Real Wedding

Tropical Traditions and Timeless Love: Payal and Elvis Tie the Knot in Punta Cana

On June 22, 2025, Payal Dave and Elvis Castillo were married at Dreams Macao Beach Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, surrounded by 100 of their closest family and friends. With the ocean as their backdrop, their destination wedding beautifully blended Indian and Dominican traditions into a vibrant and deeply meaningful celebration.

BANQUET HALL Dreams Macao Beach Punta Cana 866-237-3267  | BEAUTICIANS C Minerva’s Looks 813-489-5168   | DECORATOR Caribbean Celebrations 849-869-0723  | V Lady Flowers 849-450-3525 | DISC JOCKEY  DJ Ambition  |Harshiv Patel | Premier Entertainment 201-842-1696  | EVENT PLANNER Luisa Miranda Weddings  | FIREWORKS Firelab – Marcos Pichardo 809-724-2860 || CATERING Dreams Macao Beach Punta Cana 866-237-3267 | MEHNDI Henna for All NY 516-351-4828  | PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER Punta Cana Storytellers 829-619-9191  | RENTAL SERVICES HOTS Productions 809-917-6479   | TRAVEL AGENCY Indian Destination Wedding Inc. 888-485-0005 |  WEDDING SERVICES Encore 866-351-1144

Payal an HR Manager, and Elvis a Business Analyst, first met in 2013 while working together as front desk staff at a hotel. What began as a professional connection gradually evolved into friendship and then love. They officially began dating in 2014, unaware their journey would span more than a decade before marriage. “Over the next eleven years, we grew together through life’s milestones, challenges, and successes, building a strong foundation rooted in love, trust, and mutual respect.” From career growth to personal transitions, they matured side by side, strengthening a partnership grounded in patience and understanding.

The proposal was sentimental and symbolic. Early in their relationship, Elvis surprised Payal with a trip to Aruba after she shared it was her dream destination. During that visit, they dined at Passions on the Beach and captured a photo she always treasured. In June 2022, under the pretense of celebrating their eight year anniversary, Elvis secretly recreated that moment. “As we posed for photos, he got down on one knee and proposed. I felt completely shocked, overwhelmed with joy, and deeply emotional.” Returning to a meaningful place made the proposal intimate and unforgettable.

Although many couples hire planners for destination weddings, Payal chose to manage the planning herself. As a wedding coordinator on the side, she felt confident overseeing vendors, timelines, and décor. Years of experience and observing friends’ weddings helped her define a clear vision that honored both cultures authentically.

The decision to marry in the Dominican Republic came with irony. As an Indian bride and a Dominican groom, they once joked they would marry in neither homeland. “Ironically, we ended up doing exactly what we once said we wouldn’t.” The island’s natural beauty and experienced vendors made it the perfect destination while offering guests a memorable travel experience.

The wedding weekend began with a Welcome Night and Sangeet featuring tropical neutral décor with pampas grass, dried palms, white florals, greenery, and warm string lights. A henna artist created intricate designs, and the evening ended with a dramatic fire show. The pre wedding Pooja embraced soft whites, gold accents, marigold garlands, and natural wood tones. The outdoor Haldi ceremony featured flowing yellow and white drapery and concluded with a spontaneous oceanside water celebration filled with laughter.

The ceremony took place overlooking the ocean beneath a white mandap adorned with lush white florals and sheer draping. The Baarat blended Bollywood and Latin music, celebrating both cultures. Soft instrumentals accompanied the rituals, maintaining a romantic ambiance. As they were announced husband and wife, colorful smoke bombs filled the sky.

The reception embraced a modern black, white, and gold theme with candlelight, mirrored accents, crisp florals, and acrylic chairs. Their first dance was to a mix of Standing by You by Nish and Juana Mecho. The mother son dance featured Always Remember Us This Way by Lady Gaga, while the mother daughter dance honored Betiyaan The Daughter Song. A surprise performance by the bride’s family became a highlight of the night.

Personal touches included curated welcome bags and signature cocktails named Elvis’s Red Line and the Macao Mule. The most powerful moment came unexpectedly. The bride, who lost her father in 2022, carried his photo down the aisle. After a completely rain free week, it poured as she reached the mandap. The sudden rain felt like a blessing, transforming the moment into an unforgettable memory.



        

A Cross-Continental Celebration: The Wedding of Sujata Datta and Mark Poulton

On April 12, 2025, Sujata Datta and Mark Poulton were married in a vibrant celebration at the Doubletree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal in Orlando, Florida. With 130 guests in attendance, the wedding brought together family and friends from across the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The couple now lives in Baltimore, but they chose Orlando because Sujata’s parents live there and April offered warm, inviting weather for loved ones traveling from abroad.

BANQUET HALL DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando 407-206-8194| INVITATION Arts&Krafts Designs 508-397-1846 | BEAUTICIANS Henna Allure | 321-444-5911 | CAKE Rose Hill Cakes 407-962-7485 | CHOROGRAPHER Devika Dhawan 978-809-9966 | DECORATOR Simply The Best Creations 407-791-6435 | DHOL PLAYER Devam Dhawan 617-650-6692 | DISC JOCKEY Awaaz Entertainment 407-902-9639 | EVENT PLANNER Fierce Events 407-288-6319 | FLORIST Garlands By Kirti 321-482-3838 | CAERING Tabla Cuisine 407-726-3530 |HORSE CARRIAGE Misty Blue Acres 407-433-1099 | MEHNDI Henna Allure 321-444-5911 | PRIEST Partha Mukhopadhyay | PHOTO BOOTH Snapshot Orlando 407-818-9810 | PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER SK Visualography 321-295-6700

Sujata, a 33 year old physician who goes by the nickname Jay, did not change her name after marriage. Mark, also 33, works as a project manager. Their journey began on Bumble with a memorable first date at the Inner Harbor in Baltimore. “Our first date was at the Inner Harbor of Baltimore, we went for a walk outside since I had Covid,” Sujata recalls. For weeks afterward, busy schedules and separate vacations kept them apart, but Mark ensured the connection did not fade. “Mark says that during that month he specifically messaged me on Bumble once every 3 days so I wouldn’t forget him, but also so that I wouldn’t get annoyed by him.”

Their early dates were filled with lighthearted moments, from an attempted goodnight kiss that turned into a forehead peck to a shared outing to see Top Gun II, which Mark had secretly already watched. After six months, Mark said “I love you” first. Sujata, more cautious by nature, took a little longer but eventually reciprocated. When her work took her to Atlanta for a year, they navigated long distances, visiting nearly every month and speaking constantly. Two years into their relationship, shortly before Sujata moved back to Baltimore, Mark proposed in San Francisco at the start of a road trip to Los Angeles.

“Mark proposed to me in San Francisco right at the beginning of a week-long road trip,” Sujata shares. He had insisted on staying at Cavallo Point Lodge in Sausalito, where he led her to a viewpoint overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge and asked her to marry him. “I was shocked. I honestly knew that he would propose at some point, but I assumed it would be a few months or even a year later.” She said yes, and they celebrated by calling their families, many of whom already knew about the plan.

Wedding festivities began with a Mehndi night at Sujata’s parents’ home. Colorful scarves decorated the sunroom, and guests enjoyed a make your own taco bar with margaritas and mojitos prepared by the bride. “Mark’s family got really into the mehndi, even the guys, two of his elderly uncles, had Welsh dragons on their hands.” The following day featured a Haldi ceremony and a rehearsal dinner in the hotel courtyard with an Italian buffet and open bar.

For the wedding day, the couple hired Fierce Events for a day of coordination. “Having Sasha and Rochelle there was absolutely amazing and we could not have done the wedding and reception without them,” Sujata says. The team handled everything seamlessly, from vendor coordination to last minute changes.

The ceremony and reception both took place at the Doubletree. The celebration blended Indian traditions with Western elements, reflecting their shared cultures and personalities. The next day, many guests gathered by the hotel pool to continue the festivities in a relaxed setting. The couple’s wedding website, https://withjoy.com/sujata-and-mark/welcome, offers a glimpse into their journey and celebration.

Hemangi Patel and Mitesh Patel’s wedding on September 27, 2025, was a heartfelt celebration rooted in tradition, family, and the unmistakable joy of two people beginning a lifelong journey together. Held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando at SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida, their ceremony welcomed 200 guests—each one an important part of the couple’s story. Although they chose not to host a reception, their Garba night became the centre of all festivities, making the celebration uniquely personal and memorable. 

BANQUET HALLS DOUBLETREE BY HILTON 954-367-1281 || BEAUTICIANS-COSMETICIAN A Touch Of Fierce By Laylay Duchatelier 407-232-5743 || Henna Allure 321-444-5911  || CATERING Khasiyat Indian Restaurant 407-252-8756 || DECORATOR Maharani Designs 813-569-9052 || DISC JOCKEY Awaaz Entertainment 407-902-9639 || EVENT PLANNER Elite Dream Creations 407-466-4247  || MEHNDI Henna Allure 321-444-5911  || PHOTOGRAPHER Jamie howell photography 404-786-7062 

The couple’s story began at the mandir, where a chance meeting blossomed into something deeper. After dating for seven months, they knew they were meant to be. Their engagement became an unforgettable moment when Mitesh proposed on Hemangi’s birthday, May 6, 2024. The day started with a stay at a Hilton hotel and an early morning trip to Celebration Town near Disney in Orlando. Despite a last-minute change from a hot air balloon proposal due to weather, Mitesh created a beautifully decorated lakeside picnic where he got down on one knee. Hemangi, who had been both excited and nervous, was overwhelmed with happiness as the surprise unfolded.

For wedding planning, the couple turned to Elite Dream Creations, a decision they wholeheartedly recommend to others. Their planners handled every detail with precision, easing stress and ensuring smooth execution. Hemangi and Mitesh chose their venue for its convenient distance from the airport, abundance of amenities, and photogenic surroundings—ideal for capturing memories of a lifetime.

Their pre-wedding festivities included the Vidhi ceremonies and a vibrant Garba night. The groom’s Vidhi featured a cream backdrop with a burgundy-red Ganesh, while the bride’s Vidhi used a similar cream backdrop paired with a golden rose Ganesh. Garba décor included draping in orange, fuchsia, violet, and mint green, a Radhe Krishna statue at the entrance, and special seating arrangements for the couple on stage. They also arranged entertainment such as a 360° photo booth and a caricature artist—something especially meaningful to them after having a caricature drawn during their first trip to Universal Studios.

The wedding ceremony took place indoors, with the Baarat in the Majestic parking lot and the ceremony in the Majestic Hall. The décor featured a haveli-style open-wall mandap adorned with red and burgundy flowers, a raised aisle lined with 75 floating candles, fresh rose petals, and two floral elephants at the entrance. A Ganesh statue greeted guests, adding a traditional blessing to the event. Music played a special role, with Indian tunes energising the Baarat. Mitesh entered with his parents to the Game of Thrones theme, the flower girl walked to Jashn-E-Bahaaraa instrumental, Hemangi entered to Aaj Sajeya, and the couple exited to Neha Bhasin’s Jutti Meri folk version.

Instead of a traditional reception, the couple turned their Garba night into a lively celebration filled with speeches, entrances, and dances. Family members entered first, followed by the bridal party, and finally the couple. Their first dance was to a mix of Indian songs, followed by a touching father–daughter dance to Dilbaro and a mother–son dance to Tu Kitni Achhi Hai. The evening featured multiple dance performances—and a surprise performance by Mitesh and his friends dedicated to Hemangi.

The couple added personal touches like custom trays for their engagement rings, mangalsutra, and gifts. Their biggest “wow” moment was their emotional first look—an instant they will cherish forever.

For future couples, Hemangi and Mitesh strongly advise hiring a wedding planner or coordinator. For them, Elite Dream Creations made the entire process seamless, from vendor coordination to décor decisions. While they didn’t have nightmares or major calamities leading up to the big day, they now look back fondly on the beautiful moments that made their celebration truly theirs.

Their wedding was a blend of culture, colour, heartfelt moments, and family traditions—an unforgettable beginning to their life together.

Some love stories unfold slowly, like a gentle sunrise—warm, certain, and meant to be. Aneesh and Priyanka’s journey is one such story. What began as a simple Facebook connection in 2017 soon blossomed into a bond powerful enough to bring two families together after years of patience, hope, and unwavering commitment. Aneesh, a calm and focused software engineer, and Priyanka, an ambitious digital influencer marketing head, found in each other not just love, but a shared vision of life, dreams, and partnership.

Their first interactions were filled with curiosity and long conversations that made miles feel meaningless. Over time, friendship deepened into something undeniable. But for them, the path to togetherness was not an overnight affair. Convincing their families became a journey of its own—one that tested their resolve, strengthened their relationship, and ultimately brought everyone to a place of acceptance and joy. After eight years of companionship, countless conversations, and quiet promises to stand by each other, 2025 finally became the year of “yes” for both families.

The wedding that followed was nothing short of a fairytale. Held on 22nd November 2025 in the historic city of Prayagraj, the celebration reflected elegance, devotion, and the cultural richness both families cherished. Prayagraj, with its timeless ghats, sacred confluence, and vibrant heritage, became the perfect backdrop for their union. The atmosphere was filled with warmth as relatives from near and far gathered to witness the culmination of a love story years in the making.

Their wedding festivities began with traditional pre-wedding ceremonies—each moment crafted with care, emotion, and colour. Priyanka’s Haldi was a vibrant affair, with marigolds draped across the courtyard and her close friends teasing her as turmeric and rose water lit up her smile. Aneesh’s Haldi mirrored the same exuberance, filled with laughter, music, and the playful chaos that makes such ceremonies unforgettable. The Mehendi night was a dreamy celebration where Priyanka’s intricate designs revealed tiny personal elements from their story—her love for digital creativity, his world of code, and the Facebook logo that cheekily nodded to their beginning.

The wedding day embraced a regal yet serene theme. The mandap drew inspiration from traditional North Indian architecture, adorned with fresh red and ivory roses, soft golden drapes, and classic brass lamps. As the sacred chants echoed through the air, Aneesh made his Baraat entrance with joyful music and dancing as his friends and cousins matched him step for step. Priyanka’s bridal entry was a moment that left everyone still—she walked in gracefully under a phoolon ki chaadar, draped in a lehenga that shimmered softly in the morning light.

Every ritual, from the varmala to the saat pheras, carried the weight of years spent waiting for this blessing. Their families, once hesitant, now looked on with pride and emotion. The couple’s eyes held both the present joy and the memories of every step that brought them here.

Just a few days later, on 26th November 2025, their grand reception became the celebratory finale to their union. Held in Prayagraj as well, the evening shimmered with elegance—twinkling lights, soft music, and a palette of champagne gold and emerald that created a luxurious ambience. Aneesh and Priyanka entered hand in hand, radiating happiness as guests lined up to bless them. Heartfelt speeches from siblings and cousins, a few nostalgic stories from friends, and a surprise dance performance added warmth and flavour to the night.

What made their wedding truly special was the personal touch woven into every detail—moments that reflected who they are as individuals and as a couple. From customised décor elements inspired by their eight-year-long journey to candid photographs capturing their most spontaneous smiles, every second felt authentic, lived-in, and deeply emotional.

Aneesh and Priyanka’s wedding was more than a celebration—it was a testament to patient love, mutual respect, and the belief that some bonds are worth fighting for. Their story, rooted in digital beginnings and strengthened by real-world determination, reminds us that when two people are meant to be, time only deepens the connection.

Tithi and Bhaumik Patel’s wedding on November 22, 2025, in Tampa, Florida, was a beautiful celebration of love, family, and fun, blending tradition with personal touches. The couple first met in 2019 through family friends over dinner, staying in touch casually for years. In 2023, their friendship blossomed into romance. Tithi admits that Bhaumik didn’t match the checklist she had in mind for her ideal partner, but his sincerity, thoughtfulness, and heartfelt gestures won her over. From bringing flowers and coffee to finding little excuses to spend time with her, Bhaumik quickly became the person Tithi looked forward to seeing every day. Convincing her parents initially proved challenging, but they soon came to see his genuine care and respect, eventually welcoming him into the family with open arms.

BANQUET HALLS JW Marriott Tampa Water Street 813-613-0136 || BEAUTICIANS-COSMETICIAN Henna Allure 321-444-5911 || Michele Renee The Studio and Salon 813-531-7770 || CATERING Rick Walia Catering 404-552-0566 || DECORATOR Prizm Event Design 407-921-1804  || DISC JOCKEY Empire Entertainment 416.991.7205  || EVENT PLANNER Apsara Events 727-687-8185  || MEHNDI Henna Allure 321-444-5911  || PHOTOGRAPHER Asaad Images 407-221-3333 || PRIEST/WORSHIP SERVICES Hasmukh Jethva 407-341-0965 || VIDEOGRAPHY Riant Films 321-246-5839

The proposal was intimate yet memorable. Although the couple had planned to have a court marriage in February 2025, Bhaumik wanted to propose first. He decorated Tithi’s apartment before she returned from work, leaving her surprised, excited, and a little nervous. Bhaumik, though nervous himself, confidently asked for her hand, creating a moment the couple would always cherish.

For their destination wedding at JW Tampa Water Street, the couple hired a wedding planner, a decision Tithi highly recommends. She emphasizes that while help is great, a planner ensures everything flows seamlessly. The pastel-themed celebrations began with pre-wedding events like Grah Shanti and Sangeet/Garba, featuring lantern centerpieces with delicate florals and elegant, soft decor. The wedding ceremony itself was held indoors early in the morning, with a pastel theme continuing throughout. Bhaumik made a grand entrance on a horse for his baraat, escorted by Tithi’s parents, while Bollywood hype music filled the air.

The reception was a vibrant, floral-filled affair with three chandeliers-adorned arches on stage, a cozy couch, and countless candles. Bhaumik and Tithi entered to a Bad Bunny song, an inside joke shared with her cousins, setting a playful and intimate tone. The evening was a mix of Bollywood, American rap, and hip-hop music, with a memorable surprise dance performed by Tithi alongside her cousin Bhaumik. Traditional dances included the father-daughter dance to “Chali Chali” and “Meri Duniya,” the mother-son dance to “Woh Ladki Hain Kahan,” and the couple’s first dance to “Pehle Bhi Mein” and “Mehboob Mere Sanam.”

Personal touches made the wedding unforgettable, from the couple’s playful music choices to their attention to detail in decor. Tithi advises couples to hire a planner and prioritize happiness in every decision, ensuring their big day is as joyful and stress-free as possible. With 250 guests celebrating alongside them, the wedding was a beautiful blend of tradition, creativity, and heartfelt moments, leaving lasting memories for the couple and their loved ones.