Real Wedding

For architects Ekta Prakash Desai and Daniel Charles Laggan, love was truly a matter of design. Their paths first crossed in New York City when Ekta was considering a role at Schenkel Shultz Architecture in Orlando, where Daniel also worked. Though she initially stayed in New York, fate had other plans. Two years later, when she accepted the position, their friendship rekindled through collaborative projects and soon blossomed into something deeper. By 2021, their love story had officially begun.

Daniel proposed on December 30, 2023, at a lookout point along the Portuguese coast of Matosinhos—seven years to the day after they first met. As the Atlantic stretched endlessly before them, he dropped to one knee, sealing a promise of forever against the rhythm of the waves.

BANQUET HALLSIsla Bella Beach Resort 305-481-9451  || BEAUTICIANS Michele Renee The Studio and Salon 813-531-7770  || CATERING Zaika Indian Cuisine 786-409-5187  || FOOD DISTRIBUTOR Sweet Savannahs Bake Shop 305-743-3131  || DECORATOR A Lavish Event Design 786-399-9930  || MPE Event Group 305-209-6355 || EVENT PLANNER Velour Premier Events 786-530-7744  || DISC JOCKEY Pavan Events 954-494-3567  || MEHNDI Amrita Henna 352-277-1906 || MUSICIAN Raj Raang 954-338-9132 || PHOTOGRAPHER DUY HO Photography 415-987-9096 || RENTAL SERVICES Ocean Breeze Party Rentals 786-286-2314 ||

On February 8, 2025, the couple brought that promise to life at the Isla Bella Beach Resort in Marathon, Florida. With 130 guests gathered from across the globe, the celebration was an unforgettable fusion of cultures, landscapes, and love.

The festivities opened with a Welcome Sangeet beneath a clear beachside tent. Sitar and tabla music filled the air while vibrant Birds of Paradise, colorful drapery, and glowing market lights set the stage. Guests in bright saris and Indo-Western attire joined in garba, raas, and bhangra, with a dhol player bringing traditional rhythms to life. Friends and family surprised the couple with lively group dances, turning the evening into a carnival of joy.

The ceremony at Pelican Pointe was timed perfectly with the setting sun. Guests walked along a mirrored aisle that shimmered with reflections of the “Cathedral of Palms” overhead, leading to a dock that reached into the ocean. A live violinist played a seamless blend of Indian and American songs as the couple exchanged vows framed by sky, sea, and sunset. Ekta arrived by golf cart, her entrance as graceful as it was unique.

The reception followed in the same clear tent, now transformed with tropical centerpieces and twinkling lights. Each member of the bridal party was introduced with a personalized song before the newlyweds shared their first dance to Built to Love You by Lost Cosmonauts. The highlight, however, was Ekta’s custom gown—a dazzling creation inspired by the ocean, adorned with teal and turquoise glass beadwork that shimmered like mermaid scales. Adding a personal touch, she hand-lettered seating arrangements on seashells, giving each guest a piece of the shore.

From the mirrored aisle to the seaside reception, Ekta and Daniel’s wedding embodied their love for both design and nature. Reflecting on the day, Ekta shared one piece of advice for future couples: “Skip the touch-ups during cocktail hour—be present, laugh, dance, and cherish every moment with your people.”

On May 2, 2025, Kashmira Alexander, a Bone Marrow Transplant RN, and Paul Dhanessur, who runs an artisan woodwork company, celebrated their love with a vibrant, heartfelt wedding rooted in culture, family, and shared stories. With Indo-Caribbean heritage—Kashmira’s family from Trinidad and Jamaica and Paul’s from Guyana—their wedding beautifully honoured their backgrounds.

The couple met at a Caribbean festival in Miami through mutual family friends and embraced a long-distance relationship for seven years before Paul proposed. The proposal was an unforgettable surprise—at Villa Toscana in Homestead, Florida, under a floral arch with a “Will You Marry Me?” sign.

BANQUET HALL Bella Cosa Weddings 863-949-4422 | Lake Eva Event Center 863-419-3446 || BARTENDING SERVICE Orlando Party Servers 407-869-6490  || BEAUTICIANS Ashmar Beauty 407-247-7714  | Liz Maldona Hair 407-900-3684 || CATERING Kaieteur Catering 407-319-5599 | Trini Bites 407-412-8699 || DECORATOR AvaElise Events 321-328-5281  | ARC Divine 954-319-6126  || EVENT PLANNER Enchanted Scenes 678-735-9285 || LIVE PAINTING Keepsake Studio  828-429-0175  || PHOTO BOOTH Orlando SSE 352-348-3582 || PHOTOGRAPHER Fanatasmic Photography   || RENTAL SERVICES J & J Event Rentals 407-907-8497 || PRIEST Pt. Vijaykumar Maharaj 929-389-5118  || VIDEOGRAPHY Albey Productions 813-469-2015  || WEDDING FAVORS Priya Ramdahein 321-342-0027 || Photos Courtesy Fanatasmic Photography Julia 941-806-9171

Planning such a culturally rich celebration wasn’t easy, especially with families in different cities. The couple hired Elite Dream Creations as month-of coordinators, calling them “angels” for their seamless management. After touring venues in Orlando and Miami, they chose Bella Cosa, a serene lakeside estate that offered a romantic, destination-like feel for their outdoor ceremony.

The festivities began with an intimate Welcome Night featuring their Mehndi and Haldi at Celebration Gardens. The open garden space was styled with soft pink and silver tones, a decorative gold pool, henna stations, dance performances, and custom coconuts for guests.

The wedding ceremony was held just before sunset, with timeless white and green florals lining the aisle and Mandap. Paul arrived in a Porsche GT3, with a joyful Baraat featuring tassa drums and a parade of sports cars. Following the mala exchange, the couple surprised guests with a burst of colour via a vibrant daytime smoke display. Their first dance to “Mohabbat Ho Na Jaye” under fireworks and sparklers felt like a scene from a Bollywood fairytale.

At the Lake Eva Banquet Hall reception, the elegant theme continued—gold and acrylic centerpieces, cascading white blooms, and a romantic three-piece stage structure. Music ranged from Bollywood to Soca, keeping 250 guests on their feet all night. Emotional highlights included Kashmira’s dance with her father to “Because You Loved Me”, and Paul’s dance with his mom to “My Loving Son.”

DIY details included custom pepper sauce bottles, personalized cups, and wooden décor crafted by Paul’s father. A live painter captured their vows on canvas, and a Trinidadian doubles food truck made for the perfect late-night snack.

Their advice? Hire a month-of coordinator, trust your vendors, and don’t forget to be present—it all goes by in a flash.

Navya Baranwal, a graduating medical student beginning her plastic surgery residency, and Eddy Chen, an internal medicine resident aspiring to become a cardiologist, tied the knot on April 12, 2025, at the historic Biltmore Miami Coral Gables. Their journey began at Brown University, where Navya and Eddy met as part of the Brown Badmaash Dance Company. Friendship bloomed into love, with a first date at Dave & Busters ending with a romantic city view from Prospect Terrace Park. After seven years together, Eddy proposed at the same spot, surrounded by family and friends flown in secretly for the surprise.

Their multi-day celebration captured the vibrant spirit of both Indian and Chinese cultures. The Mehndi was a pastel-toned garden tea party at Saint Patrick Palace, complete with chaat stations, Chinese food, and floating lanterns. The Sangeet embraced Miami nightlife with a “Disco in Paradise” theme at a rooftop penthouse, where families danced under disco balls and tropical foliage. The Haldi took place on a yacht dubbed the “S.S. Haldi”—a marigold-decked cruise featuring games, music, and a guest fingerprint tree painting.

BANQUET HALLS Penthouse at Riverside Wharf 305-400-1900 | Saint Patrick Palace 866-498-3970  | The Biltmore Miami Coral Gables 855 311 6903 | The Musette Yacht 561-791-9686 || BEAUTICIANS-COSMETICIAN Glam by mevi 305-910-5271 || DECORATOR Pavan Events 954-494-3567 | Suhaag Garden 772-528-0394  || DISC JOCKEY Pavan Events 954-494-3567 || EVENT PLANNER Y and L Events 954-673-7546 || FLORIST Suhaag Garden 772-528-0394 || MEHNDI Farah’s Mehndi 786-208-2277 || PHOTOGRAPHER Kolour Haus 305-972-4943  || PRIEST Priest Chakravarthy 954-608-3424  || RESTAURANT/CATERING Palace Indian Restaurant 954-370-4750  || VIDEOGRAPHY Ikon Films 646-420-8424 || WEDDING INVITATIONS Invites & Events 954-797-8022 || Photos Courtesy Kolour Haus 305-972-4943

The wedding ceremony was a morning affair in the Biltmore courtyard, framed by blush and white roses. Eddy arrived on horseback for the baraat, while Navya and her bridesmaids cheered from a balcony above. The ceremony featured live piano by the groom’s brother, who played Coldplay’s “Yellow” for Navya’s entrance.

The reception exuded elegance with a red, burgundy, and gold palette—colors significant to both cultures. Red roses, candlelit tables, and intelligent lighting added a romantic glow to the Granada Ballroom. Guests were treated to a fusion of Indian and Chinese dishes, handwritten notes in Chinese red envelopes, and personalized fortune cookies. The couple’s signature drinks—Navya’s “Badmaash-arita” and Eddy’s “Doc on the Rocks”—were a playful nod to their personalities.

The couple’s first dance transitioned from Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” into a high-energy Bhangra performance. The evening pulsed with Bollywood, Latin, and hip-hop beats, with “No Hands” by Waka Flocka Flame igniting the dance floor.

Navya and Eddy’s wedding was more than a union—it was a celebration of culture, community, and a love that grew from a shared stage into a shared life.

Suhani Jain, a Software Engineer at Microsoft, and Bhavik Desai, a Commissioning Engineer at CBRE, have a beautiful love story that began in middle school. Their friendship grew over the years, becoming a deep connection during high school. By 2014, they started dating in 11th grade. Their bond remained strong, and they both decided to attend Georgia Tech for college, continuing their relationship. After dating for 9 years, they got engaged and decided to marry on their 10th anniversary in November 2024.

The proposal happened serendipitously during a venue tour in August 2023. Suhani was transitioning to jobs, and they had already decided to get married in November 2024. Bhavik, knowing the importance of the moment, had secretly arranged the proposal at Embassy Suites St. Augustine Beach. Suhani was completely surprised when she stepped out onto the beach and saw Bhavik waiting with the proposal setup. This venue, which they later chose for their wedding, became the perfect place to celebrate their love.

BANQUET HALLS Embassy Suites by Hilton St Augustine Beach Oceanfront Resort 904-342-4410 | BEAUTICIANS Beauty Marked 813-445-6485  | Manus Beauty Care 904-525-5602 | CATERING Maa Vimla Catering 407-408-6030 | The Flame 305-989-1186 | DANCE FLOOR WRAP St. Johns Illuminations Event Rentals 904-436-5973 | DECORATOR Utopian Events 678-570-4443 | DISC JOCKEY Dudha Productions 727-418-8498 | EVENT PLANNER Elite Dream Creations 407-466-4247 | PHOTO BOOTH LetsBoothIt – Photo Booth 662-801-8552 | PHOTOGRAPHER / VIDEOGRAPHER Noor K Photography 407-729-0388 | PRIEST Mahesh Gor 321-297-6167

For the wedding planning, they hired a wedding coordinator for month-of and weekend-of coordination, which they highly recommend. While they handled finding vendors themselves, having someone manage the schedules and event details was invaluable. Both Suhani and Bhavik are from Jacksonville, so the wedding venue was conveniently located 30-45 minutes away from their hometown, with their families still living in the area.

The pre-wedding events were held in their backyards, with both families hosting Haldi/Pithi and Mehendi. Colorful decorations and flowers, particularly carnations and yellow blooms, added vibrancy to the occasion. The brides’ side had market lights while the groom’s side had a tent with lighting inside. Fun games, including trivia, added an interactive element to the celebrations. The wedding itself took place at 9:30 am on a beautiful beach-facing lawn, with the sound of the ocean creating a serene atmosphere. The mandap, adorned with white flowers and greenery, was the perfect setting for their vows. As a personal touch, guests received snack bags and a newspaper-style program, with games and stories about the couple.

Music played a key role in the wedding, reflecting the couple’s love for dancing. The Baraat was loud and lively, with Indian and popular music playing as Bhavik arrived in an open-roof Ford Bronco. He soon joined his friends and family for dancing, even carrying a toy horse head for fun. The bridal party walked to the ceremony site from the hotel, as all events were hosted at the same location.

For the reception, the couple chose a Jacksonville Jaguars theme, showcasing their love for the team. The tables were draped in black covers with white flowers, and the space featured black and gold accents. The couple made a grand entrance to an Indian/hip hop rap song, followed by a lively WWE-style call-out introduction. The cocktail hour featured personalized elements like posters from each year of their relationship and a photo/video booth. A unique seating chart with hexagonal wooden tiles displayed guests’ names and table numbers.

The first dance was to “My Girl” by The Temptations, while the father-daughter dance was to “Shava Shava” and the mother-son dance to “Jaane Kyu” and “Crank Dat” by Soulja Boy. The reception continued with performances by the bridesmaids, groomsmen, and friends, all dancing to a mix of Indian and hip-hop music. Suhani and Bhavik added creative touches throughout the celebration, including personalized dandiyas for the Sangeet, a newspaper-style program for the wedding, and custom cocktails for the cocktail hour. They even had shirts with each other’s faces for the after-party.

In a fun twist, their food stations at the Sangeet featured animated photos of the couple, and the cocktail hour had personalized tiles. The biggest “wow” moment was the stunning wedding scenery, with the beach providing a breathtaking backdrop. Looking back, Suhani and Bhavik share advice for future couples: seek help, enjoy the process, and incorporate personal touches to make the celebration more meaningful for everyone involved. Despite a few vendor hiccups, like a last-minute DJ change, everything came together beautifully, creating memories they’ll cherish forever.

Meera Patel and Ravi Choxi’s love story began with a simple message on Mirchi. From the moment Meera replied on November 18, 2022, their conversations never stopped. Texts turned into FaceTime calls, and soon, Ravi took the leap—visiting Meera in Florida. They met in person on December 18, 2022, and instantly knew they were meant to be. Two years later, on December 28, 2024, they tied the knot at the stunning Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando, Florida, surrounded by 350 guests.

Ravi’s proposal was a dream come true. He popped the question at sunset in front of Mt. Fuji in Japan on March 27, 2024. He had planned every detail, even hiring a photographer to capture the moment. Meera, completely unaware, had dressed casually that day, assuming the proposal would happen later in the trip. Shivering in the cold, she was reluctant to take photos, but Ravi convinced her to lower her scarf—just in time for him to kneel down and ask her to marry him. Overwhelmed with joy, Meera instantly forgot the cold. The surprise, the scenery, and Ravi’s love made it a perfect, unforgettable moment.

BANQUET HALLS Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress 407-913-2893 | BEAUTICIANS BRONZE + GLOW BEAUTY 407-385-2381 | CATERING Khasiyat Indian Restaurant 407-252-8756  | DECORATOR NJP Events & Design 321-474-4078 | DISC JOCKEY Awaaz Entertainment 407-902-9639 | EVENT PLANNER Elite Dream Creations 407-466-4247 | MEHNDI Henna Mehndi Art By Amrita 352-277-1906 | PHOTOGRAPHER / VIDEOGRAPHER Rolling Canvas Presentations 0425 671470 | PRIEST Mahesh Gor 321-297-6167

Planning a wedding is no small task, but Meera and Ravi made it work with the help of Elite Dreams Creation. Meera had already picked her vendors, and their planners ensured everything ran smoothly. Umangi and Bhargavi managed timelines, coordinated events, and kept everyone on track, making the process stress-free.

The pre-wedding events were nothing short of magical. NJP Events and Design brought each celebration to life. The Mehndi night featured an elegant floral-adorned backdrop with lanterns and a cascading waterfall. The Vidhi ceremony had a pastel paisley theme, while the Haldi took place outdoors, featuring gold tubs where family and friends applied turmeric paste. The Sangeet was an electrifying night, with a dazzling LED-lit stage and nonstop dancing.

The wedding itself was a dream. Despite brief rain showers in the morning and after the vidai—considered auspicious—the ceremony enjoyed perfect, cool weather. The outdoor mandap was breathtaking: a clear acrylic structure adorned with pink, red, and white flowers, blending beautifully with nature. Ravi arrived in style in a Corvette, dancing with his family and even Meera’s relatives. As Meera walked to the mandap with her mamas and mamis, emotions ran high—it was a moment she’ll cherish forever.

Since they skipped a traditional reception, their Sangeet became their big celebration. They made a grand entrance dancing to a remix of “Rangilo Maro Dol Na” and “Dior.” The night was filled with incredible performances, including a father-daughter dance to “Stunting Like My Daddy” and a mother-son performance to “Koi Ladki Hai.” Awaaz Entertainment kept the dance floor packed, mixing Bollywood, hip-hop, and Hispanic beats.

Planning a wedding is never easy, but Meera and Ravi’s biggest advice to couples is to remember the true purpose of the celebration. There will be stress, but in the end, the wedding is about love, commitment, and the start of a beautiful marriage. Their wedding weekend was a whirlwind of joy, traditions, and unforgettable memories—one that perfectly reflected their journey together.

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