Desh-Videsh Indian wedding Resource Guide Fall 2020

Desh-Videsh SEPTEMBER 2020 - VOLUME 27, ISSUE 09 The September 2020 Wedding Resources Fall issue features the wedding of Shivani and Samir. The cover photo is provided by Peter Nguyen Studio (www.peternguyenstudio.com).

Hair & Makeup: Makeup Art By Aby Cover Ceremony Venue: McCauley Estate Vineyards Floral & Decor: Sai Decor Bridal Fashions: Sabyasachi Mehndi Artist: Henna Style by Arati

Esha & Simit

16 Sparks flew all around when Simit Parikh, pharmacist, met Esha Soni, nuclear medicine technologist, on a blind date. Little did they know that a conversation over Mexican food and margaritas would change their lives for the better!

Must Have Photo Moments

24

Navya & Nikhil

32

Contents Article

Page No

Esha & Simit

16

Must Have Photo Moments 24 Navya & Nikhil

32

Kruti & Nishant

42

Deepali & Ajay

50

Top 5 Color Trends

58

Grah Shanti

68

Classified Ads

73

Advertisers Index

76

Digital Edition

Bursting with vivid and bold hues, opulent décor and intricate but elegant designs very well describe Indian weddings. Also known as Shaadi or Shadi, Indian weddings are best known for their grandeur, traditions, grace, colors and almost carnival-type celebration.

Navya and Nikhil’s wedding was the final chapter in their book of love. After meeting in college and spending 10 years falling in love, the couple planned a gorgeous wedding complete with unique and personal touches.

Kruti & Nishant

42 Kruti, a physician assistant, and Nishant, a marketing manager, were never firm believers in dating. Interestingly, however, the online app Dil Mil changed their opinions. The two found themselves spending hours in each other’s company online.

Deepali & Ajay

50 Funnily, Deepali, marketing specialist, and Ajay, quality engineer, each have different versions of their “how we met story.” Deepali insists they met at a cousin’s wedding in Dallas, but Ajay insists that he was first taken in by Deepali’s picture on the Shaadi.com app, and then smitten with her smile at the wedding.

6

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esha & simit Photographer: Fine Art Production

S

parks flew all around when Simit Parikh, pharmacist, met Esha Soni, nuclear medicine technologist, on a blind date.

Little did they know that a conversation over Mexican food and margaritas would change their lives for the better!

The couple kept in touch as they shuttled between New Jersey and Florida, and it became increasingly clear that they had an incredible chemistry.

Simit proposed to Esha on New Year’s Eve, just a year after he met her at their favorite New York City restaurant in Times Square! The couple describes the proposal as “the best Christmas gift ever.”

The gorgeous aesthetics of St. Augustine, Florida, coupled with its interesting history made it an ideal choice for a wedding venue. Esha and Simit decided to host their wedding at the boutique resort World Golf Village Renaissance in St. Augustine because of its elegant atmosphere and its spacious rooms.

The sangeet event featured decor with a gorgeous Moroccan royal purple backdrop with fluttering drapes, accentuated by a beautiful Indian Kathaloo that held Radha Krishna murthis.

The wedding decorations followed a light pink-gold and maroon theme with an entrance flanked by brass peacocks, a huge Ganesha idol, and a stunning butterflythemed mandap.

The couple’s first look took place on a scenic walkway 18

just outside the resort. Esha and Simit looked into each other’s eyes right before the baraat, and both realized the true emotion and love that surrounded them as they embarked on a new chapter in their lives. The barrat itself was a spectacular beginning to the wedding ceremony, and the groom made his royal entry in a beautiful carriage drawn by white horses! The wedding included several unique touches including signs for the bride’s entrance held by the flower girls that stated “Masa (uncle) here comes your

bride,” and “has anyone seen my masa’s shoes?”.

The reception stage featured a backdrop that was a true work of art floral walls filled with candlesticks and crystals as well as an array of floating candles with submerged orchids.

The event was memorable, and the newlyweds’ first dance was to “Dil dilyan gallan” while the talented DJ added fog effects and cold fireworks. The father-daughter dance was to “Aye dil laya hai bahaar,” while the mother-son dance was to “janam janam tu hi mere paas maa” creating a beautifully emotional moment.

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Vendors BANQUET HALLS St. Augustine Renaissance 904-940-8635 CAKE Sweet by Holly 407-277-7746 CATERING Khasiyat Restaurant 407-888-2147 DECORATOR Utopian Event Florida 407-929-6641 DISC JOCKEY Krish Entertainment Inc. 352-299-0743 EVENT PLANNER Blissful Weddings & Events 586-604-2709 HAIR AND MAKEUP Elite Look Productions 904-334-9247 Kaitlin Francois 904-923-8864 MEHNDI Manus Beauty Care 904-525-5602 PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHY Fine Art Production 732-939-2104 Tabla Bar and Grill 407-247-2509

Photos Courtesy Fine Art Production 407-979-4749

www.fineartproduction.com

For more detailed information on this article or to view additional pictures, please visit deshvidesh.com/Sept2020

Photo by Peter Nguyen Studio

Photo by Peter Nguyen Studio

Photo by Peter Nguyen Studio

Photo by Peter Nguyen Studio

Navya & Nikhil Photographer: Strokes Photography

N

avya Talluri was super impressed when she walked into Nikhil Patel’ Wayne University dorm room. The couple were dorm neighbors and met in an elevator 10 years before they decided to get married. Navya describes Nikhil’s room as “impressively neat and clean.”

Her heart melted a little when Nikhil graciously offered her his biology log book.

This was an effortless college romance that blossomed over shared meals, long walks and even longer talks. Soon the two students became best friends and ventured into a love struck relationship. Nikhil gave Navya the best graduation day gift ever - a trip to Thailand where she could meet her favorite animal, elephants. Little did Navya know that these lovable mammals would be spectators to a splendid wedding proposal.

Nikhil chose to propose to Navya when she was already having the time of her life by interacting with elephants at an elephant sanctuary. Navya recalls that she was delirious with happiness and doesn’t even remember what she said afterwards apart from yes.

For the wedding, the couple wanted to keep things simple, creative and customized so they did most of the wedding planning themselves. Navya and Nikhil decided to hold their wedding events in Detroit since all their memories of dating and love were based there. They chose The Henry Autograph Collection for their wedding venue. The hotel is named in honor of United States veteran Henry Dearborn and known for

its magnificent lobby adorned with vibrant contemporary art.

The mehendi function had a unique décor theme - DIY origami paper cranes reminiscent of the cute ones Nikhil used to make for Navya back in college. The sangeet featured a feast of Indian

street food arranged by cute little carnival themed food stations. And of course, the event included lots of dancing!

DJ Naveen Sharma played an eclectic mix of garba music for the couple’s garba night as both the bride and groom were fans of party songs.

Vendors BANQUET HALLS The Henry Autograph Collection 313-441-2000 CATERING Ashoka Indian Cuisine 248-689-7070 Taste of India Suvai 734-327-6500 DECORATOR Marigold Wedding Planners 248-250-4066 HAIR AND MAKEUP Hair by Aysha 734-635-3687 HORSE CARRIAGE Ann Arbor Carriage Company 734-663-9033 MEHNDI Henna Beauty by Krupa 248-457-5318 DISC JOCKEY DJ Ice and Fresh 734-320-5491 Naveen Productions 248-797-9707 PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHY Strokes Photography 647-999-6838 Capturing Arts 586-477-8161 PRIEST Prasad Bhat 734-383-1872

Photos Courtesy Strokes Photography 647-999-6838 www.strokesphotography.com

Since Navya and Nikhil chose to have only the wedding and not a reception, they channeled all their energy into making sure that the function was special and intimate. First, Nikhil arrived in a white horse drawn carriage to funky live music arranged by DJ Ice and Fresh Productions. The couple also created a customized

For more detailed information on this article or to view additional pictures, please visit deshvidesh.com/Sept2020 36

monogram that they put on takeaway bags and table runners. Their unique wedding program even included crossword puzzles based on Navya and Nikhil’s life.

Although they planned to do a first look, it wasn’t possible, so the first time the two saw each other was at the mandap.

Navya will never forget the look on Nikhil’s face when he first saw her. It was at this unforgettable moment that the couple realized that they would finally be married - a moment for which they waited for more than ten years.

SEPTEMBER 2020 - WWW.DESHVIDESH.COM

Kruti & Nishant Photographer: Castaldo Studios LLC

K

ruti, a physician assistant, and Nishant, a marketing manager, were never firm believers in dating. Interestingly, however, the online app Dil Mil changed their opinions. The two found themselves spending hours in each other’s company online.

From romantic weekends away and virtual dates to phone calls and FaceTimes, the pair didn’t take long to realize it was time to move forward with their long-distance relationship.

The proposal came as a surprise for Kruti. Spending a luxurious weekend in Miami, Florida, on Valentine’s Day seemed the ideal opportunity for Nishant to ask the muchawaited question. Since Kruti loves the water and the beach, Nishant surprised her by renting a boat. They both sat on the boat while enjoying the evening and listening to music.

As the sun began to set and paint a gorgeous backdrop, Nishant held Kruti’s hand and smiled. He told her how much he loved her and instead of talking on FaceTime, he wanted to wake up with her every day.

He asked Kruti to marry him, and she was so surprised this was happening, that shocked and excited she screamed “Yes!” After the romantic proposal, the couple spent several months on phone calls, FaceTime and in meetings planning for their big day. They decided to hand over wedding planning to Apsara Events and agreed to host a destination wedding at Hilton Clearwater Beach in Florida.

The Grah Shanti puja kicked off the festivities and was followed by a sangeet, wedding ceremony, and reception. Their sangeet was a festive event 44

SEPTEMBER 2020 - WWW.DESHVIDESH.COM

that took place on a beautifully decorated yacht, the Starship, and succeeded in getting the guests ready for what was to come.

Finally, the much-awaited moment arrived and the groom rode to his baraat on horseback. Kruti and Nishant’s wedding was a grand affair with nearly 350 guests at the Hilton Clearwater Beach in Florida. The event was vibrant and colorful with beautiful floral décor and a floating Lord Ganesha designed by Nikun Events. The beautiful couple were married in the presence of their family on the beach against the perfect backdrop of a floating Ganesha and beyond that the majestic ocean. A live violinist added to the mood and created the perfect ambiance for Kruti and Nishant’s wedding.

Nikun Events continued the amazing designs for the reception. Kruti and Nishant walked out to “Aankh Maarey,” and then added their own touches and choreographed their own first dance, which was a mix of famous Bollywood hits such as “Ishq Wale Love,” “Ladki Badi Anjani Hai,” “Ban Ja Tu Meri Rani,” and “Dil Leyge.”

DJ Firoz of Dudha Productions

Vendors BANQUET HALLS Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa 727-461-3222

KULFI / ICE CREAM Ice Spice Cafe 813-591-1758

CATERING Khasiyat Indian Restaurant 407-252-8756

LIGHTING 2 Livebots 954-203-4254

DECORATOR Nikun Events 407-448-7128

MEHNDI Bridal Henna 01 727-459-6448

DISC JOCKEY Dudha Productions 727-418-8498

Henna Allure 321-444-5911

EVENT PLANNER Apsara Events 727-687-8185 Hair and Makeup Makeup by Z 813-600-8308 Michele Renee The Studio and Salon 813-531-7770

MUSICIAN Sunset Strings LLC 239-322-9856 PAINTER Jacob Event Painting 207-333-8081 PHOTO BOOTH Snapshoot Photobooth 813-501-7627

Seva Beauty 813-464-5789

PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHY Castaldo Studios LLC 407-347-8926

HORSE / CARRIAGE St. Petersburg Carriages 727-365-2194

PRIEST Acharya Ramesh Mehta 813-453-9334

kept the mood celebratory and the couple and their guests literally danced their feet off!

The events were over in just a few days, but Kruti and Nishant have glorious memories to last them a lifetime!

Photos Courtesy Castaldo Studios LLC 407-347-8926 www.castaldostudio.com

For more detailed information on this article or to view additional pictures, please visit deshvidesh.com/Sept2020 46

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Deepali & Ajay Photographer:

DARS Photography

F

unnily, Deepali, marketing specialist, and Ajay, quality engineer, each have different versions of their “how we met story.” Deepali insists they met at a cousin’s wedding in Dallas, but Ajay insists that he was first taken in by Deepali’s picture on the Shaadi.com app, and then smitten with her smile at the wedding. In fact, he re-subscribed to the app just to pursue his hopes of getting to know her.

Deepali thought that guy “Ajay” holding up the sheet and serving lunch at her cousin’s wedding was “very cute,” and she tried to engage him actively in conversations.

Ajay’s proposal came just six months after the couple first met. The unique proposal involved a treasure hunt

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complete with math problems and interesting questions as well as shopping and salon trips, snacking, and town hopping in a party bus. The fact that the entire family was involved in setting up the

props, planning, and helping in the exciting treasure hunt made the proposal even sweeter for the couple. When Deepali finally met Ajay at the top of a staircase, he got to one

knee and popped the question!

When Deepali and Ajay began wedding planning, their project management and process control skills kicked in and managed to pull off DIY decor for the mehendi, pithi and garba. The mehendi took place in Deepali’s backyard, which was elegantly refurbished with a wooden stage and a classy backdrop stand made with mirror-studded black and gold painted PVC pipes.

For the pithi, the family constructed a huge tent with a peacock-embellished cloth (from India) decorated with artificial Indian marigolds to add a traditional look to the event. The garba was hosted at 502 East Event Center, and Deepali’s family constructed a gorgeous DIY centerpiece from

SEPTEMBER 2020 - WWW.DESHVIDESH.COM

Vendors

BANQUET HALLS 502 East Event Center 317-843-1234 CAKE Classic Cakes 317-844-6901 Sweet & Savory 317-802-9004 Dunkin' Donuts 317-853-6581 CATERING India Sizzling 317-845-5500 DECORATOR Indiana Wedding Decorators 317-590-3166 DISC JOCKEY DJ Mavi Productions 513-885-1679 HAIR AND MAKEUP Bhavika Pandya 317-502-7465 HORSE CARRIAGE Blue Ribbon Carriages 317-631-4169 MEHNDI Mendhika - Creations by Krupali 317-656-7271

peacock feathers, ethnic cloth and dandiya sticks. Deepali’s sister was the “mehendi wali,” and she made sure that the football loving bride got her favorite football team logos, Colts and Patriots, etched in the designs. Ajay showed off his engineering skills by creating unique snack boxes full of activity ideas to keep the guests entertained. He also created jumbo sized gold painted table numbers out of cardboard boxes that the couple later used as photo props while posing with their guests!

The “in sync” couple showed off how well matched they 54

were at the reception with a gorgeous green-gold theme.

Deepali’s mint green dress and forest green accessories complimented Ajay’s velvet green jacket. The happy couple swayed to the rhythm of Lukas Graham’s “Love Someone” for their first dance. Deepali and Ajay are the perfect example of how love can make the whole world go around!

PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHY DARS Photography 847-250-7613 Visionaries Video 317-829-4010

Photos Courtesy DARS Photography 847-250-7613

www.darsphoto.com

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Top 5 Color Trends for Winter Wedding Events Photo Courtesy: Amita S. Photography

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wedding that is distinctive and memorable is a wish many brides make for this important life event. Multifaceted hues and dimensions of color are sure to leave an imprint, and moreover, are a characteristic trait of South Asian weddings.

Weddings have always been affairs to remember, with everyone involved cherishing different memories.

Brides spend a good bit of time coordinating colors - from the bride and groom’s clothing to the decorations for each event, invitations, and so much more. Whether the color of the flowers or of the bridal lehnga, color is an important detail for each and every event of the wedding.

Some seasons feature bolder colors than others, but even winter weddings can dazzle with a range of festive colors. Consider these color combinations to ensure your wedding events leave an impression on your guests!

Golden Yellow for an Auspicious Haldi/Pithi The haldi (also known as pithi) ceremony is one of the most colorful rituals in Indian weddings. A very traditional ceremony, the haldi/pithi takes place the day before the wedding and is both auspicious as well as playful. Given the haldi mixture is Photo Courtesy Pixel Collection Photography a blessing for the bride and groom it is only fitting that the deep golden color be given consideration for the decor and clothing.

Many brides adorn themselves with yellow floral jewelry for this ceremony. Adding hues of yellow to the decor makes it a vibrant ceremony.

Claret Red for a Winter Wedding Photo Courtesy: Cassie Valente Photography

Rose Pink and White for an Elegant Engagement Engagement ceremonies can be considered a kick off for the main event! Cool tones of rose pink and white set the tone for an elegant and significant moment. Pairing rose pink with white for the couple’s clothing along with the floral decorations creates a beautiful ambiance.

These colors are sure to add an element of cool, soothing tones during the winter.

The color red is of significance in Hindu weddings and symbolizes love, passion, fertility, and prosperity. While red is a traditional, auspicious color already worn by many brides on their wedding day, there are many shades from which to choose. A deep, claret red is dark color with hues of purple and is perfect for a winter wedding. The deep majestic tone is perfect for the bride who wants to give her wedding a majestic feel. When Photo Courtesy: Zamana Photo & Videography complemented with cream, white, greens, and pinks, brides can choose a unique look for themselves while still staying true to traditions.

Emerald Green for a Festive Mehndi and Sangeet The color green symbolizes many things but most importantly gives the feeling of being pure and fresh as well as full of life. So a deep emerald green is the perfect choice for the mehndi and sangeet, both of which are events full of life and celebration.

Shades of green add an air of royal elegance and purity during the dreary winter months. Plan your decor and your clothing to include greens, but also complementary bold colors to heighten the festive atmosphere.

Photo Courtesy: Zamana Photo & Videography

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SEPTEMBER 2020 - WWW.DESHVIDESH.COM

Photo Courtesy: Cassie Valente Photography

Photo Courtesy: Amita S. Photography

Photo Courtesy: Amita S. Photography

Photo Courtesy: Amita S. Photography

Photo Courtesy Pixel Collection Photography

Photo Courtesy: Zamana Photo & Videography

Photo Courtesy: Zamana Photo & Videography

Photo Courtesy: Cassie Valente Photography

Photo Courtesy: Peter Togel Photography

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Cobalt Blue for a Sophisticated Reception

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Photo Courtesy: Fine Art Production

The reception is a time to celebrate and provide the couple and guests an opportunity to bring all the festivities to a close. Blue is often a symbol of spirituality, peace, and youth. With their whole lives ahead of them, the youthful color is the perfect choice for a couple to begin their new journey together.

Beautiful hues of cobalt blue are perfect for winter weddings. With many choices for complementary colors, couples can create their own unique color combinations with shades of blue for a personal touch.

Colors play an important role in Indian weddings, and with so many pre-wedding events, brides and grooms can truly let their personality shine with their preferences. A winter wedding is the perfect time to showcase color and breathe life into an otherwise underrated season.

SEPTEMBER 2020 - WWW.DESHVIDESH.COM

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Grah Shanti:

A First Step to Happiness

Photo Courtesy: Digital Dream Video & Photo Studio

The Grah Shanti is often one of the first rituals to take place in an Indian wedding. Learn more about the significance of the Grah Shanti as well some tips to keep in mind.

Photo Courtesy: Pixel Collection Photography

P

eople often say that matches are made in heaven, so it is no surprise that many weddings begin with an auspicious step to placate the heavenly bodies. The Grah Shanti is often one of the first rituals to take place in an Indian wedding. Learn more about the significance of the Grah Shanti as well some tips to keep in mind.

What is the Grah Shanti pooja?

Indian customs call for various religious rituals to take place for different occasions. The Grah Shanti pooja is performed before the wedding rituals take place to receive the blessings of the ‘Grah,’ also known as the nine planets. Indians, from the ancient days, believe that the nine planets control the lives and destiny of people. This is why before two people tie the knot, acknowledging the planets or ‘Navagraha’ becomes quite essential to bring happiness and prosperity in the lives of the couple and the families. For Hindus, this pooja is usually performed two to three days before the wedding to ensure an auspicious start to the festivities. Hindus believe that this Grah Shanti pooja is not just about the planets, but also a way to invite God and ancestors to the wedding.

Lord Ganesha is invoked at the beginning of the ceremony to remove all obstacles not only from the entire wedding ceremony, but also from the bride and groom’s married life.

Reasons to Perform a Grah Shanti Pooja Hindus believe that the Grah Shanti pooja can be beneficial for the couple and the families if they conduct the ceremony in a very ritualistic way. Many believe performing the Grah Shanti puja before the wedding ensures the couple and families will be blessed. Some reasons families perform this pooja include: • The Grah Shanti pooja washes away all negative energies of the people involved in the ritual ceremony.

• The pooja brings health and wealth to the families of the bride and the bridegroom.

• Many believe the ritual will protect the couple and families from the evil eye and reduce future hardships.

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Photo Courtesy: Fine Art Production

• This ritual also assures us that the negative impact of either couple’s planet will not affect the other.

Tips for a Blessed Grah Shanti Traditionally during the Grah Shanti pooja, grooms wear comfortable clothing such as kurtas pyjama, sherwanis, and dhotis while brides wear saris or salwar kameez/churidhar. In keeping with ritual traditions, the pooja is performed while sitting on the floor so comfort is important.

Couples should avoid black and white as these colors are considered ominous for any kind of religious occasion.

Above all, the commitment from both families of the couple must be shown while worshipping.

The Grah Shanti Pooja is an opportunity to bring all your relatives under one roof. You will get the chance to be with family, relax, and make some lovely memories with them. ,, After all, marriage does not mean the union of two souls; instead, it is a union of two families whose happiness relies significantly on you. Sostart making preparations immediately and be fortunate with the blessings of Almighty.

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