Rina Shah

By Rina Shah, CEO and founder of The Arpan Group Once couples and their families settle on a venue and choose a wedding date, the next important item on the list of wedding-to-dos is often choosing a photographer. You found a gorgeous backdrop for your dream wedding, now the focus shifts to finding the right person or team to capture …

For South Asians, weddings are just as  much about celebrating a couple’s nuptials as about the festive food! Chances are guests may not remember intricate details from a wedding, but they will certainly recall memorable dishes and delectable desserts. One to five or more events comprise a typical South Asian wedding, and food plays an integral role in ensuring each …

Crystal blue waters crashing down on a pristine white beach, while a gentle breeze ruffles through the palm trees. An elegantly draped mandap glistens in the sunshine, while an intimate crowd eagerly watches two people embark on the journey of a lifetime. Sounds like a wedding in paradise, doesn’t it? Destination weddings and cruise weddings hold a certain appeal, and …

From lavish designs and bold colors to pastel florals and subtle centerpieces, weddings can be the ultimate expression of a couple’s personality. Through intricately designed mandaps, lush, fragrant florals, and creative use of color, couples can personalize nearly every aspect of their wedding decorations. While the type of venue and the choice of colors and foods can shape the feel …

Once couples and their families settle on a venue and choose a wedding date, the next important item on the list of wedding-to-dos is often choosing a photographer. You found a gorgeous backdrop for your dream wedding, now the focus shifts to finding the right person or team to capture memories to last a lifetime. Most experts agree that style …

Why Couples Should Hire a Wedding Planner By Rina Shah, The Arpan Group The novelty of being engaged has worn off and reality hits with full force. There’s a wedding to plan! The entire process can be challenging – from compromising on style to managing the many opinions of all involved. With ample information available online via popular websites such …

Choosing the Right Venue For Your Vision By Rina Shah, The Arpan Group Once a couple is engaged, along with the many congratulations and best wishes from family and friends, comes the inevitable onslaught of questions. When is the big day? Have you picked a place yet? Where you choose to host your wedding will likely be one of the …

The success of your wedding day relies heavily on your venue selection. Asking the right questions and planning far in advance ensures you do not have any last-minute surprises. You start by creating a list of requirements that your perfect venue should match, and then research the potential locations you are considering. Remember your wedding day only happens once, so …

For those who are not familiar with you or your work, can you share a bit on the formation of your business? I have been the owner of Farah’s Mehndi for over 12 years now. The formation of my business really began with friends and family. I am truly appreciative of their support and for giving me the extra push …

Congratulations to the winner of the 2014 Atlanta MyShadi Bridal Expo Mehendi Competition, Manisha Panjwani of Manisha’s Mehendi Designs! Learn more about Manisha, her winning design, and the services her company offers. Tell us about yourself and your background. I am originally from Mumbai, India. I attended St. Louis High School in West Mumbai (Andheri) and also have a degree …

Author by Rina Shah The Arpan Group For those who have attended a South Asian wedding in the United States, you know you are in for a sensorial treat. From the moment you step into a wedding venue transformed by colorful fabrics and florals, exotic smells, and beat-filled sounds, your expectations for all of life’s other celebrations take on new …

Congratulations to the winner of the 2014 Atlanta MyShadi Bridal Expo Mehendi Competition, Manisha Panjwani of Manisha’s Mehendi Designs! Learn more about Manisha, her winning design, and the services her company offers. Tell us about yourself and your background. I am originally from Mumbai, India. I attended St. Louis High School in West Mumbai (Andheri) and also have a degree …

Preeti Exclusive Creations, a vendor at the 2012 Orlando MyShadi Bridal Expo, is based in New York and now in South Florida, but has planned weddings around the country. Preeti Vasudeva, owner and principal consultant at Preeti Exclusive Creations, has over ten years of experience in the wedding industry. She shares her insight into what it takes to be a …