The best way to enjoy your wedding is to ensure that you are part of the planning process. Adding a personal touch and letting your personality reflect in every aspect of the wedding makes it more enjoyable not just for the couple but for those in attendance as well.

Isha and Harshal were inseparable from the moment they began dating, and four years into their blissful relationship, Harshal asked her the all-important question during the winter holidays. Proposing at a photo booth with friends waiting outside expectantly, Isha was swept away by a carefully crafted ring in which Harshal invested a great deal of time in creating.

The wedding date was set for two years later, given that Isha wanted to complete her Masters, and Harshal was working on moving back from Kansas to Florida. The couple was very clear that every aspect of the wedding needed to reflect their taste and personality, which is why they looked into all arrangements themselves, requesting close friends and family to offer extra help. Not only did this contribute to the success of the wedding, it also made it much more fun.

In researching various hotel banquet venues, Isha realized she did not want added expenses, so she settled on the Heaven Event Center, which was modern and chic, giving the couple scope to add color and character.

The morning of the wedding, a happy baraat jump started the festive spirit and led the entourage to a tastefully decorated venue. Rose petals were generously strewn across the aisle, accompanied by chandeliers with cones that held rose petals to be showered at the end of the ceremony. A crystal mandap awaited the couple, and flowers lent a symbolic traditional touch. As the song “Samjhawan” played, the bride walked down the aisle, with the groom arriving in a swanky BMW convertible.

Dreams to Reality, a full-service decor company, brought to life the vision for the reception, using black, silver, white, and royal blue in crystal and floral embellishments. The look for the reception was royal, elegant and modern, and it came through effortlessly. With select music playing through the evening, and special dance performances, the reception was more intimate than they hoped.

Being organized was critical to the event’s success, reflects Isha. If her wedding is anything to go by, we learn that hard work and clarity of vision are crucial.

BANQUET HALLS Heaven Event Center 407-488-1800×3 BEAUTICIANS/COSMETICIAN Sarai Rodriguez 407-276-2994 sarairodz@gmail.com Prolific Hair Designz 407-505-5919  www.facebook.com/ProlificHair Designz CAKE Everything Cake  321-438-9408 DECORATOR Dreams to Reality  407-592-9261 PHOTOGRAPHER Sona Photography 646-250-6337 PRIEST Ashok Shukla 407-913-8080 Wedding Rings Nick’s Diamond 954-346-9863 nshah1056@hotmail.com DISC JOCKEY  DJ Sangeen 407-902-9639 Sangeensingh@yahoo.com EVENT  PLANNER All About The details 407-924-4209 FAVORS Our Photo Booth Rocks 407-509- 9786 FLORIST Dreams to Reality 407-592-9261 MEHNDI Tejal Henna 407-415-7994 The Henna Studio 407-953-6165 thehennastudio@live.com VIDEOGRAPHY Riant Films 407-603-6955

Meeting through mutual friends, Jamini and Neal dated each other for three years. Though Jaimini hated surprises, Neal’s sudden proposal on the beach during a romantic weekend away in Puerto Rico was one of pure joy. She did not hesitate in saying ‘yes’ as Neal awaited her answer on one knee. Both Jaimini, 28, and Neal, 31, software engineer are from Florida. After a thorough search, they chose to marry near home at the beautiful and mesmerizing Westin Lake Mary. One main reason was the hotel’s large hall set up as well as the ample space for guests. Needing to know all the details, the couple did all the planning themselves with the welcome assistance of their vendors.

Meeting through mutual friends, Jamini and Neal dated each other for three years. Though Jaimini hated surprises, Neal’s sudden proposal on the beach during a romantic weekend away in Puerto Rico was one of pure joy. She did not hesitate in saying ‘yes’ as Neal awaited her answer on one knee.

Both Jaimini, 28, and Neal, 31, software engineer are from Florida. After a thorough search, they chose to marry near home at the beautiful and mesmerizing Westin Lake Mary. One main reason was the hotel’s large hall set up as well as the ample space for guests.

Needing to know all the details, the couple did all the planning themselves with the welcome assistance of their vendors.

The sangeet manifested through vibrant hues like bright orange and fuchsia. The centerpiece included a three tiered tower with a Radha Krishna Murti at the top amidst lighted diyas and baby elephants at the bottom. The dandiyas displayed around the illuminated centerpiece and the Indian swing adorned with pink and orange drapery background captured the romance and passion between the couple and vibrated through to each of the 250 guests present.

The ceremony took place in the Westin Ballroom, which was bathed in vibrant and romantic hues of violet and shades of purple like lilac and gold. The hues extended to the mandap, including the dangling crystal balls in the front. Fresh florals and diamond laces at the mandap provided the right romantic touch completed by two chandeliers at its two sides.

Neal made quite the entry in a horse carriage accompanied by his sister, while Jaimini was led to the mandap by her uncle and brothers holding the red cloth over her head. With the romantic meaningful song of “Din Shagna Da Chadya” playing in the background, it made every single heart cave to the couple’s moment. Thankfully, Jaimini’s nightmare of an ill-prepared mandap or dressing hiccups never materialized. Post wedding, the festivity continued with the couple exiting in a Rolls Royce.

The reception stage transformed the wedding carriage in a white coach with two seats on the side. The ambiance of the room vibrated in violet and dark purple drapery adorned with two flower chandeliers in the middle of its center. The theme was extended to tables with gold tree centerpieces adorned with dangling crystal strings as well as white and purple fresh flowers. Illuminated vintage candle holders added the perfect romantic touch. Gems and orchids on the tables captured light creating the perfect romantic setting enthralling all. Billowing fog during the couple’s first dance, romantic songs, dancing guests, and fun photos taken at the photo booth with props made the wedding a dream come true for the couple.

It’s no wonder both Jaimini and Neal get a nostalgic and whimsical feeling along with smiles extending to their eyes at the mere mention of their wedding!

Preferred Vendors

Preranas Boutique

407-240-7353

View Profile

 

Dudha Productions Services

727-418-8498

View Profile

 

Aashirwad Indian Cuisine

407-370-983

View Profile

For more information on how preferred vendors are selected , Click here

BANQUET HALLS Westin Hotels & Resort 407-531- 555 BEAUTICIANS/COSMETICIAN Preranas Boutique 407-240-7353 DECORATOR Dreams To Reality 407-592-9261 JEWELERS Preranas Boutique 407-240-7353 MEHNDI Henna Allure 321-295-2496 FLORIST Dreams To Reality 407-592-926 DISC JOCKEY Dudha Productions 727-418-8498 PRIEST/WORSHIP SERVICES Mahesh Gor 407-699-7966 HORSE – CARRIAGE Orlando Carriage Rides Inc 321-278-5969 RESTAURANT/CATERING Aashirwad Indian uisine 407-370-9830 Khasiyat 407- 888-2147 PHOTOGRAPHER Sona Photography 407-694-6032 VIDEOGRAPHY Riant Films 407-603-6955

Photographer: Sona Photography

James (Jim) and Jesleen meet in 2015 via e-Harmony online dating while both lived in New York City. When they finally agreed to meet, they almost didn’t have their first date as Jim got food poisoning in the morning and ended up in the emergency room. He did recover in time to get to the date that evening—and they’ve been together ever since.

The proposal came during a long weekend in Bermuda. The couple’s rooms were not ready when they arrived, and the hotel kept their bags while they spend a few hours exploring. Unbeknownst to Jesleen, Jim had the engagement ring in his bag, which meant he was unwilling to let the hotel keep his bags, which Jesleen thought was odd. Once the couple was on the beach, the mood was romantic, and Jim chose this moment to propose.

Jesleen and her mom loved spending time researching wedding ideas, taking advantage of all the good suggestions on Pinterest, and soon they had a very clear idea of what they wanted.

Jesleen’s parents moved to Orlando recently, so the couple chose that as the location for the March 2017 ceremony. The Mehndi event was held at the parents’ home, with classical bright Indian colors, lots of music and food. The Sangeet was held at the Omni hotel. The bride was set on having a Rajastani street fair theme, with bold colorful umbrellas, street food, market lights—and a decorated rickshaw as the backdrop for the photo booth. The Sikh wedding ceremony was held outdoors, and the decorations were pale colors creating a peaceful ambiance.

Vendors BEAUTICIANS/COSMETICIAN Laura Reynolds 407-962-5114 CAKE Party Flavors 407-578-2082 DÉCOR Occasions By Shangri-La 407-614-2977 FLORIST Occasions By Shangri-La 407-614-2977 INVITATIONS A Royal Impression 512-722-6024 MEHNDI Henna By Pria 727-459-6448 PHOTOGRAPHER Sona Photography 407-694-6032 PRIEST/WORSHIP SERVICES Gurdwhara Orlando RECEPTION SITES Omni Hotels & Resorts 407-238-6520 RESTAURANT/CATERING New Punjab Indian Restaurant 407-352-7887 VIDEOGRAPHY Riant Films 407-603-6955

Meera and Nehal’s consider their romance to be a “city girl meets country boy” kind of love story. The two met in 2014, and began a dating tradition of having spontaneous adventures across Florida, Meera’s home state. A mid-westerner, Nehal experienced places like Cocoa Beach, Universal Studios, and St. Augustine with Meera, and he chose to incorporate their tradition into his surprise proposal. They planned a trip to Friendship Fountain, a famous Florida landmark, and Nehal gave Meera the surprise of her life when he got down on one knee. The couple was excited to continue their journey together and prepare for an unforgettable wedding.

Meera hired a coordinator for the wedding day, but did most of the planning on her own. She was relieved to have a coordinator and a team to help with the last-minute details and typical wedding day chaos, because it helped her and her guests to enjoy the special day without any hassle. The couple chose a venue near Meera’s home, The Palmetto Club, because it offered not only a ballroom, but also a beautiful veranda and garden.

Before the big day, they held several pre-wedding events in Oklahoma, Nehal’s home state. The Vidhi/Pithi was followed by a family dinner, and a henna night at home.

The Sangeet was held in Florida on the night before the wedding. The ceremony began in the early morning, with lively bhangra music announcing the entrance of the Baraat, complete with a Hummer limousine. The music transitioned into traditional Hindi wedding songs, and Meera entered to a beautiful instrumental piece from the Bollywood movie Jodha Akbhar.

The wedding venue was decorated in maroon, white, and gold, embellished with crystals, pearl columns around the mandap, and red and white rose centerpieces. Meera and Nehal chose to close off a section of the ballroom to accommodate a more intimate, theater-style seating arrangement for their guests.

Following the ceremony, the venue was transformed for the reception, with a new color scheme of teal, maroon, gold, and silver. The centerpieces were a pleasant surprise for the couple, because they allowed their designer to have free reign, and they were impressed with every detail of his finished work.

Each centerpiece features a gold candle vase draped in crystals and adorned with blue orchids and vases lit with LED lighting and glowing water. They were the perfect complement to the teal backdrop and gold drapes hung around the room, and set a lovely mood for the celebration.

Their DJ played a combination of Hindi, Pujabi, Bhnagra, and American music, to please all of their guests, and everyone danced throughout the night. The reception even included three choreographed dances by the bride’s friends and family, and also Nehal’s cousins who did a surprising and unique performance using jump ropes.

Meera and Nehal’s wedding went off without a hitch, and the couple is so grateful for the support of not only their loving friends and family, but the designers and event coordinators who helped make their special day unforgettable.

BANQUET HALLS The Palmetto Club www.thepalmettoclub.com 407-398-6308 JEWELERS Myyraa 732-218-8407 BEAUTICIANS/COSMETICIAN Michele Renee Hair & Makeup Artist Grp www.michelereneehairandmakeup.com 813-531-7770 MEHNDI Alisha The Henna Lady alishaladha@gmail.com 813-407-1202 BOUTIQUES Om the Origin 732-404-1445 PHOTOGRAPHER Sona Photography www.sonaphotography.com 407-694-6032 DECORATOR Maharani Designs maharanidesignz@gmail.com 813-569-9052 PRIEST/WORSHIP SERVICES Pandit Rajan Bhatt 813-900-0190  DISC JOCKEY Blazin DJs 813-569-9052 RENTAL SERVICES Taylor Rental 813-685-4551 ENTERTAINMENT Mobile Baraat 813-569-9052 RESTAURANT/CATERING Puff n Stuff Catering & Events lucille@puffnstuff.com 813-657-0062 FLORIST Flowers By Hina Patel 941-524-9807 VIDEOGRAPHY Riant Films www.riantfilms.com 407-603-6955 Invitations Ghanshyam Cards 91-79-26427930 sales@ghanshyamcards.com  WEDDING SERVICES Instyle Events www.instyleeventservices.com 832-819-1427

We have all heard the story about reluctant neighbors who slowly develop strong feelings for each other and end up married happily ever after, right? So goes the story of how Megha and Neil became a couple. They were first neighbors while studying at the University of Florida.

Slowly, over time, they became friends, before soon becoming inseparable. Three years after they started dating, Neil surprised Megha with a day of pampering followed by an intimate proposal at the Trump International Hotel in front of a private cabana on the beach filled with rose petals. After a two-year engagement, Megha and Neil married in a grand Gujarati wedding celebration at the Wyndham Grand Bonnet Creek located within the Disney gates in Orlando.

Wedding celebrations began on a Thursday with the Mehndi, which was held in Orlando and decorated by family. The ceremony came alive with dance performances, antakshari, and the aroma of delicious South Indian food. The Garba event was held on Friday at the Wyndham. Decorated in a ghamti (rural) theme by Suhaag Garden, the event featured jupri food stations, a rustic swing setting on the dais, and lovely idols of Radha-Krishna at the center. The highlight of the evening was a flash mob dance sequence presented by cousins and friends. The dance ended with a special performance by the couple.

The big day began bright and early in the morning, with Neil arriving mounted on a white house and accompanied by dancing family and friends. Dhol players filled the air with traditional beats. The groom and his party was welcomed by Megha’s family at the entrance of the hotel’s ballroom. Beautifully decorated by Suhaag Garden, elephant sculptures greeted guests at the entrance. The Radha-Krishna theme continued and was the inspiration for the mandap. A combination of white, yellow, red and green was used to enhance the ballroom, and the colors matched the bride’s outfit perfectly to create a traditional ambiance. Megha entered the venue seated on a beautifully decorated doli that was carried by her brothers and cousins. She looked resplendent in the traditional bridal outfit she bought in India.

Later that night, a grand reception was organized at the same venue. However, the room was transformed. From white, green and red décor, the room glowed in hues of aqua blue and grayish purple, which were also the colors of Megha’s reception dress. Mini elephant statuettes held guest table cards. Centerpieces comprised of golden elephant tusks, candle holders and glass candelabras. The stage was a simple artistic masterpiece. In the background, stood three interlocked golden frames. In front of the middle frame was a beautiful lounge chaise. Static texture lighting illuminated the stage. The entire set up presented a lovely mix of the western and Indian cultural elements.

DJ Firoz played excellent music throughout the wedding ceremony as well as the reception. The newly married couple performed their first dance to the medley o “Tu Jahan” from Salaam Namaste and “Everything” by Michael Buble. The bridesmaids, groomsmen, couple’s parents, friends and cousins even presented a hilarious performance based on the television show How I Met Your Mother.

Though Megha had many nightmares, ranging from the vendors not arriving on time to guests not arriving because of bad weather, none came true and the wedding occurred without any bad incidents.

Megha’s advice to would-be grooms is that they should always support their brides from the beginning through all the stages of wedding preparations. She also says that the brides should stand by their dreams and ensure that every arrangement is up to their satisfaction although a few compromises might be necessary.

Monica and Luv met in medical school, just as Luv was beginning his second year. Monica was a new student, but the two began studying together and soon, their study dates turned into real dates. Almost two years later, Luv planned a surprise proposal with the help of Monica’s sister, Lisa. No detail was forgotten: they used the clever ruse of shopping for a cousin to trick Monica into checking her ring size, Luv secretly went to Orlando to ask Monica’s parents for their blessings, and he planned a surprise dinner with their friends and family. Luv took Monica to a beautiful outdoor area of their medical school campus, and instead of starting one of their regular study breaks, Luv asked the big question. They celebrated with their loved ones, and then got right to planning their big day.

Instead of hiring a consultant, Monica and Luv used their parents help to organize the event. The ceremony took place in the grand Renaissance Orlando at Sea World, and Luv’s satak was in Parkland, FL. The two were busier than ever, balancing medical exams and wedding planning, so they relied on their family for everything. Their garba night was styled after a traditional Gujarati village, with charming centerpieces and a garba group directly from India performing music for their 650 guests. The equally large Orlando ceremony was designed to mimic historic Indian forts and castles, designed by Dreams to Reality, with shades of gold and red, chandeliers and floral arrangements. To match, the ceremony programs were red and gold, and included quotes from Saptapadi and explanation of the Hindu wedding rituals.

The bride’s procession entered to “Tum Hi Ho” by Arijit Singh, and Luv rode in a horse carriage with his cousin, Prachi, during his baraat. After the beautiful ceremony concluded, the reception began. Monica and Luv chose elegant shades of ivory, champagne and gold, complemented by white flower centerpieces, candle rivers and gold chivari chairs. The couple’s friends and family performed a reenactment of their first meeting, and it was charming and cute addition to the reception. Monica was happy to have everyone important in their lives under one roof, and she was grateful to be able to relax with their help, and enjoyed their company as their shared in their newlywed bliss.

Preferred Vendors

 

Dreams To Reality

407-592-9261

View Profile

 

Fine Art Productions

407-979-4749

View Profile

 

For more information on how preferred vendors are selected , Click here

BANQUET HALLS Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld 407-248-7344 BEAUTICIANS/COSMETICIAN 7th Day Spa at Phenix Salon Suites 407-455-3408 Preranas Boutique 407-240-7353 DECORATOR Dreams to Reality 407-592-9261 GIFT ARTICLES Our Photo Booth Rocks 407-509-9786 HORSE Orlando Carriage Rides Inc 321-278-5969 DISC JOCKEY Rang Entertainment 941-545-8509 PRIEST/WORSHIP SERVICES Mahesh Gor 407-699-7966 CAKE Anas Cake & Supply (407) 910-4150 FLORIST Dreams to Reality 407-592-9261 RESTAURANT/CATERING Om Foods Catering 229-460-6634 Tabla Bar And Grill 407-248-9400 PHOTOGRAPHER Sona Photography 407-694-6032 Evan R Photography 917.374.2077 VIDEOGRAPHY Fine Art Productions 888-494-7909 www.fineartproductions.net

Nisha weds Aamir

When old friends finally have children of their own, oftentimes their children grow up together and can become even more than friends someday. For Nisha and Aamir, their parents were childhood friends, and the two grew up seeing each other often at family parties and get-togethers. But it wasn’t until 15 years after their childhood days that they felt a connection; a connection that soon blossomed into love.

Aamir surprised Nisha with a proposal in New York, where she thought they were celebrating her best friend’s birthday. But the couple instead arrived at a private area on the beach, where a song recorded by Aamir was playing and he presented her with a love note and, of course, the big question. Nisha found herself very emotional at the romance and happiness, and the proposal was completed with a surprise celebration with their friends and family.

Soon after, Nisha began planning the wedding herself, without the help of a professional planner. It was an especially challenging undertaking, because the couple decided on a destination wedding in Boca Raton. They chose to host all of the wedding events at a hotel where their guests could also stay, making it a convenient yet memorable three-day vacation for their family and friends.

For the Sangeet ceremony, Nisha chose a traditional Indian theme with lanterns, a swing, and a dhol player. Right before, Aamir and his friends and family had a Baarat procession outside, and they entered the Sangeet individually. Their guests all received personalized sunglasses on this night to set the mood of the destination wedding in the sunshine state.

Nisha wanted to evoke a mood of serenity and peace during the wedding ceremony, which included her white sari contrasted by the pink bridal party attire. The newlywed couple exited the ceremony in a horse and carriage, and a unique Thai ice cream was served with lunch. The reception began with the bridal party entrance and a cute “How We Met” film about Aamir and Nisha’s love story. The happy couple finally entered and they went straight into their first dance.

Their wedding cake was a beautiful ombre design, and they also had a chocolate fountain to go with it. The elegant pink and navy blue reception theme was accented with large flower bouquets in tall vases and orchids with floating candles. The couple’s love story was again told with an endearing skit performance by the bridal party, and their guests spent the rest of the night dancing and celebrating Nisha and Aamir.

BANQUET HALLS Embassy Suites Boca Raton 561-994-8200 www.bocaratonembassy.com BEAUTICIANS/COSMETICIAN Ibrow Studio 954-304-4958 www.sumaiyas.com CAKE Two Fat Cookies 561-265-5350 zoey@twofatcookies.com DECORATOR Pavan Events 954-494-3567 www.pavanevents.com HORSE – CARRIAGE Every Kids Dream LLC 561-201-4680 verykidsdream@comcast.net PHOTOGRAPHER Sona Photography 407-694-6032 www.sonaphotography.com RESTAURANT/CATERING Taste Of India 561-721-8600 tasteofindiawpb@gmail.com VIDEOGRAPHY  Riant Films 407-603-6955 www.riantfilms.com