Real Wedding

Nazia & Derrick

A Wedding Rooted in Love, Culture, and Meaning: Nazia Rahman & Derrick Myers Celebrate in Orlando

Some love stories grow quietly over time, and for Nazia Rahman, a 33-year-old pharmacist, and Derrick Myers, a 38-year-old attorney, theirs began through mutual friends. What started as casual group hangouts slowly developed into something deeper.

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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.”
Shaadi 2.0: When a Silver Anniversary Becomes a Destination Wedding

By Rema DeoGrowing up in Mumbai, weddings were many things – loud, loving, elaborate – but they were never flown to. After moving to Florida, I was fortunate to attend my first destination wedding. Destination weddings, after all, are extremely popular among young couples these days. But a destination wedding anniversary? The only one I could recall was from the Bollywood film Dil Dhadakne Do, where a couple celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary by inviting friends and family on a Mediterranean cruise. Other than that, every anniversary celebration I had attended was a party – usually close to home.

That is, until this past December.

LOCATION Udaipur, India – The City of Lakes | OCCASION 25th Wedding Anniversary | EVENTS Mehndi, Sangeet, Haldi, Sajjan Goth, Baraat & Reception | DRESS CODES Green, Bling, Yellow/Blue/Pink, Ivory/Red | VENUE Sayaji Resorts & Spa, Udaipur | Theme: Traditional Marwadi-Style
Celebration | TAKEAWAY Proof that anniversaries can be just as grand as weddings

Destination – the City of Lakes

I had the privilege of attending the 25th wedding anniversary celebrations of my close friends, Radhika Agarwal and Krishan Garg. Though they live near us in South Florida, they chose to celebrate their silver anniversary with a destination event in the beautiful city of Udaipur, India. As Radhika explained, “Our wedding was nothing like today’s marriages in India, so we had an opportunity to do it all over again, and both of us being Marwadis, what better location than Udaipur to have a typical Marwadi-style anniversary, since there are so many heritage/palace hotels there!”

Shaadi 2.0 – Same Couple, Renewing the Relationship

And what a celebration it was! This was no ordinary anniversary – It was a grand, traditional renewal of vows (as they would say in the US). It felt so much like a wedding (Shaadi) that Radhika and Krishan fondly referred to it as Shaadi 2.0. For that reason, we’ll happily refer to them as the bride and groom throughout this article.

Five Events, Four Outfit Changes, Zero Regret

The events began on Saturday morning with the arrival of guests. Five main events were planned over the weekend, starting Saturday afternoon: Mehndi (henna application), Sangeet (musical night), Haldi (turmeric purification ceremony), and Sajjan Goth (a lavish Rajasthani feast), culminating on Sunday night with a baraat (wedding procession), varmala (garland exchange), and reception. Each event had its own dress code – green for mehndi, bling for sangeet, yellow/blue/pink for haldi and Sajjan Goth, and ivory/red for the baraat and reception. All events were held at Sayaji Resorts and Spa Udaipur, a luxurious five-star resort with stunning views of the Aravalli hills.

As we drove into the resort entrance around 11 a.m. on Saturday, we were greeted by an enthusiastic dhol player and his team – along with the groom himself! The dhol leader narrated humorous verses while photographers and videographers jumped straight into action. So, we entered the lobby dancing to the rhythmic beats of the dhol (barrel-shaped drum). After the formalities of checking-in were completed, we were taken by golf cart to our building. The resort’s multiple heritage-style structures, complete with Rajasthani architectural details, immediately set the tone.

Mehndi Mania (Filled with Dancing and Henna)

The mehndi ceremony officially kicked off the weekend, with the bride and groom making a lively dancing entrance to the beat of the dhol. The emcee kept the energy high with games and audience interaction. Soon after, the bride’s mehndi application began. At the back, there was a team of henna artists whose job was to apply mehndi to any of the guests who desired it – and yes, many of us, myself included, took advantage and got the henna tattoos on our palms. During this time, the games continued, and some of the younger kids also entertained us with adorable dance performances.

It’s All about Family

One of the most striking aspects of the weekend was the involvement and dedication of both families. They were deeply engaged in every detail, supporting the couple at every step. As friends, we felt welcomed and cared for throughout. The level of hospitality was humbling and truly incomparable.

A Gastronomic Journey – Iconic Dishes and Regional Delicacies

No Indian celebration is complete without abundant food, and this one delivered in every sense. Each meal featured an extensive spread of Indian, Continental, and Oriental dishes. The variety was astounding – trying everything was impossible – but everything I tasted was delicious and clearly prepared with care. Krishan and Radhika had personally supervised the menu planning. As Krishan shared, “The hotel chef was extremely accommodating and ready to serve our highly personalized menu.” Their thoughtfulness showed in every detail – from varying spice levels to accommodate different palates, to ensure that gluten-free bread was available at every meal to suit my dietary needs. I was truly grateful.

Dance Practice in the Hotel Hallway

As in any traditional Indian wedding, there were choreographed dance performances by family members and friends. So, of course, all of us who traveled from the US to Udaipur for the anniversary learned a choreographed dance to perform at the sangeet. Planning and practicing were fun, even though we did not practice very much. We enlisted the help of one of our talented friends in Florida, an acclaimed dance teacher, to choreograph a simple routine.

Our children (now all adults), also performed a choreographed dance, which was especially impressive considering that they practiced for just two hours between the mehndi and sangeet on Saturday.

Sangeet Filled with Bling – High Energy, High Decibel

Once the bride and groom made their entrance, the sangeet began with a bang – literally – with light fireworks inside the banquet hall! Only in India! Our kids performed first, followed by our group, and then lively couple dances by some of the family members. The grand finale was when Krishan and Radhika took the stage for their romantic dance number. The sangeet night continued after that with a regional sufi singer entertaining the audience for hours. Sufi music is a devotional, mystical style of singing designed to connect the soul with the divine.

Haldi – Sunshine in Fabric and Flowers

Sunday morning began with breakfast, followed by the haldi ceremony. Before describing the ceremony itself, it’s worth mentioning the stunning décor throughout the weekend. Each event reflected its color theme – green fabrics for mehndi, vibrant florals for sangeet, and for haldi, a breathtaking open-air venue draped in yellow fabric panels and filled with yellow and orange flowers.

While the haldi ceremony traditionally involves turmeric purification, it has evolved into showers of yellow flowers. Before that, the emcee organized games to increase audience participation with Krishan’s team pitted against Radhika’s team to earn the maximum points. More dance performances from multiple family members and friends added to the cheer.

The enthusiastic participation of the couple’s relatives and friends underscored how respected they both were and showed how they have maintained their relationships over the years. Both Radhika and Krishan’s childhood, school and college friends came in full strength to attend, and many of them even practiced and performed group dances. How wonderful it was to see these friendships that have sustained across continents, over decades!

Royal Treatment, Literally

After haldi, lunch was served – but this was no ordinary meal. The Sajjan Goth featured rows of thrones, each guest seated with a table and silver platter. The bride’s family then came around and served us multiple courses of traditional Rajasthani food.

We were not guests. We were royalty.

After that sumptuous feast, there was no way that we could have gotten through the rest of that Sunday without an afternoon siesta. Refreshed, we got ready for the evening’s final celebrations. Before the baraat (wedding procession), male guests were fitted with safas (traditional Rajasthani turbans). Seeing the young men in suits and turbans really made me pleased that my sons were getting to participate in such a traditional wedding ceremony. The emcee and the DJ led the dancing procession through the resort grounds and eventually to the reception venue. The bride and groom exchanged garlands during the varmala amidst spectacular lights and fireworks.

Honoring the Miles Already Traveled

The evening continued with a moving slideshow of photographs from the couple’s life, with guests sharing memories and stories. Many spoke about their relationships with Radhika and Krishan, and the couple responded with heartfelt gratitude. A highlight of the evening was when their daughters Riya and Rashi took to the microphone to express their thoughts for the anniversary and most of all, their gratitude to their parents.

This celebration wasn’t about beginning a journey – It was about honoring the miles already traveled. After taking the customary group photos, we said our goodbyes and retired for the night.

As we continued our travels within India and during and after our return to Florida, we remained in a high after this hectic and thoroughly enjoyable and unforgettable wedding anniversary weekend. If my younger Mumbai self could see me now – flying across the world for a silver anniversary Shaadi – she would probably just ask one question: “What’s the dress code?”

About the Author

Rema Deo is the Managing Director at 24By7Security, a Cybersecurity and Compliance Consulting firm. She lives in South Florida with her husband. A proud mother of twin boys, she is also an active member of the local Indian community.

In addition to the professional responsibilities of her function, Rema enjoys the multi-cultural aspect of the job especially as it involves learning different languages, traveling to different countries and meeting and working with people of different backgrounds and cultures. Rema is actively involved in the South Florida community and serves as a Board Member of the Indian Regional and Cultural Center, and has also served on the Board of Trustees of the North Broward Preparatory School.
Payal and Elvis

Tropical Traditions and Timeless Love: Payal and Elvis Tie the Knot in Punta Cana

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.
Sujata and Mark

A Cross-Continental Celebration: The Wedding of Sujata Datta and Mark Poulton

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.
A Celebration of Love: Hemangi & Mitesh’s Orlando Wedding Story

Hemangi Patel and Mitesh Patel’s wedding on September 27, 2025, was a heartfelt celebration rooted in tradition, family, and the unmistakable joy of two people beginning a lifelong journey together. Held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando at SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida, their ceremony welcomed 200 guests—each one an important part of the couple’s story. Although they chose not to host a reception, their Garba night became the centre of all festivities, making the celebration uniquely personal and memorable.

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The couple’s story began at the mandir, where a chance meeting blossomed into something deeper. After dating for seven months, they knew they were meant to be. Their engagement became an unforgettable moment when Mitesh proposed on Hemangi’s birthday, May 6, 2024. The day started with a stay at a Hilton hotel and an early morning trip to Celebration Town near Disney in Orlando. Despite a last-minute change from a hot air balloon proposal due to weather, Mitesh created a beautifully decorated lakeside picnic where he got down on one knee. Hemangi, who had been both excited and nervous, was overwhelmed with happiness as the surprise unfolded.

For wedding planning, the couple turned to Elite Dream Creations, a decision they wholeheartedly recommend to others. Their planners handled every detail with precision, easing stress and ensuring smooth execution. Hemangi and Mitesh chose their venue for its convenient distance from the airport, abundance of amenities, and photogenic surroundings—ideal for capturing memories of a lifetime.

Their pre-wedding festivities included the Vidhi ceremonies and a vibrant Garba night. The groom’s Vidhi featured a cream backdrop with a burgundy-red Ganesh, while the bride’s Vidhi used a similar cream backdrop paired with a golden rose Ganesh. Garba décor included draping in orange, fuchsia, violet, and mint green, a Radhe Krishna statue at the entrance, and special seating arrangements for the couple on stage. They also arranged entertainment such as a 360° photo booth and a caricature artist—something especially meaningful to them after having a caricature drawn during their first trip to Universal Studios.

The wedding ceremony took place indoors, with the Baarat in the Majestic parking lot and the ceremony in the Majestic Hall. The décor featured a haveli-style open-wall mandap adorned with red and burgundy flowers, a raised aisle lined with 75 floating candles, fresh rose petals, and two floral elephants at the entrance. A Ganesh statue greeted guests, adding a traditional blessing to the event. Music played a special role, with Indian tunes energising the Baarat. Mitesh entered with his parents to the Game of Thrones theme, the flower girl walked to Jashn-E-Bahaaraa instrumental, Hemangi entered to Aaj Sajeya, and the couple exited to Neha Bhasin’s Jutti Meri folk version.

Instead of a traditional reception, the couple turned their Garba night into a lively celebration filled with speeches, entrances, and dances. Family members entered first, followed by the bridal party, and finally the couple. Their first dance was to a mix of Indian songs, followed by a touching father–daughter dance to Dilbaro and a mother–son dance to Tu Kitni Achhi Hai. The evening featured multiple dance performances—and a surprise performance by Mitesh and his friends dedicated to Hemangi.

The couple added personal touches like custom trays for their engagement rings, mangalsutra, and gifts. Their biggest “wow” moment was their emotional first look—an instant they will cherish forever.

For future couples, Hemangi and Mitesh strongly advise hiring a wedding planner or coordinator. For them, Elite Dream Creations made the entire process seamless, from vendor coordination to décor decisions. While they didn’t have nightmares or major calamities leading up to the big day, they now look back fondly on the beautiful moments that made their celebration truly theirs.

Their wedding was a blend of culture, colour, heartfelt moments, and family traditions—an unforgettable beginning to their life together.