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.

Not having to shuttle around town for weekends on end is a bonus, as a wide variety of event and wedding planning vendors display their products and services while inviting attendees to stop and learn more. From caterers serving delectable food samples to photographers poignant images, couples can see firsthand what vendors have to offer. The exhibit hall takes on new life as the setup is designed to inspire and engage all senses with unique mandap designs, eye-catching reception table settings, and the latest bridal wear trends on display.

Whether in the beginning stages of planning or nearing the big day, couples can expect to walk away from MyShadi Bridal Expo with items marked off their to-do lists. Don’t miss the 2016 shows … attend in person to see what everyone’s talking about!

Upcoming MyShadi Bridal Expos

Sunday, March 20, 2016
Renaissance Waverly Hotel
Atlanta, GA

Sunday, April 3, 2016
Bonaventure Resort & Spa
Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Sunday, April 24, 2016
Innisbrook Golf & Spa Resort
Tampa, FL

Destination weddings are increasingly popular with many couples who choose to host their big day away from home. hether couples are looking to ease the stress of wedding planning or just want to vacation with family and friends, destination wedding planning experts provide necessary logistics to make the wedding one to remember.

Recognizing the desire for more information about destination weddings, Desh Videsh Media Group, along with Proficient Travel, sponsored a Destination Wedding Pavilion at the 2015Orlando MyShadi Bridal Expo. Over ten travel agents, hotels, cruise lines, and destination wedding planners were on hand to answer questions and showcase services. Several venues, including Amresorts Hotels, Barceló Resorts, Hard Rock AIC, Palladium Hotels and Paradisus Resorts, provided attendees with a look into how a destination wedding would unfold on their property.

Given its popularity with Expo attendees, Desh Videsh Media Group will sponsor another Destination Wedding Pavilion at its next expo in Atlanta on Sunday, March 20.

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

The MyShadi Bridal Expo is designed with the needs of brides in mind. Exhibit areas are planned to allow foot traffic and enable couples and their families with direct access to booths and vendors. Exciting promotions, raffle drawings, and the chance to win a free trip to India draw large crowds giving businesses an opportunity for face-to-face marketing. For brides and vendors alike, face time with one another is important, and shows like the MyShadi Bridal Expo make it easier for those connections to happen.

This year, the MyShadi Bridal Expo in Atlanta is well on its way to becoming yet another unique and hands-on experience for all attendees. For the first time ever, vendors directly from India will be joining the Expo, including two clothing boutiques (one for brides and another for grooms) and a prominent jeweler. Mehndi and make-up artists will be doing liveAtlanta MyShadi Bridal Expo 2012 demonstrations once an hour to give brides ideas of looks for their wedding day. Brides and their families can also enter raffles for fabulous prizes, including a free honeymoon trip to India, provided by Platinum Sponsor Qatar Airways.

Attendees will also be dazzled by a unique fashion show that will highlight the latest trends in wedding and formal fashions. A wide range of event planning vendors will be on hand to showcase their products and services. Mandaps and reception table settings will be on display to guide brides and their families in their wedding planning decisions. Photographers will be available to present their work and discuss their style, which is sure to put couples and their families at ease. Caterers and bakeries will be offering guest delectable samples. Guests will even be able to shop on site for clothing, jewelry, and accessories.

Join us at this one of a kind bridal event, which will include 100 booths placed in a classy and elegant layout designed to create an ambiance of splendor will be appealing to brides-to-be and their families.

The MyShadi Bridal Expo will be held on March 25, 2012 at the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel (2450 Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339) from 12 noon to 5 pm. Admission to the show and parking is free for all attendees, who can pre-register online at www.myshadibridalexpo.com. Registered guests will be entered into raffles for fabulous prizes including the opportunity to win four free round trip tickets to India, provided by Qatar Airways and 7M Tours.

MyShadi Bridal Expo welcomes the opportunity to work with Platinum Sponsors Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel, TV Asia, Qatar Airways, and The Arpan Group.

Free trip to India: Four free round trip tickets to India (two tickets available for brides/grooms and two tickets available for other attendees)

Quality: From the moment you enter the MyShadi Bridal Expo, you know you are in for a special day! Wide aisles and a well-planned floor plan make it easy to navigate among the areas’ premier wedding vendors. The atmosphere is fun and energetic as well as professional.

Variety: You will have the opportunity to meet with a variety of major vendors, which include venues, photographers, florists, bakers, bridal boutiques, tuxedo shops, DJs, beauty experts, videographers, among others. The opportunity to collect brochures, information and money saving offers from hundreds of wedding professionals is truly invaluable.

Live Demonstrations: Industry experts will provide mehndi makeup, and hairstyle services to Expo attendees. Walk way from the MyShadi Bridal Expo looking like a model.

Dazzling Fashion Shows: See the latest in wedding attire and bridal jewelry designs presented during lively, breathtaking fashion shows.

Prizes: Register online or at the registration desk for a chance to win multiple door prizes and the Grand Prize trip to India.

Goody Bags: Filled with insight on some of the latest wedding trends, a vendor directory, money saving offers, and special goodies, you don’t want to be without one. Each bride will receive a program booklet, which includes an Expo floor plan, list of exhibitors by category, and fashion show details. The booklet serves not only as a vendor resource, but as an informational guide to help you plan an exceptional wedding.

Celebrations, ceremonies, love, and blessings are elements that complete any wedding. Rima and Ankit’s wedding is no different and includes all these in just the right proportions to take your breath away.

Rima and Ankit met through a mutual friend while in graduate school at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Ankit was attending pharmacy school and Rima was attending the law school. One day Ankit decided to get Dish Network, and he mustered the courage to invite Rima over to watch Bollywood movies with him. Though Rima would act as though she did not care, secretly, she came to enjoy watching the films with Ankit. Slowly and gradually, watching Bollywood love stories together led the two to fall in love, and well, the rest is history.

The proposal itself was straight from the pages of a romantic fairy tale. Ankit, who normally sticks to the kiddie section of a pool, quite literally dove into the middle of the vast ocean. As it was one of the coldest days of the year in Fort Lauderdale, Rima was reluctant to join him in the bone chilling water, but somehow Ankit and the scuba instructor convinced her. She was in for quite the surprise. Once in the water, she saw a large tarp sitting at the bottom of the sea asking Rima to marry Ankit. Overjoyed with emotions, she freaked out for a moment before saying “Yes!”. Later, the scuba instructors brought them together, and Ankit officially put a ring on her finger.

Soon thereafter, Rima and Ankit began planning, which took them over a year to bring their dream wedding to life. Though they did not hire any professional planners, they did rely on plenty of help from their lovely friends and family. They picked the World Golf Village Renaissance Resort in St. Augustine, Florida, as the wedding destination.

The sangeet/raas garba was followed by a welcome dinner that was on the terrace of the resort, which offered guests a breathtaking view of the beautiful golf course. Magnificent lights and lanterns lit up the entire terrace space, and different food stations ensured a delightful evening was had by all.

The wedding ceremony was held indoors in the resort’s large ballroom. The décor was purposely kept simple, yet very elegant. The white mandap with bright pink flowers was lit up with a soft pink lightning just around the ballroom. Rima arrived in an elaborately designed dholi. As Rima and Ankit performed the wedding rituals, a lighthearted picture slideshow played entertaining guests. DJ Hiren took control and played countless Bollywood music hits, setting a festive mood.

The décor for the wedding reception was inspired by Club Tao in Las Vegas. The entire room was decorated in red and black with intricately designed Buddha scriptures to create a contemporary Asian Fusion look. To enhance the look, candles and black stones were used for decoration, while keeping florals to a minimum.

Rima and Ankit advise all would-be couples to enjoy and capture every cherished moment of their wedding as the moments slip by too fast. Also, they request new brides and grooms to stop obsessing over every tiny detail, as they are most likely to miss the fun if they do so.

BANQUET HALLS World Golf Village Renaissance St. Augus 904-940-8000 DISC JOCKEY DJ Hiren 601-329-3881 EVENT PLANNER/FLORIST/WEDDING SERVICES Occasions By Shangri-La 407-394-4244 VIDEOGRAPHER NSPG Media 407-301-8648 JEWELERS Binari Art 404-840-3994 ranisha@binariart.com  PHOTOGRAPHER DKreate Photography 904-887-8144 RESTAURANT / CATERING Cafe Bombay 404-320-0229

If romance is what Rosi wants most from life, she simply cannot complain. Not only did she end up with a man who loves her infinitely, but she also enjoyed a bit of romance, the kind of which fairytales are made, along the way.

Nimesh and Rosi met through common friends while at dinner one evening. One month after they began dating, Nimesh carefully orchestrated a trip to Paris for work. His approach was foolproof, and he enlisted the help of friends and a series of clever emails. On the pretext that he managed to get a ticket for Rosi as well, Nimesh and his amour were off on what would become an epic getaway. Being in Paris, it was only natural that Nimesh proposed in front of the Eiffel Tower!

Many details needed to be planned during the eight months before the wedding. Rosi and Nimesh personally looked into all aspects, delegating some details to family members. A quick visit to India served as a shopping outing for clothes and accessories. The first of the functions was the grah shanti, which was followed by the sangeet. Both events were held at a local temple. Drapes, a large idol of Radha Krishna, a photo booth and jhoola were just some of the accents at the venue. The main highlights of the evening were performances by friends and family and the wonderful time shared by everyone.

The Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel made for the ideal wedding venue, and the property allowed the couple to bring what they envisioned for their special day to life. The venue was also easily accessible to both families, and offered plenty of space for the events. Predominant at the wedding ceremony were the bold colors of gold, white and red. Different types of flowers in an array of colors added to the beauty of the Grand Ballroom. The groom walked in with his twelve groomsmen, while Rosi was carried in a dholi, with her twelve bridesmaids accompanying her.

With greys and pinks painting a surreal picture at the reception, Nimesh and Rosi walked in wearing outfits that complimented the elegant decor. Beautiful overlays, centerpieces and lights completed the picture.

Rosi advises that leaving things for the last minute never helps. She is clever to add that you can never forget to smile, given that the camera is always following you. Nimesh, on the other hand suggests that you keep a buffer when allocating time for planning. He also strongly recommends a massage for the bride before and after the wedding.