Unique photographs taken at an Indian weddings are made up of warm glances, shared laughter, loving stares, bold colors, elegant mandaps, and unique table settings.

Whether a stolen glance or a planned pose, couples and their families can relive the celebrations through heartfelt moments captured by photographs. Weddings are special events that are celebrated for an entire lifetime through photographs.

Article sponsored by Occasions by Shangri-La (https://occasionsbyshangrila.com).
Photographs have been taken by the region’s well-known wedding photographers and are of decorations by Occasions by Shangri-La

Photos provided by Occasions By Shangri-La.

Photos by Peter Nguyen Photography

Photos by Castaldo Studio

But our friends at Occasions by Shangri-La came up with a unique way to celebrate Diwali and still follow CDC guidelines. The team at Occasions by Shangri-La has launched another venture, an amazing new furniture import store, located in Winter Garden, Florida called Element by Shangri La. They collaborated with the Orlando company, SubRosa DE and created a unique “Festival of Lights” dinner event at Element by Shangri La store.

It was filled with upbeat, modern Indian music from the live DJ (DJ Daggett), and beautiful vibrant décor (Occasions by Shangri-La). Each table was unique since they used inventory from Element to create seating pods for guests. As guests pulled up to the vibrantly lit store, they knew they had found the right location for this pop up dinner. Colorful illuminated arches caught the attention of not only the guests for the event, but many people stopped to see what was going on. As guests arrived, they were greeted by a hostess who then showed them to their table.

It created the perfect setting for families, a group of friends, or a romantic dinner. On each table was a preset colorful grouping of PaniPuri with vibrant spiced waters. This was just the beginning of a flavorful four course meal prepared by Chef Don Patel of the Spice Affair. While guests were enjoying the multiple courses, they were also surprised by a high energy Bollywood performance by Bollywood Touch. The venue, décor, music, entertainment, and food created a perfect place for everyone of all backgrounds to enjoy this beautiful, and fun celebration!

Now a few words about The SubRosa DE. It is a new and exciting immersive Secret pop up dinner experience. It is a concept that was created by two local hospitality professionals, Keena Patel and Andrea Vigil. Keena Patel comes from the hotel world, as a corporate catering manager for an exceptionally large hotel chain in Orlando. Andrea Vigil, owns a creative design agency, Sublime Event Designs, focusing on event planning and design for corporate conventions.

With the pandemic hitting the Orlando hospitality world hard, they decided to put their minds together and create what they love to do for the public! Thus, SubRosa Dining Experience was born! This concept not only brings people together to enjoy a delicious meal in a completely immersive environment but has also become a platform for supporting local Orlando businesses and partners.

Each dining experience features collaborations with local Orlando chefs, venues, entertainers, and businesses. SubRosa DE can create a pop-up dinner experience at your home or at your wedding.

Vendors

Venue
Element by Shangri-la
407-614-2977
www.elementimports.com

Event Coordinator
SubRosa Dining Experience
Andrea Vigil
Keena Patel
321-621-1640
Subrosaorlando@gmail.com
Instagram: @subrosade
Facebook: SubRosa Dining Experience

Food
The Spice Affair
Don Patel
630-479-6200
www.thespiceaffair.com

DJ Dagget
Adam Dagget
407-230-7863
daggettmeister@gmail.com

Dancers
Bollywood Touch
Monica Desai
407-433-0105
www.bollywoodtouch.com

COVID-19 pandemic

Festival of Lights

SubRosa DE

Indian music by DJ Daggett

Beautiful vibrant décor by Occasions by Shangri-La

Bollywood performance by Bollywood Touch
Sublime Event Designs

SubRosa Dining Experience

After this romantic proposal came the real work. Planning and picking the right wedding vendors so their big day went as smoothly as possible. Planning a wedding along with trying to juggle between work, looking for a house, community service, and trying to have some sort of social life, seemed almost impossible. Luckily, from the very beginning Shivani and Aakash hired Umangi Patel & Rikti Smart with Elite Dream Creations. Shivani recommends any bride planning a traditional Indian wedding to hire a wedding planner! They have creative ideas and clever ways of efficiently handling certain situations.

Given most Indian weddings are large productions with several events and lots of people. Shivani and Aakash planned to invite more than 700 people for their celebration, so picking the right, and large enough, venue was a challenge. A venue in Orlando was ideal since Aakash lives in Tampa and Shivani in Viera. The couple wanted to be sure to find the right location, with hospitality and the right price tag. The Hilton Orlando offered everything they needed for their fairytale wedding.

The couple’s big day was November 9, 2019, and included pre-wedding events such as the Mehndi, Sangeet and Pithi.

The wedding ceremony was indoors. The Occasions by Shangri La decor team created a true vision in the ballroom. Upon entering, a beautiful floral ring of white, ivory, and hints of blush pink, hung over the mandap, with four hanging wisteria vines. The walls were covered with a beautiful golden drape and two massive Ultra HD screens projecting a live feed behind the mandap. Two white floral peacocks were resting at the front of the aisle, which was all white with floating candles lined across the side.

When planning the reception, Shivani wanted it to feel like the first day she met Aakash at Tomorrowworld. The stage was designed and decorated exactly the same way to resemble the stage where the couple originally met. The Grand Finale of the wedding came when couple’s first dance performance began to the tune “I Like Me Better” by Lauv. Schamir, one of Aakash’s groomsmen, played the piano while Hanna Malik, Shivani’s friend, sang the song.

BANQUET HALLS Hilton Orlando 407-313-8458 | BEAUTICIANS-COSMETICIAN Michele Renee Hair & Makeup Artist Group 813-531-7770 | CAKE Niaddi Flan 813-773-3526 Polka Dot It Cakes 407-448-5783 | DECORATOR Occasions By Shangri-la 407-614-2977 | DISC JOCKEY Krish Entertainment Inc. 352-299-0743 | EVENT PLANNER Elite Dream Creations 407-733-2597 | MEHNDI Henna Allure 321-444-5911 | PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHY Fine Art Productions 407-979-4749 | PRIEST Mahesh Gor 678-613-0641 | RESTAURANT/CATERING Aashirwad Indian Cuisine 407-370-9830 Flavors of India 407-778-5255 Khasiyat Indian Restaurant 407-888-2147

Lauv

Ultra HD

Rikti Smart

right wedding vendors

all white

wedding ceremony

true vision

Umangi Patel

Tomorrowworld

certain situations

floral peacocks

real work

Mehndi

almost impossible

Shivani

fairytale wedding

best friend

Pithi

live feed

several events

Orlando

clever ways

Indian weddings

large productions

wisteria vines

decor team

Aakash

Viera

wedding planner

right price tag

Hanna Malik

social life

November

blush pink

same way

Tampa

big day

floral ring

community service

wedding events

romantic proposal

golden drape

first day

Grand Finale

Shangri La

first dance performance

Curtis Hixon Park

so big

right location

Sangeet

Schamir

creative ideas

Hilton Orlando

Indian wedding

Elite Dream Creations

REMMAL: Back then, there weren’t any design firms that specialized in South Asian weddings. It was all just packages, and you chose from one of three concepts. They weren’t really creating mandaps based on people’s styles and interests. It was difficult to find a company that had the authenticity for South Asian design and the versatility of décor that we were looking for.

In the fifteen years since it began, Occasions has created wedding events across the United States and Mexico, on the island of Aruba, and even on board a cruise ship. They love a creative challenge, and they equally love being involved in as much of the process as possible.

REMMAL: We start with conceptual design, space planning, and the individual visual themes for each event (from mehndi to garba to the wedding ceremony itself), and then we provide everything décor- and A/V-related after that. That includes fresh flowers, custom props, drapery, mandaps, linens, lounge furniture, and full production lighting.

The goal of Occasions by Shangri-la isn’t just to fill the void for South Asian weddings, but to provide above and beyond with unique concepts and inspirations. Smita’s travels overseas for her fashion business brought her to numerous talented artisans in various fields, and those encounters brought about groundbreaking ideas for wedding décor.

SMITA: When I was traveling in the mountains of Bali, I saw an artist on the side of the road, selling a hand-carved bed set made from Teak wood. It was very detailed and beautiful, and I stopped to talk to him. He agreed to create a mandap for us, so I sat with him and sketched out a design for a mandap that he carved out of Teak wood.

Frequently, their inspiration comes directly from the clients. Rather than simply providing the client a list of options for what they already have on hand, Occasions prides themselves on the flexibility and skill to create décor personalized to the client’s interests.

RENA: Brides often bring a lot to the table, because they’re out there researching and having their own ideas. We embrace that and start from that, and often a mandap or a décor piece will come from that initial client inspiration.

Because their hands-on creative process is different than many firms, their process for consultations and meetings is a bit different, too. Dana Cirelli, the Client Services Coordinator, will start by sending a simple form that the client fills out before an in-person or phone meeting, providing information on the bride and groom, where they met, what their best means of communication is through the process, and any visual inspiration they already have.

DANA: Anything you’ve saved on Pinterest or any other inspirational websites is helpful, because then we have an idea of which direction you like for each event. Then, during our two-hour design consultation, we take the inspirations and we break down their design concept and combine them to create something unique.

During that two-hour consultation, they discuss everything from décor to food to entertainment. That allows them to create a detailed budget proposal with pricing for all the elements from A to Z, from floral to production lighting. If the client likes the design concept, they retain Occasions services. During the process of creation and planning in the run-up to the wedding, Occasions also offers in-person viewings of the décor and designs.

SMITA: Rather than just a simple, two-dimensional rendering of a mandap or design element, we have enough space and crew to set up samples for you to see and interact with. People aren’t just visual, they’re interactive, so we provide that extra level of immersion for the clients.

So, in all the years that the Occasions team has worked with couples planning their weddings, what is the most important piece of advice they have? For them, there are two simple things: first, being upfront about the budget.

REMMAL: When we know from the beginning exactly what our budget is, then we can use our knowledge and experience to make that stretch as far as possible. We can be creative on a budget and still deliver a stunning event, but we need to know as early as we can to make sure we have the time to deliver the quality.

Secondly, and equally important, is to never lose sight of your personal inspirations. The wedding is ultimately an event that represents you and your union, so don’t lose that among all the other decisions that have to be made.

SMITA: It’s important for you to love your design, so your passion and inspiration are absolute necessities. One of our favorite wedding mandaps came directly from a bride’s inspiration. Her venue was in a 4 ½ acre atrium, and she wanted a gazebo structure for her mandap. But she also wanted a vast amount of floral to create a welcoming aroma. We ended up constructing the entire gazebo solely from floral, Casablanca lilies and garlands, and it looked stunning. She loved it, and so did we.

Occasions by Shangri-la’s business offices are located in Winter Garden, Florida, and they can be found online at www.occasionsbyshangrila.com

wedding décor and design

United States

Occasions by Shangri-la

Smita Patel

Remmal Karamsadkar

Rena Popat

South Asian weddings

mandaps

South Asian design

mandap drapery

American florist

island of Aruba

Mexico

mehndi to garba

wedding ceremony

mountains of Bali

Teak wood

hand-carved bed set

Dana Cirelli

Pinterest

gazebo structure

Casablanca lilies and garlands

2018 MyShadi Bridal Expos:
Year in Review

The wedding industry’s top vendors are part of the show giving attendees a chance to meet with vendors who specialize in South Asian weddings. From event planners to photographers and banquet halls to decorator’s, the MyShadi Bridal Expo offers brides and grooms access to nearly every vendor needed to plan a wedding. Beautifully designed mandaps with gorgeous floral arrangements and intricate reception table settings are just some of the wedding components attendees get to see in person. MyShadi Bridal Expo is the place to be to feel inspired and come up with a unique wedding vision. When it comes to bridal and formal wear fashion, the exclusive designer fashion shows provide a stunning look at the latest styles. Whether a wedding guest or the bride, the designer clothing and jewelry boutiques attending the show allow attendees to purchase items on site. Many couples are now planning destination weddings, and the MyShadi Bridal Expo makes it even easier to do. The Destination Wedding Pavillion gathers venues and wedding planners together to ease the process of planning a wedding in an exotic locale. For those hoping to check items of that wedding to do list or just feel inspired, the team at Desh Videsh Media Group hopes to see you next year! Be on the lookout for dates to be announced soon. For a look at what to expect at the MyShadi Bridal Expo, visit www.myshadibridalexpo.com and click on Past Events.

For Richa Desai, chiropractor, and Shashank Gandhi, neurosurgery resident, a day on the beach turned out to be something more. Little did Richa know that the walk would turn into a romantic proposal. When she and Shashank were walking along the Clearwater Beach at sunset, Richa saw bright drapes flowing in the breeze with three large photographs of them. “I immediately turned to Shashank. He took my hands and proceeded with the most beautiful proposal,” she said.

The wedding and reception were held in Richa’s hometown, Orlando, at the Hilton Orlando Resort on December 9, 2017, with 500 guests in attendance. The couple’s pre-wedding events were mehndi, grah shanti and sangeet and each included a live band along with traditional décor.

While the couple did hire a wedding planner, family also helped with much of the planning and arrangements. Their mandap was the largest ever — 40 feet wide with a 12-foot center golden medallion created by Occasions by Shangri-La.

Given the wedding theme was royalty, Richa and Shashank dressed as an Indian king and queen in customized royal designer clothing and kundan jewelry. The baraat arrived via a horse and carriage. Richa’s vidai was in a vintage 1962 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud Convertible.

The décor for the reception was a starry night with LED-backdrop that changed colors to set the mood and along with crystal chandeliers. Centerpieces included crystal vases with fresh flowers.

The most memorable moment of the entire event was the couple’s “James Bond-esque” entrance on a 12-foot golden rotating medallion, cut a life-size colorful dhol with the sound! A Big Fat Indian wedding it is!

BANQUET HALLS Hilton Orlando 407-313-8458 | BEAUTICIANS / COSMETICIAN Beauty by Tamanna 646-571-5585 | CAKE Tru-Cakes 407-473-5849 | CATERING Indias Grill Tampa 813-872-8222 | Taste of India 321-751-4191 | Sudhas Fast Food Caterer 407-758-1776 | DECORATOR Occasions By Shangri-la 407-614-2977 | DISC JOCKEY Roshni Productions 732-318-2136 | Volcanik Entertainment 201-240-9080 | EVENT PLANNER Eventrics Weddings 863-397-0547 | PHOTOGRAPHER / VIDEOGRAPHY Amita S. Photography 813-600-7014 | Fandango Wedding Films 305-785-3263

Indian Bride and Groom

Indian wedding reception

Indian Wedding mandap

Indian Wedding Theme

Indian Wedding Decorations

Indian Wedding Event Planner

Indian Wedding wedding planner

Indian Wedding CATERING

Photographer: Sona Photography

James (Jim) and Jesleen meet in 2015 via e-Harmony online dating while both lived in New York City. When they finally agreed to meet, they almost didn’t have their first date as Jim got food poisoning in the morning and ended up in the emergency room. He did recover in time to get to the date that evening—and they’ve been together ever since.

The proposal came during a long weekend in Bermuda. The couple’s rooms were not ready when they arrived, and the hotel kept their bags while they spend a few hours exploring. Unbeknownst to Jesleen, Jim had the engagement ring in his bag, which meant he was unwilling to let the hotel keep his bags, which Jesleen thought was odd. Once the couple was on the beach, the mood was romantic, and Jim chose this moment to propose.

Jesleen and her mom loved spending time researching wedding ideas, taking advantage of all the good suggestions on Pinterest, and soon they had a very clear idea of what they wanted.

Jesleen’s parents moved to Orlando recently, so the couple chose that as the location for the March 2017 ceremony. The Mehndi event was held at the parents’ home, with classical bright Indian colors, lots of music and food. The Sangeet was held at the Omni hotel. The bride was set on having a Rajastani street fair theme, with bold colorful umbrellas, street food, market lights—and a decorated rickshaw as the backdrop for the photo booth. The Sikh wedding ceremony was held outdoors, and the decorations were pale colors creating a peaceful ambiance.

Vendors BEAUTICIANS/COSMETICIAN Laura Reynolds 407-962-5114 CAKE Party Flavors 407-578-2082 DÉCOR Occasions By Shangri-La 407-614-2977 FLORIST Occasions By Shangri-La 407-614-2977 INVITATIONS A Royal Impression 512-722-6024 MEHNDI Henna By Pria 727-459-6448 PHOTOGRAPHER Sona Photography 407-694-6032 PRIEST/WORSHIP SERVICES Gurdwhara Orlando RECEPTION SITES Omni Hotels & Resorts 407-238-6520 RESTAURANT/CATERING New Punjab Indian Restaurant 407-352-7887 VIDEOGRAPHY Riant Films 407-603-6955 WEDDING PLANNER Signature Weddings & Events, Inc. 352-267-5345

Shivani Sunil Patel, a bridal consultant, met Amit Hasmu-khrai Pandya, a businessman, while on assignment in the United States. Shaadi.com bridged their two lives together, and they carried on a courtship over six months via Skype. Amit surprised Shivani with a visit to India where he proposed to her. They were quickly engaged and began planning the perfect wedding. Working out a plan proved to be an easy task, as Shivani had planned her younger sister’s wedding just recently. With Shivani in India and Amit in the US, sharing ideas and making decisions was sometimes tricky. Time differences meant that sometimes Amit was sleeping when Shivani was enjoying an afternoon of wedding planning. They soon learned that when you pledge to do something with all your heart, nothing would get in the way to stop you. The couple chose the Wyndham Orlando Resort as the venue since outside catering was allowed and the ballrooms there were exquisite.

Amit’s family would be traveling from Nairobi, Kenya, to attend the ceremony, so the venue proved to be the perfect fit. Both Amit and Shivani played a role in selecting the wedding colors and the decorations for the mandap, which had a distinct modern feel. The mandap had wooden hollow columns with orchids hanging from the top. Gold, red and green were the chosen colors for the event, and the reception was thoroughly planned with black and white damask with fuchsia lightening. The mandap ended up looking exactly as Shivani crafted in her imagination.

The wedding ceremony was preceded by a meet and greet function where theme was tropical blue, with an accent of tropical design and bamboo centerpieces alongside the pool. On the day of the much-awaited ceremony, which was held in the Palms Ballroom at Wyndham Orlando Resort, the bride walked down the aisle on a burgundy carpet. The wooden mandap with floral elements and gold Manzanita trees with hanging crystals added an extravagance to the decoration, and the aisle was lined with candles.

Shivani dressed for the day in a silk lengha, embroidered with gold beads on the front and a special veil made of net. The elegant embroidery on the lengha pushed her look over the top and gave her an impeccably graceful look. Her hair, done by her sister, was made up with small red and white flowers clutched by a jeweled ornament. Her mother, sister and sister-in-law wore purple orchids in their hair, while the bridesmaids wore white orchids and carried a golden plate with a candle and rose petals. The groom looked no less graceful than Shivani in his million star and greenery boutonniere enhanced with purple and pink orchids.

Estate tables, crystal pedestals and crystal balls, candles, cylinder vases, fuchsia lightning and fuchsia napkins adorned the reception venue. The newly married couple cut a white chocolate four-tier wedding cake. For the groom’s cake, Shivani surprised Amit with his favorite – chocolate cake with

chocolate filling in the shape of a sports car (since Amit is a motor vehicle junkie!).

The reception menu included a wide variety of scrumptious delights, including Hariali chicken, corn manchurian, kadai chicken, and malai kofta. Amit’s nephew, Vineet Gandhia raised a toast for the happy copule, and delivered a thoughtful good luck speech. Shivani’s brother, Karan, and sister, Nishima, joined Vineet in congratulating the couple. Guests danced into the night to African music and popular Hindi tracks such as “Tera Chehra” by Adnan Sami and a song from Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham.

The entire event went off without a hitch, and the happy couple are testament to the fact that love is where pleasure meets fulfillment.