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 meaning.

For those who have planned a South Asian wedding in the US, the experience is an emotional one sure to try your patience and test your relationships. With multiple events and a large guest list, the possibilities to truly flaunt your personality and feed your creative side are endless. The MyShadi Bridal Expos fuel that desire giving couples and their families a firsthand look at the latest trends in event and wedding planning.

Each year, Desh Videsh Media Group hosts bridal expos in Georgia and Florida, giving couples an opportunity to meet with a variety of vendors in one afternoon and reduce some of the stress associated with wedding or event planning. Instead of spending several weekends meeting with a long list of vendors, couples and their families can narrow their choices to their favorites or even finalize their selection. For those in the throes of wedding planning, being able to switch focus to a select few preferred vendors is truly an achievement.

On their end, the vendors go above and beyond to showcase the products and services they offer, be it event planning, décor, photography/ videography, catered food and cakes, invitations, mehndi, and more. Caterers serve delectable food samples, giving attendees a taste of the type of cuisine they could book for their wedding. Photographers wow brides and their families, hoping to enamor them with poignant photographs that capture truly remarkable moments. Mehndi (henna) and makeup artists gave brides a firsthand look at possible styles for their special day during live demonstrations.

Walk into a MyShadi Bridal Expo and the magic of a South Asian celebration immediately feeds the senses. With elaborate, colorful mandaps and sample reception tables set up around the exhibit hall, attendees can get their creative juices flowing and attack their to-do list with unbridled enthusiasm. With so many ideas set forth by vendors and displays around the exhibit hall, brides and attendees leave the Expo with plenty of ideas for their events.

One of the highlights of each MyShadi Bridal Expo is the designer fashion shows. Models strut down the runway showing off gorgeous, modern saris and intricately designed lenghas from some of the region’s exclusive and well-known clothing and jewelry boutiques. Some clothing and jewelry vendors join the Expo from as far as London and India, so attendees really do get a look at the latest styles and fashions.

Desh-Videsh thanks Platinum Sponsors Tampa Marriott Waterside Marina & Spa, Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel, Bonaventure Resort & Spa, Hilton Orlando, My Shadi, and The Arpan Group as well as all participating vendors for yet another successful year of MyShadi Bridal Expos!

For more information about the MyShadi Bridal Expo, call Desh-Videsh at (954) 784-8100 ext. 200 or send an email to info@deshvidesh.com

About the Author: Rina Shah is the CEO and founder of The Arpan Group, a boutique ad agency and public relations firm that specializes in developing campaigns to capture untouched ethnic markets. From press releases and media kits to marketing materials and by-line articles, The Arpan Group customizes solutions based specifically on the client’s needs. For more information about The Arpan Group, visit www.thearpangroup.com or call (703) 651-6670.

Half an hour before doors were set to open, excited brides, moms, and (even some dads!) were lined up in front of the ballroom entrance at the Hilton Orlando. The 2015 Orlando MyShadi Bridal Expo, which showcased the latest in South Asian wedding and event trends, kicked off to a great start as couples and their families filled the ballroom, complete with checklists and tote bags in hand.

Planning a South Asian wedding is no small feat, with multiple events and a large guest list to accommodate. Most families want to keep traditional components, while couples are likely looking for ways to infuse modern trends and flaunt their personalities. The MyShadi Bridal Expo offers couples and their families a firsthand look at the latest trends in event and wedding planning in one afternoon, without having to schlep across town for weekends on end.

Elaborate mandaps and upbeat music, provided by Dudha Productions along with Dholi Mitul Gandhi, created an elegant, yet energetic, ambiance as attendees perused over 100 vendor booths looking for ideas and hoping to finalize wedding details. Some couples attending this year’s Orlando Expo were in the beginning stages of planning, so the show was the perfect place to get ideas and meet with a lot of different vendors. For couples further along in the planning process, they were able to focus on a select few preferred vendors and finalize plans.

A wide variety of vendors graced the floor of the exhibit hall displaying their products and services and inviting attendees to stop and learn more. From caterers serving delectable food samples to photographers poignant images, couples gained a true sense of what each vendor offered. Two designer fashion shows by Florida’s own, Traditions Boutique and LeTrend Boutique, showcased the lastest in bridal and formal wear trends. The models looked gorgeous in their stunning outfits, and the perfect hair and makeup thanks to the Michele Renee The Studio team.

A highlight of this year’s Orlando MyShadi Bridal Expo, was the Destination Wedding Pavilion hosted by Proficient Travel. Several venues, including Amresorts Hotels, Barceló Resorts , Hard Rock AIC, Palladium Hotels and Paradisus Resorts, were on hand to answer questions about planning destination weddings and honeymoons. The Pavilion was popular with Expo attendees, especially since more and more couples choose to plan their big days in exotic locales.
Last but not least, Desh-Videsh congratulates Nikun Events Company, winner of the Booth Decoration competition and the Straz Center for Performing Arts Center, winner of the Vendor Facebook raffle. Look for profiles of both winners in the next wedding issue.

Desh-Videsh thanks Platinum Sponsors Hilton Orlando, My Shadi, and The Arpan Group as well as all participating vendors for yet another successful MyShadi Bridal Expo! See you in 2016! Dates and locations to be announced soon.

Dazzling mandaps, gorgeous bridal wear, and the buzz of excited couples were a part of each of the MyShadi Bridal Expos this year. Couples along with their families and bridal parties attended the bridal show in the hopes of marking items off their wedding-to-do checklist. With a wide variety of vendors, from banquet halls and photographers to decorators and makeup artists, couples were able to meet with many different vendors all in one afternoon.

Fashion shows by the region’s exclusive boutiques offered attendees a look at the latest trends in bridalwear. Well-known DJs created the perfect ambiance in the hall with a listen to a mix of popular Bollywood and Top 40 hits. A festive and celebratory feeling in the air created the perfect background for the MyShadi Bridal Expo, putting all attendees in the mood for wedding and party planning!

This year, a Destination Wedding Pavilion, co-hosted by Proficient Travel, was a part of each show and attendees loved the new addition. Offering couples and families a look at options for planning a destination wedding, the Pavilion brought together venues in Mexico and the Caribbean as well as travel experts.

For a look at what to expect at the MyShadi Bridal Expo, visit www.myshadibridalexpo.com and click on Past Events.

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

Indian Wedding decorators

Indian Wedding DJs

Indian Wedding caterers

Indian Wedding venues

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

Myshadi Bridal Expo in Orlando

Myshadi Bridal Expo in Fort Lauderdale

Myshadi Bridal Expo in Raleigh

Myshadi Bridal Expo in Atlanta

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 most difficult decisions during the planning process. The venue should not only be able to comfortably host guests, but also be a reflection of the couple’s personality. Venues are not one size fit all – a space that is the perfect choice for one couple may be limiting for another.

Though there are many available choices for a wedding venue, most couples have a general idea of how they want the day to unfold as well as the look and feel of the event. Kim Johnston, Director of Catering at the Marriott Palm Beach Gardens in Florida, believes that seeing the venue in person is most helpful. Choosing a venue can be a “’we’ll know it when we see it’ moment. Everyone has a vision of their perfect venue. Choose a venue where you are the focus of their attention. If you don’t want to be one of many events, but one-of-a-kind, pick a venue that accommodates that special request.”

Narrowing the Choices

Couples should begin by creating a list of their top choices. Start with your budget. Be reasonable in what you can afford while still comfortably hosting your guests. While some venues provide linen and décor services or catering, others may not, so factor these items into your budget. Consider the main aspects of a venue needed to make it your ideal space – high ceilings, lots of light, outdoor options, in-house or outside catering, accommodations, hometown or a destination wedding, etc. Andrea Constatinou, Senior Sales Catering Manager at the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek & Waldorf Astoria Orlando adds, “Be selective in the number of venues that you visit. Don’t go crazy visiting more than 3-4 venues – as often this just causes confusion.”

When considering from the many options available, couples should focus on:

Guest list: Along with venue, this item ranks high on the list of priorities. While the number does not need to be exact, a strong estimate will help establish the size of venue needed as well as other basics like invitations, catering, and accommodations.

Logistics: Will guests be from the local area or from out-of-town? Will all events be held in once place or at multiple sites? Will the events be indoors or outdoors? What time of day will the event take place? Take all of these into account as you narrow the possibilities.

Catering: Take a look at options for food and drink. Do you have dietary or cultural restrictions? Will you need an outside caterer?

Style: Part of the fun of planning a wedding is the perfect opportunity to show off your personality. While the idea of hosting a wedding in the lobby of an art museum might sound appealing, be sure toconsider all the logistics. Will the space hold not only the guests, but also equipment for caterers? If your fantasy venue is not possible, find ways to infuse your style. As you visit venues, ask the catering or event manager to help you visualize different layouts and unique options.

For South Asian weddings, couples should carefully consider whether the venue is aware of and can accommodate cultural needs. Teresa Bernstein, Director of Catering at the Hilton Orlando in Florida shares, “We have conversations with the family to and talk through the various cultural needs and expectations to ensure we are all on the same page. The Hilton Orlando is very familiar with cultural weddings, and we take pride is exceeding our guests expectations by immersing ourselves in the culture. The entire Hotel is engaged throughout the process, which permeates throughout the wedding.”

Preparing for First Visit

Once the list of venues has been narrowed down, begin making appointments to see the space in person. Be sure to allow adequate time to walk through the property and ask all of your questions. Michelle Shulman, Marketing Director at the Bonaventure Resort & Spa in Weston, Florida, also advises couples to “have an outline of what you think you would like your dream wedding to encompass. Use Pinterest and magazines with pictures of what you would like. The more details the better.” Catering and event managers have an eye both for detail and for how a space can be transformed, so share your ideas and thoughts for your wedding vision.

Be sure to have an approximate number of guests, number of events, and list of date options with you. The more details you are able to provide, the more comprehensive the proposal, which will give you a good sense of pricing and services. Rick Galipault, Director of Catering at Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor, Florida, reminds couples to “Be consistent in what you ask for so any proposals you receive are true ‘apples to apples’ comparisons.” By asking the same questions at each venue, couples will be able to adequately compare the price, size, room options, and catering to get a better of sense of which space is truly the right fit.

Favorite Wedding Moments

The experts share their favorite wedding moments.

Bernstein: I always admire the fact that I get to meet so many family members since the marriage symbolizes not only the union of the Bride and Groom, but also the two families. I love getting to know both sides of the family and seeing the love that goes into planning the Bride and Groom’s special day.

Constantinou: The first look…I love that moment when a couple sees each other for the first time privately…I still tear up.

Galipault: I really enjoy the Baraats; the enthusiasm and joy put into the Baraat is always amazing to see!

Johnston: When I finally get to see the bride and groom in their traditional wedding attire. So beautiful, so colorful!

Shulman: The Baraat, hands down. The joy, the music, the color and the elephant!

Featured Venues

Special thanks to the properties, all of which are well-versed in hosting successful Indian weddings, for participating in this article.

Bonaventure Resort & Spa
www.BonaventureResortandSpa.com

Innisbrook Resort & Golf Club
www.innisbrookresort.com

Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek and Waldorf Astoria Orlando
www.hiltonorlandobonnetcreek.com
www.waldorfastoriaorlando.com

Hilton Orlando
www.thehiltonorlando.com

Marriott Palm Beach Gardens
www.Marriott.com/PBIPG

About the Author
Rina Shah is the CEO and founder of The Arpan Group, a boutique ad agency and public relations firm that specializes in capturing untouched ethnic markets. From press releases and media kits to marketing materials and by-line articles, The Arpan Group customizes solutions based on the client’s needs. For more information, visit www.thearpangroup.com or call (703) 651-6670.

Though doctors may be able to diagnose and know instinctively what is going on with the body, matters of the heart and love are entirely different. Ask Payal and Parag, who knew each other for months before they even began to date. Although both are doctors, the symptoms of love were not obvious to either. After a few months of friendship, Parag and Payal let it all go and went out on a date.

On one of their many adventures together, Parag thought the destination – the San Diego Botanic Gardens – would be an appropriate setting to propose. Even though Payal suspected the proposal would be coming, she really had no idea exactly when. So, when Parag got down on one knee, the moment was nothing like Payal had imagined.

After an engagement that lasted for a little over a year, the wedding was finally drawing near. Relying on friends and family rather than a wedding consultant, Payal and her troop had plenty of work cut out for them. The most taxing part was for Payal, who had to make four trips to Orlando from Houston to get things in place. This was followed by countless emails and phone calls to ensure all details were finalized. With friends, aunts and uncles willing to step in for her, planning was made much easier.

With the bride’s family traveling from Alabama and the groom’s family flying in from Canada, the couple chose to have a destination wedding in Orlando. The Hilton Lake Buena Vista was chosen as the ideal wedding venue.

The first of the functions was the garba. With nearly 300 guests attending, the Rawal Brothers provided live music and encouraged all to sway in complete abandon. Fuschia parasols, blue and fushcia drapes, and amber lights provided a myriad of different shades that offset the mood. A statue of Radha-Krishna along with dancing Ganesh statues adorned the venue alongside peacock statues.

The wedding ceremony was held in the morning in the venue’s ballroom. The popular Jodha Akbar theme was chosen for the decor, and accentuated with drapes, flowers and lights. The bride came carried in a doli by her uncles, and before long, Parag and Payal were pronounced man and wife. With Ganesh motifs decorating the programs, each guest followed along the ceremony every step of the way. The newly married couple was then whisked away in a grand horse carriage.

The reception was a sophisticated affair. With crystals and vases, flower arrangements and wreaths, LED lights and the predominant use of teal as the color of the evening, the atmosphere was surreal. The food was delectable, and a lavish spread ensured every taste bud in the room would be thrilled. Cocktails, a visual presentation, skit and dances were just some of the special moments. With grand music played by DJ Firoz throughout the events and creative conceptualization and execution by Suhaag Gardens on the decor, the event was seamless and smooth.

Payal opines that you leave things to chance eventually and sit back and enjoy it, or you will never have fun at your wedding. The wedding is not just about you, but also about the special people who have travel miles to be with you. Payal especially wants to remember all the special people who made this possible – the photographers Digital Dreams, make-up and hair stylists, and the team at the Hilton headed by Rachel Sitter, who coordinated all details. After all, a wedding is not a single-handed project, but the sum total of efforts put in by many tireless hands!

BEAUTICIANS/COSMETICIAN Alladins Magic 321-201-0518 Q Salon 407-253-2828 qsalonorlando@aol.com BRIDE AND GROOM CLOTHING Preranas Boutique 407-240-7353  sagar05142@aol.com ENTERTAINMENT Fred Astaire Dance Studios 713-871-1300  Orlando Belly Dance 407-579-9765 Saree Palace  Anand 011-91-269-2251003 info@sareepalaceanand.com CAKE RW Chocolate Fountain 407-443-0779 Whole Foods Market 407-355-7100 DISC JOCKEY Dudha Productions 727-523-0786 Khasiyat 407-888-2147 bhanuchavda13@yahoo.com Horse and Carriage High Horse Carriage Rides Inc 386-334-4386 MANDAP/DECORATIONS Suhaag Gardens 813-478-9283 PHOTOGRAPHER Digital Dream Studio 407-791-6064 PRIEST/WORSHIP SERVICES Mahesh Gor 407-699-7966 dharinigor_17@hotmail.com RESTAURANT/CATERING  Aashirwad Indian Cuisine 407-370-9830 VENUE Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista 407-827-4000  VIDEOGRAPHER Digital Dream Studio 407-791-6064  WEDDING INVITATIONS Sarvoday Cards 011-91-269-6259401

Although Hema and Anand had known each other for a long time, it took three years of spending time together and getting to know one other for the two to take a step toward wedded bliss. After coming up with a few different surprise proposal scenarios, Anand finally decided to propose at a mutual friend’s house. There he arrived on a boat and took Hema for a ride. Once out on the water, Anand got down on one knee and proposed with a full audience waiting ashore.

Hema and her family did the initial wedding planning, but along the way, they decided to hire professionals Eventually Yours to handle intricate details, negotiate better with vendors, and handle the day-to-day wedding coordination.

In May, Orlando became the center of activity as close to five hundred guests descended on the city to wish the couple well. Celebrations began with a sangeet where grandeur and enjoyment were the clear highlights. A vibrant Moroccan theme, low seating, rich fabrics and hand painted backdrops were just some of the elements that went into the first of many special events.

The day of the wedding was bound to be special when the couple, so much in love, made a life-altering promise to love, live, and enjoy their lives together. In almost characteristic fashion, the hall in the hotel was transformed into a palatial setting, with a special raised platform and pedestals. The colors for the occasion were rust, red and matted gold. There were also generous amounts of rose petals and floating candles strewn about to add to the surreal effect. Ceremony programs made in beige gold were placed at all tables detailing each step of the rituals. With a DJ playing music and family and friends singing auspicious songs through the wedding, the bride arrived and the ceremony was underway.

At the reception later that evening, flowers, crystals and candles set the mood for what the celebration to come. Neutral lights, with vases that were tall, delicately shaped and small all added special touches and added spark to the atmosphere in many places. With curtains completing the cascading look, the area was a sight to behold. Indian and American music welcomed everyone warmly, with a special father/daughter dance and a mother/son dance too.

While planning for a wedding is not simple, Hema suggests that you look forward to the wedding, remember that everything will go well, and everything in which you have invested will pay off. Although you may envision some nightmare scenarios, only sweet dreams followed by a magical wedding will regale everyone present.

BEAUTICIANS/COSMETICIAN Lejune Artistry 407-625-9556 EVENT PLANNER Event Fully Yours 407-489-7699 LIGHTING PSAV Presentation Services 407-996-7220  MANDAP/DECORATIONS Occasions By Shangri-La 407-963-6720  PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER Sona Photography 407-694-6032  RENTAL SERVICES  A Chair Affair Inc 386-479-4308 RESTAURANT/CATERING Tabla Bar And Grill 407-248-9400 VENUE Hilton-Orlando 407-313-8458  VIDEOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY 760 Studios 772-559-7388  www.760studios.com