Unpacking the Rise of Destination Weddings among Indian-Americans

Over the past decade, destination weddings have been on the rise among Indian-Americans. This trend can be attributed to various factors. Firstly, Indian-Americans have become more open to exploring different cultures and traditions. They want their wedding to be a unique experience that reflects their individuality and love for adventure.

Secondly, destination weddings offer a more intimate setting compared to traditional weddings. Couples are opting for smaller guest lists, allowing them to spend quality time with their loved ones in a beautiful and relaxing environment. It also eliminates the pressure of inviting distant relatives and acquaintances.

Additionally, destination weddings provide an opportunity for Indian-Americans to showcase their heritage in a new and exciting way. From incorporating traditional rituals in exotic locations to blending cultural elements from both sides, couples are able to create a wedding experience that celebrates their roots while embracing the destination’s culture.

Lastly, the rise of social media and online wedding planning resources has made it easier for Indian-Americans to plan a destination wedding. They can now research and book venues, vendors, and accommodations from the comfort of their own homes, making the entire process more accessible and convenient.

The Role of Tradition and Innovation in Indian-American Destination Weddings

When it comes to Indian-American destination weddings, tradition and innovation go hand in hand. These weddings beautifully blend the rich cultural heritage of Indian traditions with the excitement and uniqueness of getting married in a foreign location.

Tradition plays a crucial role in Indian-American destination weddings, as couples strive to incorporate their cultural roots into every aspect of their special day. From vibrant and ornate outfits to intricate henna designs, traditional rituals and customs are celebrated with fervor. The presence of elders and family members ensures that age-old traditions are upheld, creating a sense of nostalgia and connection to their heritage.

However, innovation also plays a significant role in these weddings. Indian-American couples are not afraid to infuse modern elements into their ceremonies. They often incorporate personalized touches such as custom-made decorations, innovative themes, and contemporary music choices. The blending of tradition and innovation creates a unique and unforgettable experience for the couple and their guests.

Innovation can also be seen in the way Indian-American destination weddings are planned and executed. Couples are utilizing technology and online resources to streamline the planning process, making it easier and more convenient. From virtual consultations with vendors to digital wedding invitations, technology has made destination weddings more accessible to Indian-Americans.

Overall, the role of tradition and innovation in Indian-American destination weddings is to create a perfect balance between honoring cultural heritage and embracing modernity. These weddings are a true celebration of love, showcasing the beauty of Indian traditions while adding a touch of innovation to create an unforgettable experience.

Celebrating Love Abroad: Popular Destinations for Indian-American Weddings

From the picturesque beaches of Cancun to the historic villa in the rolling hills of Tuscany, Indian-American couples are choosing a wide range of stunning destinations to celebrate their love abroad. Closer to home, the Americas offer a wide variety of stunning and romantic destinations for destination weddings.

Here are some of the most popular spots:

Mexico:

One of the most popular destinations is Mexico, with its vibrant culture, beautiful resorts, and proximity to the United States. Couples can exchange vows on a pristine beach, surrounded by turquoise waters and swaying palm trees.

Here are some of the most popular places in Mexico.

Cancun:

Tulum: Tulum is a Mayan Riviera town known for its stunning beaches, ancient ruins, and bohemian vibe. Popular wedding destinations include Tulum Pueblo, Akumal, and Playa del Carmen.

Riviera Maya: The Riviera Maya is a stretch of coastline on the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. It is known for its all-inclusive resorts, white-sand beaches, and turquoise waters. Popular wedding destinations include Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Cozumel.

Cabo San Lucas: Cabo San Lucas is a resort town at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula. It is known for its dramatic cliffs, stunning beaches, and luxurious resorts. Popular wedding destinations include Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, and Todos Santos.

Jamaica: Jamaica is home to beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and a vibrant culture. Popular wedding destinations include Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, and Negril.

Puerto Rico: Puerto Rico is another great option for a Caribbean wedding. The island offers stunning beaches, historical sites, and delicious food. Popular wedding destinations include San Juan, Dorado, and Vieques.

Dominican Republic: The Dominican Republic is a popular choice for couples who want a luxurious and all-inclusive wedding experience. Popular wedding destinations include Punta Cana, Puerto Plata, and Samaná.

Cost Considerations and Benefits of Destination Weddings

Planning a destination wedding may seem like a costly affair, but there are many benefits that make it worth the investment. One of the key advantages is that destination weddings often offer package deals, which can help couples save money. These packages typically include accommodation, catering, and even some activities for the guests. By bundling these services together, couples can get better rates compared to planning each aspect separately. Additionally, destination weddings often have smaller guest lists, which can significantly reduce costs. Couples can focus on inviting close family and friends, allowing them to spend quality time together without breaking the bank. Another benefit is the unique experience that a destination wedding provides. Couples and their guests get to travel to an exotic location, creating memories that will last a lifetime. The breathtaking backdrop of a tropical beach or a historic palace adds a touch of magic to the celebration. It’s an opportunity to escape the ordinary and celebrate in a truly extraordinary way. Lastly, destination weddings often have a built-in honeymoon aspect. After the wedding, couples can stay in the same location and enjoy a romantic getaway without the need for additional travel. This not only saves money but also adds convenience and relaxation to the overall experience. While destination weddings may require careful budgeting and planning, the benefits they offer make them a popular choice among Indian-American couples.

Captivating Stories from Real Indian-American Destination Weddings

Imagine exchanging vows on a pristine beach, with the warm sand beneath your feet and the sound of waves crashing in the background. Or a picture saying “I do” in a breathtaking palace, surrounded by opulent decor and the echoes of ancient history.

These are just a few examples of the captivating stories from real Indian-American destination weddings.

Karishma and Rushi chose the beautiful Hard Rock Punta Cana Resort on the shore of the Caribbean Sea in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Their choice was a gorgeous one, overlooking a stunning beach with crystal-clear waters, the perfect place to say, “I do.” The beautiful destination wedding at the Hard Rock Hotel in Punta Cana was the perfect beginning to what promises to be a wonderful life for the newlyweds.

Meera and Sagar desired a destination wedding, away from their hometowns but not too far away. They chose the Marriott Phoenix Resort Tempe at The Buttes, located in Tempe, Arizona. Arizona was on their wish list because of its exquisite natural beauty.

Another couple, Priya and Raj, chose the beautiful destination of Bali for their wedding. They exchanged their vows at a stunning cliffside venue with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. The vibrant colors of the traditional Indian outfits against the backdrop of Bali’s natural beauty created a truly magical experience.

Aanya and Siddharth decided on the enchanting city of Florence for their destination wedding. They tied the knot in a historic villa, with the rolling hills of Tuscany as their backdrop. The blend of Indian traditions and Italian elegance made for a unique and unforgettable celebration.

These are just a glimpse of the captivating stories from real Indian-American destination weddings. Each wedding is a testament to the love, culture, and adventure that couples bring to their special day. From the breathtaking locations to the personalized touches, these weddings are a true reflection of the couple’s unique love story.

Embracing Culture and Diversity: The Impact on the Wedding Industry

Destination weddings among Indian-Americans are not only changing the game for couples but also for the wedding industry as a whole. These weddings are embracing culture and diversity in a way that was previously unseen. By choosing to celebrate their love in exotic locations, Indian-American couples are showcasing their heritage in new and exciting ways. They are blending their cultural roots with the destination’s culture, creating a beautiful fusion of traditions.

This embrace of culture and diversity is not only impacting the couples themselves but also the wedding industry. It is pushing vendors, planners, and venues to adapt and cater to the unique needs of Indian-American destination weddings. From incorporating traditional rituals to providing diverse menu options, the industry is evolving to meet the demands of this growing trend.

Furthermore, the impact of these weddings extends beyond the industry itself. It is helping to promote cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. Guests who attend these destination weddings get the opportunity to experience and learn about different cultures, broadening their horizons and deepening their connections with others.

Overall, the embrace of culture and diversity in Indian-American destination weddings is reshaping the wedding industry and fostering a sense of unity and celebration of love across different cultures.

About the Authors
Raj Shah, A software engineer by profession, Indian culture enthusiast, ardent promoter of Hinduism, and a cancer survivor, Raj Shah is a managing editor of Desh-Videsh Magazine and co-founder of Desh Videsh Media Group. Promoting the rich culture and heritage of India and Hinduism has been his motto ever since he arrived in the US in 1969.
He has been instrumental in starting and promoting several community organizations such as the Indian Religious and Cultural Center and International Hindu University. Raj has written two books on Hinduism titled Chronology of Hinduism and Understanding Hinduism. He has also written several children books focusing on Hindu culture and religion.

Indian restaurant in South Florida

belly dancer

Cedars restaurant

Mount Etna

world’s most active volcano

Rosanna Barsati and Christopher Fontana, both attorneys, met at a local restaurant in South Florida. A belly dancer by night, Rosanna was performing at Cedars restaurant where Christopher was helping a friend in the kitchen. Christopher asked his friend about Rosanna, the two went on a date, and the rest was history!

After dating for about five months, the couple planned a trip to Sicily, Italy, with Christopher’s parents. Rosanna and Christopher drove to the top of Mount Etna, the world’s most active volcano. While taking in the awe-inspiring scenery, Chris nonchalantly asked Rosanna to marry him. It took a few moments and the drive back down the mountain for it to sink in, but Rosanna knew she was an engaged woman!

Mehndi

Indian Wedding festivities

mehndi celebration

Henry P. Leu Gardens

Indian wedding ceremony

Indian Chutney music

Wedding festivities began with a mehndi celebration at Rosanna’s mother’s home. Rosanna’s mom and family decorated the home while tassa drum and hit music created a festive atmosphere.

Given the couple is from the Orlando area, they chose the Henry P. Leu Gardens to be their wedding venue. Rosanna’s favorite flower is the rose, so it was only fitting they married in the venue’s Rose Garden! Decor was kept simple as the garden was so picturesque with handmade touches to the arch by Rosanna’s mother and friends. Rosanna’s father was the officiant for the wedding ceremony adding a meaningful and personal touch to the occasion.

The dinner and reception were held at the place where it all began – Cedars Restaurant! Rosanna’s mom and friends created beautiful centerpieces of pink and white roses. The bride and groom danced to the classic Frank Sinatra song “Fly Me to the Moon.” Guests celebrated into the night to a medley of Arabic, top 40s Reggaeton, and Indian Chutney music.

Rosanna and Christopher assure couples planning a wedding quickly that it can be done, so don’t stress when planning the wedding of your dreams!

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Nirjary Desai

KIS (cubed) Events

Atlanta based based Event Planner

South Asian Destination Weddings have become the latest trend globally especially with the influence of Bollywood & Hollywood celebrities. Studies have shown that with over 350,000 destination events each year, there is no doubt how South Asian weddings keep climbing the ladder of over the top high dollar productions. These iconic productions globally are orchestrated by mastermind planners and event producers who know what they are doing and have the experience selling a Dream & Delivering a Fairytale and not a Nightmare!

We see so many new suppliers in the market that are offering destination event services, but is it because they know what they are doing, or do they see the dollar signs? How truthful are they to you about the actual costs of your destination wedding? Are you informed of challenges when you are booking the resort or the destination?

These points are important to remember since there are so many moving parts to a South Asian wedding. And there are many more when you consider a Destination Wedding in another part of the world with the week long celebrations, traditions, rules, regulations, and cost involved in pulling it off flawlessly.

Here are some of my top tips when considering a Destination Wedding:

Hire a Professional Wedding/Event Planner

This is important because someone who is a professional and has years of experience is not going to be cheap, but comes with years of knowledge. Especially for a South Asian wedding, find someone who understands both families’ background and needs and can work collaboratively with you to give you a stress-free experience. Often, I get calls from clients who hire new planners that don’t have the knowledge in full scale production events in destinations and are looking to get a notch on their belt. Beware of this because do you really want to have your most important day be someone’s trial and error? This also applies to your family friends who are trying to get into the industry. Remember it is so important for you to hire a professional to give you a stress-free experience and not add to your emotions.

Selecting the Right Venue

When selecting a destination event venue, don’t just look at price, but also look at the service. South Asian weddings and events have so many moving parts and the last thing you want is to be a number and sign up to be at a resort that is a factory of weddings. My clients want exclusivity and service and I believe that’s what all clients want. It is also important that you don’t just go for what is the lowest price, because that will determine your experience from all aspects, especially if you are going to another country for better service. Having realistic expectations is so important, so go on a site visit to the resort when they are conducting events.

How do you bring Design, Décor, Production to life in a Destination?

Many destinations have great local suppliers, but if you don’t speak the language its harder to get your point across. Our company has a particular style and look that our clients are attracted to, so we offer design services with our team of designers to give the clean finesse and creative touch that our client’s expect. Spending time going back and forth due to a language barrier may be a waste of your time and money. It’s better to pay a professional who knows design and can bring your vision to life by using local resources.

On-Site Resort Planners/Travel Agents

Many clients believe that when they book a resort, they will get a wedding planner! What you actually get is a hotel appointed individual called a “wedding coordinator.” He or she will not be able to help you with your event details such as ceremony flow, puja items, timeline, photo list, menu, overall design, décor, or vendor management.

Some travel agents specialize in destination weddings, but more so they are travel planners. Often, they are not at the destination to oversee the check-in guest experience or help execute your event. They specialize in travel and may charge you an additional fee to oversee your event, but don’t have the experience running event logistics like they do travel logistics.

Catering

This is a huge concern for South Asian clients. Some destinations have Indian/Pakistani options available, but are they based on what you expect? Absolutely not, this is only possible in highly Indian populated destinations. In Mexico and the Caribbean, for example, there are restaurants, but depending on the distance to the resort from the restaurant, the food may be prepared in advance to be transported hours later, affecting the quality and taste of the food. I highly recommend if you are at an all-inclusive resort take your own chef with you. This allows you to customize your menu based on the region and dietary restrictions, and you will have the resort staff assisting your food provider to make the food fresh and on-site.

Speak to a Past Resort Client Before Booking

I highly recommend speaking to a past South Asian wedding client of the resort. Once they have done an Indian Wedding, some resorts will sell it as if they are experts, but they might not be. Talking to past clients will bring up issues like being short-staffed. With so many new resorts popping up everywhere, many resorts can’t retain their staff because someone else is willing to pay them more.

Is a Destination Wedding Cheaper?

No it is not! It is true that your guests will be paying for travel and hotel accommodations. You will still have to pay for all of your vendors, such as planner, caterer, entertainment, décor, vendor travel, etc. A destination wedding may be cheaper, but the only way it can be is if you take the simple offerings the resort offers for American style weddings and not customize anything for your South Asian wedding or by cutting your guest list down and the number of events. Some resorts also have a high tax rate ( 30-40% ) on luxury goods rentals, which is what event goods are considered. Some vendors will accept cash, but we don’t recommend traveling with large amounts as that will give you trouble in customs.

Average Destination Wedding Cost for 3-5 Events

Most clients believe a destination wedding can be budgeted below $50K, but the reality depends on your expectation. If you are a client who loves a designer look, want a 5 star experience, and plan on multiple events at the destination, then the minimum starting point is over $100k. Remember, if you have 100 -200 guests for 3-5 events, you are servicing and planning for over 500 hundred guests. So come up with a realistic budget to avoid disappointment when you start seeing all the numbers come together.

Controlling Your Guest List

Most clients opt for a destination wedding to cut down on the number of guests and have a more intimate experience, so the couple can enjoy the event and focus on everyone there. Once you evaluate your guest list, we recommend starting to send out invitations. Often, clients send the invite out to everyone, but some guests will cut themselves out because of the cost of travel and accommodations. It is also appropriate to ask your guests before you send out invites to find out if they will come or not. If they give you a no, you don’t have to send them an invite out, unless you are doing digital invites, which can help you keep up with RSVPs.

Know What You Want Out of Your Day.

Often clients come to us and have elaborate and elevated taste, but are misinformed about cost. Some clients will ask family or friends who are already married how much they spent, but don’t realize that 2, 3, 4, 5, 10 years later costs have changed due to the cost of goods, service and labor. Be informed that basing your budget on past events that have occurred in your network and expecting the same is not practical. As a client, be transparent about your budget to eliminate a lot of back and forth with your team of vendors.

It’s so important that when you are looking to work with event professionals you decide on experience and knowledge of the destination and also on a team that has a can-do attitude to make magic happen for you. Your event is an investment and the right team is required to execute and pull off something amazing with all be bells and whistles.

Determining the Number of Events

Having a destination wedding means that many of your guests will feel like they are on a vacation since they are spending money on their flights and accommodations (unless as a host you are covering all costs.). So as a host, it should be your priority to spread your events out guests can spend free time to explore and relax at the resort, golf, or go on excursions. Figure out which events are important. The smaller ones that are intimate ceremonies for family hold those earlier in the week before the rest of your guests arrive, so you are not forcing anyone to come for longer than they wish. It’s so important when you plan your events you keep in mind your guest experience in order for them to remember your events for years to come.

Manpower/Staff/Labor

Many clients think labor is included in the service providers consulting contract, but this is only true for some vendor categories. For some like planner, design, catering, lighting/production, there is a separate cost for labor that should be pre-quoted or line itemized. Don’t expect your vendors consulting fee to cover the labor fee, because consulting time is their time and knowledge and expertise to help you plan a seamless event. Labor is the number of bodies needed to execute your vision based on the logistics. Keep in mind vendors who charge this value the service they provide you along with their value their staff, which in turn affects your overall experience.

Local Vendors vs Out of Town Vendors

You have options when planning your destination wedding, but remember you don’t want to chase down vendors in the respective destinations. Also be aware that in exotic destinations, they may be on island time and there is not a sense of urgency. If you are a client that wants results, then you need to work with experienced professionals who know how to handle this, because they have done this many times before so they always have a solution. The other difference with local vendors vs. out of town vendors is the cost of travel and accommodations, but in the end if these vendors provide you a sense of relief and can guarantee their end product and results based on their reputation then its good you go with them. If you are someone that just want to pay a certain amount, then you can go local, but if your planner or you personally have not worked with the vendor it’s hard for anyone to guarantee the quality for you. We hear it all the time that a local person said they will charge us this, and you guys are a lot more, but keep in mind the lower the cost means more corners to be cut by the service provider to make a profit, and that’s business 101! So if you are someone who expects a certain level of service, then pay the price for a Luxury experience because you won’t get that if you don’t pay the right pricing to your service provider.

Today’s destination events are much more than group travel to a resort destination for a small ceremony and reception. Couples want unique one of a kind celebrations custom created for them. The details are of unique touches that reflect couple and special ways to mesmerize their guests. If you wish to plan a destination wedding right, then start with unusual venues to welcome parties and creative group excursions to gourmet chef curated meals, custom cocktails and mocktails and lots of unified cultural rituals, couples are looking to go beyond the traditional or expected.

Vendors globally have the bar set high in these destinations by offering services that are unparalleled to what you may find in your home town such as delivering goods, offering a range of options, and most of all couples want high quality products & services. The more popular destinations such as Mexico, Aruba, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, India and now more so Europe and Dubai have really had to be on top of their game. There are no limitations on Destination Events, clients and their families are not letting roadblocks get in their way or limitations of the location to create something unique and memorable for their guest. Flying in vendors from all around the world has become a norm, and the couples are blown away by the amazing ability to create something unique, from the food, the decor and the incredible event design to entertainment.

It’s so important that when you are looking to work with event professionals you decide on experience and knowledge of the destination and also on a team that has a can-do attitude to make magic happen for you. Your event is an investment and the right team is required to execute and pull off something amazing with all be bells and whistles.

About Author

My name is Nirjary Desai, I am the Owner/Founder & Chief Experience Officer of KIS (cubed) Events. We are a premier Luxe Boutique Agency providing Elevated Experiences to our client’s world-wide one couple & family at a time! We pride ourselves in the 15 years in the event industry especially the Luxury Wedding market, we have traveled the globe producing events not only for our clients, but one of our latest productions was my very own wedding taking place in Los Cabos, Mexico.

Posted on: 05-31-2019 by: Deshvidesh

Shreya and Sagar married on September 15, 2018, at the Gujarat Cultural Association in Nashville, Tennessee. They planned their entire wedding themselves along with help from family and friends. Their wedding celebrations began with a colorful mehndi ceremony. Shreya chose a Moroccan theme for the function, where the venue was decorated with many colorful umbrellas. They went with matkas and diyas as the centerpieces for the tables.

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The couple had an indoor daytime wedding, where they followed a traditional color theme of red, cream and gold. Shreya and Sagar chose an open oval-shaped mandap, which was decorated with floral cages lined along pillars that were donned with lotus flowers. A suspended Ganesha done with carnation flowers provided a beautiful backdrop to their mandap. The aisle was one of the best parts of the wedding décor. It was a 2-foot raised platform that was about 60 feet long and was decorated with red rose petals and lined with floating candles.

For the reception, Shreya and Sagar chose a more elegant and modern color theme with touches of black, crème and gold. They used accented bookshelves to provide a backdrop for their stage, which was decorated with floral-shaped cylinder glasses and candles. The centerpieces gave the room a fresh floral feel, complete with cascading flowers, hydrangeas, roses, orchids and Manzanita branches.

The bride and the groom danced their way into their reception, with their DJ providing them with special lighting effects and Bhangra dance beats. For their first dance, Shreya and Sagar chose country singer Brett Young’s “In Case You Didn’t Know.” Their dance playlist included Punjabi and Bollywood tracks, along with American hits from the 80s and 90s.

What’s more? As Shreya has a huge sweet tooth, there was a 32-foot long dessert table at the reception filled with a large variety of Indian and American sweets.

Posted on: 02-26-2019 by: Deshvidesh

Ask any bride how and when she met her groom, and she will remember it as clearly as it happened just yesterday. And so the story goes with Christena Singh.

A teacher from Miami, Christena clearly remembers the morning when social media played cupid in her love story. “It all began one early morning in September 2016, around 7:15am with an Instagram “good morning” message! Yep! You read right! Instagram!” she recollects her first exchange with Ravi, her groom.

With Christena in Florida and Ravi in Queens, NY, technology played a huge role in this love story. With hours of phone calls, Facetimes, and back and forth flights, their beautiful bond grew. In 2018, they made their commitment official by getting married.

In quite the romantic story, Ravi proposed to Christena by involving her best friends and parents. While unsuspecting Christena was out for dinner with her friends, Ravi decorated her entire house with rose petals. Reliving the night Christena said, “As I unlocked the front door I saw HUNDREDS of rose petals placed throughout the whole house. My neighbor stood in front of me with her video camera and I instantly knew he (Ravi) was there! She handed me a card that said that I had to follow the petals throughout my house.

“The first card led me upstairs to the first bedroom where another card was laid on the bed with a HUGE map. The card read, “I want to travel the world with you. Here is a map where we can scratch off each destination as we travel together.” The next card led downstairs to the kitchen with another card that read “follow the trail of roses to the front door.” Once I reached the front door another card awaited that said open the front door and walk around to the garage! Once I walked around to the garage, Ravi stood on one knee in a heart of rose petals asking me to marry him!”

That was October 27, 2017. And, on July 14, 2018, the loving couple got married in Orlando Marriott Lake Mary, Florida, in a Hindu wedding ceremony.

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Posted on: 12-4-2018 by: Deshvidesh

In October 2018, Shisha Patel, a health educator and Indian medical program coordinator, and Dishant Patel, a project manager, held their wedding and reception at the Adriatic Lounge and the Arctic Club, respectively, on the Carnival Victory ship of the Carnival Cruise Line.

The bride and groom became acquainted on Facebook and, after a month of phone exchanges, met at the Thai Lanna restaurant in Somerset, New Jersey. They got along well from the start and dated for two years before Dishant sprung a romantic proposal at Disney Park, Orlando, in January 2017. Urged by her parents to join them for a family vacation at the park, Shisha received the surprise of her life when, on a boat ride on the lake, Dishant showed up and proposed on one knee. His original plan to propose in a hot-air balloon ride did not work out due to windy weather, but he made up for that with a helicopter ride the following day and proposed anew.

The couple planned their wedding on their own for a year and a half. With their hearts set on something unusual, they considered an island wedding and then discovered that they could have a cruise wedding. They picked Carnival Cruise Lines, who have, so far, hosted fewer than five Indian weddings.

Despite the exotic locales – their cruise ship docked at a private island, Half Moon Cay, and at Nassau, Bahamas – the wedding itself followed traditional Gujarati Vidhi, with acrylic Rangolis and hand-decorated, water-filled baskets with floating candles. As the groom couldn’t follow tradition and come aboard on a horse or in a car, he had to walk to his wedding like the rest of their one hundred guests. The gold-themed wedding had a white satin mandap decorated with red roses, and, afterwards,they played a mix of American and Bollywood songs, with Arjit Singh’s “Gerua” for the first dance and Badshah’s “Abhi Toh Party Shuru Hui Hai” for the last dance.

Thinking back on the experience, the young couple thinks that planning their own wedding, without involving wedding planners, was the best thing they could have done. They, however, do admit to being stressed out from the wedding planning and preparations. One thing they hadn’t bargained for was a choppy sea. Watching their happy guests teeter unsteadily on the ship deck, they say, was an amusing experience.

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    Posted on: 12-4-2018 by: Deshvidesh

As the saying goes, true love never dies, rather only grows stronger with time. Vasant Patel, IT consultant, and Jana Anandarangam, an attorney, first met in January 2014. They pair dated for four years, and it was over time that they realized theirs was a forever love.

Vasant’s spectacular proposal was a life-changing moment for Jana, one she will no doubt cherish for years. Vasant created a treasure hunt at the W Downtown Atlanta where he left love letters and gifts in various spots. The final and most incredible spot was the hotel’s helipad where Vasant proposed. The couple celebrated in the lobby bar where family and friends were eagerly awaiting the happy couple.

Although Vasant and Jana are from London and New Jersey respectively, Atlanta had become home through their careers. The couple decided on the W Midtown Atlanta Hotel after being enchanted by the space and décor. Over 250 guests joined Vasant and Jana on March 31, 2018 for an elegant celebration.

Their pre-wedding Sangeet was a fusion event blending Indian and Southern culture. The entire event took place at Monday Night Brewing. Highlights include fusion cuisine prepared by using Indian and southern flavors and ingredients.

The wedding was held in the late evening. Traditional baraat and nagaswaram music were played and outstanding performances as well as the DJ stole the hearts of guests.

The mandap was designed simply but with an elegant touch. The groom arrived at the wedding venue riding atop a white horse escorted by a Black Rolls Royce. Vasant entered with his parents and cousins with the Bollywood song “Nagara Sang Dhol” playing in the background. Jana made her entrance accompanied by her father to Bollywood song “Tere Bina.”

The reception hall was decorated in touches of purple and gold with an array of flowers and orchids adding to the unique and classy ambiance. Vasant and Jana performed their first dance to “London Thumakda.” American and Indian hit fusion songs were played throughout the reception with all guests performing dandiya to their heart’s content.

BANQUET HALLS Monday Night Brewing 404-352-7703 | W Atlanta Midtown 404-892-6000 | BEAUTICIANS-COSMETICIAN Crystal Nix Beauty 678-428-6694 | Erica Bogart Beauty 404-375-1262 | Gunn Glamour 678-558-7637 | BOUTIQUES Image Boutique Shop by Surinder Bedi 678-571-8847 | CAKE Picasso Cakes by Celso 678-756-4263 | DECORATOR Sterling Decor 678-570-4971 | DISC JOCKEY Nice Entertainment 404-396-7303 | EVENT PLANNER Envi Event Planning 864-907-2003 | HORSE AND CARRIAGE Nottingham Shire and Carriage For Hire 404-622-0526 | MEHNDI Bridal Allure by Aarti Amin 678-717-7303 | PHOTOGRAPHER Peter Togel Photography 404-647-6476 | RESTAURANT/CATERING Amara Kitchen and Bar 470-305-7405 Cafe Bombay 404-320-0229 | VIDEOGRAPHY Scott Belanger Films 404-431-9116 |

Susan and Nirlep’s story is one of an online friendship that became a love marriage. The couple first began chatting online, during which time both Susan and Nirlep developed a fondness for one other and decided to meet in Augusta in 2016. While Susan lives in Cordele, Georgia, and Nirlep Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, the distance of a six hour drive didn’t keep the two from meeting frequently. The two dated for almost a year and traveled together to beautiful locales such as Charleston, Savannah, Atlanta, and Las Vegas.

After dating for some time, Nirlep proposed to Susan on July 2, 2017 in the most unique way. He wrote the proposal in the form of a prescription on his pad and handed it to her because for Nirlep, this was the ideal way for a physician to propose to a pharmacist. After handing her the prescription proposal, Nirlep got down on one knee and placed the ring on her finger. Though nervous and overwhelmed, Susan was thrilled for the proposal. After the proposal, the coupe joined friends on a trip to Spain.

Susan and Nirlep hired Nadira with Envi Event Planning to coordinate their wedding. As they wanted a destination wedding, they decided an event management company would ensure their families did not go through the stress of planning such a big wedding. The couple decided to hold their wedding at The Grand at Moon Palace in Cancun, Mexico, on the beach on February 18, 2018 as their wedding date.

Pre-wedding events rituals included a Grah Shanti puja and a welcoming dinner for everyone.

The beach wedding was attended by 200 guests. Décor followed a white and red theme. Nirlep entered in a golf cart while “Aje Se Tera” from Padman in played in the background. Susan made her entrance to “Din Shagna Da” from the movie Phillauri.

The bride and groom’s first dance at the reception was “The Way you Look Tonight.” Susan and her father danced to “Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna.” “Dheere Dheere Se” was the song for the cake cutting dance. Dance performances entertained guests as did a mix of Hindi and American songs.

The couple took extra care in choosing the food for events as both families love great food. Some extra flavor was added by Susan’s family as they arranged for special Indian snacks. Susan’s sisters and cousins played a big role in making the wedding a lovely event. It was a great vacation and wedding weekend for everyone who attended.

DESTINATION WEDDINGS The Grand At Moon Palace 800-592-EEZE | DISC JOCKEY Encore Event DJS 478-231-6282 | EVENT PLANNER Envi Event Planning 864-907-2003 | PHOTOGRAPHER Zamana Photo & Videography 678-860-2921 | PRIEST Pandit Suresh 478-476-9440

Friendship morphed into a lifelong relationship for Jinal Choksi, a Pharmacist, and Pujan Patel, a Senior Accountant, who first met at a wedding in 2014. Their love showed no bound as Jinal lived in Florida and Pujan in Maryland. From Facebook to FaceTime and flying kisses to flying airplanes, they believed that true love could reach across any distance.

In December 2016, Pujan took the opportunity to surprise and propose to Jinal at The Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas. He made arrangements for a private gondola boat ride and hired a professional photographer to capture each moment. With a speech ready and ring in his hand, during the boat ride, Pujan went down on one knee and asked Jinal to marry him. Jinal happily said “YES” and felt over the moon with this romantic proposal.

May 12, 2018 was the day that was decided for their joyous union as husband and wife. The couple and their enthusiastic family handled all the arrangements. A gala celebration began with pre-wedding events: Mehndi, Pithi, Ganesh Puja, and Grah Shanti that were held at their respective homes.

The first joint pre-wedding event was the Garba. The backdrop included traditional Indian decor and a jula for the lovebirds. Multi-hued draping, shimmering market lights, lotus pots, custom made dandiyas with the couple’s name inscribed, and a Radha Krishna centerpiece adorned the setting.

The following day, a grand wedding and reception was held at the Embassy Suites by Hilton in Tampa where nearly 400 guests attended the festivities. A dream that Jinal and Pujan had awaited eagerly became reality. Pujan made an energetic entry in a black convertible Maserati. While the song “Deewani Mastani” played in the background, Jinal walked down a gorgeous pathway embellished by rose petals to the mandap. The elegant mandap was decorated with vibrant shades of pink, gold and orange by Nikun Events.

The reception décor, also done by Nikun Events, was the epitome of classiness. A starry night backdrop, crystal globe centerpieces with fresh flowers, custom designed monogram, and chandeliers contributed to the ambience.

The couple’s first dance was to the Atif Aslam song “Dil Diyan Gallan.” Amazing dance performances by friends and family along with heartfelt speeches elevated the festive vibes.

Traditional cuisine with delicious twists, a personalized hashtag (#ChoktelWedding), custom snapchat filters , a surprise dance by the bride, and a four-tier cake added a touch of exclusivity to the ceremonies.

BANQUET HALLS Embassy Suites By Hilton Tampa USF 813-977-7066 | BEAUTICIANS-COSMETICIAN Michele Renee Hair & Makeup Artist Group 813-531-7770 | CAKE Bakery Boutique 813-368-9735 | DECORATOR Nikun Events 407-448-7128 | DISC JOCKEY Dudha Productions 727-418-8498 | PHOTOGRAPHER Amita S. Photography 813-600-7014 | PRIEST Acharya Ramesh Mehta 813-453-9334 | RESTAURANT/CATERING Dosa Hut 813-385-2033 Khasiyat Indian Restaurant 407-310-1624 | VIDEOGRAPHER Digital Dream Studio 407-791-6064

Bhavika, anesthetist, and Rushil, consultant, first met at the House of Spices in Orlando where both their families had gone for Janmashtami Samaiyo grocery shopping in 2009. Bhavika saw her friend Roshni in the naan aisle and went over to say hello. Roshni’s brother Rushil was also there, and so introductions were made. However, the two didn’t become friends until a chance meeting at a football game. In the fall of 2011, Bhavika went to a Gator football game with her cousin, the same one Rushil was attending with friends. He saw Bhavika at a distance, walked over, and the two began talking. Since exchanging phone numbers that day, the pair haven’t look back.

In January 2017, Rushil and Bhavika joined her family on a trip to Colorado. After spending an eventful second day in Estes Park playing in the snow and shopping, Rushil drove Bhavika to a lakeside so they could watch the sunset. Bhavika was so cold, but Rushil reminded her they didn’t get a couple’s shot that day. So, Bhavika took off her coat and turned around to see Rushil on one knee.

The couple decided on a wedding date of January 27, 2018. Bhavika and Rushil wanted Gainesville, Florida, to be the site of their celebrations given they began their journey there. The Barn at Rembert Farms in Gainesville was the ideal place for festivities.

Pre-wedding events included a Mehndi at Bhavika’s mama’s house; Vidhi puja at the groom’s place; Santek outside the wedding venue; and followed by the Garba at the wedding venue.At the Garba, Rushil surprised Bhavika with a special dance performance. Bhavika’s mom and her friends from the Gainesville BAPS Mandir also did a surprise garba dance performance that was so full of energy.

The wedding was held outdoors with yellow, white, and touches of maroon creating a lovely ambiance. The baarat included a dholi and traditional Indian music. For some key moments, special songs were chosen. The bride’s mother insisted “Sajanji Ghar Aya” be played for the arrival of the groom from his baarat.

Rushil entered the mandap to the “Jash ne Baahare” instrumental with his and the bride’s parents on his arms. Bhavika walked in under a floral canopy handmade by her sisters with the “Kaise Mujhe” instrumental playing in the background.

The beautifully decorated reception followed a rustic theme and included some poignant moments. Bhavika and her father danced to “Laadki,” a song he picked out months before.

Bhavika and Rushil advise couples to have fun and focus three-four details that matter most and then let the rest go as it will all work out in the end.

BANQUET HALLS The Barn At Rembert Farms 352-317-4363 | BEAUTICIANS / COSMETICIAN Alissa And Crew For Your I Do 386-965-1085 | DECORATOR Nikun Events 407-448-7128 | DISC JOCKEY Dj Krishan 352-299-0743 | HORSE AND CARRIAGE Pinto Carriage Works 904-222-5272 | PHOTOGRAPHER Digital Dream Studio 407-791-6064 | PRIEST Acharya Ramesh Mehta 813-453-9334 | RESTAURANT/CATERING Baps-Shri Swaminarayan Mandir 407-857-0091