Priorities

Your priorities should be Budget, Location, Dates and Guests.

Once you have all the four stated above, sit down with your fiancée’ and talk about your wedding day. What do you both envision for your special day? Talk about the ceremony. What are your “must haves?” It’s important as you want to make sure that both of your needs are being met as each person’s must haves/priorities may be different.

Now you can begin finding the Perfect Venue for your Perfect Day!

Finding the right professional will help you navigate through the complexities of finding the perfect venue and hotel accommodations for you and your guest and will alleviate unnecessary stress for you over the coming months. They are experienced and do this on a day-to-day basis, they will have more information to provide in addition to saving you time and money. They know your needs and have your best interest in mind along with your budget.

When starting a search for your venue you will need to develop an RFP to send out to several venues within the location. Keep in mind, looking at only one venue may limit the amount of choices you have as far as dates, space availability, room availability, etc. If you are looking at a destination and not familiar with the venue options, ask your professional. They can provide you with the best options in any destination.

Reviewing the responses from the RFP that was sent out will provide you with all the details you need to go to the next step. It will contain the dates available, capacity, F&B minimums, etc. From this list you may be able to discount certain venues according to the information they provided.

After close review and conversations with your fiancée and professional you will have developed a list of possible venues. Your professional will arrange for you to visit each of the venues so that you can ensure the space you saw on their website photos looks the same in person. You’ll get a feeling of how the space can be transformed, you’ll have the opportunity to taste their food, look at their accommodations and ensure they have enough rooms for your guests, ensure they have enough parking for your guests. It’s easy to fall in love with each venue, however, make a list of the pros and cons so at the end you have everything in front of you to make the best decision.

Now you are ready to request a contract. Your professional will negotiate with the venue on your behalf. If you don’t understand a portion of the contract, ask for clarification. Make sure you understand what the payment/deposit schedule is, make sure that it’s stated in the contract. Don’t be afraid to ask for revisions to be made for the contract. Don’t sign the contract until it is exactly what you want. Make sure that you receive a final countersigned copy of the contract. Make note of all the deadlines that will be outlined within it. Missing a deadline with a venue can cost you thousands of dollars.

Now the fun begins. Go dress shopping, taste lots of cakes, etc. Enjoy it all, before you know it, Your Special Day will be here!

About The Author

Loretta Champion Johnson and Kimberly Reckert provide Venue Sourcing/Hotel Accommodations with HelmsBriscoe. Since 1992, HelmsBriscoe has earned the reputation as the global leader in venue site selection. They work diligently to match clients with the best venue at the best value based on their specific requirements. Whether you are a wedding planner working for a couple, or coordinating your own event, they can help secure a venue and block at the hotel that best accommodates your needs, budget and location! Email KReckert@HelmsBriscoe.com and LChampJohn@HelmsBriscoe.com for more information.

Venue Vendor Guide
The following is not an extensive list, but a list of venues that participated in the Desh Videsh Media Group survey.
Atlanta Marriott Perimeter Center Hotel Contact: Regenia McLean 770-730-3720 Where: 246 Perimeter Center Parkway NE, Atlanta, GA 30346 Guest Rooms: 344 Banquet Hall Capacity: 6412 and 2595 of pre function space Email: regenia.r.mclean@marriott.com Web: www.marriott.com/ATLPC	Hilton Orlando – Altamonte Springs Contact: Jim Donovan 407-830-1985 Where: 350 South Northlake Blvd, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701-5389 Banquet Hall Capacity: 6,720 Sq Ft Email: jim.donovan@hilton.com Web: www.orlandoaltamontesprings.hilton.com
Gaylord Palms Resort Contact: Pam Becker 407-586-2248 Where: 6000 W Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee, FL 34746-4414 Guest Rooms: 1416 Banquet Hall Capacity: 46,000 Sq Ft Email: pbecker@gaylordhotels.com Web: www.gaylordpalms.com	Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Contact: 407-597-3600 Where: 14100 Bonnet Creek Resort Ln, Orlando, FL 32821-4024Guest Rooms: 1009 Banquet Hall Capacity: 36,000 Sq Ft Email: bonnetcreekweddings@hilton.com Web: www.hiltonbonnetcreek.com
Bonaventure Resort & Spa Contact: Giselle Roach 954-349-5606 Where: 250 Racquet Club Rd, Weston, FL 33326-1114 Email: groach@bonaventurefl.com Web: www.bonaventureresortandspa.com	Innisbrook Golf and Spa Resort Contact: Melissa Davidson 727-942-5541 Where: 36750 Us Highway 19 N, Palm Harbor, FL 34684-1239 Banquet Hall Capacity: 200-800 guests Email: ccorbett@innisbrookresort.com Web: www.innisbrookgolfresort.com
Coral Springs Marriott Contact: Jeri-Ann Hart 954-227-4119 Where: 11775 Heron Bay Blvd, Coral Springs, FL 33076-1941 Email: jeriann.hart@atriumhospitality.com Web: www.marriott.com/fllmc	Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort Contact: Barry Rubin 305-949-1300 Where: 16701 Collins Ave, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160-4201 Guest Rooms: 339 Banquet Hall Capacity: 4,800 Sq Ft Email: brubin@newportbeachsideresort.com Web: www.newportbeachsidresort.com
Doubletree by Hilton Sunrise/Sawgrass Contact: Karima Barnes 954-835-3605 Where: 13400 W Sunrise Blvd, Sunrise, FL 33323-0909 Banquet Hall Capacity: 5700 Sq Ft Email: karima.barnes@hilton.com Web: www.sawgrasshotel.com	Novare Events Contact: Hope Nudelman 404-962-8700 Where: 817 W. Peachtree Street NW, Suite 208, Atlanta, GA 30308-1150 Email: hnudelman@novareevents.com Web: www.novareevents.com
Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay Contact: Caitlin Schmedeke 813-207-6630 Where: 2900 Bayport Dr, Tampa, FL 33607-1479 Guest Rooms: 444 Banquet Hall Capacity: 10,502 Sq Ft Email: caitlin.schmedeke@hyatt.com Web: www.grandhyatttampabay.com	Palm Beach Gardens Marriott Contact: Morgan Smith 561-630-1304 Where: 4000 RCA Blvd, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410-4233 Email: morgan.smith@marriott.com Web: www.marriott.com/PBIPG
Gulf Stream Park Contact: Ray Briels 954-475-6957 Where: 901 S Federal Hwy, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009-7124 Banquet Hall Capacity: 14,000 Sq Ft Email: ray.briels@gulfstreampark.com Web: www.gulfstreampark.com	Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley Contact: Vanessa Jackson 919-571-5345 Where: 4500 Marriott Drive, Raleigh, NC 27612-3365 Email: v.jackson@marriott.com Web: www.raleighmarriott.com
Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa Contact: Kia Guilford 954-766-6128 Where: 3030 Holiday Dr, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316-2414 Guest Rooms: 650 Banquet Hall Capacity: 14,900 Sq Ft (1800 people) Email: harborbeachcateringsales@marriott.com Web: www.marriottharborbeachweddings.com	Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel Contact: Tammie Guthrie 770-953-4500Where: 2450 Galleria Pkwy Se, Atlanta, GA 30339-3130Guest Rooms: 522Banquet Hall Capacity: 16,000 Sq FtEmail: tammie.guthrie@renaissancehotels.comWeb: www.renaissancewaverly.com
Hilton Charlotte Center City Contact: Tracy Suit 704-331-4380 Where: 222 E. Third Street, Charlotte, NC 28202-2315 Guest Rooms: 400 Banquet Hall Capacity: 11,070 Sq Ft Email: tracy.suit@hiltoncentercity.com Web: www.charlottebestwedding.com	St. Augustine Renaissance Contact: Emiliana Mes 904-940-8635Where: 500 S Legacy Trl, St Augustine, FL 32092-2719Email: emiliana.mes@atriumhospitality.comWeb: www.marriott.com/JAXBR
Hilton Daytona Beach Contact: Tiler Theisen 386-254-8200 Where: 100 N Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118-4204 Banquet Hall Capacity: 8675 Sq. Ft. Email: ttheisen@daytonahilton.com Web: www.daytonahilton.com	Waldorf Astoria Orlando Contact: Daniele Spano 407-597-5500 Where: 14200 Bonnet Creek Resort LN, Orlando, FL 32821-4024 Guest Rooms: 502 Banquet Hall Capacity: 8000 Sq Ft with 4500 Sq pre function space Email: bonnetcreekweddings@hilton.com Web: www.waldorfastoriaorlando.com
Hilton Orlando Contact: Teresa Bernstein 407-313-8458 Where: 6001 Destination Parkway, Orlando, FL 32819-8117 Guest Rooms: 1424 Banquet Hall Capacity: 100–1,000+ guests Email: Teresa.bernstein@hilton.com Web: www.thehiltonorlando.com
Tips from Wedding Professionals “Single most important factor in choosing a wedding venue: The venue’s reputation and the feeling of excitement at seeing the venue for the first time and your first thought is “this is MY wedding venue” Pam Becker Gaylord Palms Resort “The most important wedding factor in choosing a wedding venue is how the venue makes you feel. Not only the atmosphere it provides, but the people who work there and will service your wedding. It’s important to pay a little extra for the experience your guests will receive, as you are hosting them for this special weekend.” Caitlin Schmedeke Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay “While price is always an important factor; service, package inclusions and added benefits are also essential when comparing venues. The Hilton Charlotte Center City has a variety of packages and unique ceremony locations to accommodate your vision.” Tracy Suit Hilton Charlotte Center City “When choosing a wedding venue, I advise to look for experience with Indian Weddings. Understanding the culture and rituals helps allows the venue to become a true partner in proposing space, planning the details, and thinking strategically to anticipate the needs of the family during this special time.” Teresa Bernstein Hilton Orlando “When choosing your wedding venue the most important tips are to know what location you are looking for and ensuring the location can accommodate the amount guests you are wanting to have.” Barry Rubin Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort “We believe it’s important to select a venue that has a team of experts who understand South Asian Weddings and fully embrace the rich cultural traditions. We put our clients at ease knowing they are in experienced, creative, capable and caring hands. Our clients become a part of our Renaissance Waverly family!” Tammie Guthrie Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel

Perfect Wedding Venue

Budget

Atlanta Marriott Perimeter Center Hotel

Hilton Orlando – Altamonte Springs

Gaylord Palms Resort

Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek

Bonaventure Resort & Spa

Innisbrook Golf and Spa Resort

Coral Springs Marriott

Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort

Doubletree by Hilton Sunrise/Sawgrass

Novare Events

Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay

Palm Beach Gardens Marriott

Gulf Stream Park

Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley

Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel

Hilton Charlotte Center City

St. Augustine Renaissance

Hilton Daytona Beach

Waldorf Astoria Orlando

Hilton Orlando

Pam Becker

Caitlin Schmedeke

Tracy Suit

Teresa Bernstein

Barry Rubin

Tammie Guthrie

Wedding Professionals

Jeri-Ann Hart

Hope Nudelman

Karima Barnes

Morgan Smith

Caitlin Schmedeke

Vanessa Jackson

Ray Briels

Emiliana Mes

Daniele Spano

Tiler Theisen

Teresa Bernstein

For over 10 years, MyShadi Bridal Expo has been a community event not to be missed by those planning a South Asian wedding. What began as a small bridal show twice a year in Florida, has now grown into a platform for over 85 event vendors taking place in over six different cities across the Southeast US.

Hosted by Desh Videsh Media Group, the MyShadi Bridal Expo offers vendors a chance to showcase their products and services as well as the latest trends in South Asian weddings. Instead of driving around town meeting vendors weekend after weekend, brides, grooms, and their families can spend one afternoon checking items off their wedding to-do lists.

Raj and Aruna Shah, founders of Desh Videsh Media Group, dreamed up the idea of a South Asian specific bridal show soon after their youngest son’s wedding. At their most recent show at the Ft. Lauderdale Marriott Coral Springs Hotel on Sunday, August 25, 2019, the Shahs were humbled by the large crowds. “It’s so great to see so many young couples making plans for their futures. We love meeting couples as much as we do working with vendors,” said Mrs. Shah.

The MyShadi Bridal Expo has evolved over the years, and now hosts event planning vendors such as photographers, decorators, DJs, caterers, venues, clothing/jewelry boutiques, hair/makeup/henna artists, and more in one exhibition hall in one afternoon. Bold, inviting colors and a festive atmosphere provide a backdrop for the display of the many elements in a South Asian 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. Many couples now blend tradition with modern elements, and the MyShadi Bridal Expo is the place to be inspired and create 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.

Over the years, the MyShadi Bridal Expo has become a place not only for wedding planning, but for all event planning needs. Attendees planning baby showers and anniversary and graduation parties are able to find photographers, venues, caterers and more at the show making the process that much easier. MyShadi Bridal Expo offers something for all members of the family!

For those hoping to check items of that wedding to do list or just feel inspired, the Desh Videsh Media Group team hopes to see at the next show on Sunday, September 15, at the Hilton Orlando! Be on the lookout for 2020 show 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.

MyShadi Bridal Expo
community event

South Asian wedding

Southeast US

Desh Videsh Media Group

Raj Shah

Aruna Shah

South Asian specific bridal show

Ft. Lauderdale Marriott Coral Springs Hotel

Indin Wedding photographers

Indian Wedding decorators

Indian Wedding DJs

Indian Wedding caterers

Indian Wedding venues

clothing/jewelry boutiques

hair Style

makeup Artist

henna artists

Hilton Orlando

Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel

Simrans Designer Wear

Shubhra Singh Chohan

Yasmin Hetherington of Blushing Bride

Mital of Myar Decor Inc

Exclusive Entertainment Events

Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley

D The Event Planner

Banjara Indian Boutique

Wedding Hair by Liz

Royal Event DJs

Vikwabs Decor

Rosanna Barsati

Le Trend Boutique

Michele Renee Hair& Makeup Artist Group

Dudha Productions

Hilton Charlotte Center City

Ritu Bhat

Heartfelt Fashion

DJ Pawan Entertainment & Events

House of Masaba

Devam

Miami Ethnic

Rima of Dil Se Dance
Beauty Cafe Salon

Infinite Soundz Entertainment

Myshadi Bridal Expo in Charlotte

Myshadi Bridal Expo in Orlando

Myshadi Bridal Expo in Fort Lauderdale

Myshadi Bridal Expo in Raleigh

Myshadi Bridal Expo in Atlanta

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.

Dazzling mandaps, gorgeous bridal wear, and the buzz of excited couples were a part of each of the MyShadi Bridal Expos this year. Couples along with their families and bridal parties attended the bridal show in the hopes of marking items off their wedding-to-do checklist. With a wide variety of vendors, from banquet halls and photographers to decorators and makeup artists, couples were able to meet with many different vendors all in one afternoon.

Fashion shows by the region’s exclusive boutiques offered attendees a look at the latest trends in bridalwear. Well-known DJs created the perfect ambiance in the hall with a listen to a mix of popular Bollywood and Top 40 hits. A festive and celebratory feeling in the air created the perfect background for the MyShadi Bridal Expo, putting all attendees in the mood for wedding and party planning!

This year, a Destination Wedding Pavilion, co-hosted by Proficient Travel, was a part of each show and attendees loved the new addition. Offering couples and families a look at options for planning a destination wedding, the Pavilion brought together venues in Mexico and the Caribbean as well as travel experts.

For a look at what to expect at the MyShadi Bridal Expo, visit www.myshadibridalexpo.com and click on Past Events.

For over six years, MyShadi Bridal Expo has been offering newly engaged couples and their families a firsthand look at the latest trends in event and wedding planning. Hosted by Desh Videsh Media Group, the bridal show takes place on one afternoon, with hundreds of attendees taking advantage of having many different types of vendors under the same roof.

Not having to shuttle around town for weekends on end is a bonus, as a wide variety of event and wedding planning vendors display their products and services while inviting attendees to stop and learn more. From caterers serving delectable food samples to photographers poignant images, couples can see firsthand what vendors have to offer. The exhibit hall takes on new life as the setup is designed to inspire and engage all senses with unique mandap designs, eye-catching reception table settings, and the latest bridal wear trends on display.

Whether in the beginning stages of planning or nearing the big day, couples can expect to walk away from MyShadi Bridal Expo with items marked off their to-do lists. Don’t miss the 2016 shows attend in person to see what everyone’s talking about!

Upcoming MyShadi Bridal Expos

Sunday, March 20, 2016
Renaissance Waverly Hotel
Atlanta, GA

Sunday, April 3, 2016
Bonaventure Resort & Spa
Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Sunday, April 24, 2016
Innisbrook Golf & Spa Resort
Tampa, FL

Destination weddings are increasingly popular with many couples who choose to host their big day away from home. hether couples are looking to ease the stress of wedding planning or just want to vacation with family and friends, destination wedding planning experts provide necessary logistics to make the wedding one to remember.

Recognizing the desire for more information about destination weddings, Desh Videsh Media Group, along with Proficient Travel, sponsored a Destination Wedding Pavilion at the 2015Orlando MyShadi Bridal Expo. Over ten travel agents, hotels, cruise lines, and destination wedding planners were on hand to answer questions and showcase services. Several venues, including Amresorts Hotels, Barceló Resorts, Hard Rock AIC, Palladium Hotels and Paradisus Resorts, provided attendees with a look into how a destination wedding would unfold on their property.

Given its popularity with Expo attendees, Desh Videsh Media Group will sponsor another Destination Wedding Pavilion at its next expo in Atlanta on Sunday, March 20.

2016 MyShadi Bridal Expos

Celebrations, ceremonies, love, and blessings are elements that complete any wedding. Rima and Ankit’s wedding is no different and includes all these in just the right proportions to take your breath away.

Rima and Ankit met through a mutual friend while in graduate school at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Ankit was attending pharmacy school and Rima was attending the law school. One day Ankit decided to get Dish Network, and he mustered the courage to invite Rima over to watch Bollywood movies with him. Though Rima would act as though she did not care, secretly, she came to enjoy watching the films with Ankit. Slowly and gradually, watching Bollywood love stories together led the two to fall in love, and well, the rest is history.

The proposal itself was straight from the pages of a romantic fairy tale. Ankit, who normally sticks to the kiddie section of a pool, quite literally dove into the middle of the vast ocean. As it was one of the coldest days of the year in Fort Lauderdale, Rima was reluctant to join him in the bone chilling water, but somehow Ankit and the scuba instructor convinced her. She was in for quite the surprise. Once in the water, she saw a large tarp sitting at the bottom of the sea asking Rima to marry Ankit. Overjoyed with emotions, she freaked out for a moment before saying “Yes!”. Later, the scuba instructors brought them together, and Ankit officially put a ring on her finger.

Soon thereafter, Rima and Ankit began planning, which took them over a year to bring their dream wedding to life. Though they did not hire any professional planners, they did rely on plenty of help from their lovely friends and family. They picked the World Golf Village Renaissance Resort in St. Augustine, Florida, as the wedding destination.

The sangeet/raas garba was followed by a welcome dinner that was on the terrace of the resort, which offered guests a breathtaking view of the beautiful golf course. Magnificent lights and lanterns lit up the entire terrace space, and different food stations ensured a delightful evening was had by all.

The wedding ceremony was held indoors in the resort’s large ballroom. The décor was purposely kept simple, yet very elegant. The white mandap with bright pink flowers was lit up with a soft pink lightning just around the ballroom. Rima arrived in an elaborately designed dholi. As Rima and Ankit performed the wedding rituals, a lighthearted picture slideshow played entertaining guests. DJ Hiren took control and played countless Bollywood music hits, setting a festive mood.

The décor for the wedding reception was inspired by Club Tao in Las Vegas. The entire room was decorated in red and black with intricately designed Buddha scriptures to create a contemporary Asian Fusion look. To enhance the look, candles and black stones were used for decoration, while keeping florals to a minimum.

Rima and Ankit advise all would-be couples to enjoy and capture every cherished moment of their wedding as the moments slip by too fast. Also, they request new brides and grooms to stop obsessing over every tiny detail, as they are most likely to miss the fun if they do so.

For those who have attended a South Asian wedding in the United States, you know you are in for a sensorial treat. From the moment you step into a wedding venue transformed by colorful fabrics and florals, exotic smells, and beat-filled sounds, your expectations for all of life’s other celebrations take on new meaning.

For those who have planned a South Asian wedding in the US, the experience is an emotional one sure to try your patience and test your relationships. With multiple events and a large guest list, the possibilities to truly flaunt your personality and feed your creative side are endless. The MyShadi Bridal Expos fuel that desire giving couples and their families a firsthand look at the latest trends in event and wedding planning.

Each year, Desh Videsh Media Group hosts bridal expos in Georgia and Florida, giving couples an opportunity to meet with a variety of vendors in one afternoon and reduce some of the stress associated with wedding or event planning. Instead of spending several weekends meeting with a long list of vendors, couples and their families can narrow their choices to their favorites or even finalize their selection. For those in the throes of wedding planning, being able to switch focus to a select few preferred vendors is truly an achievement.

On their end, the vendors go above and beyond to showcase the products and services they offer, be it event planning, décor, photography/ videography, catered food and cakes, invitations, mehndi, and more. Caterers serve delectable food samples, giving attendees a taste of the type of cuisine they could book for their wedding. Photographers wow brides and their families, hoping to enamor them with poignant photographs that capture truly remarkable moments. Mehndi (henna) and makeup artists gave brides a firsthand look at possible styles for their special day during live demonstrations.

Walk into a MyShadi Bridal Expo and the magic of a South Asian celebration immediately feeds the senses. With elaborate, colorful mandaps and sample reception tables set up around the exhibit hall, attendees can get their creative juices flowing and attack their to-do list with unbridled enthusiasm. With so many ideas set forth by vendors and displays around the exhibit hall, brides and attendees leave the Expo with plenty of ideas for their events.

One of the highlights of each MyShadi Bridal Expo is the designer fashion shows. Models strut down the runway showing off gorgeous, modern saris and intricately designed lenghas from some of the region’s exclusive and well-known clothing and jewelry boutiques. Some clothing and jewelry vendors join the Expo from as far as London and India, so attendees really do get a look at the latest styles and fashions.

Desh-Videsh thanks Platinum Sponsors Tampa Marriott Waterside Marina & Spa, Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel, Bonaventure Resort & Spa, Hilton Orlando, My Shadi, and The Arpan Group as well as all participating vendors for yet another successful year of MyShadi Bridal Expos!

For more information about the MyShadi Bridal Expo, call Desh-Videsh at (954) 784-8100 ext. 200 or send an email to info@deshvidesh.com

About the Author: Rina Shah is the CEO and founder of The Arpan Group, a boutique ad agency and public relations firm that specializes in developing campaigns to capture untouched ethnic markets. From press releases and media kits to marketing materials and by-line articles, The Arpan Group customizes solutions based specifically on the client’s needs. For more information about The Arpan Group, visit www.thearpangroup.com or call (703) 651-6670.

If romance is what Rosi wants most from life, she simply cannot complain. Not only did she end up with a man who loves her infinitely, but she also enjoyed a bit of romance, the kind of which fairytales are made, along the way.

Nimesh and Rosi met through common friends while at dinner one evening. One month after they began dating, Nimesh carefully orchestrated a trip to Paris for work. His approach was foolproof, and he enlisted the help of friends and a series of clever emails. On the pretext that he managed to get a ticket for Rosi as well, Nimesh and his amour were off on what would become an epic getaway. Being in Paris, it was only natural that Nimesh proposed in front of the Eiffel Tower!

Many details needed to be planned during the eight months before the wedding. Rosi and Nimesh personally looked into all aspects, delegating some details to family members. A quick visit to India served as a shopping outing for clothes and accessories. The first of the functions was the grah shanti, which was followed by the sangeet. Both events were held at a local temple. Drapes, a large idol of Radha Krishna, a photo booth and jhoola were just some of the accents at the venue. The main highlights of the evening were performances by friends and family and the wonderful time shared by everyone.

The Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel made for the ideal wedding venue, and the property allowed the couple to bring what they envisioned for their special day to life. The venue was also easily accessible to both families, and offered plenty of space for the events. Predominant at the wedding ceremony were the bold colors of gold, white and red. Different types of flowers in an array of colors added to the beauty of the Grand Ballroom. The groom walked in with his twelve groomsmen, while Rosi was carried in a dholi, with her twelve bridesmaids accompanying her.

With greys and pinks painting a surreal picture at the reception, Nimesh and Rosi walked in wearing outfits that complimented the elegant decor. Beautiful overlays, centerpieces and lights completed the picture.

Rosi advises that leaving things for the last minute never helps. She is clever to add that you can never forget to smile, given that the camera is always following you. Nimesh, on the other hand suggests that you keep a buffer when allocating time for planning. He also strongly recommends a massage for the bride before and after the wedding.

This year, the MyShadi Bridal Expo in Atlanta is well on its way to becoming yet another unique and hands-on experience for all attendees. For the first time ever, vendors directly from India will be joining the Expo, including two clothing boutiques (one for brides and another for grooms) and a prominent jeweler. Mehndi and make-up artists will be doing live demonstrations once an hour to give brides ideas of looks for their wedding day. Brides and their families can also enter raffles for fabulous prizes, including a free honeymoon trip to India, provided by Platinum Sponsor Qatar Airways.

Attendees will also be dazzled by a unique fashion show that will highlight the latest trends in wedding and formal fashions. A wide range of event planning vendors will be on hand to showcase their products and services. Mandaps and reception table settings will be on display to guide brides and their families in their wedding planning decisions. Photographers will be available to present their work and discuss their style, which is sure to put couples and their families at ease. Caterers and bakeries will be offering guest delectable samples. Guests will even be able to shop on site for clothing, jewelry, and accessories.

Join us at this one of a kind bridal event, which will include 100 booths placed in a classy and elegant layout designed to create an ambiance of splendor will be appealing to brides-to-be and their families.

The MyShadi Bridal Expo will be held on March 25, 2012 at the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel (2450 Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339) from 12 noon to 5 pm. Admission to the show and parking is free for all attendees, who can pre-register online at www.myshadibridalexpo.com. Registered guests will be entered into raffles for fabulous prizes including the opportunity to win four free round trip tickets to India, provided by Qatar Airways and 7M Tours.

MyShadi Bridal Expo welcomes the opportunity to work with Platinum Sponsors Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel, TV Asia, Qatar Airways, and The Arpan Group.

Free trip to India: Four free round trip tickets to India (two tickets available for brides/grooms and two tickets available for other attendees)

Quality: From the moment you enter the MyShadi Bridal Expo, you know you are in for a special day! Wide aisles and a well-planned floor plan make it easy to navigate among the areas’ premier wedding vendors. The atmosphere is fun and energetic as well as professional.

Variety: You will have the opportunity to meet with a variety of major vendors, which include venues, photographers, florists, bakers, bridal boutiques, tuxedo shops, DJs, beauty experts, videographers, among others. The opportunity to collect brochures, information and money saving offers from hundreds of wedding professionals is truly invaluable.

Live Demonstrations: Industry experts will provide mehndi makeup, and hairstyle services to Expo attendees. Walk way from the MyShadi Bridal Expo looking like a model.
Dazzling Fashion Shows: See the latest in wedding attire and bridal jewelry designs presented during lively, breathtaking fashion shows.

Prizes: Register online or at the registration desk for a chance to win multiple door prizes and the Grand Prize trip to India.

Goody Bags: Filled with insight on some of the latest wedding trends, a vendor directory, money saving offers, and special goodies, you don’t want to be without one. Each bride will receive a program booklet, which includes an Expo floor plan, list of exhibitors by category, and fashion show details. The booklet serves not only as a vendor resource, but as an informational guide to help you plan an exceptional wedding.