Growing up in Mumbai, weddings were always events that I looked forward to attending. Not only was it fun dressing up and meeting family and friends, but we also got to eat some wonderful food. Typically, weddings featured a simple but well-proportioned regional Indian breakfast and a sumptuous lunch – usually reflecting the wedding party’s home state. Receptions were often simpler affairs with soft drinks and ice cream rather than a full dinner. The exceptions were when receptions were hosted in five-star hotels which usually served elaborate Indian meals with curries, dal, naans, rice, desserts and even ice cream stations.

Who would’ve thought that wedding meals would evolve to become the gastronomic experiences of today? Whether in India, the US, or elsewhere, an Indian wedding meal has become a grand multi-course event. As most of us have seen at weddings we have attended, the variety and presentation of the meals today can be absolutely staggering.

Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down and have dinner at India Grill with the restaurant owner Soye Thomas, one of the prominent Indian wedding caterers in the United States. We were a small group of friends gathered there for the purpose of this article. In full transparency, the meal was complimentary, and we had a nice long conversation with him along with a tasting menu consisting of several courses.

“The restaurant is a large space which has some rooms for small to medium-sized get-togethers. Although the general ambience was fairly simple, the private room where we dined was elegant and beautifully set up.”

It also became clear that “while the restaurant remains very much in operation, wedding and event catering is truly the heart of the business”.

We received a warm welcome and were escorted straight to the private dining room. They curated a vegetarian tasting menu specially for us. The first course was a palate cleanser – a shot glass filled with thick, sweet mango milkshake. While we waited, the courses arrived one by one, beginning with the first appetizer served in a glass – Palak Chaat – fried spinach leaves, yogurt, boondi, pomegranate seeds – at a medium-spice level. The spinach leaves were fried crisp to perfection, while the yogurt and accompanying ingredients softened them just enough, allowing each mouthful to simply melt in our mouths.

This appetizer was accompanied by a jaljeera mojito, a mildly spiced mocktail blended with lime juice and garnished with basil leaves. While I thoroughly enjoyed it, some of my friends felt it could have been a little less tangy. Personally, the tanginess did not bother me at all.

The next course was another pair of appetizers – mixed vegetable pakoras with assorted chutneys and Gobi Manchurian on skewers. My eyes lit up when I saw the pakoras, but I was less enthusiastic about the Gobi Manchurian as it’s not something I generally like. But in the interest of doing justice to this article, I tried to taste everything, and boy, was I in for a surprise. My experience was the opposite of what I was expecting – the pakoras were not crisp enough and not quite perfect, while the Gobi Manchurian was simply heavenly – perfectly and mildly spiced, served in bite-sized portions. I was astonished to discover that, for once in my life, I genuinely loved the Gobi Manchurian!

The fourth course was a South Indian delicacy presented in a unique manner – dosas rolled like cigars, placed in a champagne flute and dipped in a blend of sambar and tomato chutney. As a South Indian, I can eat dosas in any form, at any time of day. The dosa remained crisp at the top and soft at the bottom where it soaked up the dip. The dip was extremely spicy – more than I could handle – so I ended up eating the rest of the dosa plain. As a super fan of dosas, I did not mind at all!

As the cocktails – a Mumbai Mingle Cosmo and a Spicy Mango Margarita ordered by a couple of members of our party – arrived, we had more company. Soye joined us at the table and regaled us with stories for the rest of the evening.

He had just returned from Miami after showing wedding venues to a prospective client. They were most probably going to select Vizcaya, the European-style mansion and one of the most iconic and sought-after venues in Miami.

Soye began by telling us the story of his catering career and how it progressed from him being an executive chef for Marriott Hotels to becoming an entrepreneur – first Madras Café in Pompano Beach and then India Grill in Royal Palm Beach. When asked about what excited him the most, he responded that he is addicted to weddings and parties and that he loves the catering operation. His driving force, he said, is the client and the entire family – as for them, the event is a matter of prestige, an important day for them all including the bride and groom of course. His priority is making sure that the client’s family is happy.

This client-centric mission came through clearly that night. The next course was a fusion dish which I believe could be an oft-requested dish in an elaborate wedding meal plan – these were paneer tacos with avocado sauce, pico de gallo and sautéed and marinated mushrooms. The tacos themselves were grilled which gave them a nice texture and warmth. The spice level was mild, but the stuffing was bursting with flavor. These were the tastiest tacos I have ever eaten. The fusion of Indian flavors with a familiar Mexican favorite worked surprisingly well and felt exactly like the kind of creative dish modern weddings now embrace.

Between courses, the table was cleared and we were given fresh plates and silverware for the entrées. As is customary in Indian cuisine, all the entrées were served together. They included Malai Paneer, Palak Paneer, Yellow Dal, and Tandoori Veg Penne Pasta, accompanied by basmati rice, plain naan, bullet naan (extra spicy), and garlic naan. The naans arrived hot and soft, fresh from the tandoor, while the rice was topped with caramelized onions. The pasta sauce appeared to be freshly made, and its Indian seasoning gave it a distinctive flavor. Among the main dishes, the malai paneer was, in my opinion, the standout.

During the meal, we continued our conversation with Soye. He told us about how he now focuses on large budget events. On any given weekend, he might prioritize just one large budget event or wedding and perhaps include one smaller event on that weekend. These large budget events are of such high intensity that his team prefers to concentrate most of their energies on them. This team’s rates for Indian weddings are among the highest in the country, and their rationale for the high cost is the fact that the entire cuisine presentation is choreographed to perfection – the presentation, the timing, the service, the quality. He informed us that his clients are in the top 1% of the Indian community in the US and have extremely high standards. For instance, he was narrating a story about a 500-person party on a yacht where he carried four tandoor ovens to the yacht – two for vegetarian food and two for non-vegetarian food, because the tandoori food would not be perfect unless it was served straight from the tandoor.

Soye told us that even for smaller events, he always sends a serving team to ensure that the food is presented properly and served at the right temperature. He does not simply provide food in trays delivered to the venue because his reputation is impacted if the food is not served properly. The pursuit of perfection is what sets him and his team apart.

Next came the royal finale — dessert. A beautifully arranged tray of desserts was placed on the table, featuring Mango Kulfi Falooda in a martini glass, Gulab Jamun Cheesecake and Chocolate Cake in shot glasses, and Carrot Halwa with Häagen-Dazs vanilla ice cream. Everything was incredible, but the dessert that truly took the cake – literally – was the carrot halwa. Decadent and roasted in ghee for over five hours, it reminded me of my mother-in-law’s Gajar ka Halwa. Each of us was also served a Madras Coffee Latte in a small Kulhad-style clay cup — a swirling blend of South Indian filter coffee and whipped cream that resulted in a truly one-of-a-kind fusion latte.

As he shared stories from the many events he has catered over the years, it also became clear how much Soye values long-term relationships with his clients, many of whom return to him repeatedly for multiple events.

When we discussed marketing, he mentioned that he hardly invests in advertising or social media. Most of his business comes through word of mouth, keeping him busy with large events on most weekends throughout the year.

The pride with which he and his team serve their clients, and the fact that so many are repeat customers, speaks volumes about the high regard for his cuisine and overall offerings.

About the Author:

Rema is an IT professional whose experience includes cybersecurity consulting and implementing financial technology solutions in highly regulated environments. She lives in South Florida with her husband. A proud mother of twin boys, she is also an active member of the local Indian community.

Rema enjoys traveling to different countries and meeting and working with people of different backgrounds and cultures. Rema is actively involved in the South Florida community and serves as a Board Member of the Indian Regional and Cultural Center, and has also served on the Board of Trustees of the North Broward Preparatory School.

A Gorgeous Event Venue
In The Heart Of Coral Gables,FL

301 Alcazar Ave,
Coral Gables,
FL 33134,
305-460-0047,
www.lajollaballroom.com

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

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

Happy March!

Wedding season is upon us! For brides and grooms, this is that one day (or a week!) where the spotlight is on them. This auspicious and ceremonious time in their lives can also put pressure to feel confident on their big day. Having gone through the same myself recently, I can relate.

Six months before my marriage, I began incorporating small Ayurvedic regimens into my day. These not only helped me deal with the stress, but also helped me look my best for the joyous occasion. Here are some things I added to my routine…

Teeth:

In the morning and evening, I was oil pulling (gargling) with unrefined coconut oil, using neem, mint, or miswak toothpaste, and brushing my teeth with an Ayurvedic tooth powder. I always do tongue scraping anyway but this is a great routine to add – especially with a copper scraper!

Face:

For my face, I started making homemade face packs with different ingredients. Sometimes I would just use the inside of a tomato. Other times I would use besan, turmeric, and some water. I also used a calcium bentonite clay mask mixed with apple cider vinegar once in a while. For a scrub, I would use sugar to exfoliate my face. I would make sure to wear sunscreen every day and moisturize so that dry skin wouldn’t accumulate on my face. I would also use steam to open up my pores and allow a detox.

Skin:

I started using Kevala’s 100% Unrefined Sesame Oil every day to give myself an oil massage, also known as abhyanga. This was a great way for me to relax as well as hydrate and moisturize my skin with clean ingredients. Because I am prone to dry skin, I did my abhyanga after my shower so that the oil could continue to keep my skin moisturized. For those of you that have more oily skin, doing an abhyanga before showering and leaving the oil on for 15 minutes is enough before you wash it off! This oil can also be used for oil pulling! Even before I was married, I was using Dr. Bronner’s soap. It is made of only clean ingredients. Even though it is a little drying, I prefer it because it balances out well with my abhyanga after!

Hair:

To make sure that my hair was nice and healthy, I made sure to get a haircut that would cut out any dead hair and then maintain it by using leave-in conditioner after washing my hair and also putting oil in my hair before bed. Some really nice hair oils include amla oil, neem oil, and brahmi oil. This can help reduce heat in the scalp, keeping hair more healthy and less likely to fall out.

Herbs and Teas:

Because I was noticing that I had a lot of heat in my body, I started taking a blood purifier, Manjishta, to help clean my blood – which also helped clean my skin. I am also prone to kidney stones, so just to avoid passing one on my wedding day (can you imagine how that would’ve been?!), I started taking Chandraprabhavati daily. Even though it is not a herb, I started taking Vitamin C chewables as well for immunity!

Something that really causes an imbalance in digestion in Ayurveda is eating cold foods and drinking cold drinks. I am not a person that routinely eats or drinks cold things, but I started to introduce more tea into my life. Whether it was a simple chamomile or ginger tea, or an ayurvedic CCF tea, drinking warm/hot fluids made me feel more relaxed on a daily basis and definitely helped my gut with digestion.

Everyone’s regimen is different and some people don’t have one! It’s important that you find what works for you. At the end of the day, you will be married to your partner and that in itself is the most beautiful part of it all. For those of you getting married, I wish for you all of the blessings, happiness, and love that life can offer!

Please note that Ayurveda relies heavily on understanding your unique natural composition first. Therefore, the above suggestions may not be suitable for everyone. If you’re interested in specific ideas for your dosha, please reach out to me!

Find what I used on Amazon!

• Vicco Vajradanti Ayurvedic Tooth Powder
• Himalaya Mint Fresh Gel Toothpaste, Organic Neem 10 in 1 Fluoride Free Toothpaste
• Kevala Organic Extra Virgin Sesame Oil
• Aztec Secret – Indian Healing Clay
• Nightly moisturizer: Origins Drink Up- Intensive Overnight Mask to Quench Skin’s Thirst
• Dr. Bronner’s – Pure-Castile Eucalyptus Liquid Soap (I would not suggest the Peppermint one – it will burn!)
• Banyan Botanicals Manjistha Tablets
• Patanjali Divya Chandraprabha Vati
• Fresh Nutrition Vitamin C – Powerful 1500mg Per Day Immune Support Chewables

About Author:

Chahna Tailor is a certified yoga instructor with backgrounds in occupational therapy and health science. Occupational therapy opened up the doors of knowledge when it came to taking care of the Self first and leading a healthier life. This led her to the physical practice of yoga. Chahna deepened her practice by training in Rishikesh, India, where she studied the science behind yoga, the breath, and meditation. Chahna also practices personal training, Reiki, hypnotherapy, aromatherapy, pranichealing, and sound healing.

Ayurvedic tooth powder

coconut oil

using neem

mint

miswak toothpaste

copper scraper

cider vinegar

sunscreen

Sesame Oil

Dr. Bronner’s soap

amla oil

neem oil

brahmi oil

Manjishta

Chandraprabhavati

Vitamin C chewables

ayurvedic CCF tea

Vicco Vajradanti Ayurvedic Tooth Powder

Himalaya Mint Fresh Gel Toothpaste

Kevala Organic Extra Virgin Sesame Oil

Aztec Secret

Indian Healing Clay

Nightly moisturizer

Banyan Botanicals Manjistha Tablets

Patanjali Divya Chandraprabha Vati

Chahna Tailor

Reiki

hypnotherapy

aromatherapy

pranichealing

sound healing

Rishikesh-India

Here’s a list of the ultimate Bollywood songs to include on your wedding playlist:

Mehndi

1. Mehndi Hai Rachne Valli (Zubeida)

2. Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna (Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge)

3. Mehndi Ni Mehndi by Harshdeep Kaur

4. Mehendi Mehendi (Chori Chori Chupke Chupke)

5. Likh Ke Mehndi Se Sajna Ka Naam by Anuradha Paudwal

Sangeet

6. Bole Chudiyaan (Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham)

7. Mere Hathon Mai Nau Nau Choodiyan Hain (Chandni)

8. Gud Naal Ishq Mitha by Bally Sagoo

9. Ainvayi Ainvayi (Band Baaja Baaraat)

10. Mai Sasural Nahi Jaungi Doli Rakh Do (Chandni)

11. Yeh Galiya Yeh Chaubara (Prem Rog)

12. Sapne Mai Milti Hain (Satya)

13. Navrai Majhi (English Vinglish)

14. Mahi Ve (Kal Ho Na Ho)

15. Gal Meethi Meethi Bol (Aisha)

16. Sasuraal Genda Phool (Delhi 6)

17. London Thumakda (Queen)

18. Babydoll (Ragini MMS 2)

First Dance

19. Pehla Nasha (Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar)

20. Tum Se Hi (Jab We Met)

21. Pehli Nazar (Race)

22. O Re Piya (Aaja Nachle)

23. Zehnaseeb (Hasee Toh Phasee)

24. Main Rang Sharbaton Ka (Phata Poster Nikla Hero)

25. Raabta (Agent Vinod)

26. Khuda Jaane (Bachna Ae Haseeno)

Groom’s Entry

27. Le Jayenge Le Jayenge Dilwale Dulhaniya (Chor Machaye Shor)

28. Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (Mujhse Shaadi Karogi)

29. Saajan Ji Ghar Aaye (Kuch Kuch Hota Hai)

30. Tenu leke (Salaame-Ishq)

31. Chote Chote Bhaiyon Ke (Hum Saath Saath Hain)

Bride’s Entry

32. Din Shagna Da Aaya Ni Aao Sakhiyon (Dillagi)

33. Paalki Mein Hoge Saawar Chali Re (Hero)

34. Dulhe Ka Sehra Suhana Lagta Hai (Dhadkan)

35. Sab Ki Baaratein Aayi (Janam Samjha Karo)

36. Teri Ore (Singh Is Kingg)

37. Tune Maari Entriyaan (Gunday)

Vidaai

38. Babul Ki Duaayein Leti Ja (Neel Kamal)

39. Sada Chidiyan Da Chamba Ve (Kabhi Kabhie)

40. Babul Jo Tumne Sikhaya (Hum Aapke Hain Koun)

Wedding Songs

41. Maiya Yashoda Ye Tera Kanhaiya (Hum Saath Saath Hain)

42. Baari Barsi (Band Baaja Baaraat)

43. Kala Sha Kala by Anamika

44. Mai Ne Mai (Hum Aapke Hain Koun)

45. Kinna Sohna Tenu Rab Ne Banaya by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

46. Aaye Ho Meri Zindagi Mai Tum Bahar Banker (Raja Hindustani)

47. Balle Balle (Bride and Prejudice)

48. Taare Hain Baraati (Virasat)

49. Wah Wah Ram Ji (Hum Aap e Hain Koun)

50. Bumro Bumro (Mission Kashmir)

Mehndi Bollywood Songs

Sangeet Bollywood Songs

First Dance bollywood Songs

Indian Groom Entry Songs

Indian Bride Entry Songs

Indian Wedding Vidaai Songs

Special Indian Wedding Songs

Here are some amazing fusion and mini dessert ideas to consider adding to your wedding menu.

Mini Kulfi Sticks
Perfect for a summer wedding and loved by everyone, offer kulfi on a stick. Keep it mini and offer a variety of traditional and modern flavors to satisfy your guests’ sweet cravings.

Boondi Rabri Parfait
For a twist, serve boondi in rabri parfait style. Top the delicious dessert with rich dry fruits and watch your wedding dessert table become the talk of the town.

Elaichi Caramel Popcorn
From kids to adults, who doesn’t love munching on popcorn? Flavored, gourmet popcorns are a hot trend these days and can be a fun addition to reception or after-party dessert options. Want an Indian twist? Try it with some jaggery and elaichi. Or go the savory route and sprinkle chaat masala.

Mini Chocolate Gujiya
Not just a Diwali or holiday treat, gujiya are delicious and can easily be made to incorporate Western flavors. Try different fillings such as apple pie, walnut brownie, chocolate chip cookie dough – the options are endless! Serve with ice cream and watch them disappear.

Phirni in Martini glasses
This classic dessert is rich, creamy, and delicious! Take this decadent dessert up a notch and add a fusion twist. Try seasonal flavors such as peach, fig, or mango and serve in mini martini glasses for a visually appealing dessert.

Mini Cupcakes
Mini cupcakes are a great way to give your guests a sample of flavors. Try cake flavors such as chai vanilla, kesar baddam (saffron almond), or Gulab Jamun. Add another layer of flavor with chai-spiced buttercream frosting.

Fusion Trifles
Give this layered English dessert a desi twist. Try a layered carrot halwa trifle with layers of halwa, pistachios and coconut. Or wow your guests with a phirni falooda trifle with layers of different flavored phirni (like rose, mango, almond, strawberry, etc.) in between layers of falooda.

Colorful Kalakand
This creamy, luscious Indian sweet can easily be given a fusion twist. Try chocolate, red velvet, kiwi, mango, or chai-spiced. The list of options is endless, you will be hard pressed to choose just one or two!

Fruit Sheera
A warm comfort food, sheera or sooji ka halwa, can be given an elegant twist fit for a wedding reception. Create decadent flavors such as chocolate coconut, chai-spiced, or fruit flavored sheera. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

Desi Flavored Macarons
Add a bit of Desi flair to this delicate French dessert. Traditional flavors such as saffron, cardamom, pistachio, or even carrot halwa would make these pillowy cookies a great addition to any wedding.

Fusion Mini Desserts for Wedding

Indian wedding reception

Boondi Rabri Parfait

Mini Kulfi Sticks

Elaichi Caramel Popcorn

Mini Chocolate Gujiya

Phirni in Martini glasses

Mini Cupcakes

Fusion Trifles

Colorful Kalakand

Fruit Sheera

Desi Flavored Macarons

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 Peter Nguyen Studio (www.peternguyenstudio.com)

Opulent Indian Wedding décor

Elegant designs Indian Wedding Chauri

Indian Weddings in Florida

Indian Wedding Outfit

Grandeur Indian Destination Wedding

Indian Wedding traditions

Carnival-type celebration

Unique Indian Wedding Photographs

Elegant Indian Wedding Mandaps

Unique table settings

Heartfelt moments captured by photographs

Peter Nguyen Studio

Grah Shanti: A First Step to Happiness

People often say that matches are made in heaven, so it is no surprise that many weddings begin with an auspicious step to placate the heavenly bodies. The Grah Shanti is often one of the first rituals to take place in an Indian wedding. Learn more about the significance of the Grah Shanti as well some tips to keep in mind.

What is the Grah Shanti pooja?

Indian customs call for various religious rituals to  take place for different occasions. The Grah Shanti pooja is performed before the wedding rituals take place to  receive the blessings of the ‘Grah,’ also known as the nine planets. Indians, from the ancient days, believe that the nine planets control the lives and destiny of people. This is why before two people tie the knot, acknowledging the planets or ‘Navagraha’ becomes quite essential to bring happiness and prosperity in the lives of the couple and the families. For Hindus, this pooja  is usually performed two to three days before the wedding to ensure an auspicious start to the festivities. Hindus believe that this Grah Shanti pooja is not just about the planets, but also a way to invite God and ancestors to the wedding. Lord Ganesha is invoked at the beginning of the ceremony to remove all obstacles not only from the entire wedding ceremony, but also from the bride and groom’s married life.

Reasons to Perform a Grah Shanti Pooja

Hindus believe that the Grah Shanti pooja can be beneficial for the couple and the families if they conduct the ceremony in a very ritualistic way. Many believe performing the Grah Shanti puja before the wedding ensures the couple and families will be blessed. Some reasons families perform this pooja include:

• The Grah Shanti pooja washes away all negative energies of the people involved in the ritual ceremony.
• The pooja brings health and wealth to the families of the bride and the bridegroom.
• Many believe the ritual will protect the couple and families from the evil eye and reduce future hardships.
• This ritual also assures us that the negative impact of either couple’s planet will not affect the other.

Tips for a Blessed Grah Shanti

Traditionally during the Grah Shanti pooja, grooms wear comfortable clothing such as kurtas pyjama, sherwanis, and dhotis while brides wear saris or salwar kameez/churidhar.  In keeping with ritual traditions, the pooja is performed while sitting on the floor so comfort is important.   Couples should avoid black and white as these colors are considered ominous for any kind of religious occasion. 

Above all, the commitment from both families of the couple must be shown while worshipping. The Grah Shanti Pooja is an opportunity to bring all your relatives under one roof.   You will get the chance to be with family, relax, and make some lovely memories with them. ,, After all, marriage does not mean the union of two souls; instead, it is a union of two families whose happiness relies significantly on you. Sostart making preparations immediately and be fortunate with the blessings of Almighty.

Grah Shanti

Grah Shanti pooja

Indian religious rituals

Protects from evil eye

Washes negative energies

Lord Ganesha

planets or Navagraha

kurtas pyjama

sherwanis

dhotis

Indian saris

salwar kameez

churidhar

A wedding that is distinctive and memorable is a wish many brides make for this important life event. Multi-faceted hues and dimensions of color are sure to leave an imprint, and moreover, are a characteristic trait of South Asian weddings.

Weddings have always been affairs to remember, with everyone involved cherishing different memories. Brides spend a good bit of time coordinating colors – from the bride and groom’s clothing to the decorations for each event, invitations, and so much more. Whether the color of the flowers or of the bridal lehnga, color is an important detail for each and every event of the wedding.

Some seasons feature bolder colors than others, but even winter weddings can dazzle with a range of festive colors. Consider these color combinations to ensure your wedding events leave an impression on your guests!

Cobalt Blue for a Sophisticated Reception

The reception is a time to celebrate and provide the couple and guests an opportunity to bring all the festivities to a close. Blue is often a symbol of spirituality, peace, and youth. With their whole lives ahead of them, the youthful color is the perfect choice for a couple to begin their new journey together. Beautiful hues of cobalt blue are perfect for winter weddings. With many choices for complementary colors, couples can create their own unique color combinations with shades of blue for a personal touch.

Colors play an important role in Indian weddings, and with so many pre-wedding events, brides and grooms can truly let their personality shine with their preferences. A winter wedding is the perfect time to showcase color and breathe life into an otherwise underrated season.

Color Trends for Winter Wedding Events

Rose Pink and White for an Elegant Engagement

Emerald Green for a Festive Mehndi

Indian wedding Sangeet ceremony

Golden Yellow for an Auspicious Haldi/Pithi

Washes negative energies

Claret Red for a Winter Wedding

Cobalt Blue for a Sophisticated Reception

Bridal Lehnga

Pre-Wedding EventsHindu weddings

South Asian weddings

bride and groom’s clothing to the decorations for each event

Indian wedding invitations

weddings can dazzle with a range of festive colors

Cool tones of rose pink

floral decorations

complementary bold colors to heighten the festive atmosphere

Haldi ceremony is one of the most colorful rituals

traditional ceremony

haldi mixture

floral jewelry

vibrant ceremony

pre-wedding events