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 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.

VENUE Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress 904.360.8672 || 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

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.”

Love stories often begin with a spark, and for Ashley Singh and Justin Chakkala, that spark lit up back in 2011 when they met through mutual friends at college. Both a little shy, it wasn’t until a year later, on the UCF campus, that their paths truly crossed. What followed was a beautiful decade-long journey of love, long distance, graduate school, and the unwavering desire to be close to one another. By 2018, Ashley had moved to South Florida to be with Justin, sealing their bond even stronger.

Their love story took a magical turn in Paris, where Justin surprised Ashley with a proposal at the Eiffel Tower on a rainy, windswept evening—an unforgettable memory that set the stage for their wedding.

BANQUET HALLS Hilton Tampa Downtown 813-222-4905 || BEAUTICIANS Michele Renee The Studio and Salon 813-531-7770 || CATERING Minerva Indian Restaurant 904-503-1608 || DECORATOR Occasions by Bali 813-454-6299 || DISC JOCKEY DJ X Factor || EVENT PLANNER Fierce Events 407-494-6090 || PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER MK Thommy Studio 954-529-6451  Sona Photography 407-694-6032

On November 22 and 23, 2024, Tampa became the heart of their cultural fusion as the couple tied the knot in a celebration that beautifully honored both Ashley’s Guyanese Hindu roots and Justin’s Malayalee Catholic traditions. With 300 guests gathered at the Hilton Downtown Tampa and Incarnation Catholic Church, their wedding was filled with color, music, and meaning.

The festivities began with a lively mehndi/haldi night, complete with a bangle and bindi bar that guests adored. The Hindu ceremony, adorned in soft dusty rose and mauve décor, brought together vibrant traditions. Guests danced to Tassa drums, a Caribbean wedding tradition from Ashley’s heritage, while Justin arrived in style in a Rolls Royce. Later, Justin’s family hosted a chantham charthu ceremony, adding a unique Malayalee touch to the celebrations.

The Catholic ceremony the following day carried a timeless elegance with traditional Christian hymns, rounding out a truly multicultural wedding.

Their reception at Hilton Downtown Tampa was nothing short of spectacular. With mauve, pink, and gold accents, fresh floral centerpieces, and a 360-degree photo booth, the evening felt like a dream. The bridal party made grand entrances filled with dance and laughter before Ashley and Justin shared their first dance to “My Favorite Place to Go” by Layup. The night unfolded with a mix of soca, chutney, Indian beats, and classic hip-hop—ensuring the dance floor stayed full.

From handmade gold luggage tag place cards to the moment they first saw the fully decorated venue, Ashley and Justin’s wedding was filled with unforgettable “wow” moments.

Their advice to future couples? Make it fun. Even through the stresses of planning, they cherished every detail—from cake tastings to music choices—creating a celebration that reflected not only their love but also their families’ rich cultural heritage.

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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.