The Platinum Guide Blog

Darlings, let me whisk you away into the enchanting tale of Nikhila & Shalu's incredible wedding day. The majestic St. Richards Catholic Church set the stage for this breathtaking union. Nikhila exuded ethereal beauty in her exquisite ensemble from Budget Bridal Outlet, capturing the hearts of all who looked at her. War Paint International worked its magic to complement her radiance, crafting a hair and makeup look that was nothing short of perfection. The grand reception occurred at the luxurious JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America, providing the perfect backdrop for Nikhila & Shalu's grand reception. The sprawling venue boasted elegant ballrooms adorned with lavish chandeliers, creating an atmosphere of pure sophistication. The talented team at Mani Mela transformed the venue into a dreamscape with their awe-inspiring floral arrangements and exquisite decor. Guests were greeted with personalized favors from Etsy, adding a touch of charm to the evening. The JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America's impeccable service and culinary expertise ensured that every dish served was a masterpiece, tantalizing the senses and leaving guests craving more. Meticulously curated menus showcased a fusion of flavors, offering a feast that catered to every palate. From elegantly presented appetizers to sumptuous main courses and decadent desserts, each dish was a masterpiece of taste and artistry. The Forgetful Baker presented a magnificent cake and an array of delectable treats that were as beautiful as they were delicious. As the night progressed, the rhythmic beats from Tantric Beatz filled the air, enticing guests to the dance floor and creating an electric atmosphere. George Street Photo & Video captured every precious moment with artistry and passion, ensuring that the memories of this extraordinary celebration would be cherished for a lifetime. Check out the gallery we prepared for today. Enjoy the sweet moments of this union!

Dears, remember that we have inspiring stories every day. Make sure to join us tomorrow for more!

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Hello, beauty queens! Let me take you on a journey to the most enchanting wedding. Shoma & Kirendra's wedding was nothing short of a fairy tale. The Golden Terrace Banquet Hall was transformed into a magical wonderland by the creative and talented team at Perfected by Ruma, with the help of the Ruban Events team, who provided the most breathtaking flowers and decor. Every detail was carefully thought out and executed perfectly, from the beautiful floral arrangements to the intricate table settings. The team's creative vision and attention to detail helped create the magical atmosphere that made Shoma & Kirendra's wedding unforgettable. Their professionalism and creativity were remarkable, and they went above and beyond to ensure every flawless decor element. They were the main detailer that brought every dream to life for this couple. Shoma looked like an absolute dream in her exquisite Sangeeta Narine bridal outfit with detailed patterns, complemented by the stunning hair and makeup by Blend it With AJ and Sassy Hair Vanessa. The reception at Larkfield Manor was a grand affair, with the Majestic Sound Crew playing the latest tracks to keep the guests on their feet. The J'adore Love Photography team captured every moment of this beautiful day, from the first dance to the last goodbye. Shoma & Kirendra's wedding perfectly blended tradition and modernity, with attention paid to every little detail. To all the Maharanis, check out this lovely gallery we prepared for you. Let their love story inspire you and fill your heart with joy. Enjoy!

How did you meet your Groom, and when did you know he was "the one"?
My Groom and I met when we were in High School together, where we competed for the top spot in most of our classes together. We were friends first, who took the bus home together and talked on AIM Chat all evening after school. After an entire school year of talking, laughing, and joking, my now Husband, Kirendra, told me that he wanted to tutor a girl that he liked in school. Having a big mouth, I told him he couldn't do that because I liked him, to which he responded by not tutoring her and spending more time with me. I've learned over the course of 12 years of dating that Kirendra was the one for me from the days when we were best friends and every day after, as he has always been supportive, kind, and loving to me and my happiness.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
My now Husband knew that family involvement was extremely important to me and to him as well, so he organized the proposal to be a huge celebration that both sides could witness & attend. In October of 2020, Kirendra organized with his friends and family that while he and I attended a party in the daytime, they would set up his backyard with decorations, food, music, and a beautiful circle of lights that said: "Marry Me." He took me to his house after the daytime party, saying that he "forgot his wallet" and had to pick it up. When we got to his backyard, it was extremely quiet, but I saw string lights and knew something was up. Once we got inside, all of our loved ones surrounded us, and he asked me to marry him. I said the quickest yes of my life, and we partied through the night.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
For my Bridal Lengha, I wanted to do something custom that had my own touch on it. As an Engineer by trade, I really love to design and draw new ideas and wanted to incorporate that into my outfit. My custom lengha vendor (L&S Boutique in Queens, NY) worked with my sketches and color choices (Burnt Orange & Burgundy) through her vendor in India and managed to custom hand stitch my lengha over the course of 3 months. My Lengha had all the detail I wanted: Gold stonework, peacocks, elephants, geometric patterns, layered fabric, and the overall traditional look that I wanted. For my wedding dress, I wanted to share the experience with my mom, sister, and my mother-in-law. We went to Kleinfeld Bridal, where I fell in love with a Martina Liana Dress in undertones of Ivory. This dress matched perfectly with a custom ivory & floral cathedral veil that I got custom-made, so I was grateful for how the entire ensemble worked together. It is also noted that my Husband wore his father's traditional wedding garment from his wedding 29 years ago, repurposed for this wedding. Even during my husband's suit shopping at Indochino, it was a family activity, and my husband's older cousin came with us, and it was a delightful evening. Overall, the garment process served as a special homage to our families, as each piece of cloth, color, and accessory meant something to us and our families.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The most enjoyable part of planning was bouncing ideas off my Husband and doing the activities together. There was not one wedding item that we had to do that felt like a chore; everything was enjoyable as we often did custom-made things together or with the family, so it felt like a group activity, as opposed to just another thing to do. One of my favorite memories was when my Husband and I would sit in the kitchen together and leave a show on for background noise while we made 300 wax seals just to spend time together. I also really enjoyed the ability to make everything unique and custom during the planning process, as it was our wedding, and we had so many ideas to make it aligned to our personalities and past together.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
7 years ago, my best friend in life, my Dad, passed away. My dad was everything to me, serving as an inspiration to my strength, full of brilliance & wit, and a good person. When he passed, I was a sophomore in college, my Mom was still working hard, and my Sister & Brother-in-Law had just gotten pregnant with their first child. It was an extremely difficult time in all of our lives, but my Dad always valued love & family higher than everything else, and we used his principles to get through the hardship, work hard and attain our goals. This was a similar situation for my Husband, as he lost his close paternal grandfather years ago as well. For our wedding, we did two tributes to our loved ones that passed on, one directly after our Hindu ceremony and one during our first reception dance. This was extremely special to us as it brought our family together, and it was a beautiful moment that both families shared, bringing the wedding full circle to remember two of the main people in our family that gave us so much value in the past and that we remember in the present.

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
Every single one of my vendors was magic in their own way. The main detailer that brought every dream to life for me was my Wedding Coordinator/Decorator, Ruban Events. Ruma & Sandy from Ruban Events were persistently positive and happy to work with me to make every vision I had a reality. One of the biggest highlights I can say is the Hindu Wedding Mandap. To say it was unique, breathtaking, and unforgettable is an understatement, as they brought to life something that even I couldn't imagine. Another Vendor with pure magic was Jadore Love, our Photographer & Videographer. Efrain (Photographer/Owner) has the ability to exude kindness, professionalism, and comfort in every situation, doing his best to learn about the Bride & Groom and attest to their dream photos. His creativity and pursuit of perfectionism make the photos and memories magic, and he is a person who is more than a photographer. My other vendors were also magic: HennabyInder (IG Handle), who did my arm & leg henna in a completely unique & custom fashion, Lsboutiquebysangeeta (IG Handle), who not only custom-made the Bride & Groom Outfits but also did the majority of family members, bridesmaids & groomsmen beautifully, Majestic_Sound_Crew (IG Handle), truly the best and most attentive DJ, Emcee & expert on hot add-ons for the wedding, My beauticians, Blenditwith_aj & Sassyhairvanessa (IG Handles), who made me comfortable and relaxed during my multiple days of events & finally, My Venues & Transportation, Golden Terrace Banquet Hall, Larkfield Manor & Mark of Elegance, where the organization, communication & professionalism were appreciated.

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

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Welcome to Aakruti & Ravisher's wedding, a celebration of love, tradition, and culture. As soon as you step into the Motor City Casino Hotel and Detroit Marriott at Renaissance Center, you'll feel the warmth and joy that radiates from the couple and their loved ones. The Baraat was lively, thanks to the talented dholi, Pally Singh. Marigold Wedding Planners did an outstanding job with the planning and design of Aakruti & Ravisher's wedding. The team ensured that every detail was carefully thought out, from the stunning floral arrangements to the intricate decor. The beautiful mandap was adorned with fresh flowers creating a breathtaking backdrop for the couple's nuptials. The reception was equally impressive, combining candles and light installations, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The attention to detail by Marigold Wedding Planners truly made this wedding a dream come true for the couple and their guests. Aakruti looked stunning in her Anita Dongre and Falguni Shane Peacock bridal ensembles, complemented by the intricate jewelry from Sunita Shekhawat. Krupa Thomas did a fantastic job with the bridal mehndi, and Simona Vigh and Jahura Hobby created the bride's perfect hair and makeup look. Sky Films and Productions' lighting design was vital in creating the ideal ambiance for Aakruti & Ravisher's reception. The lighting design elevated the decor and highlighted every aspect of the wedding, from the intricate mandap to the stunning centerpieces. The warm hues created a romantic and intimate atmosphere, while the subtle lighting effects enhanced the beats from DJ Kingh. The catering by India House was delicious, and GaganHarnav Photography captured all the beautiful moments of the wedding perfectly. As you browse through the wedding gallery, you'll notice the love and happiness that these lovebirds share. It overflows with beauty and inspiring ideas you don't want to miss. So enjoy today's feature!

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
Ravi & I matched on Hinge towards the beginning of lockdown in 2020. We talked consistently and decided to meet up in May after both of us had negative Covid test...I know, romance at it's height! Honestly i dont know when Ravi became "the one", but everything with Ravi felt right. Our relationship started and it felt like we had been together for years! It's hard to believe this May we are approaching 3 years of being together.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Haha, our proposal! The funny thing is Ravi & I had our Roka/Rupiyo July of 2021...this was a whole year before Ravi even proposed to me! Ravi tried his hardest to surprise me with the proposal but I love a good mystery so when it seems like he is up to something I turn on my thinking cap and figure it out. Regardless of me guessing the day he was going to finally propose he still made everything special. Our day started with Ravi and I taking a helicopter tour of Downtown Detroit, i knew he wasnt going to propose at this point because he left the ring in the car console haha. After this we went to Brunch and stopped a cute boutique hotel to change into my second outfit. We ended up having a couple drinks here because is set up crew (sisters) were running a bit behind schedule haha. From here he drove us to this beautiful park and we walked to this lovely water fountain area. Ravi started acting nervous so i knew the moment was coming up. Then all of a sudden i hear old hindi songs and i start getting excited! I saw a camera set up so i knew the spot we needed to reach but because of Ravi's nerves he took me the "long route" and i saw his sisters hiding behind trees haha, He eventually got us to the sweet spot and dropped down to one knee and proposed. I wont give all the details of what he said because some things are meant to be between just us...but obviously i said YES! Then we went to the next part of our surprise. We went to paint pottery while we waited for our dinner reso. My parents and brother drove up to surprise me but when i called to show them the ring my dad was like "oh nice, we will see it soon..we are 1 hour away" hahaha. We ended that night getting picked up in a limo with both our families inside wait to celebrate with us. Went to dinner and it was the perfect end to the perfect proposal!

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 think like majority of the girls out there i knew what i wanted for my wedding, but being that im Gujarati and Ravi is Punjabi we ended up having 2 wedding ceremonies as well as our Sangeet & Reception. It was important for us to make sure both sides of the families felt involved. I am my parents only daughter and Ravi is the only son of his siblings so the weddings were a big deal on both side. I did all of our outfit shopping in India. I worked with Tina Singh of Marigold Weddings here in Michigan for wedding planning. She and her team were great! I told her what i wanted and envisioned and she delivered where she could and found me solutions to what we couldnt do. Both my hair and makeup girls were local to michigan as well. Simona Vigh did my hair and i personally think he crushed every look. We did a half up do for the Sangeet, 2 different type of low buns for both Weddings and a high ponytail for the Reception. My MUA was JHobby. Jahura was amazing! We picked eyes or lips to make the focal point and explored different looks! All in all wedding planning wasnt stressful and i enjoyed it. It definitely had it's ups and downs but the end results were absolutely worth it!

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
Most of my outfits where made by a designer friends in India, Pooja & Keyur. My Hindu wedding outfit was Anita Dongre and Reception was Falguni Shane Peacock. Originally i wanted to do a non traditional hindu wedding outfit. I wanted to do a soft pastels color for that ceremony. When my mom, masi & i reached Anita Dongre we started looking and trying things on. I fell in love with their Pichhwai paint work lengha. I picked a magenta one that i really liked! My mom wanted to see me in red so i tried it on and when i saw her eyes light up i knew i had to wear red! Im the type of person where I think i look good in all colors so colors werent as important for me, it was how i felt in the outfit.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
You would have to ask my guests haha! Mostly people loved our food, desserts, dj & party favor. Our food was catered by India House in Chicago, our desserts display was HUGE. Ravi and i both love a good dessert so we wanted to have varieties. We had like 4 cake flavors and so many mini desserts! Our desserts were traditional as well as a few fusion styles. Reva Constantine-Smith did our desserts and i highly recommend her to anyone who asks! We also had to go boxes at the end of the evening at the reception, both for desserts and for the late night snacks we provided. So many people told me they loved being able to take some fries and pizza with them after a long night of drinking & dancing. Our DJ kept everyone entertained and hyped on the dance floor. DJKingh for San Fran!

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Take it one day at a time. There will be ups and downs regardless of the style or type of wedding you do. Make sure you and your to be spouse dont lose yourself in the planning. Be open and honest about needs vs wants. It's hard to get everything exactly your way and usually with desi weddings both families are heavily opinionated and involved. You and your partner need to be united and remember the whole weekend is about you guys and your love. Just celebrate your love to the fullest.

See you tomorrow, loves! We have many more Indian wedding stories for you to enjoy.

Marigold Wedding Planners and Sky Films and Productions are members of the Platinum Guide. Love what you see? Explore their portfolios.

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Happy Tuesday, ladies! Get ready to be amazed by all the beauty surrounding Lucy & Ankit's big wedding bash. This wedding was a celebration of love, culture, and tradition. The couple tied the knot at the breathtaking Artful Venues, surrounded by their loved ones and adorned with stunning floral decor by Geranium Lake. Najla Rose Events Designs and Simply Elegant Events took care of every detail, ensuring a flawless event. The bride, Lucy, looked radiant in her stunning gown with Gauri Nagul Official created delicate and elegant makeup and hairstyle. Ankit looked dashing in his traditional attire as they exchanged their vows under the beautiful mandap by Geranium Lake. A reception followed the ceremony, where guests indulged in delicious treats from Vibrant Table, Swagat, Bamboo Sushi, and a beautiful cake by Laurie Clarke Cakes as Dream Prashant music kept the dance floor alive throughout the night. His beats were infectious and had everyone moving to the rhythm. Peter Mahar Photography captured every moment beautifully with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling. He expertly documented every moment of the day. This gallery is stunning, from the getting-ready shots to the emotional ceremony and the lively reception. His ability to capture candid moments and genuine emotions truly sets him apart. Lucy & Ankit will cherish these photographs for a lifetime, and he has exceeded their expectations. You are going to love it!

Loves, thank you for reading, and stay tuned for more inspiring weddings from our Maharani brides!

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Sweeties welcome back to a new entry to your favorite blog! Today's protagonists are Apurva & Nikhil. So, let me tell you how everything started with this lovely couple! From the moment they met, Apurva knew Nikhil was the one for her. Chandai Events flawlessly coordinated every detail of the day. Their attention to detail and excellent communication skills kept everything running smoothly, immersing the couple in the celebration. From the stunning floral decor by Elegant Affairs to the breathtaking venue at Land's End Waterfront Catering. Flawless Beauty by Pauline's hair and makeup made Apurva shine on her special day. The couple's love for each other was palpable, and Urmil Dalal expertly documented every moment on film. After the ceremony, they had an epic reception filled with dancing, delicious food from Moghul Caterers, and heartfelt speeches. The lighting by Gala Productions created a romantic ambiance, while Raj Dauff's dhol playing added excitement to the festivities. Priyanca Rao's talent and passion for capturing moments in their true essence shone through in Apurva & Nikhil's wedding photos. Her ability to capture candid moments and raw emotions uniquely and creatively was remarkable. She made the couple feel comfortable and relaxed, allowing them to be themselves in front of the camera, resulting in stunning and genuine photographs. Her ability to tell a story through her lens sets her apart. Go, and check out the gallery and immerse yourself in this enchanting love story. You will have no reason to regret it!

How did you meet your Groom, and when did you know he was "the one"?
I met Nikhil (Nik) at one of my best friend's weddings. Both of us are major foodies, so it's fitting that our mutual love of food is what prompted our initial meeting. Nik was wandering around, looking for a fork, and he happened to look my way. I smiled at him, and our connection was magnetic. We flirted and exchanged numbers. Needless to say - he forgot all about that fork.

I knew he was the "one" by our second date. There was a major blizzard, but that didn't keep us from meeting up. He picked me up at Penn Station and delivered me a pair of warm socks (mine were soaked and frozen) as I trekked my way to meet him. We found ourselves snowed in at a cozy bar with a grand total of 2 customers. We talked all night over some amazing food and drinks. He is so charming, witty, and handsome he knocked my socks off...literally and figuratively. There was no turning back.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
We had been dating for 2 years. We were driving up to Cape Cod for the weekend when he randomly asked, "So when I decide to propose...how should I approach your parents?". My heart sank. Not only had he not bought a ring, but he hadn't even THOUGHT about it. I gave a simple answer, and our weekend continued, albeit grumpily from my end! He brought me to a quiet beach before a nice dinner the next evening and got down on one knee behind me while I was looking at the ocean. I turned around and saw him grinning from ear to ear, not to mention that rock! His goal was to throw me off and completely surprise me with his proposal; well, he succeeded.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
The element of nature has always been important to us when it came out to picking our wedding venue, and we especially wanted to be married off of the coast. We found this gorgeous venue on the eastern Long Island shore and thus began the desire to incorporate nature-themed colors. I concentrated our attention on natural flora colors like sage, deep greens, corals, gold, and various shades of pink, ranging from the blush pink roses to the hot pink blouse I wore for my ceremony. The colors complimented the beautiful ocean and sand backdrop.

As for the outfits, I wanted to represent my Maharashtrian roots by wearing a traditional Marathi sari and jewelry for the ceremony.  During the reception, I wanted to stand out and wear something, not many others had worn before. I was inspired by designers like Gaurav Gupta and had my reception outfit designed and tailored for me by Magic Mirror in Mumbai.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The food tasting was SO much fun! We spent the night trying countless dishes, trying to keep track of our likes and dislikes, but all the food tasted so good that we very quickly lost. By the end of the evening, we both needed to nap off the food coma prior to driving home! Moghul Catering was absolutely fantastic, and our guests were impressed.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
The energy! Our friends and family brought nothing but positive vibes and a monumental level of energy throughout the entire experience. All of our friends kept telling us, "The love was so palpable that night!" From beginning to end, it was a constant party. We are really blessed to have some amazing people in our lives. I think the DJ really brought the floor together too.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
As per Marathi tradition, the bride is brought out by her maternal uncles to the groom. Well, I have 7 of those, so they actually carried me in a traditional Dholi to the Mandap. I came out to Taylor Swift's instrumental of "Love Story," carried by my family. I felt like a princess coming out.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
I know it's easier said than done, but try not to worry so much. A wedding is a celebration of two people loving and committing to each other for the rest of their lives! Sometimes, planning can get overwhelming, and that can be forgotten. Don't feel pressured, and do what's best for both of you. The day will shine because of the love you two will bring to it.

Thanks for being with us today, and don't forget to be back for our daily and lovely updates here! 

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