The real fun began with pre wedding events including the Mehndi, Vidhi and Garba. Anu and Darshan wanted to be sure their romance was reflected in their wedding events. What comes to your mind first when you hear the word “love?” For most Hindus, Radha-Krishna represent an epitome of love, selfless love. So Anu decided the centerpiece for the garba would be a murti of Radha-Krishna dancing surrounded by candles. The dandiya and the stage had two panels of large peacock feathers that Krishna wears on his head. The symbolism of love continued on their wedding day. When Darshan arrived at wedding place on a black convertible Corvette driven by his brother, they experienced some light drizzle during the baraat entrance. According to Hinduism, rain is tied to luck and an abundance of love and blessings from heaven for couple’s bright future together. Anu paid attention to every tiny detail while planning her wedding day decor. The décor was blush pink and white floral with gold touches that helped Anu’s dress stand out. She also had an open mandap because they have a large family and each one had a role during the ceremony The reception décor was modern with green boxwood and gold with geometric shapes and circles. Flowers were white hydrangeas. Anu’s dress was blush pink so they incorporated that with a touch of pink flowers on the stage. And finally this romantic union of two souls displayed the true epitome of love when the couple began their first dance performance with the song “Jab Koi Baat Bigad Jaye” that translates to “Whenever something goes wrong, Whenever there’s a problem, Stand by my side, My Beloved.”

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Friends played cupid to get Bhavika and Dhaval together in Little Rock, Arkansas. Once the arrow struck, the two dated two years and four months. The couple, along with friends, went on a vacation to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. On a lovely beach there, Dhaval arranged a romantic dinner just for the two of them. After the wonderful meal, the couple was walking back when something flashed. Bhavika turned around to find Dhaval on his knee, with a ring in hand. In a gazebo in front of them were their friends, four of them wearing blue t-shirts, each spelling one of the words – Will you marry me? On either sides of these friends stood two more buddies, wearing t-shirts printed with hearts.

With the wedding date set for May 2014, the couple had ten months to organize. They decided on a resort in Cancun Mexico as they wanted the wedding to be one big vacation for family and friends. Bhavika and Dhaval did all the planning, but had a wedding planner at the resort help them with the menus, flowers, and other requirements. They chose the resort for its expertise in hosting Hindu wedding and serving Indian meals.

The mehndi night took place on the Grand Terrace next to the swimming pool adorned with floating candles, alongside a food spread consisting of appetizers, drinks and a Mexican dinner. The color theme was orange and fuschia, and centerpieces held candles and flower petals. The pithi and Grah Shanthi were organized the next day morning and afternoon respectively, at the Bugambilias Gazebo, which offered great views of the ocean. The ceiling and entrance of the venue was draped with orange and yellow fabric. Guests were offered fresh coconut water and ice cream to help them cool off on the hot afternoon.

The next morning, the couple wed during a beachside ceremony. Chairs were red and gold, the tent was gold, and the mandap was royal red. Walkways were adorned with a candelabrum done in crystals and red roses. The wedding programs were designed to open as a fan and inscribed with the quote “Yeh zindagi chal toh rahi thi…per tere aane se maine jeena shuru kiya.” The tables had red and black sunglasses with the couple’s names on them along with the wedding date. DJ Josan played music at the wedding. Bhavika walked in to“Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Tho” from 1942: A Love Story and the bridesmaids walked in to “Kaise Mujhe Tum” from Ghajini. For transportation to and from the resort, a shuttle bus was used, and for movement within the resort, they used golf carts. The groom arrived on a horse with his baraat on the wedding day.

The cocktail and social hour was held in the foyer of Sunrise. The reception that followed was beautiful with a color theme of royal blue and white. Tables were done in royal blue and silver runners, and the chairs were all royal blue. The backdrop was in white with crystal curtains. The stage included a couch for the couple and was illuminated with blue LED lights. Two types of centerpieces were used – one had three cylinders with blue flowers with crystals and floating candles, and the other had blue and white roses in crystal vases. The venue was illuminated with blue ambient lighting.

A cake table was arranged next to the dance floor. The cake was personalized with a topper depicting the bride and groom clad in wedding outfits. The DJ played Hindi music with the dhol player. Bhavika and Dhaval made a unique entry to the reception. They had a few couples act out a few scenes depicting their love story and then made a grand entrance. Cousins performed on the occasion.

Dhaval and Bhavika urge would-be couples to enjoy the planning process. They also advise chosing suitable wedding attire if the ceremony is held outdoors in windy conditions.

Photos Courtesy: Zamana Photo & Videography 678-860-2921 www.zamanaphoto.com Vendors CEREMONY SITE Tucan Beach at Nizuc Moon Palace Resort Cancun, Mexico RECEPTION SITE Star Ballroom at Sunrise Moon Palace Resort, Cancun, Mexico PHOTOGRAPHY Zamana Lifestyles 678-860-2921 www.zamanaphoto.com VIDEOGRAPHY Zamana Lifestyles 678-860-2921 www.zamanaphoto.com PANDIT Sanatkumar Vyas Little Rock, AR sanatvyas@gmail.com HAIR-MAKEUP Sunrise Hair Salon 906-482-6330 Moon Palace Resort Cancun, Mexico kestrada@leblancsparesort.com MUSIC DJ BJ (Boninder) Josan 281-808-3328 Houston, TX bjjosan@gmail.com DHOL PLAYER Jupji Jauhar (832)794-6943 Houston, Texas

Bhumi has known Nikhil since she was nine. Not then, or all throughout college when they both studied on the same campus, did she believe she would marry him. It was when their families suggested the alliance that both Bhumi and Nikhil decided to focus their attention on getting to know one another better. The more they found out, the more convinced they were that no one was more perfect. And on one special occasion, Nikhil orchestrated a little treasure hunt – the treasure being a diamond ring and wedding proposal. Now who could refuse that!

A year of preparation enabled the families to manage all arrangements. With no professionals involved, the wedding was entirely a reflection of the taste and values of the families. A garba was held a day prior to the wedding. Traditional colors such as yellow, green, red and gold were used in the floral decorations. A large statue of Radha and Krishna were placed in the center, with flowers and a rangoli arranged around them. In striking contrast, the dining area took on various shades of peacock, all of which were brought out in the linens used.

A morning wedding followed the next day. Held at the local temple, the location was of special significance. This was the temple that both Nikhil and Bhumi, and the families, frequented for many years. White sheers with accents of maroon were hung all across the ceiling and the sides. Floral arrangements on the pillars, aisle and mandap brought the temple to life. Traditional wedding music played during the entire ceremony, as a live band supported the mood perfectly. Nikhil arrived for the wedding in a horse carriage, and whisked his wife away in her wedding gift, a Porsche.

The auditorium that was chosen for the reception resembled a dome. The sheer white on the top reflected the colors of the strobes perfectly. White, pink, and gold shone through in the flowers and candles, and a gobo monogram of the couple’s initials beamed throughout on the ceiling drapes. Special dances and skits tied the event together perfectly.

Nightmares, a wedding disaster, and nerves – nothing could come in the way of making this a perfect wedding. It is clear that not just the ceremony, but also the life of this couple is set for perfection. Bhumi firmly believes that you can never stop dating, and never let the magic fizzle. More importantly, she insists that you cannot go to bed angry with one another. For Nikhil, meeting this respiratory therapist clearly took his breath away!

BANQUET HALLS Umiya Mataji Mandir 478-476-9440   BEAUTICIANS /COSMETICIAN   IShadow Studios 678-464- 5983     DECORATOR Weddings In Style 678-907-6547   DISC JOCKEY DJ Sketch 678-665-1962  CAKE Artisan Cakes By Julie 678-308-1577 GIFT ARTICLES XHD Invites 404-890-0309 PHOTOGRAPHER Zamana Photo & Videography 678-860-2921  RECEPTION SITES  Macon City Auditorium 478-751-9250 RENTAL SERVICES Event Drapery 404-597-4653  VIDEOGRAPHY  Zamana Photo & Videography 678-860-2921

Love does not always hit you in the face. You may not notice the love of your live, even if he or she is right there by your side. If you are lucky, you may someday realize where love lurks, while some tragically let it go away. Luckily for Nilam, she eventually found she had a soft spot for Jetash, who was meant to be her true love. Despite being friends and the fact that Jetash was obviously fond of her, Nilam was reluctant to believe that she felt the same way. After willing to give them a chance, Nilam and Jetash began dating, and before long, they were engaged to be married.

The actual proposal came when Jetash called Nilam over for a home cooked meal. This had to be special, considering he had never done this for her before. A three course meal was waiting – as the saying goes, sometimes the quickest way to the heart is through the stomach! Jetash claimed full rights to her heart by asking Nilam to marry him. With all her senses appeased by the delightful meal and heartwarming proposal, Nilam really had no reason to refuse. Although it seemed like a breeze, things were not as easy for Jetash. For one, he had to struggle with getting together this special meal. Then he had to battle his nerves. He was so nervous with the whole prospect of proposing that he forgot to pull the ring from his pocket. It was only when Nilam believed him to be joking that he remembered to present the ring.

With four trusted family members by her side (her mom, dad, aunt, and uncle), Nilam formed a special team to take charge of all wedding related issues. Handling vendors and looking for possible venues topped the list of priorities. Six months before the big day, Nilam decided to hire a wedding consultant to handle intricate details.

Lake Lanier Islands Resort was the venue of choice for the couple. For its proximity to the bride and groom’s homes, it was a unanimous choice. The couple also liked the fact that the resort had the feel of a destination wedding without having to go too far from home.

A Moroccan/Indian theme was chosen as the backdrop for the sangeet. Bold colors, low, Indian-style seating, candles and umbrellas, and live singers set the mood for a grand beginning to the festivities.

The lawns and gazebo were prepared for the wedding ceremony. With the lake completing the picture in the background, only the bride and groom were missing. Flowers burst open exposing a colorful palette with delicate fragrances, and every table was decorated with careful detail. Handmade ceremony programs added a personal touch, and special songs were played as the bride and groom entered. A grand baraat ushered in the arrival of the groom, who came in on a horse. After the wedding ceremony, the newly married couple left together in a horse carriage.

The colors for the reception were mainly black with distinct hints of fuschia and silver to add to the elegance. Judicious use of crystals and drapes, candles, beads and stones added to the splendor. The entire wedding party began the celebration with a flashmob to the popular song, “Ainvayi Ainvayi.” Nilam and Jetash even joined in! The couple then enjoyed their first dance, which ended with the bride’s father and groom’s mother joining in. Cake, food and drinks flowed easily, completing a truly memorable affair.

The now experienced and wise Nilam says that no matter how well prepared you may be, there are bound to be some hiccups, which in the end, do not matter too much. Her biggest nightmare was that the flower girls would freeze and never get down the aisle. With the wedding over, Nilam can put her biggest fears to rest, and look forward to a lifetime of happiness with Jetash.

BEAUTICIANS/COSMETICIAN Angela Moceri 810-623-3871 Noor Farooq 678-472-5292 DISC JOCKEY Concerts By Tanweer 770-355-6503 Prime DJ 404-510-6325 HORSE AND CARRIAGE Nottingham Shire & Carriage for Hire LLC 404-622-0526 JEWELERS Tacori 888-741-7615 MANDAP/DECORATIONS Weddings In Style 678-907-6547 MEHNDI Aarti Amin-Henna Hair And Makeup 678-717-7303 PHOTOGRAPHER Zamana Photo & Videography 678-860-2921 PRIEST/WORSHIP SERVICES Ravindra Dave 770-840-0390 RESTAURANT/CATERING Bukharaa Indian Restaurant 770-817-1371 Raval Foods 256-349-0512  Tadka 770-622-1445 VENUE Lake Lanier Islands Resort 770-945-8787 VIDEOGRAPHER Zamana Photo & Videography 678-860-2921WEDDING PLANNER Reveology Events 321-223-4715

 

Khilna and Sunny met through mutual friends, and after a while realized that their bond was much more than just friendship. After spending some time together, they knew they wanted to be with each other forever. With a surprise proposal that involved their closest friends, view of the city skyline and a hidden camera, Sunny sealed the deal.

On August 18, 2018, the couple tied the knot at the The Westin Atlanta Perimeter North, in Atlanta, Georgia. They planned the entire wedding themselves, with Sunny close friend Beena Patel playing an essential role. Beena was a huge help to Khilna and Sunny as they went about shortlisting and managing vendors, themes, timelines and all details.

Khilna and Sunny chose to host a daytime wedding, with traditional red and gold colors as the theme. The mandap’s base was covered in flowers, while the aisle was decorated with elephant statues, flowers, and candles in water vases. Sunny made his way to the venue in a Lamborghini Huracan Spyder, and Khilna entered the ceremony in a doli.

The reception featured an all-white floral theme with gold accents. The couple also added a fun, DIY detail to their reception decor. For the table numbers, they used photos from their pre-wedding shoot, and on the back of each photo they stenciled out the numbers with glitter.

For Sunny and Khilna, dance and music was the most important part of all their wedding functions. They wanted to be sure their guests enjoyed themselves dancing through the night, which they did thanks to their DJ who played Bollywood hits, Bhangra, Hip-Hop, Spanish mixes, and house music. Even for their entrance to the reception, the couple did a surprise dance performance for their guests. The evening ended with another wow moment for their guests – a flash mob of over 50 people taking over the dance floor.

BANQUET HALLS The Westin Atlanta Perimeter North 770-395-3900 | BEAUTICIANS-COSMETICIAN Sovi salon 770-442-7684 | CAKE Hot Breads 770-442-9066 | CATERING Baps Shri Swaminarayan Mandir 678-458-6447 Gokul Sweets 404-299-2062 | DECORATOR Nirali Decor 609-703-5879 | DISC JOCKEY DJ Teek Encore Event DJs 478-231-6282 | PHOTO BOOTH Lets Booth It 404-410-6119 | PHOTOGRAPHER / VIDEOGRAPHY Zamana Photo & Videography 678-860-2921 | RENTAL SERVICES Prestige Luxury & Exotic Car Rentals 888-513-9711

There are several moments in our life that are simply priceless, memories on which we look back fondly, and stories that we enjoy telling over and over. While birthdays, friendships and holidays are treasured, what we never let go of is the magic of our own wedding. Beginning with courtship, continuing all the way to the proposal and wedding planning, and finally ending with the moment that is lost all too soon, love and marriage make for an experience that moves not just those involved, but also everyone in the vicinity of the happy couple.

Shailee and Vivek Patel, both fourth year students of medicine at the University of Miami, knew one another’s siblings for a while, but did not meet until a fateful cultural convention held in 2003. They were in touch through messages and emails and completed their undergraduate degree together at the University of Miami, after which they both went to the Miller School of Medicine. In 2010,Vivek decided to propose. Mindful that both held their respective families in the highest regard, Vivek decided to include them and invited them to a beach spot at Key Biscayne. Etching out a wedding proposal in the sand with Shailee’s favorite color teal, Vivek got down on one knee with the entire family hidden behind keeping the scene in full view. Shailee had no reason to refuse.

Diligent planning and ample support ensured all details were taken care of well in advance. A wedding planner was the ideal resource for this couple to ensure arrangements went on smoothly and remained on course. With help to find and secure vendors, arrange food tastings, and plan the events, wedding planning became easy to manage. While friends managed all logistics and parents were busy with details, Shailee and Vivekhad time to focus on their studies. A quick trip to India to shop for clothes and other items was also possible given the one and a half years between the engagement and wedding.

Although everyone felt plenty of time was available, the wedding arrived sooner than they expected. The first event was raas garba, which set to a mela or carnival A spectacular opening to the upcoming celebrations, everyone participated in full dress and with ample enthusiasm. Palmists, puppet shows, poster collage, and bangle bazaar were accompanied by music from the famous Rawal Brothers who performed live. Close friends of the couple performed a choreographed number with a surprise entry made by the groom. Entertainment not with standing, the guests had a roaring time with village foods served with a rustic feel. To blend in a little American essence, there was also cotton candy, snow cones and popcorn. The Orlando Marriott Lake Mary found itself transported to an Indian village as 500 guests enjoyed the festivities. The Marriott was ideal for its proximity to Shailee’s home and for lodging arrangements for most of the wedding guests.

For the wedding, an elegant gold mandap was embellished using pastel colored roses, hydrangeas and Asiatic lilies. Draped with ivory and coral curtains, it made for an impressive arena with 6 pillars designed in the shape of a seashell. The aisle had circular mosaic tile holders for the bouquets, candles and dangling flowers.

The wedding reception was held at the Heron Bay Marriott in Parkland, which is where Vivek and his family reside. The theme for the reception was Miami Chic, and the golf course located on the premises made for a pictures que backdrop Weaving Miami nightlife with the use of decor, colors and lighting, Suhaag Gardens handled all the decorations and in corporately host of elements to complete the feel. Most importantly, they ensured an inclusive dessert bar to appease the dessert cravings Shailee and Vivek are known to have.

DJ Firoz Dudha kept the 450 attendees completely entertained, not just with his music, but also as Emcee. A photo frame on the stage saw a silhouette dance performed by Shailee and Vivek, after which the sheers dropped and the man and his new wife emerged. They then performed their first dance together to Starlight by Muse. The Miami Chic theme continued with a salsa performance by the couple followed with professionally trained dancers in the background.

Both Shailee and Vivek advise that you stay calm and not worry about the wedding arrangements since it will be verbefore you even realize. There is little time for enjoyment, and you should make the most of it. A pleasant wedding with happy memories will go a long way in strengthening the marriage. Although moments during the wedding will make you feel the world is coming apart and all will come to an end, those moments will seem trivial in retrospect.

WEDDING SITE Orlando Marriott Lake Mary 407-995-1100 PANDIT Maheshbhai Gor 321-297-6167 DANCE LESSONS A PARTY HALL 305-796-8782 PHOTOGRAPHY Zamana Lifestyles Photography 678-860-2921 MANDAP DECORATOR Suhaag Gardens 561-247-4298 HORSE – CARRIAGE High Horse Carriage Rides 386-334-4386 WEDDING DRESS Roop Kala +91-079-55614411 Roopkala.ahmedabad GARBA BAND Rawal Brothers 386-882-1462 RENTAL EQUIPMENT 352-217-0330 Videography Zamana Lifestyles Photography 678-860-2921 ShivPriya Events LLC 407-473-8852 Flowers Suhaag Gardens 561-247-4298 Ranjan Patel 321-947-9673Music DJ DJ Zahir 407-437-3300 Dudha Productions 727-418-8498 Catering BAPS Orlando 407-857-0091 Punjab – Fine Indian Cuisine 561 392 8000 Bombay Café 407-240-5151 Royal Sweets 813-977-6000

History and Background

Mehndi is famed for its medicinal properties and use in body art around the world. The word originates from the Sanskrit word mendhika referring to the plant from which it is derived. References suggest that mehndi had its presence in varied cultures apart from India such as Egypt, Asia Minor, Middle East, and was even used by Cleopatra, pharaohs, and Prophet Muhammad. However, the body of art of mehndi had its roots in ancient India from where it spread to different nooks and corners of the world. Discovery of the henna plant’s cooling properties led to the popularity of use on the skin. The plant has even been used to color wool, silk, animal skin, human hair, and more.

Lawsonia inermis, the botanical name of the mehndi plant, is generally found in tropical climates on the Indian subcontinent. Fresh henna leaves, as opposed to powdered henna, have no odor. The leaves of the plant are used to produce a paste that leaves a dark reddish-orange color after application.

The dried leaves of henna are crushed to produce a powder that is then mixed with water, eucalyptus oil, and lemon juice to create a smooth pastelike texture. The paste is left to rest overnight and then poured into a plastic cone for application.

Application and Design

The tip of the cones are cut according to the desired thickness of the line. Cones are then squeezed lightly to apply uninterrupted designs, all ranging from simple to ornate depending on the individual’s taste or the occasion.

When having mehndi applied, it is best to wear short sleeves to keep the hands and arms exposed. From stunning, intricate designs to checkered and geometric patterns, the design options are endless. For minimalists, Arabic designs are elegant. Having mantras etched is the latest fad. Wedding motifs such as elephants and palanquin are the all-time traditional favorites. The feet are not to be forgotten – mehndi done in a prominent motif in the center is quite popular.

Once applied, the mehndi is left to dry for color blending and uniformity. To enhance the color outcome, a mixture of lemon juice and sugar is applied to the Mehndi. Once dry, the mendhi naturally crumbles and falls off. Using water to remove the mehndi is not common practice as this can make the color lighter.

Mehndi as a Ritual

In South Asian weddings, the mehndi event is a ritual where henna is applied on the bride’s hands and feet in anticipation of the wedding ceremony. Not only limited to the bride, all the bridesmaids and guests have beautiful designs done on their hands and arms from hired professionals. The ritual involves the ceremonial singing of traditional songs to the beat of drums and dholaks. Mehndi designs for the bride are elaborate, intricate, and as part of the tradition, it often includes the name of husband-to-be for him to seek on the wedding night.

For some, weddings are a time for doubt and stress. Anxiety and nervousness might be overwhelming, but given mehndi is scientifically proven to be a cooling property, the art of applying henna is a way to calm the bride’s nerves.

Sanskrit word mendhika

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Indian subcontinent

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Arabic designs are elegant

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South Asian weddings

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Anxiety

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