The saying goes that neither time nor distance can stop two lovers from meeting. For 28-year-old Ami Vakharia and 29-year-old Raj Gandolia, both radiology physicians, their love story began during their teenage years when they met in the Tibetan Himalayas. Though years passed before the two reconnected on Facebook, after two and half years of dating, Raj enacted the perfect proposal from via their romance timeline photo frames. He prepared for the big day for six months.

Naturally Ami was on seventh heaven. After all, she had booked the wedding venue in Florida shortly before the proposal. Guess the heart instinctively knew and wanted things to be perfect! Raised in Florida, she selected the venue as it had stolen her heart at first look with its modern look and romantic beach in the backyard. Planning the wedding in Florida from North Carolina was difficult despite help from her mother and Eventrics Wedding Planning.

The pre-wedding ceremony was a festive fanfare of a Rajasthani mela. Amidst the absolute riot of vibrant colors and fun overflowing, the height of romance was reached with a Swayamvar executed in a specially set up royal palace. About 450 guests cheered the princess selecting her prince charming.

For the ceremony, the ballroom selected was inherently romantic with its one wall composed of all windows and peeking into the ocean. The ceremony program was beautifully decorated in a fan shape and placed on each of the chair for all 300 guests.

The ceremony, like their romance had its own jittery and happy moments. Ami had planned the wedding to be in the open amidst the ocean, but the extra windy atmosphere played on their nerves and finally at midnight, Ami had to decide on conducting the ceremony indoors.

However, all the confusions and frantic worries were forgotten the minute Ami walked down the aisle at 10 am amidst the background music by the DJ Dynasty or Ravi Prasad. The couple took their vows completely lost in one another as two soul-mates are meant.

The reception was attended by about 480 guests. Unlike other wedding receptions, Ami and Raj’s was unique. An animated cartoon story about their first meeting to their trip to the altar was created by the wedding planning company and shown to guests. The couple themselves took a trip down nostalgia lane and were quite moved. With the bond further strengthened, they were lost in each other while the guests danced the night away, celebrating their union.

Ami happily reminisces about her wedding and fondly advises all at the end of the day nobody remembers the details the couple put into decorating the wedding venue. However, guests talk about the food for a long time, so it should be lip-smacking good – just as the the ethereal romance between the bride and groom!

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BANQUET HALLS Diplomat Resort & Spa Hollywood 954-602-8603 BEAUTICIANS / COSMETICIAN / MEHNDI Ibrow Studio 954-304-4958 CAKE Dominiques Couture Cakes 954-849-0588 DECORATOR / FLORIST Occasions By Shangri-La 407-394-4244 DISC JOCKEY Dynasty Entertainment 202-341-4114 HORSE Two Tails Ranch 352-528-6585 JEWELERS Diamonds Direct and Wedding Bands 954-346-9863 MUSICIAN Shaivangi 630 362 3534 PHOTOGRAPHER Haring Photography 786-444-9743 PRIEST/WORSHIP SERVICES Pravin Shukla 919-400-6625 RESTAURANT/CATERING Tabla Bar And Grill 407-248-9400 VIDEOGRAPHY New York Film Work 718-406-6778 WEDDING PLANNER Eventrics Weddings 863-397-0547

Planning a South Asian wedding begins with a discussion on four of the most crucial elements: budget, location, estimated guest count, and the overall goals of the couple.

In terms of budget, it is crucial your planner is informed on the overall price ranges everyone is comfortable spending. When your planner is aware of cost, they are able to efficiently make vendor recommendations that fit within the style and budget of the couple. Once a budget has been established, a location can then be determined. The choice of venue and location is one of the most important factors of the planning process. It is imperative to have an estimated guest count when searching for venue locations as you will want to ensure all the elements of the wedding will fit into the desired space.

The last crucial development step is for planners to gain an understanding of the couple’s goals and priorities for their wedding celebrations. An example of goals may be ‘wow factor’ entertainment or ‘color catching’ décor. Each couple is unique on what their priorities are for their event, and as a planner, it is important to focus the majority of your attention on ensuring their goals are met.

Once these steps are decided it will be important for planners to keep the communication flowing with the Bride, Groom and families throughout the entire planning process. To effectively execute the planning process of an Indian wedding, planners must always keep consistent communication with the families. Effective communication will ensure a successful event for all parties involved.

In addition to the major decisions that are made in the beginning of the planning process it is essential to keep your planner informed as particulars arise. If you have a surprise dance from your Bridesmaids or a funny video presentation from the family, ensure your planner is aware to make for a successful time line. Time lines give guidance to all vendors involved in the wedding weekend. Having a well structured time line will make all the difference in the flow and ease of the wedding related events ensuring the Bride, Groom and families are having nothing short of an amazing time.

A wedding planner offers guidance, reassurance and invaluable input which can make the wedding planning experience stress-free and enjoyable. To successfully plan a South Asian wedding, planners must always remember effective communication, the couple’s priorities and the budget they are comfortable spending. Understanding these core elements will play the biggest role in productively planning an unforgettable experience for the couple, families and their Guests.

Brittany Ellis is a Wedding & Event Planner with Eventrics Weddings in Florida. To learn more, visit www.eventricsweddings.com.

Amit and Purva met and fell in love while they were studying to be medical professionals. After spending much time staring into microscopes, Amit took Purva out to dinner at their favorite restaurant in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The next day morning, he left pink roses at her doorstep, and this was their first outing together! After three years of dating, the couple went back to visit Ann Harbor for Amit’s niece’s birthday. After the party, Amit took Purva to the same restaurant where they had their first date and amidst food and nice conversation, he proposed.

Planning began in May for the he wedding that took place on November 23, 2013. While both families did most of the planning, they hired Eventrics to help finalize the arrangements and coordinate details on the wedding day. Amit and Purva were wed in a lovely outdoor destination wedding at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The venue’s gorgeous oceanfront terrace offers beautiful views of the ocean, a plus of all of the wedding functions.

The theme for the sangeet ceremony was Latin and Punjabi. The décor, done by Occasions by Shangri-La, featured a lovely combination of Latin and Punjabi cultures. The Latin connection was brought in through centerpieces with peppers suspended in glass vases while Punjabi elements were infused through bright clothes on the tables with small tablas. Beautiful tropical flower arrangements, market lights, and signs pointing to important places in the couple’s life added a personal touch to the venue.

Originally, the Latin portion of the sangeet was planned outdoors. However, weather conditions forced the couple to adopt a similar atmosphere indoors. A 9-piece Latin band played live music, and a dancing couple from Dance South Florida performed. The performers also gave fun salsa lessons to guests. Close friends and family performed at the sangeet. Punjabi celebrations soon took over with Punjabi music and beats by a traditional dhol player, Sunny Singh. A highlight included the special mojito bar served delicious varieties of the classic cocktail.

The groom’s procession/baraat began in the morning on the beach. Amit rode a horse and was accompanied by his groomsmen, dhol player Sunny Singh and DJ Xio. The wedding, arranged on the oceanfront terrace, took place under a mandap designed with open clear acrylic and decorated with corals and white flowers along with crystal strands. The raised aisle displayed acrylic pedestals with large flower bouquets on both sides. Sitar player Prasanna provided background music, and the bride’s entrance music was performed by flute-player Dr. Indar Jhamb, also a close family friend.

The reception hall was decorated in gold, silver and purple. Tables were arranged in two large “X” formations, each displaying a candle river. Crystal balls and large crystal centerpieces were placed in the center. Candles decorated with crystals and gold chairs with purple sashes created an elegant ambiance.

DJ Xio of Miami and a percussionist provided music. Dances began with an un-choreographed number by Amit and Purva to Stevie Wonder’s “Sunshine of my Life.” The couple then did a choreographed rumba to “Mirrors” by Justin Timberlake. The bride and her father danced to Frank Sinatra’s “The Way You Look Tonight.” The groom and his mother danced to “I Will” by the Beatles. Relatives and friends did an impromptu dance to “More than Words.”

The couple advises hiring a wedding coordinator since the professional can take a lot of stress off your shoulders!

Photos Courtesy: Asaad Images 407-221-3333 www.asaadimages.com Vendors BANQUET HALLS Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa 954-525-4000 www.marriottharborbeach.comBEAUTICIANS/COSMETICIAN Ibrow Studio 954-304-4958 www.sumaiyas.comCAKE Edda-s Cake Design 305-668-1828 x203 www.eddascakedesigns.com DECOR Occasions By Shangri-La 407-394-4244 www.occasionsbyshangrila.com HORSE – CARRIAGE Downtown Horse & Carriage Inc 561-723-4704 www.downtownhorseandcarriage.com LIGHTING Get Lit Lighting Productions 407-924-4246 www.glp-fl.comPHOTOGRAPHER/ VIDEOGRAPHER Asaad Images 407-221-3333 www.asaadimages.comRESTAURANT/ CATERING Tabla Bar And Grill 407-248-9400 www.tablabar.com WEDDING PLANNER EVENTRICS INC 863-683-3905 www.eventrics.com

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Mehendi night

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Indian Wedding mandap

The beauty of life is that you never know how you might meet your life partner. Sometimes all you need is a right swipe, like Reshma Patel and Roshan Patel. The beautiful couples met through a dating app.

Indian couple

Indian wedding

Indian WEdding reception

After dating for a while, at a weekend getaway, Roshan found the perfect moment to propose Reshma. In front of a fountain, under beautiful oak trees, Roshan got down on one knee and asked Reshma to marry him.

Indian pre-wedding ceremonies

Vidhi ceremony

flowers and lanterns decoration.

Indian wedding ceremony

The couple chose Hyatt Regency at Grand Cypress, Orlando, Florida for the wedding; and the SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In Expo in Lakeland, Florida for the reception. Reshma’s brother Neil, who owns his own event company, NJP Events and Design, along with Eventrics Weddings, planned the wedding.

floral bouquets

red and white roses

themed wedding reception

wedding décor

Reshma and Roshan had separate pre-wedding ceremonies in their hometowns. Roshan had a Vidhi ceremony in his family home. The bride’s family hosted a Mehendi night and a Vidhi ceremony. For the Mehendi night, their family home’s backyard was transformed into a mini Indian village, decorated with colorful flowers and lanterns. They also hung colorful torans to add a more traditional touch.

Indian wedding events

Indian Priest

Wedding Pandit

Volcanik Entertainment

The wedding ceremony was held in the Grand Cypress ballroom of Hyatt. Ganesha statues at the entrance welcomed the guests into a crimson red draped room, decorated with brass diyas and red and pink roses. The aisle was covered in parts, leaving an ombre effect as you went closer to the mandap. The first part had large fresh floral bouquets with red and white roses mixed with hydrangeas and lilies. The second part of the aisle was covered with fresh rose petals gradually fading into white.

Indian wedding Beautician

Indian wedding COSMETICIAN

Indian Disc jockey

The mandap was decorated with floating floral chandeliers with traditional brass bells hanging with white and green wisteria flowers. And the backdrop was a screen layered with candles, silver and gold candelabras, and gold elephants. Their starry-night themed wedding reception was a black-tie event. The décor included fresh florals, mirrors, candelabras, candles, and a black and white dance floor. As all the other wedding events were colorful, they wanted a more classic and romantic vibe for their reception.

BANQUET HALLS Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress 407-239-3933 | Sun N Fun International Fly In Expo 863-904-4061 | BEAUTICIANS / COSMETICIAN Style by Susmita 973-901-3316 | DECORATOR NJP Events and Design 321-474-4078 | DISC JOCKEY Volcanik Entertainment 201-240-9080 | EVENT PLANNER Eventrics Weddings 863-397-0547 | FLORIST Fairbanks Florist 321-695-5440 | HORSE AND CARRIAGE Downtown Horse & Carriage 561-723-4704 | MEHNDI Designs by Varsha 804-543-3400 | PHOTOGRAPHER/ VIDEOGRAPHY Castaldo Studios LLC 407-347-8926 | PRIEST Mahesh Gor 407-699-7966 | RESTAURANT/CATERING Mast Masala Caterers 407-312-6551 |

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For Richa Desai, chiropractor, and Shashank Gandhi, neurosurgery resident, a day on the beach turned out to be something more. Little did Richa know that the walk would turn into a romantic proposal. When she and Shashank were walking along the Clearwater Beach at sunset, Richa saw bright drapes flowing in the breeze with three large photographs of them. “I immediately turned to Shashank. He took my hands and proceeded with the most beautiful proposal,” she said.

The wedding and reception were held in Richa’s hometown, Orlando, at the Hilton Orlando Resort on December 9, 2017, with 500 guests in attendance. The couple’s pre-wedding events were mehndi, grah shanti and sangeet and each included a live band along with traditional décor.

While the couple did hire a wedding planner, family also helped with much of the planning and arrangements. Their mandap was the largest ever – 40 feet wide with a 12-foot center golden medallion created by Occasions by Shangri-La.

Given the wedding theme was royalty, Richa and Shashank dressed as an Indian king and queen in customized royal designer clothing and kundan jewelry. The baraat arrived via a horse and carriage. Richa’s vidai was in a vintage 1962 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud Convertible.

The décor for the reception was a starry night with LED-backdrop that changed colors to set the mood and along with crystal chandeliers. Centerpieces included crystal vases with fresh flowers.

The most memorable moment of the entire event was the couple’s “James Bond-esque” entrance on a 12-foot golden rotating medallion, cut a life-size colorful dhol with the sound! A Big Fat Indian wedding it is!

BANQUET HALLS Hilton Orlando 407-313-8458 | BEAUTICIANS / COSMETICIAN Beauty by Tamanna 646-571-5585 | CAKE Tru-Cakes 407-473-5849 | CATERING Indias Grill Tampa 813-872-8222 | Taste of India 321-751-4191 | Sudhas Fast Food Caterer 407-758-1776 | DECORATOR Occasions By Shangri-la 407-614-2977 | DISC JOCKEY Roshni Productions 732-318-2136 | Volcanik Entertainment 201-240-9080 | EVENT PLANNER Eventrics Weddings 863-397-0547 | PHOTOGRAPHER / VIDEOGRAPHY Amita S. Photography 813-600-7014 | Fandango Wedding Films 305-785-3263

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Indian Wedding Decorations

Indian Wedding Event Planner

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Sumitha Solai and Sean Pitroda had one thing in common – spontaneity. And so, it was fitting that Sean proposed spontaneously. Sitting in the room of Sofitel Hotel during a vacation to their favorite place in the world, Manhattan, New York, Sean pulled out the ring while Sumitha was busy animatedly narrating a story. He did not plan the occasion because he knew she would read his mind. He also avoided clichéd lines and did not go down in his knees. He simply produced the ring and felt like the happiest man on planet earth when she said yes through happiness and tears.

The wedding was planned for May 24, 2013, ten months from the engagement. The planning began in August 2012. Although Sumitha was at the forefront of preparations, Sean was a huge support. The process was tougher than they imagined, more so because Sumitha, being the perfectionist she is, wanted everything to be just so for their special day. The couple hired a “day of” coordinator, Brittany Ellis from Eventrics, to organize all details on the wedding day. As their wedding got closer, the couple allocated 25 hours per week for wedding preparations

Wedding preparations became difficult when the couple shifted the wedding venue from their hometown of Chicago to Winder mere, Florida because the place was more conducive to executing their dream wedding. As an added bonus, Sumitha’s family owns a home in Florida. Also, the couple loved the Ritz Carlton there, the place where the wedding was ultimately held.

Pre-wedding celebrations began on May 23. The Sangeet ceremony was held pool side at Sumitha’s family home in Windermere, and the theme exuded Bollywood. The venue was done in bright pink and teal with white tables decorated with lanterns and canopy beds highlighted with Rajasthani umbrellas placed along the pool perimeter. The pool itself was adorned with lit lotus flowers floating in water. The entry was lined with lit palm trees. The back terrace was decorated with 200 market lights placed under mini Rajasthani umbrellas. The bride and groom were positioned under a canopy on silk sofas accentuated with colorful pillows. Food stations were placed under draped arches and marked by wood signs. Desserts were served in a separate lounge and a gazebo served as a bar.

The wedding took place by the lake at the Ritz Carlton in a gazebo. The venue was done in traditional orange and red colors. The bride was dressed in a red saree, and the bridesmaid donned yellow saris. Red and orange fabrics were used to drape the mandap. The groom arrived on a horse and the bride arrived in a horse-drawn carriage while traditional Tamil songs played in the background. After the ceremony, the couple left in the carriage.

The ceremony programs, done in gold, were embossed with the couple’s custom monogram designed by Get Lit. The programs were placed in a gold colored bag that also consisted of a personalized paper fan and custom designed game. The winner of the game was announced during the reception. Guests also received a bag with a traditional incense stick holder and sweets. Music consisted of traditional South Indian nadhaswaram played by DJ Raj.

The reception was a grand affair. For cocktails, the Tuscany Terrace of the Ritz was chosen. Roman pillars and greenery characterized the place. It was personalized with things that emphasized the couple’s interests such as traveling. The couple arrived to the beats of dhol and made a sparkling entrance as the bridesmaids and groomsmen held sparklers on either side. While the dhol player entertained guests, the couple retreated to a private room for a toast.

The reception dinner was organized in the Plaza Ballroom of the Ritz. The room featured a rich royal look with elegant chandeliers, silk wall coverings and grand wall scones done in ivory and gold. The couple and the wedding party wore royal blue and emerald green clothing. The tables were alternately decorated with 20” panache vases holding hydrangea centerpieces lit up with base votives and lit gold elephants on fabric risers surrounded by a border of fresh flowers. The couple was seated in front of a white background embellished with white and gold jali columns. The sweetheart table had floating glass with fresh floral border lit up with floating candles in vases.

The couple first danced to U2’s“One” followed by a fast Latin salsa number, “Tamacun” by Rodrigo y Gabriela. The bridesmaids and groomsmen danced to a medley of Indian songs. All throughout the reception, the music was a mix of retro and modern numbers.

The couple says that people getting married should look around the venue to capture memorable images of family and friends. Such memories truly last forever.

South Asian weddings are filled with culture, tradition, color and life. When an Indian couple becomes engaged, the coming months of their union will be filled with celebration, family and a lot of planning!

Planning a South Asian wedding begins with a discussion on four of the most crucial elements: budget, location, estimated guest count, and the overall goals of the couple.

In terms of budget, it is crucial your planner is informed on the overall price ranges everyone is comfortable spending. When your planner is aware of cost, they are able to efficiently make vendor recommendations that fit within the style and budget of the couple. Once a budget has been established, a location can then be determined. The choice of venue and location is one of the most important factors of the planning process. It is imperative to have an estimated guest count when searching for venue locations as you will want to ensure all the elements of the wedding will fit into the desired space.

The last crucial development step is for planners to gain an understanding of the couple’s goals and priorities for their wedding celebrations. An example of goals may be ‘wow factor’ entertainment or ‘color catching’ décor. Each couple is unique on what their priorities are for their event, and as a planner, it is important to focus the majority of your attention on ensuring their goals are met.

Once these steps are decided it will be important for planners to keep the communication flowing with the Bride, Groom and families throughout the entire planning process. To effectively execute the planning process of an Indian wedding, planners must always keep consistent communication with the families. Effective communication will ensure a successful event for all parties involved.

In addition to the major decisions that are made in the beginning of the planning process it is essential to keep your planner informed as particulars arise. If you have a surprise dance from your Bridesmaids or a funny video presentation from the family, ensure your planner is aware to make for a successful time line. Time lines give guidance to all vendors involved in the wedding weekend. Having a well structured time line will make all the difference in the flow and ease of the wedding related events ensuring the Bride, Groom and families are having nothing short of an amazing time.

A wedding planner offers guidance, reassurance and invaluable input which can make the wedding planning experience stress-free and enjoyable. To successfully plan a South Asian wedding, planners must always remember effective communication, the couple’s priorities and the budget they are comfortable spending. Understanding these core elements will play the biggest role in productively planning an unforgettable experience for the couple, families and their Guests.

Brittany Ellis is a Wedding & Event Planner with Eventrics Weddings in Florida. To learn more, visit www.eventricsweddings.com.