They were brought together by garba. And a surprise trip to Venice took their relationship to the next level. A proposal under the Rialto Bridge, an engagement ceremony in India, and a grand wedding in Atlanta – Shruti and Hiren’s wedding is a fascinating fairy tale, indeed!

Thanks to Amit, a mutual friend of Shruti and Hiren Patel, the two met on a garba dance floor. They enjoyed many garba dances together for the years that followed. Long phone calls brought the duo closer, and the friendship kept blooming.

With a week long vacation coming soon, Shruti planned to spend time with Hiren’s family. Hiren picked her up and on way to home, he unfolded the first layer of surprise in store for Shruti. He revealed that the two wouldn’t be staying at home all week; instead, they would be leaving for a trip the next evening. Shruti could only think of a couple of places in the United States where they would probably go. It turns out that Hiren planned a romantic trip to Venice, Italy. His plan was perfect, and even Shruti’s family knew what was in store for the couple. The trip was not the last surprise in store for Shruti. Once in Venice, Hiren scheduled a gondola ride. As they approached the famous Rialto Bridge, Hiren got down on one knee and proposed to Shruti. In one of the world’s most romantic and picturesque spots, the answer could only be “yes.”

A few months later, the two had an official engagement ceremony in India. Shruti and Hiren planned to tie the knot later in the United States, and it was only then that they realized the difficult task ahead. Both families agreed that Atlanta would be the best option. With only a few months to plan, it wasn’t an easy to find a venue that could accommodate the expected number of guests and also be available on the desired date. Finally, the couple chose Marriott Marquis in the heart of Atlanta. While the exterior of the hotel was not too impressive, the beauty of hotel’s Atrium Banquet Hall struck the couple.

Attire

For the wedding, Shruti opted for a choli, which was adorned with green, red, and gold designs on a white background. The blouse was a corset style, boat neck, with short sleeves. Her jewelry was a mix of real gold pieces along with some additional matching pieces, all of which came from Gujarat. Hiren wore a dhoti salwar with red embroidery on a white background to match Shruti’s trousseau.
Shruti’s hair was beautifully styled up for the ceremony. For the reception, she chose to keep her beautiful curls down and flowing. Traditional and elegant makeup gave a pleasing angelic touch to the beautiful bride. Aarti Amin, the hair and makeup stylist, is an expert in making brides look natural.

Raas, Garba and Sangeet
As the couple’s love story began with garba, it was fitting that the duo organized the sangeet portion of the pre-wedding events as a raas garba. A garba singing group, which was from India on a tour around the US, added much life and festivity to the event.

Décor
An aisle lined with pillars of vases embellished with fresh flowers including green goddess callas, hydrangea and roses, was displayed to welcome guests. A golden arch gate trailed up to a golden mandap draped with burgundy satin drapes on the face and gold sheer drape as the backdrop. The mandap also had a clear ceiling layered with a carpet of fresh rose petals.

During the planning phase, the couple decided on a red and gold theme, but left the details to expert decorators from Shangri La, who suggested a peacock theme for the reception party. The professionals proved their worth, and the end result was much better than expected.

For the reception party, tall vases with a beautiful arrangement of peacock feathers, gold curly willow branches, and fresh purple and blue orchids were displayed throughout the hall. Some tables were adorned with square transparent vases, all of which were filled with white orchids and teal colored water.

A professional disc jockey set the mood for the party, and the couple’s friend, Charles, surprised all by becoming the emcee for the evening, making the night even more delightful! Performances by friends and family from both sides surprised one and all. With a beautiful amalgamation of dances and skits, friends and families truly showcased the love story of Shruti and Hiren.

Royal arrival
A special highlight of the ceremony was the way in which both Shruti and Hiren made their wedding entrance. Shruti arrived in a golden-ivory open doli, which was carried by her maternal uncles and brothers.

Hiren’s arrival was no less royal. He arrived with the jaan in a full-fledged vargadhodo, followed by a wireless DJ and horse and carriage. Two downtown Atlanta streets were closed for two hours, and police escorted the groom as he was followed by a procession of friends and family dancing and enjoying every moment.

Happily Ever After
Each and every guest left the magical event with a set of custom-made personalized shot glasses that double as candle holders. This was an ideal memento from the love-birds and their families to mark the auspicious day.

Shruti, with a big smile on her face, sums it all up, “It was actually a fairy tale wedding.”

Event Venue:
Marriott Marquis Atlanta
www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/atlmq-atlanta-marriott-marquis

Photography/Videography:
Zamana Photography
www.zamanaphoto.com

Decorator:
Occasions by Shangri-la
www.occasionsbyshangrila.com

Trousseau:
Asopalav,
www.asopalav.com

and Jade Blue
www.jadeblue.com

Hair and Makeup:
Aarti Amin

Caterers:
Rajbhog Foods (Wedding)
www.rajbhog.com/catering.asp, and

Café Bombay Atlanta (Reception)
http://www.cafebombayatlanta.com/

Desserts:
Marriott Marquis Atlanta
www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/atlmq-atlanta-marriott-marquis

Cupid works his magic in many ways. Though many love stories seem similar, no two love stories are really the same. While Cupid may decide to use friends, jobs, a city or even a special occasion to bring people together, you cannot deny that his work plays an important role in our lives. Giving us a new lease on life, a reason for living, and a partner with whom we can spend the rest of our lives, Cupid truly has magic powers. In the case of Rajal and Jay, Cupid connected the two through shaadi.com.

While you may think that Rajal and Jay’s marriage was a conventional arranged affair, the two met on shaadi.com and dated for almost a year before they decided to take their relationship to the next level.

On a trip to New York, Jay proposed to Rajal as they were casually taking photographs around special spots. Although they had been talking about marriage and even the ring, Rajal had no idea that this was really the moment, and she fought back tears of happiness just so she could say ‘yes.’ The couple spent less than a year planning for the special day.

The initial stages of wedding planning seemed like a breeze, and Rajal decided to look into details herself. While it did give her a lot more control and happiness, it was also her undoing, as she found herself stretched too thin with just days to go before the wedding. Functionality was priority when planning, which was why the families decided on the Palm Beach Gardens Marriot, which is clost to the airport. With so many guests coming from out of town, proximity to the airport and lodging were very important. Given that all events were to be held at the hotel, the hotel took care of as many arrangements as were possible.

The sangeet was arranged for in a setting that used mirrors and candles to set the mood for the occasion. Fabrics, ornate decorations, centrepieces, a canopy and typical Indian motifs created an ambience which was bright and inviting, and the music and food took care to ensure the guests were comforted and happy.

An afternoon wedding at the Marriott changed the look of the venue entirely. Occasions by Shangri La designed a Jodha Akbar styled mandap and setting, which included impressive columns and drapes. Every moment from the walk down the aisle to the culmination of being pronounced man and wife, the ceremony was spectacular. Keeping with the mood by including instrumental Indian music and also pieces for each segment of the wedding ceremony, Firoz Dodha mixed the best music available.

With the dazzling combination of purple and gold, and the extravagant use of a variety of flowers that included orchids, roses and lilies, nothing was wanting at this special reception. LED lights and candles as well as a specially crafted candy station brought out not just the best mood in the bride, but also the spirit for all guests to truly enjoy themselves. Special songs and speeches by members of the family, and a special dance for Rajal and Jay may have been a fitting conclusion to the wedding celebrations, but also served as the beginning of the bliss they will enjoy for life.

Rajal now concedes that it is impossible to micromanage a wedding, and that it is important to have someone trusty who is clued in on contracts and details. She also says that there is rarely ever a perfect wedding, and some minor mishaps are bound to occur. However, when you realise the importance of the occasion, they only seem trivial. Snce this will happen only once in your life, it is important to relish every moment.

BEAUTICIANS/COSMETICIAN Ibrow Studio 954-304-4958 DISC JOCKEY Dudha Productions 727-523-0786 HORSE AND CARRIAGE Horse & Carriage Rides & Events Inc 561-818-9721 JEWELERS Damodardas Jewellers 011-91-265-2334195 MANDAP/DECORATIONS Occasions By Shangri-La 407-963-6720 PHOTOGRAPHER Digital Dream Studio 407-791-6064 RESTAURANT/CATERING Rajbhog Foods   718-358-5105 SARIS Asopalav Silk Museum 011-91-26577958 VENUE Palm Beach Gardens Marriott 561-630-1303 VIDEOGRAPHER Digital Dream Studio 407-791-6064

When Kruti first saw Viresh at a graduation party, she had a feeling she would marry him one day. Over two years later, the two met again, this time during Navratri celebrations. This time, Kruti and Viresh exchanged numbers, and they made it a point to talk every day. The couple began dating soon after that eventful festival and four years later, Viresh proposed.

Knowing that Kruti wanted her family present during the proposal, Viresh made arrangements accordingly. He chose Orlando City Walk as the venue,where he planned the proposal as a beautiful journey, literally punctuated with expressions of his feelings for her. As Kruti and her friends walked along the City Walk, she first saw her parents standing at a corner holding yellow flowers that symbolized the couple’s friendship. She soon realized what was happening and began to cry tears of joy. She continued the walk and found Viresh’s parents standing at the Hard Rock with pink roses that symbolized appreciation. Viresh’s mother asked Kruti to walk down to the river, and there he was, Viresh himself, walking towards her wearing a red shirt, symbolizing his love for her. He went down on his knee and proposed, surrounded by their families and friends.

After the heart-touching proposal, Kruti’s parents threw themselves into preparations for the wedding. They had about two years between the proposal and the wedding, which made planning easier. The Renaissance Resort World Golf Village in St. Augustine was chosen as the wedding venue due to its close proximity to Kruti’s house. Another advantage the resort offered were comfortable rooms where out-of-town guests stayed.

Pre-wedding celebrations were beautifully planned, and the venue for the garba event was decorated in a Moroccan theme with orange and purple as the main colors. A live band from India,and Milan Singh performed at this event. The wedding ceremony took place in the morning. Kruti arrived at the Renaissance Resort World Golf Village directly from her parents’ house, where she stayed (rather than at the resort) in deference to tradition. The wedding mandap was set up in the middle of the hall instead of against the wall. Seats for guests were placed all around the mandap allowing guests to see the wedding rituals from all sides. The ceremony was followed by lunch. The live band brought in from India performed at the wedding and entertained the guests during the entire three hour ceremony.

The reception was a grand event with the hall decorated very elegantly, courtesy of Kruti’s parents and aunt. Kruti’s brother, Viresh’s best friend, and his brother were the emcees, and they arranged dances, games and heartfelt speeches to celebrate the couple’s marriage. The DJ then took over and played some music that had the wedding party begging for more. The coupe advises prospective grooms and brides to look around and absorb everything that goes on during their wedding day so that the day can be truly memorable.

Photos Courtesy: Digital Dream Studio 407-791-6064 www.digitaldreamstudio.com   Vendors BANQUET HALLS World Golf Village Renaissance St. Augustine Resort 904-940-8000 www.worldgolfrenaissance.comBEAUTICIANS/COSMETICIAN Alladin s Magic 321-201-0518 www.alladinsmagic.vpweb.comQ Salon 407-253-2828 qsalonorlando@aol.com DISC JOCKEY Dudha Productions 407-446-0325 www.dudhaproductions.com MEHNDI Sushila Beauty Care 904-731-7010 sushilabeautycare@yahoo.comPHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER Digital Dream Studio 407-791-6064 www.digitaldreamstudio.com RESTAURANT/CATERING Rajbhog Foods 201-395-9400 www.rajbhog.com WEDDING SERVICES Palloos Flowers 407-302-7966 www.palloosflowers.com

For Amit and Nisha, both 28, one wedding eventually led to another – theirs. The couple met one summer at Nisha’s cousin’s wedding, and almost immediately, began talking every day like best friends. When the time came for Amit to leave to begin his medical residency in Detroit, he knew he had to see her one last time. They made a romantic adventure out of a trip to Six Flags, and their bond was so strong that Nisha decided to move to Michigan. After two years of strong friendship, Amit got ready to propose to the love his life.

Amit planned a cruise getaway, and Nisha was sure this was when he would propose. But just one month before the cruise, the couple went to New York to visit Amit’s brother. Amit knew that Nisha loved waterfalls and the ocean, so he took her to Niagara Falls. Nisha was so busy enjoying the view, she hardly noticed Amit getting down on one knee. Once she realized, Nisha gave him a joyful “yes” and immediately tried calling her parents. But just as Amit planned, when they got home, her parents were already there to celebrate with her! It was a surprising and romantic way to initiate the wedding phase of their lives.    

Amit and Nisha, with the help of family and friends, planned every detail over the course of one year. They chose Duluth, GA as their destination – a central location right between Nisha’s family in Albany and Amit’s family in Chattanooga.

For their Garba night, they chose traditional décor, including a classic decorated swing on the stage. The food was the night’s highlight, with several unique food stations with clever names like “Chaat Town” and “Wok n’ Roll.” Guests even made their own sundaes at the dessert station. Live singers and a dhol player created a festive mood, and their 500 guests danced and celebrated the night away.

When the auspicious ceremony arrived, the room was decorated with ruffled drapes, in the same gorgeous red, gold and dark purple colors as the bridal party’s outfits. The sun came out just in time for Amit’s Bharaat procession to make its entrance. He arrived in a horse-drawn carriage, accompanied by his sisters.

To complement the same rich color scheme in the reception, there were gold and silver crystal candle holders, and crystal vogue manzanita tree centerpieces surrounded with roses on each table. The stage also had a glamorous backdrop of glittering life-sized gold picture frames, accented by the room’s lighting.

There were yet more surprises at the reception, when their family did a choreographed dance. Amit and Nisha’s favorite memory was the choreographed first dance for the bride and groom. Each of their 500 guests received a gift bag with personalized M&Ms and snacks, but also took home many memories of a beautiful evening celebrating Amit and Nisha’s union.

Amit’s secret to a smooth and successful wedding is just saying “yes” to whatever the bride wants, the same way his beloved Nisha said “yes” to his big question.

BANQUET HALLS Sonesta Gwinnett Place Atlanta 770-935-3862 BEAUTICIANS/COSMETICIAN Blushing Bride  404-454-6946  Rupal Desai 678-488-6634 CAKE Gigis Cup Cakes USA 404-846-4400  DECORATOR Mandap World 678-772-0053  DISC JOCKEY Magic Mike DJs 646-529-2055  MEHNDI Manishas Mehendi Designs 678-900-7846 PHOTOGRAPHER Zamana  Photo & Videography 678-860-2921 RESTAURANT /CATERING Rajbhog Foods 201-395-9400 VIDEOGRAPHY Zamana Photo & Videography 678-860-2921

Sarika weds Kishan

Mutual friends from Alabama brought Sarika and Kishan together, who dated for four years until their surprise engagement. Sarika had just taken her first CPA exam, and the couple was enjoying a well-deserved Florida beach vacation when Kishan surprised Sarika with the big question. He set up an elaborate sand sculpture on the beach, complete with rose petals and the words written in the sand, and Sarika was overjoyed to say yes.

The couple prepared to plan a large wedding celebration with 800 guests, with help from Kishan’s three older sisters and other family members who had prior experience with weddings. Sarika and Kishan chose a convention center in Georgia, not too far from Sarika’s hometown in Tennessee and a large enough venue to accommodate their many guests.

Sarika and Kishan each had their own mehndi events, pujas, and sangeet nights. Keeping the events separate allowed each celebration to reflect the bride or groom’s unique individual style. For the wedding ceremony and reception, Sarika and Kishan chose classic elegance, including traditionally decorated mandap, large gold centerpieces with white flowers, and a mirror-topped estate table wrapped with flowers. Kishan arrived in a horse-drawn carriage accompanied by his friends and family dancing in the baraat procession.

A musical group from India played live music during the ceremony, while Sarika and Kishan chose a variety of dancing music for the reception, from old school to the latest Bollywood hits. Their first dance as a newlywed couple was to “You and Me” by Lifehouse, and Sarika’s sister planned a flash mob including all of Kishan and Sarika’s cousins and friends. It was a fun and surprising addition to the reception celebration.

Sarika and Kishan are glad they began the planning process early, because they had so many guests and didn’t want to celebration to pass by too quickly. They suggest delegating tasks to family and friends who are willing to help, because it will relieve stress on the wedding day and allow the bride and groom to enjoy every precious moment.

BANQUET HALLS Dalton Convention Center 706-272-7676 www.daltontradecenter.com CAKE Sugar Chic Bakery (423) 421-6151 www.sugarchicbakery.com DECORATOR Weddings In Style 678-907-6547 www.weddingsinstyle.net DHOL PLAYER Indaglow Productions 404-734-6534 www.indaglowproductions.com DISC JOCKEY Indaglow Productions 404-734-6534 www.indaglowproductions.com FLORIST Weddings In Style 678-907-6547 www.weddingsinstyle.net  PHOTOGRAPHER Zamana Photo & Videography 678-860-2921 www.zamanaphoto.com RENTAL SERVICES Dalton Convention Center 706-272-7676 www.daltontradecenter.com RESTAURANT/CATERING Rajbhog Foods 201-395-9400 www.rajbhog.com