Brianna Karim, a 26-year-old medical student, and Rushi Vekariya, also 26 and a medical student, celebrated their wedding on December 21, 2025, at the Sheraton Orlando Lake Buena Vista Resort in Orlando, Florida. With 250 guests in attendance, the couple hosted both their wedding ceremony and reception at the same venue, creating a seamless and elegant celebration filled with meaningful traditions, vibrant décor, and unforgettable moments.

The couple’s story began in 2020 at an American Medical Student Association meeting at the University of Florida. Brianna attended the meeting with a mutual friend, who noticed Rushi sitting in another row and invited him to join them. Rushi sat next to Brianna, unknowingly beginning a relationship that would eventually lead to marriage. The two spent time together often within their mutual friend group before the COVID-19 pandemic forced everyone to return home and pause in-person interactions. Once school resumed, they began spending time together again in smaller groups, allowing them to grow closer. Through these quieter moments during the pandemic, their bond strengthened, and they officially began dating in November 2020.

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Although the couple did not hire a wedding planner, they successfully balanced wedding planning alongside the demands of medical school with the help of supportive family and friends. Brianna had a clear vision for the wedding and received guidance, advice, and encouragement from loved ones throughout the planning process. Despite exam schedules and clinical rotations, the couple leaned on their support system during stressful periods, especially when coordinating meetings with vendors.

The couple considered venues in both Orlando and Tampa before deciding on Orlando, where Brianna and her family are based. Rushi and his family are from outside Tampa. Orlando ultimately offered more venue availability within their shorter planning timeline. They selected the Sheraton Orlando Lake Buena Vista Resort because it provided everything they needed, including guest room discounts, open bar options, grand ballrooms, minimal restrictions on outside food, and complimentary accommodations for the bride and groom.

The wedding festivities included a Mehndi, Haldi, and Garba celebration. The Mehndi was held at the couple’s home in Orlando and featured colorful backdrops, marigolds, hanging decorations, and fresh flowers arranged in gold vases. The Haldi and Garba took place at the Rosen JCC Orlando. The outdoor Haldi ceremony featured gold seating, floral décor in bright colors, and guests dressed in yellow and other vibrant shades. The Garba celebration embraced blue, hot pink, and gold tones, with colorful tablecloths, lanterns, manzanita tree centerpieces, and a stage featuring a traditional gold swing placed on a pink Moroccan rug surrounded by flowers and candles.

For the wedding ceremony, the couple envisioned a light and airy atmosphere with gold accents, greenery, and peach florals. Held indoors at 2 p.m., the mandap featured peach drapery, hanging green and white wisteria, and a wooden frame of Lord Ganesh centered against the backdrop. Guests were provided with custom-made Wedding Guides explaining each step of the ceremony, along with tissues and Indian sweets placed on every chair. The Baarat music reflected the couple’s diverse tastes, combining Bollywood, hip hop, R&B, and Hispanic music, while the ceremony itself featured more traditional Indian songs.

Rushi made a memorable entrance to the ceremony in a modern electric carriage, dancing throughout the Baarat with friends and family. Since the ceremony and reception were held in different ballrooms within the same venue, no travel was necessary between events. After the ceremony, the newlyweds departed in a red Ferrari.

Music throughout the evening included Bollywood, hip hop, R&B, Chutney/Soca, and Hispanic genres. The couple’s first dance was a choreographed medley featuring “Kesariya” by Arijit Singh, “White Brown Black” by Avvy Sra, Jaani, and Karan Aujla, and “The Wedding Party” by Ravi B. The father-daughter dance featured “Give Me Away” by Riley Roth, while the mother-son dance was set to “Maa” by Shankar Mahadevan.

The couple also incorporated several personal touches into the celebration, including custom signature drinks called “Berry in Love” and “Spice of Life.” One of the most emotional moments of the wedding was their first look, when Rushi became emotional seeing Brianna fully dressed in her bridal outfit, jewelry, and makeup for the first time. Amid the excitement and busyness of the wedding day, it became a calm and meaningful moment focused entirely on each other.

The wedding of Shrusti Patel and Rishi Amin was a grand multi-day celebration held on October 12th, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. The ceremony took place at Wasioto Park and the Bridge Building, while the reception was hosted at Embassy Suites by Hilton Franklin Cool Springs. With nearly 600 guests in attendance, the wedding blended tradition, storytelling, and modern design into an unforgettable experience.

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The couple’s journey began in 2021 when they were first introduced through a mutual family friend. At that time, neither of them pursued anything further due to timing and life circumstances. In 2023, they were reintroduced by the same friend. This time, their connection felt different and more natural. Conversations started flowing easily and quickly turned into something meaningful. Shrusti was living in Philadelphia and Rishi was based in Chicago, so the relationship began long distance. Over the next year, they traveled frequently between cities, met each other’s families, and built a strong emotional foundation. Their relationship reached a turning point during a trip to Finland when Rishi proposed under the Northern Lights.

The proposal took place in the Arctic Circle in Finland during a planned trip to see the Aurora Borealis. Rishi arranged a private viewing experience with the help of a tour guide. After an unsuccessful first night due to weather conditions, the second night became magical when the sky lit up with vibrant colors. While Shrusti was focused on capturing photographs of the lights, Rishi surprised her by getting down on one knee and proposing. The moment felt surreal and emotional, made even more special by the fact that a candid photo she was trying to take ended up capturing the proposal itself.

The pre-wedding events each had distinct themes. The Mehendi was designed with a soft boho aesthetic featuring neutral drapes, pampas grass, candles, wicker textures, and blush floral arrangements. The Vidhi and Haldi ceremonies were vibrant and traditional with marigold décor, colorful backdrops, lanterns, and interactive guest activities including a canvas reveal. The Sangeet transformed the barn into a Moroccan-inspired space with jewel tones, hanging lanterns, velvet textures, and dramatic lighting that created an immersive celebration.

The wedding ceremony was held outdoors in the evening at 7 PM with the Nashville skyline as a backdrop. Inspired by the wedding sequence in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, the mandap design was grand and cinematic. One of the most memorable moments was Shrusti’s entrance into the mandap through a hidden staircase, a vision that required extensive planning and last-minute problem solving before it was successfully executed.

Music played an important role throughout the celebration. The Baraat featured a live dhol team that created an energetic atmosphere as guests danced from the waterfront to the ceremony space. The groom arrived by boat with his groomsmen, adding a unique and lively start to the day. The ceremony included live singers and musicians performing traditional songs, enhancing the emotional atmosphere.

The reception embraced a modern luxury theme with a black, white, and gold color palette. The ballroom featured mirrored accents, candles, acrylic seating, and white floral arrangements including roses, hydrangeas, and lisianthus. Instead of a traditional stage setup, the DJ booth and LED screens became the focal point, creating an immersive party atmosphere. The bridal party entrance included custom props, LED lights, and oversized photo cutouts that energized the room.

The couple’s first dance included “Ordinary” by Alex Warren and “Tum Ho Toh” from Saiyaara. The father daughter dance was “Meri Duniya Tu Hi Re” by Sonu Nigam, and the mother son dance was “It’s the Time to Disco” by Vasundhara Das, KK, and Shaan.

The reception music blended Bollywood, Punjabi, hip hop, and global hits, keeping guests on the dance floor throughout the night. One of the most memorable spontaneous moments came when everyone gathered for “Mr. Brightside,” creating a final emotional singalong.

Personal touches were present throughout the wedding. Shrusti wore her mother’s wedding saree during the garland exchange, which also honored her grandparents who originally gifted it. DIY elements included custom signage, engraved favors, photo sharing QR codes, and personalized props for entrances. A major highlight was the emotional reveal of the fully designed mandap, which exceeded expectations and left guests in awe.

Despite weather anxieties leading up to the wedding and a humorous moment during the Haldi when the groom’s ring was temporarily lost, everything came together beautifully. The couple’s biggest advice to others is to stay present, focus on loved ones, and remember that the most meaningful memories often come from unplanned moments.

Introduction A Hindu wedding according to the Vedas is not merely a social contract—it is considered a sacred spiritual union (Saṁskāra). Marriage is one of the sixteen major sacraments (Ṣoḍaśa Saṁskāras) in Hindu life. The Sacredness of Marriage In the Vedic tradition, marriage is performed in the presence of Agni, the sacred fire. who acts as the divine witness. The couple takes vows based on Vedic mantras. committing to a life guided by the four fundamental goals of human life, known as the Purushārthas (पुरुषार्थ):

• Dharma – righteous living and moral duty
• Artha – material prosperity and livelihood
• Kāma – emotional and sensory fulfillment
• Mksa—spiritual liberation

The core wedding rituals described in the Vedas appear primarily in the Rigveda (Maṇḍala 10, Sūkta 85), known as the Vivāha Sūkta.

1. Vivāha as a Sacred Saṁskāra In Vedic philosophy, marriage is a partnership in dharma. The bride and groom become gṛhasthas (householders) and together fulfill

• Performing yajña (sacred rituals)
• Practicing Dharma
• Raising children
• Serving society
• Continuing the family lineageThe Gṛhastha Āśrama (householder stage) is considered the pillar of society, because

2. Role of Agni (Sacred Fire)The most important witness in a Vedic wedding is Agni. Agni represents:

• Purity
• Divine presence
• Transformation
• TruthThe couple makes their vows before the sacred fire, signifying that their promises are

3. The tradition of getting married in the Hindu religion[/caption] Main Vedic Wedding Rituals Although regional customs vary, the core Vedic steps usually include the following:Kanyādāna (Giving Away the Bride)The bride’s father formally offers his daughter to the groom. Meaning: The father entrusts the groom with the care and partnership of his daughter, and it symbolizes blessings and the transfer of responsibility.Pāṇigrahaṇa (Holding the Hand) The groom holds the bride’s hand while reciting a Vedic mantra from the Rigveda (10.85.36): “I take your hand for happiness, so that together we may live to old age in prosperity.” This mantra signifies the couple accepts each other as lifelong partners.Agni Pradakṣiṇā (Circling the Sacred Fire) – Maṅgala Pherās In many Gujarati and North Indian Hindu wedding traditions, the couple takes four Maṅgala Pherās around the sacred fire, which is the divine witness, Agni.Meaningful symbolism is observed during these rounds:

• In the first three phases, the husband leads.
• In the fourth era, the wife leads.This does not indicate superiority or dominance. Instead, it reflects the balance of responsibilities in married life.First Three Pheras—Husband Leads The first three rounds correspond to the first three Purushārthas:

1. Dharma—righteous duty: Uphold dharma in the household
2. Artha—livelihood and prosperity: Work for material stability prosperity
3. Kāma—love and fulfillment: Work for material stability and prosperityThe deeper meaning is responsibility and commitment, not authority.Fourth Phera—Wife Leads The fourth round represents Mokṣa, the highest spiritual goal—liberation and selfrealization. In this round, the bride leads and the groom follows.This symbolizes that

• The wife becomes the spiritual guide of the home
• The nurturing principle leads toward spiritual growth
• The household moves toward higher values and inner realizationIn traditional Hindu thought, the wife is often called Gṛha Lakṣmī—the auspicious spiritual energy in the home.Here, the wife also reminds the husband of the ultimate goal of life: Mokṣa.

• Material life requires effort and responsibility.
• Spiritual life requires wisdom, compassion, and inner strength.The Vedic tradition honors the spiritual power of the feminine principle.In many scriptures, the wife is called: “Saha-dharma-chāriṇī” the one who walks together in dharma. In Simple Words: Together, they promise to walk through life side by side.

The Saptapadi – The Seven Sacred Steps The Saptapadi (seven steps) is the most sacred part of the Hindu marriage ceremony. After the seventh step, the couple is considered o􀆯icially married. The Seven Vows

• Step 1 – Nourishment: “Let us take the first step for nourishment.” Together we will provide food and support our household.
• Step 2 – Strength: “Let us take the second step for strength.” We will grow stronger physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
• Step 3 – Prosperity: “Let us take the third step for prosperity.” We will earn wealth honestly and share it responsibly.
• Step 4 – Happiness: “Let us take the fourth step for happiness.” We will support each other in joy and sorrow.
• Step 5 – Children: “Let us take the fifth step for progeny.” We will raise virtuous children.
• Step 6 – Health and Longevity: “Let us take the sixth step for long life.” We will live healthy and peaceful lives together.
• Step 7 – Friendship: “Let us take the seventh step for friendship.” Now we become lifelong companions and partners.

In Vedic philosophy, the final vow—friendship—is considered the most important. In the Vedic tradition, marriage is understood as a sacred partnership in which two individuals walk together on the path of dharma and spiritual growth. Thus, marriage becomes a shared spiritual journey. The Essence of Vedic Marriage A Vedic marriage is a sacred union witnessed by Agni, grounded in Vedic mantras from the Rigveda, in which two individuals take sacred vows and promise to walk together in dharma, harmony, and spiritual growth. Jai Shree Krishna

About the Author 

Samir (Sam) Desai was with Motorola for more than 34 years. He served as Sr. Vice President & General Manager for iDEN® Networks, managing over six billion dollars’ worth of business. He has a MS in electrical engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago. He also holds an MBA from Loyola University, Chicago. He is known as a management guru who has applied principles from the Bhagavad Gita in the corporate world. After retiring from Motorola, Sam Desai served as an independent consultant for the Board of Directors of three companies: Larsen & Toubro Infotech, Larsen & Toubro Technology Services, and Welch Allyn.

About the Author Tanya Narayan, a Senior Journalist at Desh-Videsh Media Group, brings stories to life with deep insight and on-the-ground reporting. With a passion for uncovering cultural and human narratives, she explores India’s most significant events and traditions.

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  Over the years, shared experiences and milestones strengthened their bond. “Over time, we realized how much we enjoyed each other’s company and that our personalities and values complemented each other perfectly,” Nazia recalls. Their connection was built on friendship, understanding, and a mutual respect that made their relationship feel natural and steady. The proposal was equally meaningful. Derrick chose the Atlanta Botanical Garden, a place significant to their early memories, to ask Nazia to marry him. Nervous but heartfelt, his proposal left Nazia with a sense of joy and certainty. “I knew at that moment that I was saying yes to my best friend,” she says. On December 14, 2025, the couple celebrated their wedding at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort in Orlando, Florida, surrounded by 150 to 200 family members and friends. Orlando was chosen for its familiarity and convenience, allowing loved ones to easily attend the celebration. Aided by their planner, Nagina, Nazia and Derrick navigated the planning process smoothly. “Her calm approach and organization made the entire experience enjoyable,” Nazia says. The festivities began with a vibrant outdoor mehndi. The stage, framed with marigolds and roses in orange, yellow, coral, and blush, sat above ivory settees and hanging floral garlands. Brass lanterns, baskets of marigolds, and playful details like a red parasol with hanging beads added warmth and charm. Food carts encouraged guests to mingle, a henna artist offered intricate designs, and a small bazaar with polki bags, gajras, and jhumkas added a festive touch. Bollywood beats filled the air, with family performances and songs creating a personal and joyful atmosphere. The groom entered dancing to “Saajanji Ghar Aaye” from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, followed by Nazia and her cousins to “Mehndi Hai Rachnewali.” The reception embraced elegance and romance. Black velvet linens provided a dramatic base for the décor, while white roses and soft blooms with greenery added freshness. Gold candle holders with floating candles cast a warm glow, and textured glass chargers and gold flatware gave each table a polished look. The stage featured gold-framed cascading white flowers, crystal chandeliers, and a cream loveseat for the couple. Nazia and Derrick entered hand in hand to “Mahiya Jinna Sohna” by Darshan Raval, walking onto a white dance floor featuring their monogram and wedding date. Music played throughout the evening, blending Bollywood, American, and jazz tunes to create a lively yet relaxed atmosphere. “We wanted the night to be about enjoying time with family and friends rather than following a strict program,” Nazia explains. Instead of performances or a first dance, the focus was on connection and celebration. Personal touches made the day memorable. A 360° photo booth, Polaroid cameras at the entrance, and a Jenga guest book encouraged guests to leave messages and create keepsakes. These small details reflected the couple’s personalities and made their wedding interactive and fun. Some of the most memorable moments were quiet ones—seeing each other for the first time before the festivities began and walking into the decorated venues. “The colors, flowers, and details made the days feel magical and completely ‘us,’” Nazia reflects. Their advice to other couples? “Stay calm, focus on what matters, and take a moment to pause and enjoy the day. It goes by faster than you think.”

On April 12, 2025, Sujata Datta and Mark Poulton were married in a vibrant celebration at the Doubletree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal in Orlando, Florida. With 130 guests in attendance, the wedding brought together family and friends from across the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The couple now lives in Baltimore, but they chose Orlando because Sujata’s parents live there and April offered warm, inviting weather for loved ones traveling from abroad.

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Sujata, a 33 year old physician who goes by the nickname Jay, did not change her name after marriage. Mark, also 33, works as a project manager. Their journey began on Bumble with a memorable first date at the Inner Harbor in Baltimore. “Our first date was at the Inner Harbor of Baltimore, we went for a walk outside since I had Covid,” Sujata recalls. For weeks afterward, busy schedules and separate vacations kept them apart, but Mark ensured the connection did not fade. “Mark says that during that month he specifically messaged me on Bumble once every 3 days so I wouldn’t forget him, but also so that I wouldn’t get annoyed by him.”

Their early dates were filled with lighthearted moments, from an attempted goodnight kiss that turned into a forehead peck to a shared outing to see Top Gun II, which Mark had secretly already watched. After six months, Mark said “I love you” first. Sujata, more cautious by nature, took a little longer but eventually reciprocated. When her work took her to Atlanta for a year, they navigated long distances, visiting nearly every month and speaking constantly. Two years into their relationship, shortly before Sujata moved back to Baltimore, Mark proposed in San Francisco at the start of a road trip to Los Angeles.
“Mark proposed to me in San Francisco right at the beginning of a week-long road trip,” Sujata shares. He had insisted on staying at Cavallo Point Lodge in Sausalito, where he led her to a viewpoint overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge and asked her to marry him. “I was shocked. I honestly knew that he would propose at some point, but I assumed it would be a few months or even a year later.” She said yes, and they celebrated by calling their families, many of whom already knew about the plan.

Wedding festivities began with a Mehndi night at Sujata’s parents’ home. Colorful scarves decorated the sunroom, and guests enjoyed a make your own taco bar with margaritas and mojitos prepared by the bride. “Mark’s family got really into the mehndi, even the guys, two of his elderly uncles, had Welsh dragons on their hands.” The following day featured a Haldi ceremony and a rehearsal dinner in the hotel courtyard with an Italian buffet and open bar.
For the wedding day, the couple hired Fierce Events for a day of coordination. “Having Sasha and Rochelle there was absolutely amazing and we could not have done the wedding and reception without them,” Sujata says. The team handled everything seamlessly, from vendor coordination to last minute changes.

The ceremony and reception both took place at the Doubletree. The celebration blended Indian traditions with Western elements, reflecting their shared cultures and personalities. The next day, many guests gathered by the hotel pool to continue the festivities in a relaxed setting. The couple’s wedding website, https://withjoy.com/sujata-and-mark/welcome, offers a glimpse into their journey and celebration.

On June 22, 2025, Payal Dave and Elvis Castillo were married at Dreams Macao Beach Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, surrounded by 100 of their closest family and friends. With the ocean as their backdrop, their destination wedding beautifully blended Indian and Dominican traditions into a vibrant and deeply meaningful celebration.

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Payal an HR Manager, and Elvis a Business Analyst, first met in 2013 while working together as front desk staff at a hotel. What began as a professional connection gradually evolved into friendship and then love. They officially began dating in 2014, unaware their journey would span more than a decade before marriage. “Over the next eleven years, we grew together through life’s milestones, challenges, and successes, building a strong foundation rooted in love, trust, and mutual respect.” From career growth to personal transitions, they matured side by side, strengthening a partnership grounded in patience and understanding.

The proposal was sentimental and symbolic. Early in their relationship, Elvis surprised Payal with a trip to Aruba after she shared it was her dream destination. During that visit, they dined at Passions on the Beach and captured a photo she always treasured. In June 2022, under the pretense of celebrating their eight year anniversary, Elvis secretly recreated that moment. “As we posed for photos, he got down on one knee and proposed. I felt completely shocked, overwhelmed with joy, and deeply emotional.” Returning to a meaningful place made the proposal intimate and unforgettable.

Although many couples hire planners for destination weddings, Payal chose to manage the planning herself. As a wedding coordinator on the side, she felt confident overseeing vendors, timelines, and décor. Years of experience and observing friends’ weddings helped her define a clear vision that honored both cultures authentically.

The decision to marry in the Dominican Republic came with irony. As an Indian bride and a Dominican groom, they once joked they would marry in neither homeland. “Ironically, we ended up doing exactly what we once said we wouldn’t.” The island’s natural beauty and experienced vendors made it the perfect destination while offering guests a memorable travel experience.

The wedding weekend began with a Welcome Night and Sangeet featuring tropical neutral décor with pampas grass, dried palms, white florals, greenery, and warm string lights. A henna artist created intricate designs, and the evening ended with a dramatic fire show. The pre wedding Pooja embraced soft whites, gold accents, marigold garlands, and natural wood tones. The outdoor Haldi ceremony featured flowing yellow and white drapery and concluded with a spontaneous oceanside water celebration filled with laughter.

The ceremony took place overlooking the ocean beneath a white mandap adorned with lush white florals and sheer draping. The Baarat blended Bollywood and Latin music, celebrating both cultures. Soft instrumentals accompanied the rituals, maintaining a romantic ambiance. As they were announced husband and wife, colorful smoke bombs filled the sky.

The reception embraced a modern black, white, and gold theme with candlelight, mirrored accents, crisp florals, and acrylic chairs. Their first dance was to a mix of Standing by You by Nish and Juana Mecho. The mother son dance featured Always Remember Us This Way by Lady Gaga, while the mother daughter dance honored Betiyaan The Daughter Song. A surprise performance by the bride’s family became a highlight of the night.

Personal touches included curated welcome bags and signature cocktails named Elvis’s Red Line and the Macao Mule. The most powerful moment came unexpectedly. The bride, who lost her father in 2022, carried his photo down the aisle. After a completely rain free week, it poured as she reached the mandap. The sudden rain felt like a blessing, transforming the moment into an unforgettable memory.