Maharani Weddings Destination E-Magazine by Shawna Gohel

15 MAGIC TIPS TO PLAN AN

UNFORGETTABLE

WEDDING DESTINATION:

PUERTO RICO maharani weddings magazine | destination indian weddings Image by Maloman Photographers www.maharaniweddings.com

A MAGICAL OCEAN-SIDE SETTINGâ&#x20AC;Ś As the sun kisses the horizon and you are bathed in golden light, your vows are lifted by eternal trade winds and scattered over a million miles of Pacific Ocean. Whether your dream is an intimate ceremony under the swaying palms, or a grand affair under the stars, our esteemed wedding consultants defy any impediment to providing you memories to last a life time. You and your guests will be pampered with the Spaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s apothecary, golf on a Jack Nicklaus signature course, laze pool side or on the white sand beach or create an active adventure by land or sea. All this surrounds you as you celebrate your magical day. Where nothing else matters. Experience the aloha of Four Seasons Resort Hualalai the only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star resort on Hawaii Island. Contact our Wedding and Special Event Consultants at 808-325-8000 www.fourseasons.com/hualalai/weddings www.fshualalaiweddings.com

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SAN JOSE FAIRMONT

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SAN JOSE FAIRMONT

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COVER STORIES:

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p u e r t o rico 40

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60 Ram and I set out to plan "When our wedding it was a no-brainer that we would have our wedding in Kerala, India. It is the most incredible wedding destination.

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k e ra l a , i n d i a

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR 8

FEATURED WEDDINGS:

Chandana & Siva's Merry Miami Garden Wedding

Rekha & Neel's Ritzy Rhode Island Wedding

Deepti & Anup's Regal Puerto Rico Wedding

Mona & Phil's Coastal Fusion Mexico Wedding

Pureshka & Rammohan's Exotic Seaside India Wedding

Miryam & Deon's Elegant Balinese Engagement Shoot

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15 TIPS FOR THE PERFECT DESTINATION WEDDING

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Image by Vijay Rakhra

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

MAHARANI WEDDINGS: DESTINATION The moment I walked through the doors of Laguna Beach’s Montage resort, I instantly fell in love and knew this was the place I would say, “I do.” Not far from where I grew up, I wanted to keep with tradition and have our wedding in the bride’s hometown. As the planning progressed, there was more than one overwhelming moment when I wanted to grab my fiancée and jet off to a secluded beach somewhere far, far away. And after more than four years of running Maharani Weddings, I know that no matter what type of Maharani you are – traditional, modern or fusion –

every Maharani dreams about having that exotic destination Indian wedding at some point.

When we decided to launch the special Maharani Weddings DESTINATION e-magazine, we knew we were in for a special treat. Not only are destination Indian weddings some of the most spectacular weddings around, but when you factor in the tropical beaches of Puerto Rico, the magical sunsets of Kerala, and lush rain forests of Bali, you have a collection that will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired. So grab your passport and a floppy hat Maharanis, and let’s take a trip around the globe... xo, Shawna Gohel Founder/CEO

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maharani www.maharaniweddings.com weddings | spring/summer 2012

BEYOND EXPECTATION What you treasure the most is the gift of experience.

Lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s special moments deserve the attention to detail that only The St. Regis Monarch Beach can offer. Cherish each moment of your special day as our dedicated staff stands ready to attend every need.

contact your personal wedding consultant at 949.234.3455

stregismb.com one monarch beach resort dana point, ca 92629 telephone 949.234.3200 fax 949.234.3333

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31 11

We felt so much love and joy from our guests.

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We created a celebration that reflected both of our personalities --

fun loving, unique, spiritual and a blend of our traditional Indian values with our modern ideals.â&#x20AC;?

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It was so special to join our lives together in the presence of

family and friends.

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We danced all night under the stars, surrounded by a reflecting pool, palm trees and the city lights. 18

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Vendors Featured: Cinematography: Zamana Lifestyles / Floral & Decor: Dreams & Designs, Inc. / Lighting: Dreams & Designs, Inc. / Photography: Nadia D. Photography / Planning & Design: Classic Fare Catering & Events / Venue: Wedding at Crandon Park / Wedding Reception at Miami Tower/Sky Terrace

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FOR A DREAM DESTINATION WEDDING by Maile Weddings and Events

mailehawaiiweddings.com | (888) 307-4298

Utilize technology:

Every Indian bride has dreamt of a palatial wedding since she was a three-foot-tall Mini Maharani. And one of the grandest dreams a Maharani can have is throwing an off-of-this-mainland destination wedding in magical Hawaii. Without a doubt, the Hawaiian Islands are among the dreamiest places a Maharani can wed her Raja. But it can be intimidating to plan a destination wedding, especially with the complicated logistics of a Big Fat Indian wedding. That’s where the experts of Maile Weddings and Events come in.

create your own personal online wedding site where guests can RSVP for your multiday Indian wedding. Visit www. mywedding.com, which has the tools to help you get started. Your guests and your sanity will thank you in the long-run!

Maile is the premiere wedding consultant agency in Hawaii, specializing in destination weddings for brides with luxury taste. The head of this wedding planning ensemble is CEO Stephanie Deneuve, who has more than two decades of intimate knowledge of the islands as a homeowner, travel agent and wedding consultant. Mrs. Deneuve sits down with us to answer your

It’s all about location.

Not all wedding venues are created equal. Sure, your Indian wedding is in Hawaii, but it’s still oh-so-important to select the perfect backdrop for your sangeet, baraat, ceremony and reception. It will be the most memorable part of your wedding, so make sure to research, research, research!

top questions about throwing an Indian destination wedding, and offers tips to turn your Hawaiian Search for unlisted hotel discounts. dream wedding We know you’re a savvy shopper, so look into discounted hotel stays and food plans for you and your guests. into reality!

Sometimes the best deals are unadvertised, but agencies like Maile Weddings and Events have the hookup that can house you and your loved ones for a jaw-dropping deal.

Find a wedding planner you can depend on.

This is one of the biggest moments of your life, so you DEFINITELY want a reliable wedding consultant to help you plan your Indian destination wedding. Many Hawaiian wedding planners run on “island time,” so find a well-regarded professional team that will be there for you via text, Skype, in-person, or in sky-writing…whatever you need!

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The perfect meeting place: did you know that O’ahu means “the gathering place”? Hawaii makes the perfect destination wedding because it serves as the mid-point between many continents. If you have wedding guests abroad, you can actually cut down their costs by meeting them halfway in Hawaii –

not a bad compromise!

Image by Aloha Wedding Photography

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10 Create an online wedding menu.

Embrace local florals.

Keep in mind that your favorite mainland blooms are probably not available on the Hawaiian islands. To avoid outrageous shipping costs, embrace the local native plants. Want a fragrant bouquet? Check out white flowers like tuberose. For something colorful, look into birds of paradise or ginger flowers.

Doesn’t your Raja’s niece have a gluten allergy? Is your sister’s best friend’s cousin still vegetarian? Save yourself the headache of collecting everyone’s allergy and dietary habits by hand, and gather the info ahead of time online (this can be included in your wedding website in Tip #1). If you are planning to serve plated meals, create an online menu that guests can order from.

Aim for an October or May Indian wedding.

Use the leaves!

Lush leaves and green foliage from native Hawaiian plants can jazz up your ceremony and reception décor.

Wrap them in vases, use them as table runners or dinner placemats to add that extra element of tropical pizzazz!

The Hawaiian Islands are certainly beautiful all year round; however, the best weather is in October and May. Coincidentally, these are also off-peak travel times so you also score great deals on just about everything.

Avoid times of peak activity.

Whether you are shot-gunning or planning your Indian destination wedding two years in advance, make sure to avoid popular holidays and large conventions that can impede on hotel space and your all-around enjoyment of the islands.

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Consider the outer islands. When brides think of having an Indian destination island in Hawaii, they automatically go for O’ahu. But if you have an adventurous streak, try Kaua’i or The Big Island to swim with the dolphins and sharks, and climb volcanoes!

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12 13 14 15

Rent a private estate.

Look into hosting your Indian wedding and reception on a private estate. Hawaii has plenty of picturesque estates that offer you ultimate customization and the intimacy your special day deserves.

Beware of wind, sun and rain!

Know that every island has different microclimates. The North Shore is very lush, but also incredibly windy. The islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beautiful beaches are also prone to gusty bouts of wind. Make sure you hire a thorough wedding consultant to ensure your guests, mandap and lengha wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be ruined by wind, rain or beating sun!

Don't be afraid to be intimate. It's normal for destination weddings to be as small as 35 people! Have a fusion Indian-Hawaiian wedding.

Indian fusion weddings are ALL the trend with Maharanis right now. A Hawaiian destination wedding is the perfect opportunity to blend traditional Indian wedding rituals with equally symbolic Hawaiian rites.

Image by Aloha Wedding Photography

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premier destination south asian

Splendor awaits you and your loved ones with a destination wedding designed by Electric Karma International! With over 25 years experience as a foundation, we are the experts in creating unforgettable moments that begin the moment you land. From coordinating travel and lodging to personalized tours and excursions, we are there every step of the way. Let Electric Karma create memories nothing short of spectacular... paradise is closer than you think!

electric-karma.com Blog: electric-karma.blogspot.com Facebook: facebook.com/TheElectricKarma Phone: 281.705.9929 Toll free: 1.855.690.2677 Twitter: twitter.com/electric_karma Pinterest: pinterest.com/electrickarma

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My strong wedding support team made sure

everything was exactly how I dreamed it would be! www.maharaniweddings.com

I couldn't ask for more

perfect weather for my outdoor wedding.

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Everything about my special day was

absolutely perfect.

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OPTION 1

I will never forget how beautiful my wedding day was, and how gorgeous I felt! 34

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Vendors Featured: Cinematography: Kumari Photo & Cinema / Floral & Decor: Perfect Surroundings, Inc. / Lighting: Perfect Surroundings, Inc. / Photography: Kumari Photo & Cinema / Planning & Design: Electric Karma / Venue: Belle Mer

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We were truly blessed: we had the support of a great family, team, vendors and venue to make our threeday wedding amazing. 40

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I knew when I saw my parents at the mandap,

my tears would just start flowing.

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The favorite part of the wedding was when Anup and I saw each other for the first time... 44

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I hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t expected that moment to be

so emotional.

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Featured Vendors: Cinematography: NDF Films / DJ: DJ Gaurav / Entertainment: Entertainment Concepts / Floral & Decor: Mossaico, Inc. / Hair & Make-up: Khush Singh & Lizzie Ibarra / Lighting & Sound: AVI-SPL / Photography: Maloman Photographers / Planning & Design: Sonal J. Shah Event Consultants, LLC / Venue: The RitzCarlton, San Juan

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For our favors,

we donated to the Impact Network

to build in a school in Zambia on behalf of each wedding guest. www.maharaniweddings.com

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We visited the Moon Palace resort in Cancun one year prior to the wedding, and were

instantly charmed

by the friendly atmosphere, and welcoming staff. 50

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We really wanted the Hindu ceremony to be

simple, but authentic. www.maharaniweddings.com

I wanted to be sure to keep it simple because the ocean was a

perfect backdrop all itself.

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Since I was a little girl, I have always dreamed of an exotic destination wedding. 56

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Featured Vendors: Catering: Chowpatty / DJ & Entertainment: M4U Events / Photography: Turn Loose The Art / Planning & Design: Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort / Venue: Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort

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To honor both cultures, the wedding consisted of both Northern and Southern traditions. 60

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When Ram and I set out to plan our wedding it was a no-brainer that we would have our wedding in Kerala India. It is the most

incredible wedding destination.

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The color orange was used to highlight the beauty of the outdoor landscape. 64

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Featured Vendors: Cinematography: 1st KISS Inc. / Floral & Decor: Eventz Gandhimathi / Hair & Makeup: Eveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Beauty Salon / Photography: Ankit Singh Photography / Planning & Design: Eventz Gandhimathi / Venue: The Leela Hotel Kovalam Beach

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The location, as well as the guests from all over the world, made the union

a very magical one. www.maharaniweddings.com

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It was an incredible experience bringing my motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Balinese culture into our engagement session. 72

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Everyone who sees our images is taken away by the

unique and breathtaking scenery. 74

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Featured Vendors: Photography: Photographick Studios / Venue: Elephant Safari Park Lodge

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It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and something

I will never forget. www.maharaniweddings.com

LOVE, LAUGHTER, AND

EVER AFTER.

maharaniweddings.com Image by Ankit Singh Photography