MaharaniWeddings.com Best of 2016 Indian Weddings

THE

UNFORGET TABLE

list

O U R F AV O R I T E W E D D I N G S OF

2016

february 2017 Photo:

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issue N o. 6

Maloman Studios

YOUR DAY

ALL YOUR OWN Walk down the aisle of iconic luxury. Customize your wedding experience and infuse your personal style with the picturesque sands of paradise. Mix & match any of 9 spectacular collections by celebrity event designer Colin Cowie, including a COMPLIMENTARY COLLECTION* featuring gorgeous designs at no additional charge.

Once you’ve chosen your look, let us handle the details. Our Wedding Specialists can book rooms and flights, arrange events, and manage all the ins and outs of planning a destination wedding.

Keep the fun in full swing after the wedding with one of 3 signature Honeymoon Packages including the COMPLIMENTARY HONEYMOON PACKAGE, which comes standard. We’ll even set you up with $1,800 LIMITLESS RESORT CREDIT** to spend any way you want: unlimited golf, nearby attractions, or even a couples massage at the legendary Rock Spa® — it’s up to you.

For more information, visit hrhweddings.com or call 855.762.5255.

*Additional restrictions apply. **A 20% service fee will apply over the final price of all transactions using the Limitless Resort Credit promotion on all services or products available at Hard Rock Hotel Cancun, Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana and Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta. Service fee can only be paid with cash, room charge and credit card. Service fee cannot be paid with the remaining Limitless Resort Credit promotion balance. Other restrictions may apply. Please refer to website for full Terms and Conditions.

ROCK THAT WEDDING

AFTERGLOW The next level of paradise begins after they take their vows. Introducing three breathtaking honeymoon packages inspired by celebrity event designer Colin Cowie.

Give your clients the ultimate in luxury as they sip sparkling wine, dine by candlelight at a honeymoon dinner for two, and enjoy breakfast in bed. What happens in between is entirely up to them. It’s all part of the COMPLIMENTARY HONEYMOON PACKAGE*, included with their wedding. Or turn up the luxury with the unparalleled elegance and extras of our other select honeymoon packages.

Get up up to to Get ** 20%SERVICE SERVICEFEES FEESAPPLY APPLY 20% For more information, visit hrhweddings.com or call 855.762.5255.

*Additional restrictions apply. **A 20% service fee will apply over the final price of all transactions using the Limitless Resort Credit promotion on all services or products available at Hard Rock Hotel Cancun, Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana and Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta. Service fee can only be paid with cash, room charge and credit card. Service fee cannot be paid with the remaining Limitless Resort Credit promotion balance. Other restrictions may apply. Please refer to website for full Terms and Conditions.

LUXURY TENTS for VERY SPECIAL EVENTS

Raj Tents' range of Luxury Tents for Indian Weddings is available for intimate celebrations in California, nationwide, and beyond.Each of our luxury tent settings is carefully planned to address our client's particular wishes and help make the special day more personal, glamorous and memorable.

www.RajTents.com Los Angeles: 310 329 8222 San Francisco: 510 667 0887 Hawaii: 808 732 6011

TA B L E OF CO N T E N TS

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

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FEATURED WEDDINGS:

Akshi & Amit by Banga Studios

Doorba & Alok by Maloman Studios

Swetha & Ashu by Wedding Documentary 40

Krishna & Mitesh by Hiram Trillo Art Photography

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Natasha & Ankur by KSD Weddings

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Nisha & Vishal by Nadia D Photography 78

Amanda & Kunal by Sameer Soorma Studios

Pooja & Sidharth by PhotosMadeEz

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LETTER from the

EDITOR

For some Maharanis, 2017 is going to be the year of big change. A relationship that leads to an engagement, or the even bigger an engagement that lead to marriage is the most impactful decision a woman will make in her life. From who her friends are and where she lives, to which ocean she will dip her toes, all are dictated by the person with whom she chooses to share her “I do.” While a Maharani might be simply be browsing color palettes for her upcoming celebration on our site, it’s the roots that will become her own family that are constructed.

So, the decisions that lead to “I do” are once in a lifetime, and should be celebrated every step of the way.

In this issue, we gathered the most inspiring weddings of 2016 to create a magazine that pushes boundaries in design and love. There isn’t a single wedding that didn’t take our breath away, whether it’s Pooja & Sidarth’s traditional Indian wedding that made our hearts sing or our cover star Doorba’s wedding to Alok that left us wanting more, we are amazed by the creativity of the talented vendors who brought their bride’s visions to real life. So we congratulate you all on your engagements and upcoming marriages and wish to see you celebrating your 60th diamond anniversary together with love, laughter and happily ever after.

xo,

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A SETTING UNLIKE ANY OTHER Extending nearly a mile out into Lake Michigan, event guests enjoy a setting unlike any other with unparalleled views of Chicago’s beautiful skyline.

Choose from a number of outstanding and historic settings, including the Aon Grand Ballroom with 18,000 square feet of space, 80-foot domed ceilings, and panoramic views. Lakeview Terrace and Rooftop offter unobstructed views of Lake Michigan, with space to accommdate up to 1,000 guests.

Your guests will embrace the memory of your wedding celebration here at Navy Pier.

We welcome you to become a part of our history. navypier.com/space-overview | email: lrodriguez@navypier.com | phone: 312-595-5300

akshi

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amit september 12, 2016 Fairfax Station, Virginia Toronto, ON, Canada

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WE ADORED EVERYTHING about Akshi

and Amit’s beautiful wedding in Fairfax Station, Virginia and reception in Toronto, Canada. The decor and styling of this wedding was stunning, and the venue choices were incredible. We were particularly impressed by the Ontario Science Centre, which featured sweeping ceilings and hanging art installations that provided a magnificent, modern backdrop for the festivities.

Throughout the wedding events, Maharani Akshi glowed in her bridal fashions. Her ceremony ensembles featured a striking pink lehenga and glamorous jeweled accessories, including delicate heels that contained a leaf-motif and intricate crystal beading. Her golden reception gown was also breathtaking. The showstopping piece was the perfect blend of modern and traditional, and combined Eastern embroidery techniques and fabrics with a Western-inspired silhouette.

Together, the beautiful couple stunned in their wedding portraits, and we loved that they were able to feature both modern and rustic backdrops in their photographs. From a lush, secret garden-esque forest locale to the sleek, contemporary setting the Ontario Science Centre provided, the couple’s love was captured perfectly in a variety of environments.

After posing for their lovely wedding portraits, Akshi and Amit made a joyous entrance to their reception. The couple then transitioned to their dazzling first dance which had the guests on their feet. Afterwards, the couple lovingly cut their luscious, flower-adorned cake, and led a champagne toast to celebrate their union. Guests that swarmed the glittering dance floor to dance the night away with the glowing newlyweds!

Akshi and Amit’s wedding events were brimming with inspirational decor and styling, but we especially loved seeing how excited this beautiful couple was to be married. You can clearly see their joy radiating out of every photo and we wish them all the best on their journey as husband and wife!

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Featured Vendors:

Cakes & Treats: Ruwan's Cake Art and Fine Cakes by Zehra / Catering: The Host Fine Indian Cuisine, Bollywood Bistro and Yummers Kitchen / Cinematography: Cineverse / Floral & Decor: Dream Party DĂŠcor and The Moment Events / Dhol Player: Davi Layal / DJ: Empire Entertainment, TablaHYPE and DJ Binda - Elite Entertainment / Hair & Makeup: Beauty Concept by Shirley Wu and Makeup by Sonia Iqbal / Mehndi Artist: FAM Henna & Arts / Photography: Banga Studios / Planning: Arora Wedding & Event Planning / Rentals: Empire Events and Sammy's Rental Inc. / Transportation: Service Plus Limo Inc. / Venue Ceremony: Sikh Foundation of Virginia / Venue Cocktail Party: The Mayflower Hotel / Venue Reception: Ontario Science Centre

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For more information or to book your mansion wedding, visit www.nottoway.com or call 225-545-2730 MaharaniWeddings.com

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j u ly 9 , 2 0 1 6 Huntington, New York

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DOORBA AND ALOK’S WEDDING was a breathtaking fairytale come to life, from the timeless Oheka Castle venue to the thousands of candles flickering on every surface. Every detail was executed to perfection, creating a lush, romantic ambiance for the beautiful couple to celebrate their union.

For Doorba and Alok’s reception, guests were transported to a magical, indoor forest, complete with floor-to-ceiling trees, delicate flower garlands, and beautiful orchid centerpieces. The violet uplighting and sparkling chandeliers in the ballroom added to the event’s royal atmosphere.

Of course, we must rave about the bride’s magnificent Vera Wang wedding gown.

Gorgeous Doorba truly looked like a queen in this ethereal dress, which was the perfect blend of Eastern and Western fashion. The gown was a vibrant shade of coral-red, and featured diaphanous ruffles that moved beautifully on the bride throughout the night. The dress was especially striking as the bride and groom dipped and twirled for their incredible first dance.

After Doorba and Alok moved guests with their heartfelt dancing, the beautifully personalized dance floor opened for guests to join the happy couple. Meanwhile, the towering, jewel-encrusted wedding cake was served, which perfectly matched the elegance and glamour of the reception.

This spectacular wedding was truly a feast for the eyes, featuring a sophisticated couple and decadent decor. Guests truly felt they were a part of Doorba and Alok’s love story in the romantic surroundings, and

we can feel the love radiating out of each of the beautiful photos!

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Featured Vendors:

Baraat: Equishare Baraat Horses / Bridal Fashion Reception: Vera Wang / Cake: Oheka Castle / Catering: Tulsi / Cinematography: Unique Visions Studio / DJs & Entertainment: IEDJs by Manan Shah / DJs & Entertainment Reception: Jason Fioto - Generation Events / Floral & Decor: Atlas Floral Decorators / Hair & Makeup: Patricia Longo / Bridal Hair: La Voila Concierge - James Milligan / Hair & Makeup Bridesmaids: La Voila Concierge - James Milligan and Geo Brian Hennings / Lighting: Pegasus Productions / Photo Booth: My Fun Booth / Photography: Maloman Studios / Planning: Sonal J. Shah Event Consultants, LLC / Venue: Oheka Castle MaharaniWeddings.com

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Elegant Louisville Weddings Constructed in 1929, the Gillespie was originally known as the Lincoln Bank and Trust Company. With its beautiful ArtDeco architectural design, in 2005 the building was restored and transformed into what is now the Louisville area’s premier venue for lavish weddings, galas, and other events.

For more information, or to book your event:

erin@thegillespie.com | 502-584-8080

THE GILLESPIE | 421 W. Market St. Louisville, KY 40202

SIMPLY STUNNING LOCATIONS FOR YOUR MIAMI WEDDING

TURNBERRYISLEMIAMI.COM

|

(305) 932-6200

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MeandMyLove

says it all!

Personalise Your Wedding Website! www.get.wed

RIVER RANCH EVENTS is an 80-acre ranch located just 25 minutes from downtown Sacramento.

With an active Polo field, we are one of the few venues that can accommodate very large, elegant weddings. We are proud to say that we are the only venue that can offer a real polo match during your cocktail hour! riverranchevents.com | info@riverranchevents.com | Ramona Arnold: 916.271.6345

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ashu

march 25, 2016 Carmel Valley, California

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Ashu and I decided to write vows, but neither of us are particularly public people and we wanted our vows to be our own. So we decided to do them privately, as part of our first look. The moment, in some ways, is so cliche but being eye to eye with someone, sharing with them why you love them and making a vow to share the rest of your lives together, to merge families into one was so powerful and beautifully overwhelming. I was moved to tears by Ashu's vows and could see our lives flash before our eyes.

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I MET MY MAHARAJA about five years ago in Bombay at a work event. We had what Ashu calls our first date a few weeks later. We didn't end up dating and instead remained part of the same friend circle.

Ashu moved back to the States a year and a half later and that was that. Only when I came back to the US during a winter trip several months later did we recognize the intensity of our feeling which somehow hadn't dissipated despite time and distance, and agreed to give a relationship that was two years in the works a chance. I guess I implicitly knew for a while that a relationship with Ashu was worth fighting for, but that trip back to the States was when the concept of a relationship finally crystallized.

Our guests loved our celebration of Holi!

Holi is an important holiday for both Ashu and me. It was our favorite holiday when we both lived in India. Holi also holds special import in my own life because of my parents' own wedding. For older folks who had left india decades ago and not celebrated in many, many years, it was an opportunity to relive their childhood. We were able to pair our love for this celebration along with our favorite Indian street food. By far our best and most unique wedding idea.

The moment my grandmother saw me fully dressed in my lengha was one of the most memorable. I had just come back from taking photos and she had come into my parents' suite. She saw me, gave me a huge grin and pulled me close. It's a moment I'll never forget. My grandmother is one of the most important people in my life and I remember when I was younger hoping that she'd still be alive when I was old enough to get married.

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Featured Vendors:

AV Equipment for Slideshow: Four Leaf / Baraat: Monterey Bay Equestrian / Beverage Service: Pour Girl / Beverage Supply Drop-Off: Thomas Mills Group / Bridal Jewelry: Sabyasachi, Kishandas & Co, and Nirav Modi / Catering: Amber India, Sainath Kala and Turmeric / Cinematography: Wedding Documentary / DJ: Sandeep Kumar / Floral & Decor: Mandy Scott Events / Hair & Makeup: Laenka by Myrium / Invitations & Stationery: The Entertainment Design Company / Live Music: Kukoo Singh / Mehndi Artist: Henna Lounge and Natural Henna Art / Photography: Wedding Documentary / Planning: Mandy Scott Events / Rentals: Stuart Event Rentals and La Tavola SF / Venue: Holman Ranch / Venue Sangeet: Gardener Ranch MaharaniWeddings.com

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CHEERS! Here’s to world-class weddings.

Sophisticated, lavish, and colorful, weddings at the JW Marriott Grand Rapids are what memories are made of. Our International Ballroom not only boasts more than 12,000 square feet of space, but also a vibrant color scheme and stately, contemporary chandeliers.

The grandeur of our venue and authenticity of our Indian cuisine– paired with our award-winning service and world-class amenities– will give you plenty of reasons to raise your glass.

616.242.1500 | ilovethejw.com 235 Louis Campau St. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503

A

BSOLUTELY PHENOMENAL! THE STAFF HAS A WAY OF METICULOUSLY TAKING CARE OF EVEN THE TINIEST DETAILS, YET THEY MAKE THE WHOLE PROCESS EASY AND RELAXED. – Reviewer at weddingwire.com Our breathtaking settings and venues are unlike any other in the country.

Perfect for all occasions, from the engagement party announcing what’s to come, to the Mendi and Baraat festivities, the gathering of the families, the lively receptions, and even the farewell breakfast and luxurious overnight stays. Our Four-Diamond service and wedding specialists are here to make sure every detail is perfect so you can enjoy your day from “Dearly Beloved” to “Bon Voyage.”

FACEBOOK | 1.877.668.1686 | AMWAYGRAND.COM GRAND RAPIDS, MI

A N E N C HA N T I N G D E ST I NAT IO N for your Lake George wedding

With a secluded island setting and the timeless beauty of the Adirondacks as your backdrop, The Sagamore Resort is an enchanting destination for your Lake George wedding.

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Get Married Away with

 Stress-free planning  Complimentary services  Exclusive savings

Photography by: Sarani Photography

Imagine saying your vows barefoot on a beach, on board a luxury cruise at sea or within a blooming historic garden. We have your perfect destination and the complimentary services to help you through the process. Explore nearly 2000 hotels and resorts in 42 countries to make your dream a reality!

Trust the experts who have created amazing destination celebrations for over a decade.

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mitesh

february 27, 2016 Miramar Beach, Florida

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KRISHNA AND MITESH’S BEACHSIDE WEDDING in Miramar Beach, Florida

truly looked as if it took place in paradise.

From the crystal clear water to radiantly blue sky, we could not envision a more beautiful wedding locale.

Throughout the festivities, Maharani Krishna was stunningly beautiful in a white bridal lehenga, richly embellished with gold beading, and featuring a voluminous train.

We adored her impeccably selected kundan jewelry, including covetable bangles, necklaces, and a princess-esque headpiece. She looked like a dream while gliding across the sand to join her handsome groom Mitesh.

Though the beach made a stunning backdrop for the couple’s first look, their indoor ceremony was just as magnificent. Prashe Decor and Weddings outdid themselves by creating a curved mandap covered in lush white roses that looked like it was plucked from a fairy tale. After the couple’s emotional ceremony, they departed the venue in a sophisticated white convertible with red interior - perfect for these stylish newlyweds.

Krishna and Mitesh’s dramatic Art Deco styled reception featured a completely different aesthetic than their fresh and airy ceremony. The couple’s elegant first dance took place on a stunning hexagon-embossed dance floor, and everything from the guests’ chairs to the bride’s gown played homage to the Style Moderne era.

After the couple dazzled guests with their dancing, they lovingly fed each other from their decadent, gold and white cake. This wedding featured so much style and location inspiration, from beachside beauty to striking Art Deco designs, and we wish this stunning and fashion-forward couple so much happiness together!

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Featured Vendors:

Baraat: 654 Limo / Cakes & Treats: The Cake Destination Bakery / Catering: Neeta's Catering / Cinematography: Epique Cinemas / DJ: DJ Baba Khan / Dhol Player: Punjab di Awaaz / Floral & Decor: Prashe DĂŠcor / Hair & Makeup: Dolled Up by Lulu / Lighting: Premier Entertainment / Live Music: Anis Chandani / Mehndi Artist: iBrow Experts / Photography: Hiram Trillo / Planning: K.I. Weddings / Transportation: 654 Limo / Venue: Hilton San Destin

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where S T Y L E meets N A T U R E

The Kaaterskill’s lush grounds and spectacular views make the ideal backdrop for a wedding you and your guests will never forget. With sweeping views of the Catskill Mountains and Over 40 acres of breathtaking scenery, the Kaaterskill is a retreat like no other. Blessed with charm and good looks, this magnificent property boasts the best of what the Catskills has to offer: spectacular mountain vistas, acres of wooded and pastoral land, beautiful foot paths that wind along lazy rivers, age-old trees and more wildlife than a night out in Manhattan! The main building, a magnificent restored Dutch barn, houses the property’s six luxury guest suites. Secluded and unforgettable, the Kaaterskill is your connection to nature…at its most luxurious.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: thekaaterskill.com weddings@thekaaterskill.com 718.532.6631

FOREVER D E S E RVE S A

WO RT H Y

DE S T I NAT I O N.

The Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate offers the perfect venue for your fairytale Florida wedding. Whether you wish to wed within one of three elegant ballrooms or exchange vows on a lush lawn, you’ll find the ideal setting to fit your unique style — paired with Omni’s signature service and culinary expertise.

Coming Fall 2017, a stunning venue, the new Great Room and outdoor event space is the first of its kind at an Orlando resort. A charming terrace, event garden and lawn is the ideal setting designed especially for weddings.

OmniHotels.com/OrlandoWeddings 407-238-6547

POOL FOUNTAIN STAIRCASE • OMNI ORLANDO RESORT AT CHAMPIONSGATE • ORLANDO, FL

natasha

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ankur

may 21, 2016 Porta Blancu, Nieuwpoort Curaรงao

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DESTINATION WEDDINGS are al-

ways popular among South Asian brides. When Natasha and Ankur settled on a wedding venue, they combined the breathtaking backdrop of aquamarine waters with the lavish traditions of the Indian culture. The unparalleled sands of Curacao would be where their love journey would begin.

Natasha donned an extravagant multi-faceted ombre lengha for her Indian wedding ceremony. The fusion of colors were a gorgeous contrast to the lush greenery and sparkling blue waters of the venue. The entire bridal ensemble was completed with the pairing of a coral net dupatta with gold embroidery border. Given the idealistic location, the wedding ceremony was held outdoors overlooking the sparking blue waters.

At the reception, the dĂŠcor was purposefully appointed to be both vibrant and fun. Illuminated wall decor and fresh plucked floral dazzled the room with a romantic glow. Natasha stunned her guests in a blue and gold lengha sprinkled with leitmotif design. A captivating sweetheart table took center stage surrounded by large white blooms and a crystallized backdrop. Our hearts melted when we saw the father and daughter dance. Clearly, one of the most treasured memories of the night.

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Featured Vendors:

Catering: Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort Curaรงao / Cinematography: Unique Visions Studio / DJ: Premier Entertainment / Floral & Decor: Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort Curaรงao / Hair & Makeup: Sonia C / Lighting: Massive Productions / Photography: KSD Weddings / Planning: Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort Curaรงao / Venue: Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort Curaรงao MaharaniWeddings.com

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L.A. BANQUETS Your Day, Your Vision labanquets.com | 818-241-0888 | facebook.com/labanquets

At the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel, we are dedicated to honoring your time-held cultural traditions and ensuring an exciting and authentic celebration. With over 90,000 sq. feet of banquet space including our unique Garden Courtyard, we are the ideal choice for a timeless event that will make for everlasting memories.

For more information: Sheraton Sales & Catering SheratonAtlantaHotel.com sales@sheratonatl.com (404) 586-3386

Š2016 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Starwood Preferred Guest, SPG, Sheraton, and their logos are the trademarks of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc, or its affiliates.

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NISHA AND VISHAL WED in one of the most picturesque weddings we have seen to date. This celebration out of Cincinnati, Ohio had guests talking about the grandeur Indian wedding ceremony that channeled a Rajastahani photoshoot long after the event commenced.

Nisha opted to change into multiple Indian bridal lenghas for her wedding celebration that included a crushed red, raw silk lengha with matching corset top for her Indian wedding ceremony. A stunning blue and gold anarkali with a flowing g A-line skirt beautifully encrusted with detailed threading was the center of attention at the reception party.

There were no boundaries when it came to floral design. From the aisle to the mandap one never ending flora and fauna inspiration was created. The soft bouquets mixed with white peonies, dozens of colorful roses and ivory white orchids lined the romantic pathway to the softly draped fabric mandap.

The reception party was brimming with gold grandeur with copious centerpieces of fresh floral placed on the middle of guest tables and softly illuminated chandeliers bathed the venue in a romantic glow. The reception featured a color scheme of blue and gold and intermixed classical charm with modern sophistication.

The series of events was filled with an eternity of memories to be cherished forever.

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Featured Vendors:

Accommodations: Holiday Inn-Reservations and Hilton Garden Inn, Shuttle – Ayers / Baraat: Willow Wind / Cakes & Treats: Jungle Jims, Coldstone Creamery and Ruby's Chocolates / Catering: Mast Masala and Amar India / Cinematography: A&A Video Productions / DJ: Opening Minds Entertainment / Floral & Decor: Marlene's Flowers and Weddings InStyle / Hair & Makeup: Shear Hotness & Durrel Morgan / Mehndi Artist: Ila Shah / Photo Booth: Smiley Photo Booth / Photography: Nadia D. Photography / Planning: i-do Weddings & Events / Rentals: PrimeTime / Stand-up Comedy: Anish Shah / Venue Ceremony: Hilton Garden Inn and Holiday Inn, Event Center / Venue Reception: Centre Park Event and Banquet Center MaharaniWeddings.com

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dream come true ALLOW YOUR WEDDING TO HELP PAY FOR YOUR HONEYMOON.

When you host your wedding with Sheraton Arlington, you can earn bonus Starpoints® to get you closer to the honeymoon of your dreams. Earn one Starpoints® for every $1 of your wedding contract, up to 100,000 Starpoints®!

Whether you are planning an intimate gathering for 10 or need room for 600 people to toast, cheer and share your special day, we'll help banish any wedding planning stress. Start planning the wedding of your dreams today!

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 88

Maria Evans at (817) 261-8200, maria.evans@sheratonarlingtonhotel.com or SheratonArlington.com

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PLAN A PICTURE PERFECT WEDDING IN PARADISE. What if we told you that your dream wedding is but a phone call away? Or that our wedding planners can help you check off every item on your wish list, from authentic cuisine and henna artistry to your choice of seven breathtaking venues in Mexico and Jamaica? Or, that you wouldn’t have to lift a finger along the way? It’d be a dream come true, wouldn’t it?

Weddings.PalaceResorts.com MaharaniWeddings.com

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weddings

EXTRAORDINARY DETAILS

UNFORGETTABLE

for more information:

WWW.GREENWICH.HYATT.COM Nicole.Martin@hyatt.com | 203-409-4350

MCKINNEY, TEXAS, offers brides one of the widest selections of wedding and reception venues and services in North Texas. Whether you seek a posh and unique venue for your special day, or you are interested in something a little different like a rustic historic location or beautiful natural setting, McKinney will help provide you, your family and friends all the most memorable experience possible.

For special transportation on your wedding day, McKinney is home to the popular Happy Trails Carriage Service whose white horses and carriage are very accustomed to working with Maharani bridal parties.

Contact

THE MCKINNEY CVB at 888-649-8499

to learn more about holding your big day in McKinney, Texas, and see why this city is becoming the

Wedding Capital of North Texas!

amanda

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kunal

january 1, 2016 Phoenix, Arizona

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AMANDA AND KUNAL’S FUSION extravaganza at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa was one of the most coveted weddings out of Phoenix, Arizona. Brimming with cultural inspiration and modern lux, this wedding was planned with a prodigious mindset.

Amanda’s natural beauty was further beautified by intricate mehndi designs that incorporated architectural motifs channelling the Rajasthani era. Each day presented a designer dress that blew guests away. Amongst the numerous bridal attire chosen from the event, a blush and gold dazzling lengha and a bodycon, ivory wedding dress took center stage.

The western ceremony included the Midas touch with copious blooms and a glittery gold backdrop. Guests enjoyed cocktail hour and a reception dinner in a lavish ballroom that included asymmetrical lighting, a greater than Gatsby theme, tons of fresh flowers, and a mehndi print inspired cake.

The Indian ceremony was held in the gorgeous outdoor patio area of the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa that housed an open faced mandap that was set against a lush, green backdrop. The structure was lined with the silhouette of Ganesha dressed up in a cornucopia of marigolds and carnations. The Indian ceremony included statues of gold elephants that elegantly lined the floral dipped pathway.

One of the many photoshoots captured

by Sameer Soorma Studios incorporated a studious helicopter from SunState. The shoot incorporated the bride and groom in a series of shots from sun up and sundown before meeting with their family to celebrate their union. The bride and groom assimilated monumental details into all of their events that included ice sculptures, nitrogen ice cream desserts, and a massive baraat ceremony led by a regal horse.

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Featured Vendors:

Artist: Jeremy Sutton / Baraat: KC's Classic Carriage / Dessert: Frost 321 / Cinematography: Sameer Soorma Studios / DJ: 3D Sounds / Fireworks: Fireworks Production of AZ / Floral & Decor: Elegant Events / Hair & Makeup: Kensington Makeup / Ice Sculptures: Armitage Ice Sculptures / Lighting: 3D Sounds / Lighting Sangeet: Corporate Presentation Services / Live Music: Encore String Quartet / Photo Booth: Pic Me Photo Booth / Photography: Sameer Soorma Studios / Planning: DB Bridal Expos / Priest American Ceremony: Mark Culbertson / Priest Indian Ceremony: Pandit Joshi / Rentals: Us to U Rentals / Rentals Backdrop/Draping/Contemporary: kool. Party Rentals / Rentals Other: Classic Party and White Knight / Transportation: SunState Helicopters / Venue: JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa / Venue Sangeet: Signature Alpha Hangar MaharaniWeddings.com

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TURNING MOMENTS

into MEMORIES

In the heart of Uptown Charlotte, experience impeccable service, creative cuisine and amazing ambiance in our Piedmont Ballroom, Plaza or Clocktower.

222 East 3rd Street Charlotte, NC (704) 331-4380 weddings@hiltoncentercity.com www.hiltoncentercity.com/social-events/weddings

I DO WITH A VIEW

GET WED WITH A VIEW OF THE GLITZY DALLAS SKYLINE ALTITUDE WEDDINGS AT W DALLAS - VICTORY SEEING IS BELIEVING TAYLOR.MARTIN | SALES MANAGER, CATERING TAYLOR.MARTIN@WHOTELS.COM 214 397 4121 2440 VICTORY PARK LN. DALLAS, TX 75219

WDALLASVICTORY.COM/WEDDINGS

pooja

&

sidharth

august 19, 2016 Woodland Park, New Jersey

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I met my Maharaja at a common friend’s New Year party in 2011. The story of how we came together is like a movie.

He was always there for me in both good times and bad and I could talk to him about anything and everything. Before I knew it I began to realize that all my life I was searching for “the one” and he was there in front of me all along. It’s true when they say that the first step to love is friendship or quoting a familiar Bollywood punch line: “Pyar dosti hai.”

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MY PROPOSAL STORY WAS EVERYTHING I WANTED and so much more! I

always dreamed of this perfect proposal like they do in the movies. Little did I know that the question I was waiting for would be in a movie theater. Sidharth told me we were going for a horror movie, which I wasn’t so thrilled about. It ended up being the best horror movie of my life. The opening credits highlighted both of our childhood which was followed by a feature film starring my love Sidharth with a supporting cast of close family and friends. The movie was then followed by all my close ones asking me to “Kabool Kar Le” (say yes). The grand finale was Sidharth serenading “Tum Hi Ho” to me and asking me the question I had waited for all my life in film style: “Will you Shaadiwala Marry Me?” in front of a theater with my family and close friends A really special moment that replays in my mind from my wedding day is the first look: when Sidharth saw me as a bride for the first time. It was my sister's idea that I would walk towards him with two dozen gold and cream balloons, so we couldn't see each other's faces. When he came close to me I slowly released the balloons to do the big reveal. After I released the balloons and we saw each other in our respective wedding outfits for the first time, I remember saying to myself "It's final happening!"

That was one the happiest moments in my life.

It's never too early to plan your wedding or at the minimum collect ideas for your wedding. Planning a wedding and finding ways to implement your creativity and ideas takes a lot of time if you want to do it well.

I would recommend all the future brides to make sure that your big day has some reflection of you. That's what makes it really special.

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Featured Vendors:

Baraat: DJ Gaurav LLC by Gaurav Sood and Equishare Baraat Horses / Bridal Fashion: Sabyasachi, Rabani Rakha and Payal Singhal / Cakes & Treats: Calandra’s Bakery / Catering: Moghul Caterers / Cinematography: Joseph Minasi Weddings / DJ: DJ Gaurav LLC by Gaurav Sood / Draping & Styling: SV Bridal Concepts by Sanjana Vaswani / Floral & Decor: Elegant Affairs / Hair & Makeup: SV Bridal Concepts by Sanjana Vaswani / Henna Artist: Henna for all / Live Music: Medley Entertainment / Marquis Lights: Shape Street / Photography: PhotosMadeEz / Premiere Ticket Escort Cards: Sophie and Abbie / Planning: Elite Events / Tuxedo: Study by Janak / Venue: West Mount Country Club / Venue Sangeet: Park Ridge Marriott MaharaniWeddings.com

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If you look for it, I've got a sneaky feeling you'll find that

L

love actually is all around.

Photo:

Sameer Soorma Studios