Elaborate mandaps and upbeat music created an elegant, yet energetic, ambiance as attendees perused over 80 vendor booths looking for ideas and hoping to finalize wedding details. Being able to meet with a variety of vendors in one afternoon was the highlight for most brides. “No words can describe how unbelievably excited I am for the Desh-Videsh MyShadi Bridal Expo at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center! I’m so ready to scratch off the list of vendors we need for our wedding!” exuded an enthusiastic bride, Krystal Jaikaran.

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. Caterers served delectable food samples, giving attendees a taste of the type of cuisine they could book for their wedding. Photographers wowed brides and their families, who were enamored with poignant photographs that captured truly remarkable memories.

 Mehndi (henna) and makeup artists gave brides a firsthand look at possible styles for their special day during live demonstrations. This year’s Orlando Expo featured a mehndi competition among the many artists present at the show. The winner of the mehndi competition, Ena Rodriguez of The Henna Studio, wowed judges with her unique and intricate design.

Volcanik Entertainment, the official Orlando MyShadi Bridal Expo DJ, set the tone for the Expo with the latest high-energy, upbeat Bollywood music.

Three strolling fashion shows, sponsored by Traditions by Kresha, LeTrend Boutique, and Dolly Patel, showcased the latest in wedding and formal wear. Models strutted down the runway showing off gorgeous, modern saris and intricately designed lenghas, leaving brides and attendees with plenty of ideas for their events. Needless to say, many walked away from the Expo with arms full of shopping done for the upcoming festival season!

Brides eagerly lined up during the fashion shows for a chance to win fabulous raffle prizes. Recently engaged couple Beverly Thomas and Victor Singh, walked away with the grand prize – two free round trip tickets to India.

Desh-Videsh thanks Platinum Sponsors Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, Occasions by Shangri-la, MyShadi, and The Arpan Group as well as all participating vendors for yet another successful Bridal Expo!

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.

electric smile? Or that her native beauty and lustrous hair could make anyone envious? Unfortunately, while many Indians continue to voice their solidarity for Nina, some are no different from those that pull her down.

It is not just newfound fame and brilliance of the title for which Davuluriis grateful. The next year will keep her on a busy schedule, but she does hope to put her $50,000 scholarship to good use. Unlike some pageant winners, Davuluri is not after a Bollywood future, nor is she in it for the glitz and glamour. She intends to continue her pursuit of medicine, while studying to become a doctor. Congratulations Ms. America and we wish you well on future endeavors.

MyShadi Bridal Expo Orlando 2013 Social Media Winners

This year, Desh-Videsh saw a record number of impressions on social media outlets regarding the MyShadi Bridal Expo. Attendees and Expo exhibitors participating through social media were entered into a raffle. Take a look at the Desh-Videsh Facebook page, and you will see the wonderful pictures and thoughts from the Expo. Thanks so much to all who participated!

Bride/Groom Winner
Congratulations to Krystal Jaikaran for winning the 2013 Orlando MyShadi Bridal Expo Facebook competition. Krystal and her fiancé, Tristan Mangol, will be wed on December 13, 2014. Krystal’s live-blogging during the show was certainly a tremendous help for many other brides and visitors!

Krystal and Tristan won a certificate for a one-night stay at the Orlando World Center Marriott Resort & Convention Center. The certificate also includes Dinner for Two at Siro’s.

Photos provided by the bride, Krystal Jaikaran.

Vendor Winner
Congratulations to Josh Brown of Apollo’s Chariots for winning the vendor Facebook raffle for the 2013 Orlando MyShadi Bridal Expo. Josh participated with various status updates on Facebook, tweets, and even a post on the Apollo’s Chariots blog. Josh will be featured in an advertorial in the next wedding issue of Desh-Videsh Magazine (December 2013). Be sure to pick up your copy to learn more about Josh and Apollo’s Chariots!

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

Miles may separate lovelorn hearts, and years may pass before they even catch a glimpse of one another, but when love is meant to be – it will always find a reason and time. Though Anuradha and her family moved from Trinidad and found a new home in Florida, fate brought Anuradha and Avinash together, simply because true love is stronger than all else. One chance encounter at the Shiva temple and a simple exchange of glances was a sure sign that love had struck.

Ten years after experiencing the bliss of togetherness, Avinash decided it was time to take the relationship to the next level. On the pretext of having Anuradha home for dinner, Avinash arranged for an elaborate candlelight dinner, complete with rose petals carpeting the floor, floating candles and soft music playing gently in the background. The most special snapshot was of Avinash waiting in readiness with a ring in his hand.

With ten months before the final wedding day, there was plenty to accomplish. The task was made even more difficult since the wedding was followed directly by the reception on the same day. Suhaag Gardens stepped in and took responsibility for all décor and overall arrangements, which eased a significant amount of stress.

The wedding was held in Florida, with another reception planned in Trinidad. The Marriott Coral Springs was an ideal venue since the hotel could not only accommodate all guests, but also provided scenic beauty. Although there were smaller pujas and obligatory rituals performed in the days before the wedding, the main celebrations stretched over three days, beginning with a haldi ceremony and followed by a sangeet the following day.

A large Radha Krishna statue welcomed guests to the wedding venue. Upon entering, it was apparent that white was the color of the day, complemented with the use of gold, crystal and colorful flowers. The mandap drew much attention with the use of bright blue and purple drapes. While Avinash had an impressive entourage of cars, the bride came in under an exquisite canopy, while a live band created the right mood with its music.

At the reception, tables and chairs were decorated to feed into the predominant peacock theme. With purple and blue on the tables and matching flower arrangements, the sight was spectacular. Water fountains and rotating peacock statues made the arrangements unique and equally ornate. Even the lights were purple, green and blue. Highlights of the evening include introduction of the bride and groom, speeches, and the fine food.

For those who missed out on the extravaganza in Florida, there was plenty to look forward to back home as the couple celebrated again with a reception in Trinidad. The Lakshmi Narayan Temple came alive with water fountains, tea gardens and fresh décor. This time around, there were even two live peacocks!

There is no shortage of wedding advice, but the couple offers a fresh perspective. They feel that once you have true friendship, love, honesty and respect for one another, all arrangements leading up to the wedding will become much easier and also more enjoyable. It also works when you keep each other well informed and communicate, which will ensure that everyone is heard. The couple stresses that no matter how stressful the event, and despite what may go wrong, you will certainly be left wanting to enjoy the celebrations all over again, so it is best that you take in every moment!

BEAUTICIANS/COSMETICIAN Anju Thaker 954-554-8749  BRIDE-GROOM- LOTHING Frontier Heritage Artesia 562-653-9396 rasija@gmail.com Letrend Boutique 407-288-3304  MANDAP/DECORATIONS  Suhaag Gardens 813-478-9283  PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER Vanessa Hankins Photography 305-890- 8536 Tony E Photography  VENUE Coral Spring Marriot 954-227-4122 WEDDING INVITATIONS  Invites Events 954-797-8022

Risha Krystal Permanan and Stefen Mohammad had a chance meeting. They began dating, and then eight years later Stefen proposed – and he did it in style. On their way to his father and brother’s joint birthday party, Stefen took Risha on a short detour to an undisclosed location. Doors flung open upon their arrival, and they were welcomed by a walkway of rose petals. A stunned Risha turned back to look at Stefen, who had dropped on one knee holding the Tacori ring she longed dreamed about. She said yes and the couple took off for the party where they made the announcement.

The couple planned the wedding on their own, with a lot of help from the notes that Risha had gathered from watching weddings on television and tips from social media sites like Pinterest and Etys. Risha relied on her creativity and imagination to create a wedding that reflected both their personalities. They had to plan two weddings, a Hindu wedding in keeping with Risha’s culture and a Catholic wedding in keeping with Stefen’s culture. Being born and brought up in Trinidad and Tobago, a place known for its multicultural way of life, the couple was able to plan the dual wedding very well. The couple chose South Florida for the wedding.

The Hindu ceremony was held at the South Florida Hindu Temple in Southwest Ranches, Florida, for its divinity and sacredness. The venue could accommodate the 300 invitees comfortably. The post-ceremony dinner was hosted at the attached pavilion. The invitation included verses from the Rig Veda. Music was provided by the Florida Melody Makers headed by Pt. Neil Persad and Mala Samaroo, along with Tassa by the Boodoosingh Tassa Group, and dance was performed by Nirvana Sookdeo.

The Catholic ceremony was held the next day at the beautiful Weston Hills Country Club. The couple married in the garden, under a crystal chandelier, framed with cascading white linen. There were white rosette boxes and crystal vases filled with assorted flowers. Violinist Paulo Diaz provided music for the ceremony. During the cocktail hour that followed the Catholic ceremony, Simon and Gail Rambaran of The Island Band played music.

The reception also took place at the Weston Hills Country Club. The entrance was done in a red carpet style where guests took pictures against a backdrop of the newlywed couple’s photo. The theme was “A Love Story: 10 Years in the Making.” The venue was decorated in purple and crystal. The stage was had a crystal gate with hanging crystal globes and purple linen drapes. There was a white new India love seat set against a white linen backdrop curved on either side to create an intimate picture.

The tables at the reception were covered with floor length special linen in purple satin and silver beaded chargers. Beautiful centerpieces were made using floral wreaths designed in crystal bowls and glass sombrero vases filled with white hydrangeas and roses and lavender roses. Crystals were strung on the sides of the vases. Short pillar candles added to the décor. Rectangle tables were set along the perimeter of the dance floor for the immediate families of the couple. The centerpiece for theses tables were themed “River of Candles” and placed in clusters of 6”, 8” and 10” candles. Cylindrical vases were placed on the table along with lavender flower petals. The venue was lit up with LED lights in shades of purple. For guest, acrylic chairs with lavender satin chair pads were provided.

The couple says that nothing works better than your own imagination while planning your wedding.
Be unique and follow your heart for wedding décor and preparations.

Photos Courtesy: Afrah Productions 305-336-6933 www.afrahproductions.com Vendors PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER Afrah Production 305-336-6933 www.afrahproductions.com BANQUET HALLS Weston Hills Country Club 954-384-4670 www.westonhillsgolfclub.comSouth Florida Hindu Temple 954-252-8802 www.sfht.org BEAUTICIANS/COSMETICIAN Ibrow Studio 954-304-4958 www.sumaiyas.com BOUTIQUES Chhabras Fashions 954-578-0093 chhabrasfashion@hotmail.com Letrend Boutique 407-288-3304 www.letrendboutique.com CAKE We Take The Cake 954 764-2253 www.wetakethecake.com DECORATOR;FLORIST; WEDDING SERVICES Suhaag Gardens 813-478-9283 www.suhaaggarden.com ENTERTAINMENT DJ Ryan 954-274-7174 Instagram/Twitter:@RyanSayeed VIDEOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY S & S Video Productions 954-854-2808

Indian restaurant in South Florida

belly dancer

Cedars restaurant

Mount Etna

world’s most active volcano

Rosanna Barsati and Christopher Fontana, both attorneys, met at a local restaurant in South Florida. A belly dancer by night, Rosanna was performing at Cedars restaurant where Christopher was helping a friend in the kitchen. Christopher asked his friend about Rosanna, the two went on a date, and the rest was history!

After dating for about five months, the couple planned a trip to Sicily, Italy, with Christopher’s parents. Rosanna and Christopher drove to the top of Mount Etna, the world’s most active volcano. While taking in the awe-inspiring scenery, Chris nonchalantly asked Rosanna to marry him. It took a few moments and the drive back down the mountain for it to sink in, but Rosanna knew she was an engaged woman!

Mehndi

Indian Wedding festivities

mehndi celebration

Henry P. Leu Gardens

Indian wedding ceremony

Indian Chutney music

Wedding festivities began with a mehndi celebration at Rosanna’s mother’s home. Rosanna’s mom and family decorated the home while tassa drum and hit music created a festive atmosphere.

Given the couple is from the Orlando area, they chose the Henry P. Leu Gardens to be their wedding venue. Rosanna’s favorite flower is the rose, so it was only fitting they married in the venue’s Rose Garden! Decor was kept simple as the garden was so picturesque with handmade touches to the arch by Rosanna’s mother and friends. Rosanna’s father was the officiant for the wedding ceremony adding a meaningful and personal touch to the occasion.

The dinner and reception were held at the place where it all began – Cedars Restaurant! Rosanna’s mom and friends created beautiful centerpieces of pink and white roses. The bride and groom danced to the classic Frank Sinatra song “Fly Me to the Moon.” Guests celebrated into the night to a medley of Arabic, top 40s Reggaeton, and Indian Chutney music.

Rosanna and Christopher assure couples planning a wedding quickly that it can be done, so don’t stress when planning the wedding of your dreams!

Indian BANQUET HALLS

Rose Garden Of The Harry P. Leu Gardens

Indian BEAUTICIANS-COSMETICIAN

Michele Renee Hair & Makeup Artist Group

Indian Boutique

Le Trend Boutique

INDIAN DISC JOCKEY

Krish Entertainment

INDIAN WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHY

Peter Nguyen Photography

INDIAN RESTAURANT/CATERING

WEDDING ALBUM

Elegant Wedding Album

Tejal Henna Florida

BANQUET HALLS Rose Garden Of The Harry P. Leu Gardens 407-246-3681 | BEAUTICIANS / COSMETICIAN Michele Renee Hair & Makeup Artist Group 813-531-7770 | BOUTIQUES Le Trend Boutique 407-288-3304 | CAKE Valhalla Bakery 407-613-5968 | DISC JOCKEY Krish Entertainment 352-299-0743 | FLORIST Town Center Florist 407-859-7673 | MEHNDI Tejal Henna 407-415-7994 | PHOTOGRAPHER Peter Nguyen Photography 714-655-2144 | RESTAURANT/CATERING Cedars Restaurant 407-351-6000 | WEDDING ALBUM Elegant Wedding Album 954-784-8100 X 207

Michele Renee Hair & Makeup Artist Group

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Le Trend Boutique

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Peter Nguyen Photography

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