Kruti and Shiv
On November 23, 2024, under the warm Florida sun and surrounded by 350 loved ones, Kruti Patel and Dr. Shiv Desai tied the knot in a wedding that beautifully blended tradition, personality, and heartfelt moments. Hosted at the breathtaking Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando, the celebration reflected both their love story and their vision of an elegant, tropical wedding.
Their journey began in November 2021 at a wedding in New Jersey, where fate quite literally pulled them together. Kruti, a hospitality revenue manager, and Shiv, a physician in Tampa, had no plans of meeting that night. Yet, when their parents introduced them, sparks flew instantly. Hours of conversation revealed shared dreams and undeniable chemistry, setting the foundation for a love that would grow quickly and deeply.
BEAUTICIANS-COSMETICIAN Henna Allure 321-444-5911 Michele Renee The Studio and Salon 813-531-7770 || CATERING Mast Masala Caterers 407-816-6000 || DECORATOR Events+ by Bepsi Patel 732.642.4168 || DISC JOCKEY Empire Entertainment USA Inc. 407-440-8060 || EVENT PLANNER Events by Nandani 917.209.0065 || MEHNDI Henna Allure 321-444-5911 || PHOTOGRAPHER Paperboys 540.642.3540 || PRIEST Mahesh Gor 321-297-6167 || VENUE Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress 904.360.8672
Two years later, Shiv planned a proposal in Fort Lauderdale. Though the beach picnic was spoiled by wind and rain, he improvised along the riverwalk. Nervous and flustered, he forgot to even ask the question formally, but Kruti remembers it fondly. “It wasn’t perfect, but it was us. I tease him about it, and he promises we’ll have a redo,” she shares with a laugh.
Planning the wedding was no small feat. Kruti took on nearly 80% of the work herself—researching vendors, designing signage, and curating décor—while their planner ensured the big day ran seamlessly. Choosing Orlando as the destination was deeply personal. Kruti, originally from Tallahassee, had always dreamed of a Florida wedding. With its outdoor terrace, fountains, and palm trees, the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress offered the perfect balance of tropical charm and South Asian tradition.
The celebrations began with Vidhi ceremonies in both New Jersey and Orlando, where banana trees, floating marigolds, and jasmine created a serene, traditional ambiance. The Garba and Mehndi sparkled with mirrorwork and sustainable décor, repurposing plants and backdrops into the mandap and reception later. The wedding ceremony took place outdoors at 11 a.m., with a jasmine-draped mandap, antique mandir doors, and lush greenery framing a timeless scene. Shiv’s grand arrival in a red Corvette turned heads, while Kruti stunned guests with a surprise dress change before her walk down the aisle to the soulful flute cover of Laal Ishq.
The reception carried a completely different mood—earthy elegance with a modern twist. Guests danced as the couple made their entrance to Bad Bunny, a nod to their time in Fort Lauderdale. Disco balls twinkled against monstera leaves and white roses, while gold accents and glowing candles gave the room a dreamy aura. Unique touches like handmade ceramic bowls from Kruti’s siblings, an espresso martini bar, and signage featuring their dog, Gio, brought warmth and whimsy.
From a surprise dance at the Garba to the couple warming each other up during chilly photo sessions, the wedding was filled with authentic, memorable moments. Reflecting on it all, Kruti offers this advice to future couples: “Don’t let the wedding define you. Embrace the journey, and let your celebration tell your story—it’s those imperfect, personal touches that make it unforgettable.”
