MyShadi Bridal Expo community event

South Asian wedding

Southeast US

Desh Videsh Media Group

Raj Shah

Aruna Shah

South Asian specific bridal show

Ft. Lauderdale Marriott Coral Springs Hotel

Indin Wedding photographers

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clothing/jewelry boutiques

hair Style

makeup Artist

henna artists

Hilton Orlando

Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel

Simrans Designer Wear

Shubhra Singh Chohan

Yasmin Hetherington of Blushing Bride

Mital of Myar Decor Inc

Exclusive Entertainment Events

Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley

D The Event Planner

Banjara Indian Boutique

Wedding Hair by Liz

Royal Event DJs

Vikwabs Decor

Rosanna Barsati

Le Trend Boutique

Michele Renee Hair& Makeup Artist Group

Dudha Productions

Hilton Charlotte Center City

Ritu Bhat

Heartfelt Fashion

DJ Pawan Entertainment & Events

House of Masaba

Devam

Miami Ethnic

Rima of Dil Se Dance Beauty Cafe Salon

Infinite Soundz Entertainment

Myshadi Bridal Expo in Charlotte

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Myshadi Bridal Expo in Fort Lauderdale

Myshadi Bridal Expo in Raleigh

Myshadi Bridal Expo in Atlanta

They say that the heart recognizes its soul mate, but the mind may take time to process. While at first glance of Amanda on his 30th birthday, Rajesh immediately recognized his destiny, it took Amanda, then 28, a year to recognize the same for Rajesh. After a whirlwind romance spanning five years, Rajesh staged a romantic proposal to Amanda in the skies on an airplane, which she gleefully accepted. Thus began their transition to a new phase of their life.

In the engagement period spanning just over a year, the couple were very clear in their desire for a an Indian royal wedding in the style of Jodha Akbar. Wedding planner Anand Event Services helped turn their dreams to reality, while the entire family, including aunts and uncles, were involved with preparations. The matching bride and groom outfits were designed by CT West of Canada and sent to India to be stitched and completed with matching customized jewelry. To capture their timeless love and special moments, the hashtag #RajandAmanda2016 was used on social media starting with the proposal all the way through the honeymoon in Tahiti and Bora Bora.

In honor of their native land Trinidad, the couple chose the Lakshmi Narayan Temple in Miami, Florida for their marriage ceremony. The reception took place at the Diplomat Golf and Tennis in Hallandale Beach. The Mehndi and Sangeet function took place where they first met – at the home of their aunt and uncle! The décor was mesmerizing with multi-colored draped fabrics illuminated with LED lighting and uplights. Both families thoroughly enjoyed the sangeet, especially the tassa drums and singing by New York performers led by Randy Ramdeen.

Six gold Laxmi murtis led the way to the mandap, which was draped in gold fabric and accessorized with flowers and LED lighting. A memory table with a Ganesh murti honored deceased loved ones with pictures. Each of the 165 invited guests were given a box of Indian sweets, a granola bar, water bottle and the six page program done in red, gold and ivory, describing each ritual significance. A drone filmed the baarat with the groom entering on a fully decorated elephant to “Jashn E Bahara,” while the bride entered with her father to “Din Shagna Na.” The couple left in a White 2015 Rolls Royce.

True to the Valentine Evening, the reception décor oozed romance with its bluish pink and gold theme. Centerpieces of white hydrangeas and pink roses were magical with up lights and LED lighting. This was accentuated with light pink and ivory colored linens alternating on each table and beautifully complementing the gold beaded chargers and gold coaster set presented to each of the 135 guests present. Amidst a royal cuisine of four course meal, was the five tier cake in Vanilla Rum and Almond Amaretto. The couple’s first dance was to a mix of “All of Me” by John Legend and “Pee Loon”- perfect blend of east and west.

BANQUET HALLS The Diplomat Golf Tennis Yacht Club 954-883-4100 BEAUTICIANS/COSMETICIAN Glam By Mevi 305-910-5271 BOUTIQUES CTC West 905-264-6264 CAKE Renees Gourmet Cakes 954-415-7243 DECORATOR Anand Event Services 754-581-0074 DISC JOCKEY DJ Mojo 561-714-8377 EVENT PLANNER Anand Event Services 754-581-0074 FLORIST Anand Event Services 754-581-0074 HORSE ELEPHANT AND HORSE LADY 863-242-8015 MEHNDI Farah Mehendi 786-208-2277 PHOTOGRAPHER Anand Event Services 754-581-0074PRIEST/WORSHIP SERVICES Pt. Krishna Maharaj 954-974-6941RENTAL SERVICES Moe s Party Rental 305-259-3444 TEMPLE Miami Lakshmi Narayan Temple 305-265-0828 VIDEOGRAPHY Anand Event Services 754-581-0074

Jasmine Rajkumar Nebhrajani, a pediatrician, and Hemang J. Thakor, a physician, dated for over two years years before getting engaged.

When Hemang first saw Jasmine at the medical school gym, it was love at first sight. He was then introduced to her by friends, and the rest was history!

Jasmine, her friends and family went to the Perez Art Museum in Miami – a trip arranged by Hem. While Jasmine was having lunch, a waitress brought her an iPad to show her a video summarizing the couple’s courtship.

The video directed Jasmine down some steps, where she was led down a path along where her friends and family waited. “It was covered with candles and rose petals, at the end were Hem and a violinist,” remembered Jasmine. It was a dreamy proposal, followed by celebrations.

The couple tied the knot at the bride’s dream wedding venue, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in Miami on December 30, 2017. They hired Karma Goddess to help with the wedding planning.

Jasmine and Hem’s wedding and reception, attened by 200 guests, had a rustic vintage theme. The outdoor wedding was a collage of blush pink, mint green and burgundy, and included decor of mason jars, vases, candles, amber lighting, and flowers — roses, carnations and eucalyptus.

Garba, bhangra, hip hop, and top 40 hits played during the ceremonies. Hem arrived in a white Mustang and the bridal party on a white trolley. The couple added a personal touch with handmade aggarbatti gifts for guests.

Jasmine’s advice to couples is to “take your partner’s opinion into account while planning.” The bride now laughs remembering her funny nightmare that rain would spoil her big day.

BANQUET HALLS Vizcaya Museum & Gardens 305-860-8451 | BEAUTICIANS / COSMETICIAN Bombshell Makeovers 561-319-2969 | CAKE Batter Co. Dessert Collection 954-900-4071 | CATERING Bombay Darbar Indian Cuisine 305-444-7272 | DECORATOR / FLORIST Anand Event Services 954-214-5807 | DISC JOCKEY Pavan Events 954-494-3567 | EVENT PLANNER Karma Goddess Event Planning & Design 305-938-0459 | MEHNDI Farah’s Mehndi 786-208-2277 | PHOTOGRAPHER Catalina Ayubi Photography 305-305-7359 | VIDEOGRAPHY Robert Madrid 561-512-4891

Dream Wedding Venue

Indian Wedding Gift

Rustic Vintage Theme

Indian Wedding Sangeet Ceremony

Pre-Wedding Haldi Ceremony

Indian Wedding Ritual

Indian Wedding Traditions

Indian Wedding Reception Floral Decoration

Not every wedding story is a breeze that sweeps you away with in-your-face romance. While there are some stories that will take your breath away, others are more subdued, even slow and hesitant in the offering. Kajal and Viraj’s story typifies not only the subdued version, but also what is common to all true wedding stories – a heart-warming tale, romance, and most importantly, a happy ending.

Having known each other for years, Viraj and Kajal only managed exchanged pleasantries during that time. While both of them tell different stories about how their relationship blossomed, the common factor that brought them together is their dogs. After a year together and with the help of the canines playing cupid, a proposal was well in order.

Viraj had to think of something truly unique, since Kajal told him emphatically that she would know of a proposal the moment she saw something fancy. Using rose petals and flowers to frame the all-important question, Viraj even got down on one knee with a ring in hand.

Wedding and engagement plans took off in full swing with Viraj and Kajal handling all the details, and both families lending helping hands. The event took place in Tampa, Florida, which was in close proximity to Kajal’s family home. Taking pains to plan and decorate themselves, the garba was a colorful pageant, with drapes and lighting using to spectacular effect.

With Rakesh Anand in charge of all wedding decorations, everything Kajal wanted was arranged just so. Pillars with floral decorations, expanses of white, a gold, purple and fuchsiam unadapted generous up lighting made for a fairy tale experience. Adding to the mood was music that was arranged especially for the occasion.

With pictures taken at each juncture to provide lasting memories, the bride and groom arrived in a car and carriage respectively. Soon after, it was time for the reception, and crystal, Manzanita trees and lighting added a new dimension to the pink, purple and blue theme.

Special dances by the bride, groom and bridesmaids were followed by the father-daughter dance and the couple’s first dance. The occasion exuded every element needed to make it magnificent. The troubles, arguments, planning and labor all bore fruit in proportions no one imagined possible.

Every love story has its own special magic. Some find passion, others comfort, some humor and others companionship. However, it is the undercurrent of love and a special friendship that keeps every relationship alive. Through all the nightmares that Kajal lived before her wedding, and the minor oversights that no one even noticed until the wedding video was made, living this relationship and the marriage made the journey of life worth traveling.

For retail banker Kajal and customer care specialist Viraj, they have just begun filling their joint account with special moments and loving gestures. The fortune that they manage to amass during their life will multiply manifold as time progresses.

Liz weds Vikram

Vikram and Liz were lucky to be living in the same city when they met online after Vikram reached out. They met up for wine and cheese on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in St. Louis, and bonded over their mutual love of 90s music and the same TV shows. What began as good conversation between new friends turned into two years of love and, finally, a surprise marriage proposal.

While visiting Liz’s friend in Baltimore, the couple went on a food tour, joined by her friend and Vikram’s sister. Vikram insisted on finding the perfect spot for a photo on the boardwalk, making Liz a little suspicious until he got down on one knee with a ring. Liz was very surprised, and both were happy to begin a new journey together.

They began planning a Palm Desert wedding, near Liz’s parents at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. With the help of the venue’s event planner and on-site caterer, the couple arranged for a Sikh ceremony, non-denominational ceremony, and evening reception to take place on the same day. Before the wedding day, they held a Sangeet night in India at Vikram’s grandmother’s home. Vikram’s aunt decorated with lights and flowers, and it was an auspicious beginning to the wedding events.

First was the morning Sikh ceremony, or Anand Karaj, in which Liz entered with her eight closest girlfriends and the newlywed couple exchanged garlands of red and white carnations. This was followed by the non-denominational ceremony in which the bride and groom walked down the aisle with their parents instead of a traditional bridal party. The natural setting of the desert was so breathtaking that there was no need for extra decorations, which Liz and Vikram appreciated. They exchanged personal vows before their guests with Liz’s older sister as the officiant, even though they were initially hesitant to share such an intimate moment in front of so many people. But most of their guests were in tears by the end, and Liz and Vikram agreed it was worth it.

They estimated that the ceremony would last for an hour, but it finished in a quick 20 minutes; the caterer and bartender had to work quickly to set up cocktail hour for their 130 guests, and thankfully, they were able to make it an enjoyable two hours. Liz and Vikram recommend having the ceremony recited aloud during rehearsals to avoid this kind of last minute hustle. They also held a second reception one week later in Coral Springs, Florida for 300 additional guests, and Liz defended her doctorate dissertation just three weeks after the entire wedding affair. Liz and Vikram were glad they made the concerted decision to enjoy themselves before the wedding, and they were able to make precious memories with their loved ones while celebrating their love for one another.

BANQUET HALLS Coral Springs Marriott 954-227-4122 www.marriott.com/fllmc The Living Desert Z00 & Gardens 760-346-5694 www.livingdesert.org CAKE Robbie E Custom Cakes & Pastries 954-775-2633 www.recustomcakes.com DECORATOR Anand Event Services 754-581-0074 www.anandphotoandvideo.com JEWELERS Timekeepers Jewelers 314-991-0994 www.timekeepersstl.com PHOTOGRAPHER Baljit Singh +91-981-411-5265 www.baljitphotography.com RESTAURANT/CATERING Punjab Indian Restaurant 561-392-8000 www.bocapunjab.com

While love may take years to grow on some, a meeting at work soon grew into friendship and then a relationship with love playing catalyst in this story. Mattie and Naresh had a whirlwind romance, and were soon to be wed. It can be somewhat easy when you are so at ease and so reassured. Knowing fully well how women can be lured into anything with shopping, Naresh decided he would take Mattie on an innocent visit to the mall where he could buy her a ring and propose. And although he tried to hold the surprise back for as long as he could, Mattie’s growing impatience made him spill the bean a tad too soon. That, however, did nothing to take the magic away from the moment, and they were soon on their way to the walk down the aisle.

Although the formal engagement followed only four months later, preparations for the wedding began much earlier. With a decision to enjoy a wedding at home, it may have seemed like the going was going to be easy, but there was plenty to do. Luckily for them, there were enough family member and friends all pitching in to help.

While July 1st was the Big Day, there were intimate ceremonies that took place before it. The haldi ceremony that took place at the bride and groom’s residence simultaneously, followed by a night of entertainment. While the decor for both events was relatively simple, plenty was going on towards getting ready for the all-important wedding ceremony.

Rakesh Anand and his team managed gold pillars with a red dome as the basic framework, with up lighting and delicate scrollwork accentuating the design. The tables too reflected the colors in the tablecloth and overlay. There was entertainment in the form of a live band, treats in the wedding favors and a carefully crafted program all awaiting the guests. The aunts, meanwhile, chopped, mixed and spiced tirelessly to bring together an overwhelming feast of vegetarian foods and dessert. Before the time could be checked, the bride was ready and the wedding was set to begin.

Naresh, clad in a cream Sherwani, arrived in a grand limousine, and after a three day wait, got to meet his wife to be at her home in Lauderhill. Amid religious prayer and glamorous outfit changes, the bride and groom went through a seamless ceremony, and Naresh and Mattie left in the limo after the bidaai ceremony.

The reception was taken over completely by Mattie and Naresh, who planned and went through details personally. The Weston Hills used its natural beauty and combined it with the judicious use of carefully chosen flowers to look sublime. Ready to welcome close to 300 guests, the venue reflected the purple and ivory theme radiantly. Soon, dressed in a charcoal grey suit and white wedding gown, the man and wife presented themselves to the guests, and the evening was officially flagged off. Dances with father and mother respectively, an open dance floor and generous toasts ensured there was enough to have everyone in good humour.

Mattie went through the wedding with least stress. She now advises that you include as many close friends and family members as you can to help manage different aspects. She also wisely adds that you look only vendors and ensure they come with sound references. For the bride, she adds pointedly that you make sure that you have eaten and had plenty of water. With all the activity and excitement, you are most likely to forget about eating, and it can take a toll on your health. Eat, drink and be merry, for this is truly your special day!

BEAUTICIANS/COSMETICIAN Beauty Cafe Salon 754-204-8080 BOUTIQUES Aishwarya Design Studio 011-91-22-2628 4545 CAKE SugarBabies Cakes & Cupcakes by Nicole 305-775-9814 CRUISES Carnival Cruise Lines 800-327-7276 FLORIST Patricia s Flower Shop 954-696-8784 DISC JOCKEY Florida Melody Makers 954-325-7712 JEWELERS Chhabras Fashions 954-578-0093  chhabrasfashion@hotmail.com PARTY FLAVORS Personalized CDs by Vedesh 954-630-5381 PHOTOGRAPHER Anand Photo & Video 954-332-1560 RENTAL SERVICES Universal Parties 954-444-4954 VENUE Weston Hills Country Club 954-384-4671 VIDEOGRAPHER Anand Photo & Video 954-332-1560