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!

Congratulations to Krystal Jaikaran for winning the 2013 Orlando MyShadi Bridal Expo Facebook competition. Krystal’s live-blogging during the show was certainly a tremendous help for many other brides and visitors!

The couple has been together for four years. Tristan proposed to Krystal at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center inside of the holiday “ICE!” attraction on December 28, 2010. The couple was surrounded by two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures when Tristan took the traditional approach and got down on one knee.

To commemorate their special engagement, the couple chose December 13, 2014 as their wedding date, which has historical significance. Their wedding celebration will reflect an ice theme through a blue and white color scheme.

Krystal and Tristan have been busy confirming vendors and planning their special occasion, which will take place over a three-day period. They want to ensure both of their cultural backgrounds are reflected during the wedding events, so the couple will celebrate the union in two ceremonies – Hindu and Christian.

Krystal was thrilled to have attended the 2013 MyShadi Bridal Expo in Orlando. She exclaims, “[The] MyShadi Bridal Expo truly does take the stress out of wedding planning, leaving only excitement for the big day!”

Congratulations to Josh Brown of Apollo’s Chariots for winning the vendor Facebook raffle at the 2013 Orlando MyShadi Bridal Expo. Josh participated in the social media campaign with various status updates on Facebook, Twitter updates, and even a post on the Apollo’s Chariots blog.Learn more about Josh and what inspired the founding of his company, Apollo’s Chariots.

For those who are not familiar with you or your work, can you share a bit on how you got started in your business?
My wife and I moved to Florida in 2004. I was working as a Mechanical Engineer and commuting an hour each way to and from work. Sitting in traffic one day, I was next to a limousine and thought to myself “This guy is getting paid to sit here in traffic.” During the next year, I compiled a business plan and saved money to enter the industry. In 2006, Apollo’s Chariots was founded with one car and myself as the driver. Over the years, we have grown and now operate a fleet full of vehicles.

How does it feel to be the winner of the 2013 Orlando MyShadi Bridal Expo Facebook Raffle?
When I first heard that we won the MyShadi Facebook Raffle, I was extremely proud. We had put a lot of work into preparing for this show and making all of our clients and potential brides aware of this huge bridal expo.

What services does your company provide? Specifically, what wedding-related services do you offer?
Apollo’s Chariots offers a full range of transportation services for weddings. Our primary focus is limousine transportation for the Bride, Groom and Bridal Party. We also offer shuttle service for couples having a lot of out of town guests. Airport transportation is also available so the Bride and Groom aren’t spending the entire week before their wedding ushering guests to and from the airport.

What is the biggest lesson you learned during your first year in business? What was the biggest lesson you learned in this past year of business?
The biggest lesson we learned in our first year of business was that hard work pays off. We spent countless hours working for contracts and chasing leads. It was rewarding to see that work pay off. The biggest lesson we have learned this past year of business is the power of networking. We are constantly attending luncheons, chamber meetings, bridal shows and wedding expos to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and to network with other wedding professionals that have the same commitment to the industry as we do.

What has been your favorite wedding or moment that stands out to you and why?
It’s hard to really choose any one particular wedding. We are constantly around these stretch luxury limousines and sometimes forget that weddings are the only time that most people will ever ride in a limousine. We are constantly reminded of this when we see the Bride and Groom’s face light up as they come out of the ceremony and see one of our luxury vehicles with the Red Carpet and “Just Married” signs waiting to whisk them away.

The economic climate affected the U.S. wedding industry in a profound way over the past years, including the normally untouchable high-end segment of the market. To what extent did the economy impact your business?
Apollo’s Chariots was started at the very beginning of this recession. We have grown substantially year after year. Growing a business in this economic climate is all we know. If we can grow this fast in this economic time, we will thrive even more when the economy turns around.

Do you provide your services only in your city, the entire state or all over USA?
We provide luxury transportation for the city of Orlando and its surrounding areas.

What suggestions do you have for couples planning their wedding?
Our suggestion for couples planning their wedding is to do it together. It is definitely a bonding experience to work together deciding on the many aspects that go into planning a wedding. For more information about Apollo’s Chariots, visit www.ApollosChariots.com or e-mail info@apolloschariots.com.

Recently, Desh-Videsh sat down with the winner of the 2013 Tampa MyShadi Bridal Expo Mehndi Competition, Vaishali Mehta. Learn more about Vaishali and how she got started in the henna business.

Desh-Videsh: For those who are not familiar with you or your work, can you share a bit on how you got started in the wedding industry?
Vaishali Mehta: There were never any intentions about entering the wedding industry. It started out as a hobby that I enjoyed for personal satisfaction. I believe you have to enjoy what you do. A friend needed a personal favor at the last minute and requested for me to pitch in and do the mehndi for her wedding. My work was appreciated and acted as a reference, and before I knew it, I was not only doing what I liked, but it was also earning me money, becoming more than a hobby and giving me insight into how much talent and dedication goes into our events.

DV: How does it feel to be the winner for the MyShadi Bridal Expo Mehndi Competition?
Mehta: I feel very honored when my work is appreciated at such a large platform, especially when it is given to me after comparing me to many of my equally talented colleagues.

DV: Your passion for this art form is evident. What inspired you to become a Professional Henna Artist?
Mehta: Much of my personal satisfaction turned into appreciation, which led to confidence, good word of mouth references and a lot of learning about how to manage an independent business. The drive to move forward as a business came from my background in graphic design, my experience, and exposure to different aspects of our culture. Knowing that I have a creativity and imagination as well as skill helps me to reflect my individual personality in my work.

DV: What inspired your winning Mehndi design?
A wedding in a woman’s life is an event that is often imagined and dream about. Sometimes, when just sitting idle thinking about that day or the one you are going to spend it with can lead to the feeling of inner tickle and joy that makes you feel good. I wanted to capture the process of creating those dreams and of the good moments to come.

DV: What other wedding related services you offer?
Mehta: My main focus is henna; however, it is also in the presentation that enhances the Henna. So, I do use a lot of adjunct materials, like glitter and different accessories to express my work. In addition, I have also been involved with decorations involving gifts that are exchanged between the families.

DV: What is the biggest lesson you learned your first year in business? What was the biggest lesson you learned in this past year of business?
Mehta: The first year in business is like learning how to swim in the ocean. As a homemaker with the opportunity to further your likes, you quickly find out that it is not just about talent. You need to find the platform and ability to fund the expression for that talent. It also required prioritizing life, being able to balance family life, and striving for success in my professional goals. Over the last year, management, scheduling, and monetary management were key learning features, that is in addition to expanding into different ways of expressing my work.

DV: What has been your favorite wedding or moment that stands out to you and why?
Mehta: I cannot lie, I still remember the day that I got married. The feeling of knowing that you are about to spend the rest of your life with someone you have chosen to do so, not just inherited, can be exciting yet nerve wrecking. Knowing that a new journey is about to start, you are treated as a princess, all your needs are met by a simple request, and the pampering from friends and family is an additional bonus. The entire journey can be so joyous. Each wedding I have been to, I have enjoyed how different women experience this joy and the glow they reflect on their face. Watching those feelings of inner content and the dreams about to come true are always the best.

DV: The economic climate affected the U.S. wedding industry in a profound way over the past years, including the normally untouchable high-end segment of the market. To what extent did it affect Indian weddings and your business?
Mehta: I have seen a wide spectrum. There have been people who have down scaled their celebrations to a more financially practical approach. Others have tried to maintain the same standards as their previous family weddings – not to be left behind but also not to be completely lavish. Others, destination weddings have been a recent craze and people do make arrangements for the entertainment and comforts of their guests. As per my business, I have tried to always spend my time with the marrying couple and their families if needed and gotten a perspective of what they would like to express and tailor my services accordingly.

DV: Do you provide your services locally, across Florida, or even all over the United States?
Mehta: Currently, I am trying to focus in Florida. However, the idea is to grow the business, so that is a destination that needs to be reached.

DV: What suggestions do you have for brides planning their wedding?
Mehta: It is your wedding and your dream. Listen to what your family has to say and be practical about the budget and all of the process. However, also remember, this event is a commitment for life and most of you have probably dreamt of that special day. So, please make sure everything does go according to your plans. Be meticulous about the details and communicate about the expectations from your family members and friends, manage time efficiently and after all the hard work, don’t forget to enjoy the precious day.

DV: Do you have any suggestions for brides who are planning their wedding Mehndi?
Mehta: It should reflect your personality, one of your groom and the world you are about to build together. It should make your groom hold your hands and just look at them over and over until he can say these are the hands I want to hold forever.

Recently, Desh-Videsh sat down with the winner of the 2013 Tampa MyShadi Bridal Expo Mehndi Competition, Vaishali Mehta.

Learn more about Vaishali and what inspired her winning design. Phone: 813-948-8436, E-mail: mehtavaishali20@gmail.com.

Congratulations to the winner of the 2014 Atlanta MyShadi Bridal Expo Mehendi Competition, Manisha Panjwani of Manisha’s Mehendi Designs! Learn more about Manisha, her winning design, and the services her company offers.

Tell us about yourself and your background.
I am originally from Mumbai, India. I attended St. Louis High School in West Mumbai (Andheri) and also have a degree in Commerce. I am happily married and have a four-year-old daughter. For those who are not familiar with you or your work, can you share a bit on the formation of your business?

I first began my mehendi business in India about 10 years ago. I began by practicing on my family and friends, and when I realized how much I enjoyed applying henna, I decided to go into business for myself. In the United States, I have been in business for over three years. What I like most about my work is seeing my clients’ faces light up when I am able to give them exactly the particular design they are looking for. My work is so rewarding.

How does it feel to be the winner of the 2014 Atlanta MyShadi Bridal Expo Mehendi Competition?
It feels great! I am so honored to be the winner of the 2014 Atlanta MyShadi Bridal Expo Mehendi Competition. Thank you for choosing me!

Your passion for this art form is evident. What inspired you to become a professional mehendi artist?

I was inspired to become a professional Mehendi artist when I realized that I could turn my passion into a business venture. Since I really enjoy what I do, it doesn’t feel like work to me. It feels more like a ‘calling’ because I get to bring smiles to a lot of people’s faces by creating designs especially for them.

What inspired your winning mehendi design?
Bridal designs have always been an inspiration to me, as this is one of the most important days of a woman’s life. It is the one day a woman gets to feel like a queen, and I am inspired by the joy and happiness my Mehendi bridal designs bring to the bride and to her entire bridal party.

What other wedding related services you offer?
My service is not limited to brides as I happily provide mehendi services for family members and wedding guests.

What is the biggest lesson you learned your first year in business? What was the biggest lesson you learned in this past year of business?
The biggest lesson I learned in my first year in business was patience. I had to be patient with myself mostly as I learned how to become a more experienced and creative Mehendi artist. The biggest lesson I learned in this past year of business is that I must continue to develop myself professionally during the lean months when business is slow. Since the bridal industry is seasonal, I like to use my downtime to learn new techniques and to attend professional development conferences.

What has been your favorite wedding or moment that stands out to you and why?
My favorite wedding that stands out was my cousin’s Sania’s wedding. It was so special to me because we grew up together in India and had remained close since coming to live in Atlanta. It stood out to me the most because I was the artist she chose to apply not only her Mehendi, but also to her entire wedding party, which were members of my family, too. I will always cherish that memory.

The economic climate affected the U.S. wedding industry in a profound way over the past years, including the normally untouchable high-end segment of the market. To what extent did it affect your business?
The economic climate affected my business to the extent that I had to come up with some creative ways to make sure that my prices were reasonably low when bidding wedding jobs. Brides deserve the best quality for their money, so I would sometimes offer to provide a free sample to assure them that they were in good hands.

In what regions (city, entire state, all over the US), do you provide your services?
I provide my services in metro Atlanta and the surrounding areas. I am also willing to travel as far as the need arises.

What advice do you have for brides planning their wedding?
The best advice I can give to brides planning their wedding is to have fun! Too many times brides get caught up in the details of wedding planning and become so stressed that they forget to enjoy the beauty of their own wedding. A part of my job as a Mehendi artist is not only to create stunning designs for brides, but also to remind them to be patient, relax, and enjoy! Find Manisha’s Mehendi Designs on Facebook or e-mail manishasmehendidesigns@gmail.com for more information.

About the Author
Rina Shah is the CEO and founder of The Arpan Group, a boutique 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, visit www.thearpangroup.com or call (703) 651-6670.

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.