Welcome to MyShadi.com – An Indian Wedding Stories and Resources

Zinkal Bhutwala, a 33-year-old physician, and Ravindra Reddy Panumati, a 30-year-old business owner, tied the knot on April 22, 2023. Their wedding took place at the beautiful Florida Rustic Barn Weddings in Plant City, FL, where they also held their reception. They celebrated with 100 guests, sharing their joyous day through their wedding website. The couple’s journey began through a mutual friend at a tennis court. Their bond grew stronger through regular gym meetings and dinners. Their first official date was a magical dinner cruise, followed by a memorable trip to the Smokey Mountains, which solidified their relationship. After dating for eight months, Ravi proposed on February 13, 2022. The proposal was a beautiful surprise during a glamping trip at The Lodge @ Runaway Bay in Seville, FL, where they celebrated Ravi’s birthday and Valentine’s Day. Zinkal had planned a special dinner, but it was Ravi who created the unforgettable moment by proposing during the dinner, capturing the event with the help of the lodge owners. The moment was emotional and joyful for both. The wedding planning was made easier with the help of a wedding planner provided by the venue. The couple had initially considered a beach wedding but found their perfect spot in a barn venue that combined their love for nature and water.

BANQUET HALLS Florida Rustic Barn Weddings 813-363-7935 | BEAUTICIANS Bridal Make Up By Jigna Patel 813-493-0625 | CATERING Khasiyat Restaurant 407-252-8756 | HORSE BFR Carriage Service LLC 863-409-8129 | MEHNDI Mittal Patel | PHOTOGRAPHER Fine Arts Photography 732-939-2104

Pre-wedding events, including haldi and mehndi, were held at home with close family and friends, with decorations done by Zinkal’s family. The wedding ceremony took place outdoors, surrounded by trees with a mandap decorated in pinkthemed real flowers. The groom arrived on a horse carriage, adding a traditional touch to the festivities. The reception was held indoors in the barn, featuring blue and white real flowers. The newlyweds made a grand entrance with their family, dancing their way in. Music played a significant role in their celebrations, with a first dance medley of “Kashmir Main Tu Kanyakumari,” “Saami Saami,” and “Ranjhana Hua Me Tera,” followed by the father/daughter dance to “Papa Mummy” by Swasti Mehul. The couple added personal touches like a bridal dance entry and giving lottery tickets as return gifts. Zinkal and Ravindra’s wedding was a blend of tradition and personal style, making it a memorable day for all involved. They advise other couples to enjoy the planning process and consider a wedding planner to alleviate stress unless they have a family member who can take charge.  

Sureena Patel, a Digital Content Coordinator, and Kishan Desai, Vice President of Acquisitions, embarked on a journey of love that culminated in a breathtaking wedding celebration. Their love story began at Six Flags in Atlanta during Halloween’s Fright Night. Kishan’s clever conversation starter about Sureena’s Stussy t-shirt sparked a connection that would shape their future. The proposal was a meticulously planned affair in Houston, Texas, against the backdrop of the James Turrell Twilight Epiphany Skyspace. As the sun set and a stunning light show began, Kishan got down on one knee, and Sureena said yes, enveloping the moment in pure joy. With the help of a wedding planner, Sureena and Kishan orchestrated a destination wedding in Fort Myers, Florida, mindful of the travel logistics for their international guests. The JW Marriott, with its proximity to the airport and flexibility with vendors, proved to be the perfect venue. The wedding festivities kicked off with pre-wedding events adorned with elegant decor, leading to a ceremony filled with love and unique touches. The reception dazzled with its grand entrance, exquisite centerpieces, and a vibrant atmosphere.

BANQUET HALLS JW Marriott Tampa Water Street 813-613-0136 | BEAUTICIANS Michele Renee The Studio and Salon 813-531-7770 | CATERING Khasiyat Restaurant 407-252-8756 | Saffron Indian Cuisine-Orlando 407-674-8899 | DISC JOCKEY Dhol Beat International 281-808-3328 | EVENT PLANNER Legacy-Productions 951-897-9403 | LIMOUSINES Alpha limousine 813-247-6190 | MEHNDI Bridal Henna 01 727-459-6448 | PHOTOGRAPHER Andrew Kwak Photography 714-604-8226 | VIDEOGRAPHY Epique Cinema 832-487-5342

The couple’s first dance was to “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran, followed by heartfelt father/daughter and mother/son dances. Throughout the reception, a mix of music kept the energy high, culminating in unforgettable moments. Sureena and Kishan incorporated personal touches into their wedding, ensuring every detail reflected their love story. From DIY projects to surprising performances, their wedding was a testament to their unique bond.  Their advice to couples planning their wedding: Get a planner and embrace the journey, even when faced with unexpected challenges. Despite initial hiccups, they found joy in every moment, cherishing the laughter and smiles that filled their special weekend. In hindsight, they can now laugh about the power outage at the venue and the last-minute cancellation of Kishan’s baarat boat, turning unexpected setbacks into memorable anecdotes. Sureena and Kishan’s wedding was a celebration of love, laughter,  and overcoming obstacles, marking the beginning of a beautiful journey together.

Aarti Patel, an Accountant, and Nir Mistry, an Athletic Trainer, embarked on a whirlwind journey of love that culminated in a grand wedding celebration at the Le Meridien Hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina. Their love story began when Aarti, in Las Vegas for a friend’s birthday, matched with Nir on DilMil, a dating app. Despite the initial distance, they soon discovered they both lived just an hour and a half apart in North Carolina. Two weeks of exchanging heartfelt messages led to their first date at Nir’s gym, followed by a sweet visit to a cookie dough place.

The proposal was a picturesque mountain sunrise in Asheville, North Carolina, where Nir surprised Aarti with a ring amidst their shared love for hiking and sunrises. With friends hiding behind trees to capture the moment, the proposal left them both overjoyed and surprised.

With the help of a wedding planner, Aarti and Nir meticulously planned their wedding at Le Meridien Hotel, a venue that perfectly accommodated their 800 guests. Despite both being from nearby cities, they chose Charlotte for its vibrant atmosphere.

The wedding festivities included a series of prewedding events, each adorned with unique decor and outfits designed by Annu Creation, Perinaspopup, and others. From Aarti’s personalized Mendhi party to Nir’s colorful celebration at his house, each event was filled with joy and love.

BANQUET HALLS Le Meridien Charlotte Hotel 704-372-9610 | BEAUTICIANS Makeup By Pallak Manocha | CATERING Zayka Indian Cuisine – Raleigh 919-361-5370 | DECORATOR Prashe Decor 972-980-4483 | DISC JOCKEY M4U Events 732-771-9648 | FLORIST Stringed Petals 770-367-5290 | MEHNDI Henna4Happiness by Minaz 704-724-8084 | MUSICIAN DJ NIK 908-636-1765 | PHOTOGRAPHER Bhowmik Dave Photography 980-446-9449 Catch Motion Studio 571-446-0004

The wedding ceremony took place indoors in the morning, with music ranging from Bollywood to Hispanic, reflecting the couple’s diverse tastes. A highlight was their baaraat, with Nir arriving in a McClaren and Aarti in a Lambo. The reception dazzled with its pink-themed decor, with the bride in a stunning Manish Malhotra outfit and the groom in a tuxedo. The evening was filled with heartfelt dances and speeches, including surprise performances from both the bride and groom’s sides.

As for advice to couples planning their wedding, Aarti and Nir emphasize the importance of taking one step at a time, not procrastinating, and, most importantly, enjoying every moment. Despite any funny dreams or calamities leading up to the day, their wedding was a beautiful celebration of love and laughter, creating memories that will last a lifetime.