawlessly! We hope their love story inspires your own journey of love and happiness. Darlings, we hope you enjoy it!

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
The first time I met Jay was at garba in 2010. I had always noticed Jay being one of the most energetic, fun, and enthusiastic dancers in the crowd, not to mention I had always thought he was cute too, but I never had the courage to approach him. I was with a group of friends when all of a sudden, someone tapped me on my shoulder and I turned around to see no one other than Jay Patel himself. Before I even had a moment to think of what I was going to say, Jay apologized for bumping into the “wrong person” (clearly me ;P) and walked away.
Fast forward two months, I built up the courage to add Jay on facebook and after a handful of fun and exciting conversations, we went on our first date and the rest is history!

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Jay and a few friends planned a night at a cocktail bar downtown I had been wanting to go to for months a few weeks after my birthday. Hours before the proposal, I found it strange that my mom and friends were helping me pick out an outfit and get ready just to go to a cocktail bar, but I didn’t think much of it. As my friend was driving us to the bar, she deceptively mentioned she had to make a last minute stop at a wedding welcome dinner and very, very strongly urged (aka forced) me to check out the venue. I walked into a beautiful garden with pathways adorned with candles and the song Tera Hone Laga Hoon playing in the background, one of the first songs Jay and I had danced together to. As I walked further along the candle-lit pathway, I saw Jay standing on top of a bed of rose petals shaped into a heart. He grabbed my hand, kelt down on one knee and beautifully articulated how meaningful the past 11 years of our relationship had been and ended with a final four-worded question. A flood of memories and joy filled my heart, so much to the point that I almost forgot to say “YES”! We then rejoiced with our families and friends with lots of laughs, photos, followed by dinner and an unforgettable evening with a party bus celebrating us!

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
I am an absolute sucker for weddings and enjoyed mostly the entire wedding planning process. However, a few special things do stand out in particular. The first was our venture to India for wedding shopping. I went to India in May (7 months prior to the wedding) for 2 weeks with my parents and in-laws and we traveled to various cities including Baroda, Mumbai, and Surat, where we got essentially everything for the wedding: clothes, weddings invitations, welcome bags, custom made bridesmaids/groomsmen outfits, jewelry, wedding favors, and much much more! It was definitely a very hectic and jam-packed 2 weeks, but what made it so special was that we were all together and it served as a beautiful way for both of our families to bond before Jay and I officially tied the knot. Not to mention all the yummy food we ate, which made the trip even more enjoyable!

Another enjoyable part of the planning process was selecting the music and choreographing dances. Jay and I love dancing/music and by default our families and friends really made a huge effort to put on their best performances. All of the dances were choreographed by ourselves or the performers which made it even more special! Our friends and cousins put together an epic performance at our reception highlighting the story of how we met, and it was truly something straight out of a Bollywood/Bhangra competition!

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
One moment during the wedding weekend I will never forget was when we entered the sangeet. This was the first of the three wedding events that took place at our main venue and included both mine and Jay’s families and friends. Since Jay and I are huge garba dancers, our entrance ended up being an energetic, impromptu dandiya performance to a garba mashup that was custom made by a very close friend (shout out to DJ Amin). After we took our seats, Jay and I just took a few minutes to soak in everything around us. We were able to see our decor vision come into reality, we could hear our DJ playing the most hype music after months of discussing our music preference, and most importantly, we could feel the love around us as we were surrounded in a room full of our favorite people, which put the biggest smiles on our faces. Truly a surreal moment I will never forget!

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

Enjoy the wedding planning process and do what resonates well with you and your partner - this is ultimately what creates a wedding experience unique to you as a couple! With so many different ideas on social media, it can get very overwhelming to decide what you want and may pressure you to get/do things that may not represent you and your partner. Not to mention, this also leads to overspending! It took me a while to come to terms with this, but at the end of the day, I focused on what would be most memorable for my husband and I as we look back on the wedding weekend!
The most important advice I can share is to have fun and live in the moment!! You may spend months and months planning for the perfect wedding, and when the day is finally there, it goes by with the blink of an eye! So enjoy every moment - make your rounds to greet all your guests, take some time to enjoy the meal that you carefully selected, and don’t dwell on things that are not in your control!

Witness the love, laughter, and breathtaking moments of South Asian weddings. Come back for more!

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Darlings, let's enjoy Adriana & Sushant's mesmerizing wedding, where every detail whispered tales of love, commitment, and a future brimming with promises. Monaco Experiences ensured their rental experience was as seamless and hassle-free as possible so they could focus on enjoying their grand arrival. The stars descended to celebrate their union as they entered the ethereal Grand Velas Riviera Maya. With them, it isn't just about selecting a location—it's about embracing an experience of unparalleled luxury, nature's beauty, and the allure of the Mexican Riviera. With their flowers & decor, Bash House conjured a garden of dreams, with an added elegance touch by Luis Bandha's decor. Adriana's glowing visage, a testament to the magic spun by Styling Trio, shimmered under the ambient lights. Diwan By Design orchestrated the day precisely, ensuring each second was as enchanting as before. As night drew closer, the air was filled with beats that made hearts race by Platinum Roadshow and Mankaran Singh Bhasin. The radiant smile and the stolen glances were immortalized through the lens of Ushna Khan Photography. Every photograph is a testament to the love and passion surrounding the day, each telling a tale more captivating than the last. It's lovely!

Until the next romantic escapade, sweeties, stay enchanted and believe in fairy tales. See you soon!

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Sweeties, gather around and let me whisk you away into the ethereal tale of Kantha & Krishna's enchanting wedding at the Lasso the Moon. Each detail and moment was breathed into life by the magical touch of Cristi G Events. Events by Nicky lent their floral artistry, weaving blossoms, and dreams into a garland of affection and Lavish Event Design spun décor that whispered tales of royal courts. Kiss This Makeup LLC, with brushes that unveiled Kantha's intrinsic allure. The artful inscriptions of Henna by Sumaiya Waheed spun the yarn of their impending conjugal symphony. As nightfall kissed the skies, stars bore witness to the reception at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami. A gathering so sumptuous, every flavor and aroma crafted by Saffron Caterers sang ballads of a confluence where cultures and souls met. Thanks to the soul-stirring rhythms by Awaaz Entertainment, every step was harmony. A silent sonnet was captured each moment, not just in lenses but in the soulful artistry of Sona Photography. Each portrait of Kantha is imbued with an ethereal glow, capturing the essence of her soulful connection with Krishna. Each frame is a narrative; each snapshot is a ballad, echoing the timeless romance of this sweet couple. Check out the lovely gallery!

Darlings, keep an eye out for our upcoming posts. Until then, happy wedding planning, my friends!

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Sweeties, imagine the sun setting softly over the verdant sprawls of the Orange Tree Golf Resort & Golf Club, casting a golden hue upon every leaf and blade of grass. Every inch of their celebration whispered romance, from the meticulous planning & design of Desert North Event Planning to the enchanting floral arrangements by Kori & Ana Flower Shop. Ciara's hair was styled with elegance by KBGlam, and her makeup, a portrait of grace by Makeup by Nadia, perfectly complemented the bridal gowns she donned - one a modern masterpiece by Pronovias and the other, a traditional ode from Adi Mohini Mohan Kanjilal Heritage Saree House. Remember the gleaming jewelry that adorned her, all thanks to the exquisite collection from P.C. Chandra Jewellers—the evening resonated with foot-tapping melodies courtesy of AZ Mix Masters. Between dances and heartfelt toasts, the guests were treated to an enticing culinary journey by Twisted Curry Cuisine. As night draped the venue, the shimmering lights seemed to dance in tandem with the love in the air, a spectacle beautifully captured by Santiago Almada Photography. Each click of Santiago's camera tells a tale, an intimate whisper of joy, love, or a fleeting second of pure serendipity. Delve into today's gallery and enjoy!

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

Matt and I met when we had class together, during our second year of law school. One day in the library, I finally worked up the courage to ask the cute guy in my immigration class the homework assignment as an excuse to strike up conversation. He gave me the assignment but didn't take the bait on any further conversation so I walked away, thinking, "At least I can say I tried!". As law school went on, we got to know each other better, became friends, and we both ended up moving to Phoenix after graduation. We became closer and closer and our friends would often ask us over the years why we weren't together. I think they knew before we did! The perfect timing proved crucial, because once we decided to give dating a chance, the rest was history!

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!

Matt and I took a road trip up the California coast, stopping along scenic overlooks on the Pacific Coast Highway. It's a road that hugs the ocean and is breathtakingly beautiful. We rented a convertible and enjoyed each other's company on the long drive up, stopping at smaller coastal towns. We ended up in Napa, where Matt had worked with a proposal planner at Castello de Amorosa (Castle of Love) Winery to plan the perfect proposal!

We started the day with a private tour of the grounds, and of the castle. We did some tastings, and afterwards were led to a tower that overlooks the vineyard. As we climbed the steps up, I realized there was a trail of rose petals, a bouquet of flowers and sparkling wine chilling in a bucket. I thought to myself: this would be the perfect place to propose! There was a wall that would have been a great place for a photographer to hide. Knowing that Matt had recently asked my parents permission to marry me (which was gladly granted), I looked over the wall but didn't see anyone. It wasn't until Matt got down on one knee that I knew the set up was for MY proposal. Matt had a speech written and I vividly remember the shutter of the camera from the photographer who was indeed behind that very wall (but did a great job of hiding!). There were happy tears, and the easiest "yes" I've ever said!

Matt proposed with a gorgeous custom designed ring, working closely with the jewelers to create a classic ring. It was the best surprise!

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 always dreamt of a timeless, romantic wedding. It was important to me that I could look back at the photos and feel they were not dated, so I drew a lot of my inspiration from Old Bollywood and Old Hollywood. I wanted a classic look for my "white dress" wedding, so I went with pearls, and an A-line satin Pronovias gown. With sideswept Hollywood waves, I felt like a vintage starlet. I paired the gown with a cathedral lace edged veil, and a cascading bouquet. I had served on the board of the Phoenix Symphony Young Professionals so music for the moment was really important to me. It was a dream come true to have Symphony members comprise of the string quartet, and as I walked down the aisle, and the music swelled, there wasn't a dry eye (including from the groom!) in the audience. It was perfect!

For my Bengali wedding, I chose a classic vermillion and gold silk Banarasi sari, that I found with the help of the bridal concierge at Adi Mohini Mohan Kanjilal Heritage Saree House., one of the oldest bridal saree boutiques in Kolkata. I was going for "Devdas" old Bollywood glam vibes, and it was so special to me to wear custom vintage P.C. Chandra gold jewelry. It was a family heirloom set; the same golden set my mother wore to her wedding. On my wrists, I wore vintage golden bangles gifted by both my grandmothers and aunts, as a special way to honor them, since they could not travel to be there. A Bengali bride is not complete without the classic wedding bun, and I had real (super fragrant!) jasmine flowers hand carried all the way from New Jersey (where I grew up) to put in my hair. I was carried in on a pallanquin to shennai music, escorted by my brother and friends.

For my vendors, I really did have the dream team! Nadia, the lead makeup artist for Phoenix Fashion week, transformed me both days and captured the soft romantic vibe I was going for my American wedding and the dramatic Bollywood looks I wanted for both the ceremony and reception.

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

Maybe I'm a more traditional bride, but I couldn't imagine my wedding day without a classic red and gold lehenga and sari.

 What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?

The big day! Seeing it all come together after a lifetime of collecting inspiration, and over a year of intensive planning and waiting through COVID, the wedding weekend was an absolute dream come true. Our venue, Orange Tree Resort, was an oasis in the Arizona desert, complete with a gorgeous water fountain and lake, and made for a picturesque backdrop for both our ceremonies and reception.

 What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?

The food was a big hit! We found a Bengali caterer that cooked traditional wedding fare you can only find back in Kolkata. Our guests raved about the food, and the handmade Bengali desserts.

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

I absolutely loved our first dance! For our grand entrance into the reception and first dance, I wore a red ballgown with elbow length white satin gloves, and Matt looked so handsome in his tuxedo. Matt and I both play the piano, so it was fitting we chose a piano cover of a waltz. Duet Dance Studio even trained me, the girl with two left feet, how to gracefully float across the ballroom in the arms of my groom! There's a moment in the song when Matt lifts me in the air, and I remember wanting that moment to last forever!

 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.

For our haldi ceremony (or as we call it in Bengali, our "gaye holud" ceremony), we had both sides of the family wear yellow as they smeared us with turmeric. It made for the best pictures, and I loved that both sides of our families looked so festive and cohesive in traditional Indian garb! It was especially meaningful that my mom had handpicked the outfits for everyone on a recent trip to India. My in-laws all got "tothos" or gifts of their sarees and pyjama/punjabis laid out individually on trays marked especially for them. It was a beautiful way to honor the Bengali tradition of tothos and help us get ready for the big day with all the turmeric fun!

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

The details are what make your wedding truly yours. Add your personality to the events, in small ways like custom cocktails (like we did) to honor your love story. Hire a dream team of vendors that will help you execute your vision. Don't be afraid to ask for help! Indian weddings are a full production and there's no way a bride can do it all herself. Similarly, when offered help, graciously accept it. Then, plan until you can't plan anymore and then cut yourself off, and commit to having a good time! Mindset is everything and remember, everyone is there to celebrate you and the groom! Remember to breathe, have fun and take it all in! It really does go by so quickly!

Today's journey is over, but the love story is just beginning! Don't miss our coming events here!

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Hello, dears! As the first golden rays of dawn illuminated the sky, the ethereal ambiance of the Hard Rock Riviera Maya was the perfect setting for Sonam & Harshal's wedding. Every detail of the day was meticulously curated, and Sonam stepped out dressed in the dreamiest ensemble from Seema Gujral from Shop Kynah. Her radiant smile, further enhanced by the masterful art of Claudio Alejandro and Gamaliel Alvarez for hair & makeup, truly stole the show. iDo Celebrations led the planning & design, ensuring that every moment was flawlessly executed. The surroundings mirrored a fairy tale, with breathtaking flowers & decor by the geniuses at Zuniga, Etrios, and Tulipania. Patravali presented a culinary journey and added the perfect savory touch to the sweet love in the air. DJ Issac and Rahul spun the decks, weaving a tapestry of beats and melodies with everyone celebrating. Indian Destination Wedding, Inc. ensured every guest felt the warmth of hospitality and comfort throughout their stay, making this destination wedding a delightful experience for all. As the day unfolded, capturing these candid moments, emotions, and memories was Gareth Davies Photography encapsulating the essence of this grand day. Dive into the gallery!

Alright, Maharanis, I hope you enjoyed this story. Keep coming back for more romances and tips!

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