NISHA AND ANDRE Ftr Img

Nisha and Andrew

Nisha and Andrew
Nisha and Andrew
Photographer:
Sona Photography

It was not love at first sight for Nisha and Andrew, but Cupid had other plans for them! Nisha Patel, 29, an optometrist, was watching her favorite college football team at a bar when she met Andrew Guralnick, 33, a firefighter. Their chance meeting on Halloween developed into friendship, and that night their destinies changed forever.

Their friendship developed over the next year. The duo slowly fell in love, and soon realized they couldn’t live without one another. Andrew’s support and care for Nisha eased her stress as she worked towards graduating from optometry school.

Andrew bought a ring and asked Nisha’s parents for blessings. He knew how important her family was to her, so he invited Nisha’s sister, brother-in-law, brother and friends to Boston over Memorial Day weekend in 2016. They were walking through Boston Commons and came upon a trellis decorated by Nisha’s friends Debi and Ricky, who were hiding with a camera. Her best friend Gopi also surprised her with a visit.

Wedding and Reception of Nisha and Andrew

“Andrew stopped, pulled me aside and gave his proposal speech,” said Nisha. He got down on one knee and proposed. They celebrated with family and friends at The Independent, their first date venue.

Nisha and Andrew had a Hindu wedding followed by a Jewish ceremony and reception. The mehndi and grah shanti were held at her parent’s home in Tampa, Florida.

The couple didn’t hire a wedding planner, but sought help from professional vendors. The wedding ceremonies and reception were organized at the Rusty Pelican in Tampa. Nisha and Andrew chose the tropical hideaway as it stands on the waters of Tampa Bay providing an intimate setting. It was a destination wedding for the couple’s 128 guests.

The theme for the Hindu wedding was traditional red, gold and white with a hint of royal blue. The Grand Ballroom with its views of the bay, built-in dance floor, chandeliers, and flowers in tall vases was perfect for the wedding.

Nisha’s Prince Charming arrived on a white horse for the baraat, and for the Jewish ceremony, the bridal party came in a black limo. The Jewish ceremony was hosted on the lush green lawn overlooking the ocean with lavender, purple, white and gold. Nisha and Andrew took their vows under the traditional Jewish huppah, while the setting sun lit their faces.

The reception was an elegant affair in purple, lavender, gold with white tulle drapes and lights hanging from the ceiling. The ballroom came to life with white roses, hydrangeas and white/purple calla and lilies.

Nisha and Andrew advise couples to prioritize what is important and enjoy private moments together during the wedding.

Wedding and Reception of Nisha and Andrew
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Vendors
BANQUET HALLS
The Rusty Pelican Tampa
813-337-0539
BEAUTICIANS/COSMETICIAN
Beauty by Jayshree
407-430-8536
CAKE
Alessi Bakery
813-879-4544
CATERING/RESTAURANT
Royal Sweets and Fast Food
813-977-6000
The Rusty Pelican Tampa
813-337-0539
DECORATOR/FLORIST
Arlene’s Floral & Event Design
813-714-2695
DISC JOCKEY
DJ Sangeen
407-902-9639
HORSE – CARRIAGE
St. Petersburg Carriages
INVITATIONS
Invitations by Dawn
1-800-257-9567
PHOTOGRAPHER
Sona Photography
407-694-6032
VIDEOGRAPHY
Riant Films
407-603-6955
 Wedding of Nisha and Andrew