Kunj and Hiren went to college in Florida and were introduced by a mutual friend at a birthday party in Ft. Lauderdale. They began dating only a couple of months after that first meeting. Hiren’s sense of humor was in Kunj’s words “impossible to resist.” They dated for over two years before leaving Miami for Orlando and better career prospects.

It was in a park in Brickell, Miami, where they went to visit Kunj’s parents, that Hiren pulled off a picture-perfect proposal. Literally. Kunj found a photo album on one of the park’s benches, and as she looked through the pictures that captured their memories and love she found Hiren’s message on the last page – “Will you marry me?” Kunj closed the album to find Hiren on his knee as he repeated his question. Kunj’s answer was a heartfelt yes.

Kunj’s pre-wedding events included a Grah Shanti, Mehndi and Pithi at home. For the Mehndi and Pithi, artistic aunties of South Florida worked together to decorate the entire house with a beautiful ring of light pink, purple fuchsia and vibrant colors, and a see-through dance stage over the pool. The garba was held at the Marriott Harbor Beach and included live music and singing. Decor was done in vibrant gold draping with light pink, fusia, purple, peach, orange, yellow, white with greenery to create a very lively atmosphere in the garba Hall. Kunj and Hiren entered the garba hall in an old fashion rickshaw.

Hiren began his greatest adventure in life with Kunj while sitting atop a magnificent horse. The Baarat arrived with exuberant guests ready to shower their blessings on the duo. The beautiful bride Kunj lit up the rustic themed mandap with her glowing presence.

Kunj and Hiren’s traditional wedding was both understated and classy with four hundred guests not counting their beloved dog Toby, who was part of the groom’s entourage. Kunj, the co-founder of a nonprofit organization, “Hands of Esperanza,” which provides medical aid in Guatemala, set up a photobooth at the wedding to raise funds. The funds along with a large portion of the wedding gifts were donated to build a multispecialty medical and surgical clinic in Guatemala.

Kunj and Hiren danced to Bobby Caldwell’s “What You Won’t Do for Love” made even more memorable as the groom played the saxophone. Kunj was joyfully surprised when Hiren danced with her friends. When it comes to Kunj, there seems to be nothing that Hiren won’t do for love.

BANQUET HALLS Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa 310-350-8969 | BEAUTICIAN Anju Thaker 954-554-8749  | CLOTHES & JEWELRY Devam 561-368-0057 CAKE Cakeoffee 954-399-3311 | CATERING Aashirwad Indian Cuisine 407-370-9830 Khasiyat Indian Restaurant 407-252-8756 | DECORATOR Suhaag Garden 772-528-0394 | DISC JOCKEY Tewari Productions & Jai Ho Fit 954-614-9713 | HAIR-MAKEUP Hair and Makeup I Do 954-464-1695 | HORSE-CARRIAGE Wind Chase Farm 772-285-3480 | INVITATIONS Orlando Printers 407-346-1166 | MEHNDI Sumaiya’s iBrow Studio 954-304-4958 | PHOTOGRAPHER Asaad Images 407-221-3333 | PRIEST Mukesh Vyas 239-910-0375 | VIDEOGRAPHY Vellora Productions 832-777-7350

For more information on how Preferred Vendors members are chosen, click here.

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Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

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Sumaiya’s iBrow Studio

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Tewari Productions & Jai Ho Fit

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Orlando Printers

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Aashirwad Indian Cuisine

Khasiyat Indian Restaurant

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Vellora Productions

It was on a summer evening at the University of Illinois, Chicago
when Kiran and Nina met for the first time. Both were studying medicine –
Kiran was as relaxed and laid-back as Nina was high-strung and focused.
A few dates later the two opposites realized that they were attracted to each other for life.

Opposites attract. And so they did. It was time to make their undying love
for one another official.

THE PROPOSAL & ENGAGEMENT
Kiran officially proposed to Nina on Valentine’s Day. He secretly flew his and Nina’s parents down to Jacksonville, Florida for the special event. Every minute of the day was a surprise for Nina, which included a vineyard visit and picnic at a fort in St. Augustine.

In a huge park before onlookers, Kiran went down on one knee and popped the question – much to Nina’s surprise. Silence prevailed for a few moments; finally, Nina said yes. They drove back to Jacksonville where the couple’s parents were eagerly waiting with presents, flowers, and champagne. The celebration continued for two days. Amidst this festivity, they got engaged.

Nina and her mother were the wedding planners. That’s what led to a perfect event with a personal touch. The two unanimously wanted a very modern and classy event. After the engagement, they had eight months to plan the 5-day event.Theybegan with the selection ofa venue, next the wedding date, and finally ashopping trip to India.

VENUE
Nina and Kiran tied the knot in Fort Lauderdale where Nina’s family resides. With its gorgeous ballrooms, expansive garden terrace and a breathtaking ocean view, the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort and Spa was the perfect choice for the event.

BRIDAL ATTIRE
The bridal dresses were custom-made in Delhi. The burgundy and champagne lehnga was richly embedded with gold jewels from Chandni Chowk. The reception lehnga from CTC Plaza was an iridescent blue-green color, mermaid-cut with beautiful Swarovski crystal embellishments. Nina’s mehndi and sangeet dress was a salmon and olive colored lehnga, embroidered with Swarovski crystals. Her gold kundan jewelry was purchased in Delhi. Her diamond jewelry, set in platinum, included long dangling chandelier earrings and an intricate diamond necklace from JKJ Jewelers of Jaipur.

BRIDE’S HAIR AND MAKEUP
Sumaiya Waheed was Nina’s make-up artist, and she chose strong brown and maroon shades for Nina’s wedding look. Nina’s hair was kept in an up-do style as she wore a dupatta. For the reception, Nina’s hair remained in an up-do style, but not as high. Her elegant French twist was dressed-up with a bluish-purple orchid.

For the mehndi and sangeet evening, Nina wore vibrant colors to match her colorful olive/salmon lehnga. She left her hair down with flowing curls adorned by diamond-studded bobby pins.

PRE-WEDDING FUNCTIONS
Mehndi and the ladies sangeet was held at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort and Spa, the night before the wedding ceremony. Two large orange and fuchsia draped canopy tents housed Moroccan lounge furniture, pouf seating as well as lanterns, candles, hookahs, and camels to create the perfect Moroccan ambience. Large crystal candelabras placed as centerpieces were draped in ivy and hanging crystals. Surrounding the centerpieces were Moroccan style candles and votives.

Nine live chef food stations were in place for the event serving Indian dishes alongside Mexican and Italian cuisine.

NAmber and gold sheer tablecloths and chair sashes brought cohesion to the whole room. Amber and fuchsia lighting throughout the room and a custom monogram with the wedding couple’s names revolving around the ballroom were the highlights of the evening. Comedian Paul Singh from Washington, DC was flown in to provide entertainment.

THE WEDDING CEREMONY
The wedding ceremony took place in an oceanfront ballroom bearing nontraditional décor yet in a classic theme. A gold and red mandap was built out of fabric and floral decors, and tall clear vases filled with orchids served as aisle markers with red pomander balls on top.

To the tune of Dulhe Raja, the groom entered the mandap with his sister and cousins covering his face so as not to allow him to see the bride walk down the aisle. With Teri Ore from the movie Singh is Kingg playing in the background, flower girls threw rose petals as Nina made her way down the aisle. She was escorted by her closest male relatives who held a floral red and gold sheer sheet (phoole ki chadaar) over her head.

The groom entered the mandap with his sister and cousins covering his face so as not to allow him to see the bride walk down the aisle. Flower girls spread rose petals down the way while Nina made an appearance. She was escorted by her closest male relatives who held a floral red and gold sheer sheet (phoole ki chadaar) over her head.

Complete explanation of the Hindu Vedic ceremony was printed on the program sheet for the guests.

COCKTAIL HOUR
Held on the garden terrace of the Marriott, the cocktail hour took place with a picturesque backdrop of the ocean. The highlight of the menu was the wedding couple’s signature drink – Kirina, a hybrid of Kiran and Nina. It was a mango mojito, which combined Kiran’s love for mangoes and Nina’s adoration for mojitos.

The couple showcased a three-minute video skit, which they shot with a UFC theme and music from Rocky. Kiran and Nina appeared as fighters on screen and challenged each other with jokes. The video made the guests break into laughter. The bride and groom also gave an admirable Rumba-Indian dance performance.

In a unique twist, the couple displayed a Zap Shots presentation. Candid photographs of the guests from various wedding events were projected on screens. The guests enjoyed seeing themselves in different moods.

RECEPTION
The colors for the reception were purple, blue and white. The entire ceiling was draped with white sheer swags. Instead of a traditional bride-groom stage, a white lounge was placed for the couple in the center of the room. The dance floor was given a diamond shape and was displayed with the couple’s custom monogram.

Royal purple linens with gold shimmer on each table matched chair sashes. Deep blue-purple LED lighting in the room added to the cool and chic look of the ballroom. The centerpieces were tall clear vases with purple-colored water and floating orchids. The floral arrangement was a full round purple hydrangeas, purple roses, orchids and lilies. Each centerpiece was accented with pin-spot lighting and surrounded by an abundance of candles.

Outside the reception hall, the large foyer displayed wedding photographs of the couple’s parents in black and white stood along with a photograph of the bride and groom in-between.

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

About The Author

Loretta Champion Johnson and Kimberly Reckert provide Venue Sourcing/Hotel Accommodations with HelmsBriscoe. Since 1992, HelmsBriscoe has earned the reputation as the global leader in venue site selection. They work diligently to match clients with the best venue at the best value based on their specific requirements. Whether you are a wedding planner working for a couple, or coordinating your own event, they can help secure a venue and block at the hotel that best accommodates your needs, budget and location! Email KReckert@HelmsBriscoe.com and LChampJohn@HelmsBriscoe.com for more information.

Venue Vendor Guide
The following is not an extensive list, but a list of venues that participated in the Desh Videsh Media Group survey.
Atlanta Marriott Perimeter Center Hotel Contact: Regenia McLean 770-730-3720 Where: 246 Perimeter Center Parkway NE, Atlanta, GA 30346 Guest Rooms: 344 Banquet Hall Capacity: 6412 and 2595 of pre function space Email: regenia.r.mclean@marriott.com Web: www.marriott.com/ATLPC	Hilton Orlando – Altamonte Springs Contact: Jim Donovan 407-830-1985 Where: 350 South Northlake Blvd, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701-5389 Banquet Hall Capacity: 6,720 Sq Ft Email: jim.donovan@hilton.com Web: www.orlandoaltamontesprings.hilton.com
Gaylord Palms Resort Contact: Pam Becker 407-586-2248 Where: 6000 W Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee, FL 34746-4414 Guest Rooms: 1416 Banquet Hall Capacity: 46,000 Sq Ft Email: pbecker@gaylordhotels.com Web: www.gaylordpalms.com	Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Contact: 407-597-3600 Where: 14100 Bonnet Creek Resort Ln, Orlando, FL 32821-4024Guest Rooms: 1009 Banquet Hall Capacity: 36,000 Sq Ft Email: bonnetcreekweddings@hilton.com Web: www.hiltonbonnetcreek.com
Bonaventure Resort & Spa Contact: Giselle Roach 954-349-5606 Where: 250 Racquet Club Rd, Weston, FL 33326-1114 Email: groach@bonaventurefl.com Web: www.bonaventureresortandspa.com	Innisbrook Golf and Spa Resort Contact: Melissa Davidson 727-942-5541 Where: 36750 Us Highway 19 N, Palm Harbor, FL 34684-1239 Banquet Hall Capacity: 200-800 guests Email: ccorbett@innisbrookresort.com Web: www.innisbrookgolfresort.com
Coral Springs Marriott Contact: Jeri-Ann Hart 954-227-4119 Where: 11775 Heron Bay Blvd, Coral Springs, FL 33076-1941 Email: jeriann.hart@atriumhospitality.com Web: www.marriott.com/fllmc	Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort Contact: Barry Rubin 305-949-1300 Where: 16701 Collins Ave, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160-4201 Guest Rooms: 339 Banquet Hall Capacity: 4,800 Sq Ft Email: brubin@newportbeachsideresort.com Web: www.newportbeachsidresort.com
Doubletree by Hilton Sunrise/Sawgrass Contact: Karima Barnes 954-835-3605 Where: 13400 W Sunrise Blvd, Sunrise, FL 33323-0909 Banquet Hall Capacity: 5700 Sq Ft Email: karima.barnes@hilton.com Web: www.sawgrasshotel.com	Novare Events Contact: Hope Nudelman 404-962-8700 Where: 817 W. Peachtree Street NW, Suite 208, Atlanta, GA 30308-1150 Email: hnudelman@novareevents.com Web: www.novareevents.com
Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay Contact: Caitlin Schmedeke 813-207-6630 Where: 2900 Bayport Dr, Tampa, FL 33607-1479 Guest Rooms: 444 Banquet Hall Capacity: 10,502 Sq Ft Email: caitlin.schmedeke@hyatt.com Web: www.grandhyatttampabay.com	Palm Beach Gardens Marriott Contact: Morgan Smith 561-630-1304 Where: 4000 RCA Blvd, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410-4233 Email: morgan.smith@marriott.com Web: www.marriott.com/PBIPG
Gulf Stream Park Contact: Ray Briels 954-475-6957 Where: 901 S Federal Hwy, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009-7124 Banquet Hall Capacity: 14,000 Sq Ft Email: ray.briels@gulfstreampark.com Web: www.gulfstreampark.com	Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley Contact: Vanessa Jackson 919-571-5345 Where: 4500 Marriott Drive, Raleigh, NC 27612-3365 Email: v.jackson@marriott.com Web: www.raleighmarriott.com
Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa Contact: Kia Guilford 954-766-6128 Where: 3030 Holiday Dr, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316-2414 Guest Rooms: 650 Banquet Hall Capacity: 14,900 Sq Ft (1800 people) Email: harborbeachcateringsales@marriott.com Web: www.marriottharborbeachweddings.com	Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel Contact: Tammie Guthrie 770-953-4500Where: 2450 Galleria Pkwy Se, Atlanta, GA 30339-3130Guest Rooms: 522Banquet Hall Capacity: 16,000 Sq FtEmail: tammie.guthrie@renaissancehotels.comWeb: www.renaissancewaverly.com
Hilton Charlotte Center City Contact: Tracy Suit 704-331-4380 Where: 222 E. Third Street, Charlotte, NC 28202-2315 Guest Rooms: 400 Banquet Hall Capacity: 11,070 Sq Ft Email: tracy.suit@hiltoncentercity.com Web: www.charlottebestwedding.com	St. Augustine Renaissance Contact: Emiliana Mes 904-940-8635Where: 500 S Legacy Trl, St Augustine, FL 32092-2719Email: emiliana.mes@atriumhospitality.comWeb: www.marriott.com/JAXBR
Hilton Daytona Beach Contact: Tiler Theisen 386-254-8200 Where: 100 N Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118-4204 Banquet Hall Capacity: 8675 Sq. Ft. Email: ttheisen@daytonahilton.com Web: www.daytonahilton.com	Waldorf Astoria Orlando Contact: Daniele Spano 407-597-5500 Where: 14200 Bonnet Creek Resort LN, Orlando, FL 32821-4024 Guest Rooms: 502 Banquet Hall Capacity: 8000 Sq Ft with 4500 Sq pre function space Email: bonnetcreekweddings@hilton.com Web: www.waldorfastoriaorlando.com
Hilton Orlando Contact: Teresa Bernstein 407-313-8458 Where: 6001 Destination Parkway, Orlando, FL 32819-8117 Guest Rooms: 1424 Banquet Hall Capacity: 100–1,000+ guests Email: Teresa.bernstein@hilton.com Web: www.thehiltonorlando.com
Tips from Wedding Professionals “Single most important factor in choosing a wedding venue: The venue’s reputation and the feeling of excitement at seeing the venue for the first time and your first thought is “this is MY wedding venue” Pam Becker Gaylord Palms Resort “The most important wedding factor in choosing a wedding venue is how the venue makes you feel. Not only the atmosphere it provides, but the people who work there and will service your wedding. It’s important to pay a little extra for the experience your guests will receive, as you are hosting them for this special weekend.” Caitlin Schmedeke Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay “While price is always an important factor; service, package inclusions and added benefits are also essential when comparing venues. The Hilton Charlotte Center City has a variety of packages and unique ceremony locations to accommodate your vision.” Tracy Suit Hilton Charlotte Center City “When choosing a wedding venue, I advise to look for experience with Indian Weddings. Understanding the culture and rituals helps allows the venue to become a true partner in proposing space, planning the details, and thinking strategically to anticipate the needs of the family during this special time.” Teresa Bernstein Hilton Orlando “When choosing your wedding venue the most important tips are to know what location you are looking for and ensuring the location can accommodate the amount guests you are wanting to have.” Barry Rubin Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort “We believe it’s important to select a venue that has a team of experts who understand South Asian Weddings and fully embrace the rich cultural traditions. We put our clients at ease knowing they are in experienced, creative, capable and caring hands. Our clients become a part of our Renaissance Waverly family!” Tammie Guthrie Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel

Perfect Wedding Venue

Budget

Atlanta Marriott Perimeter Center Hotel

Hilton Orlando – Altamonte Springs

Gaylord Palms Resort

Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek

Bonaventure Resort & Spa

Innisbrook Golf and Spa Resort

Coral Springs Marriott

Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort

Doubletree by Hilton Sunrise/Sawgrass

Novare Events

Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay

Palm Beach Gardens Marriott

Gulf Stream Park

Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley

Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel

Hilton Charlotte Center City

St. Augustine Renaissance

Hilton Daytona Beach

Waldorf Astoria Orlando

Hilton Orlando

Pam Becker

Caitlin Schmedeke

Tracy Suit

Teresa Bernstein

Barry Rubin

Tammie Guthrie

Wedding Professionals

Jeri-Ann Hart

Hope Nudelman

Karima Barnes

Morgan Smith

Caitlin Schmedeke

Vanessa Jackson

Ray Briels

Emiliana Mes

Daniele Spano

Tiler Theisen

Teresa Bernstein