When Mandy & AK tied the knot, they didn’t just host a wedding—they transformed a cherished family space into a scene straight out of a dream. At their family home in sunny Orlando, Florida, the celebration was filled with heart, heritage, and glam. Picture chandeliers strung beneath the stars, lush floral details in every corner, and a dance floor pulsing with joy and dhol beats that could probably be heard across the neighborhood.
Let’s start with Mandy. From her traditional red bridal attire dripping in gold details to her ivory reception ensemble that looked straight from a couture runway in Mumbai, Mandy served elegance at every turn. Her mehndi—expertly crafted by Amrita Henna—was a masterpiece of intricacy, wrapping around her hands like poetry in motion. And shoutout to A Touch of Fierce, who ensured her bridal glow stayed flawless from morning vows to midnight bhangra.
AK, meanwhile, wasn’t just standing there looking handsome (though he did that well, too). He looked like the royal groom in his ivory sherwani and perfectly tied turban courtesy of Shahi Turban Tying FL. The duo’s first look beneath the archway was swoon-worthy and cinematic—thank you, Riant Films, for capturing the drama! The Anand Karaj ceremony was held in a serene Gurdwara, where love, tradition, and emotion took center stage. But things started when AK made his grand baraat entrance in a vintage convertible, trailed by a vibrant crowd and beats from MC GoonsS on the dhol. Guests danced to the ceremony with enough energy to light up all of Orlando.
And now for the WOW factor: the reception. Planned to perfection by Fierce Events, with magical decor by Z Designs Events LLC, the evening turned into a starlit dream. Imagine walking into a backyard that felt like an open-air palace—complete with crystal chandeliers, romantic florals, and rows of glowing candles. The soulful strings of Dave String accompanied the couple’s first dance, while Empire Entertainment’s DJ Harpreet Bening had everyone on their feet well into the night. Empire AV and Home Automation nailed the lighting, giving the event the sparkle we didn’t know we needed.
And through every moment—every laugh, tear, twirl, and twinkling light—Sona Photography was there, capturing the soul of the celebration with effortless grace and precision. Known for her deep understanding of South Asian wedding traditions, Sona brings more than just technical skill to the table—she brings heart. Her work goes beyond documentation; it’s storytelling in its most artful form. From the quiet, emotional moments during the Anand Karaj to the unfiltered joy of the dance floor, Sona has an uncanny ability to freeze time in the most beautiful, meaningful ways. Her use of light, composition, and timing is nothing short of cinematic, and she strikes the perfect balance between posed elegance and spontaneous candids. Each image feels alive—like it’s whispering a story only the viewer can hear.
How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I always knew I wanted to wear maroon on my wedding day. There’s something so timeless and regal about the color, and it felt like the perfect nod to tradition. With our wedding taking place in the winter, maroon added a rich, warm touch that complemented the season beautifully. It made me feel elegant, rooted in culture, and completely myself. Paired with gold accents and intricate embroidery, my outfit felt like the perfect blend of tradition and personal style—exactly how I had always imagined that moment.
What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
I think the most enjoyable part of the planning process was when everything started falling into place and I saw the vision I had come together so beautifully. After months of dreaming, mood boards, and countless decisions, watching all the details—from the color palette to the décor, the outfits to the music—come to life was incredibly rewarding. It was in those final weeks, when the pieces started clicking, that the excitement really set in. Seeing my ideas reflect in every element of the celebration made all the effort worthwhile, and it felt so fulfilling to know we were creating an experience that was not only meaningful to us, but memorable for our loved ones too.
What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Our guests were absolutely enchanted by the Sangeet, which had a charming vibe, set under the open sky. The twinkling lights, lush greenery, and vibrant live food stations created such a festive and cozy atmosphere—it felt like a magical evening! Everyone also appreciated how beautifully traditional our Anand Karaj ceremony was. From the serene setting to the sacred rituals, it was a heartfelt celebration.
Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
There are a few moments from the wedding that replay in my mind over and over—they’re etched in my heart forever. One of the most special was our Sangeet entrance. As we walked into my parents' backyard, transformed so beautifully for the night, I looked around and saw all our loved ones gathered there. That feeling of warmth and love was unforgettable. Another deeply emotional moment was right before our Anand Karaj. As I walked into the Gurdwara hall and sat down beside AK, I looked at him and felt this overwhelming sense of peace and gratitude. So much had led up to that exact moment, and it hit me—we were finally here, about to begin the next chapter of our journey together.
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.
There were so many details from our wedding events that I absolutely loved—it truly felt like every element was thoughtfully curated to reflect our vision. From the lights delicately strung across my parents' backyard to the beautifully coordinated color palette of maroon, baby pink, and ivory, each piece of décor felt intentional and full of heart. The flowers added such a romantic touch, perfectly tying everything together. One of my favorite parts, though, was the performances—especially my mom’s dance and the surprise-filled choreography by my cousins. The biggest surprise of all? AK jumping in during their performance! It was such a fun, unforgettable moment.
Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
My biggest advice is to try and stay calm and soak in the joy whenever you can—wedding planning can be overwhelming, but it’s also such a special time. I was lucky to have an incredible support system that helped me through the more stressful moments. The wedding week itself flies by, so try not to get too caught up in things going exactly to plan—some delays are inevitable, and that’s okay. One important lesson I learned was to start finalizing your outfits early. I left mine until later in the process and found myself limited in choices, especially since many designer outfits take at least 3–4 months to create. Giving yourself plenty of time will make the experience so much smoother—and more enjoyable!
Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
My wedding mehndi was done by Amrita, and she truly exceeded all expectations—her work was absolutely stunning! I fell in love with the intricate details she added, and the design felt so personal and meaningful. Throughout the wedding week, Mona from Sona Photography and Claudia from Riant Films did an incredible job capturing all the special moments. Their talent and eye for detail made it possible for us to relive the magic every time we look back. One of the sets I wore during the wedding was from Malabar Gold & Diamonds in Mississauga, and it was the perfect blend of elegance and tradition—something I’ll treasure forever.
This wedding was a personal celebration filled with family roots and heartfelt emotion.
