Real Wedding

The  wedding of Dhara Patel and Mitesh Patel was a traditional Gujarati wedding ceremony, with colors of love and festivity all around. These two love birds became real-life partners, festooned with the blessings and best wishes of their family and friends. 

The bold and brawny Mitesh Patel and the delicate and charming Dhara Patel had one thing in common: They both believed in the “nobody has got time to waste” principle. They started dating online; and – after texts, chats and video calls – wasted no time in quickly arranging a meeting with each other’s families. It was an instant hit with both sides. Such compatibility created the concept of #DhaTesh2020Vision in Dhara’s mind, and she decided to let it happen. 

It was time for Mitesh to take the next step: proposing to his lady love. He proposed to Dhara with the wedding ring in the presence of family and friends. Thus, #DhaTesh2020Vision saw the light of reality. 

The marriage took place on 29 May 2021 at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, Orlando. The wedding rituals were held in the morning, and the reception was held in the evening. 370 guests were invited. Following traditional Indian rituals, they had the pre-wedding ceremonies of the Grah Shanti, Mehndi, Pithi, Garba, and Sangeet.

For the marriage, both Dhara and Mitesh chose red and golden clothing. Matching with it, the Mandap was a beautiful peacock in white and gold, with grand dark florals being added to the top corners of the Mandap. A path was created with flowers and candles lining both sides of the grand entrances of the bride, the groom, and others. The groom came in a White Gladiator jeep playing the Ramleela song “Tattad Tattad”. 

The reception outfits for Dhara and Mitesh were in shades of black and white. Hence, the decorations were set to highlight them in contrast – featuring elements of white, gold, and champagne, with a touch of crystal.  There were centerpieces of crystal trees, and candles on the guests’ tables; and the stage was all in gold, with a Mr. & Mrs. Sweetheart table set quite close to the dance floor.

And oh, was there dancing! DJ Krish Entertainment rousingly fueled the festive mood. Dance tracks were mixed by the couple, who had chosen heart throbbing romantic and emotional numbers, especially Bollywood hits. With all the positive vibes and festivities, the #DhaTesh2020Vision was truly a blockbuster celebration!

BANQUET HALLS : Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress 407-239-3924 | BEAUTICIANS : Henna Allure 321-444-5911 , Michele Renee The Studio and Salon 813-531-7770 | BOUTIQUES : Vulcal Boutique 407-888-9400 | CATERING : Khasiyat Indian Restaurant 407-252-8756 , Saffron Indian Cuisine- Orlando 407-674-8899 | DECORATOR : Dreams To Reality 407-592-9261 | DISC JOCKEY : Krish Entertainment Inc. 352-299-0743 | EVENT PLANNER : Elite Dream Creations 407-733-2597 | MEHNDI : Henna Allure 321-444-5911 , Mahees Henna Design 323-236-5199 | PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHY : Sona Photography 407-694-6032 , Riant Films 407-455-4973 | PRIEST : Acharya Ramesh Mehta 813-453-9334 , Mahesh Gor 407-699-7966

Shanna and Kirill Wedding Story

The marriage celebration of the couple is unique. They married amidst the pandemic. However, they celebrated their first anniversary at the reception party with all their loved ones.

 Shanna Khan, a Registered Nurse and Kirill Kiselchuk, a Mortgage Closer started dating back in 2015 when they were teenagers. After 4 years Kirill proposed to Shanna in 2019 at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, their favorite place, standing on the bridge of the waterfall. It was an expected moment that came with an unexpected feeling of emotion and fulfilment. Shana said ‘I do’.

The couple planned to get married in 2020. However, the deadly pandemic compelled them to refrain from ceremonies involving many people. Abiding by the Covid norms, they had a private ceremony on 23 May 2020 with only 10 people. No pre-wedding festivities could be organized. However, the two lovebirds made their relationship official following the rituals.

 As the situation began to improve and restrictions were relaxed, Shana and Kirill decided to celebrate their wedding with their family and friends on the day of their first anniversary, 23 May 2021. This time they could have the festivities and enjoy the company of the close ones. There were 100 guests and the venue was Gale Mansion, Minneapolis. The couple carefully chose the central location keeping in mind the convenience of the guests of both sides. And, Minneapolis is a specially significant place for them as both Shanna and Kirill grew up there.

The reception party was in the evening and the decoration was simple and the color theme was all white.  It had an arch decorated with tulle and lighted candles on the floor with flower petals. Classical music was being played along with Bollywood hits and Latin songs. The first dance was with ‘How Would You Feel’ by Ed Sheeran and Shanna and her father danced on ‘My Wish’ by Rascal Flatts.

They celebrated a year later. They did not take the help of any wedding planner as the family of Shanna helped in the preparation. It was an intimate party with close ones who were absent during the wedding. However, their blessings and best wishes were with them.        

BANQUET HALLS : Gale Mansion – 612-870-1662 | BEAUTICIANS : OnSite Beautiful – 612-217-1113 | CATERING : Gale Mansion – 612-870-1662 | PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHY : Alexandra Robyn Photo + Design – 952-843-8630 , Tinker Yan – 763-280-2233

Shanna and kirill fusion wedding at Gale Mansion

Romantic moment captured by Alexandra Robyn Photo + Design

Groom with groomsmen

Fusion wedding banquet hall Gale Mansion

Indian Bride take a look at her wedding gown

Wow!! feeling after looking Indian bride in wedding gown by bridesmaid

Beautiful Indian Wedding Ring

welcome wedding name plate

Indian wedding guest

Welcoming Gorgeous Indian wedding Couple

Indian wedding guest looking at Indian Couple

Indian Bride Dancing with her father

Fusion wedding guest enjoying dj Party

Fusion wedding couple performing their dance in reception ceremony

Guest enjoying dance party

Outlook of Gale Mansion hall

Fusion wedding Invitation card with bridal wedding accessories

Very Pretty Diamond ring and earring with blue gemstone

Happy Indian bride captured by Alexandra Robyn Photo + Design

Indian Bride getting ready for her wedding

Groom knotting tie, Family Photo shoot by Tinker Yan

Beautiful Makeup and hair style by OnSite Beautiful

Indian bride getting ready for her big day

marvelous Wedding gown, Indian Bride posing for photo shoot

Indian Bride giving hug to her friend

Great moment captured by Alexandra Robyn Photo + Design

Indian bride and bridesmaid with wedding bouquet

Indian Couple First look, Gorgeous Indian bride capture

Love Bird with wedding bouquet

wedding couple ready in wedding dress

What a lovely moment of Love birds

Wedding couple kissing to each other

Perfect Indian wedding Bride in white gown

Indian Wedding Cake

Beautiful Flower Decoration

Indian couple posing for outdoor photo shoot

Fusion couple’s Romantic moment captured by Alexandra Robyn Photo + Design

Loving fusion couple

Wedding couple in dancing mood

BANQUET HALLS-Gale Mansion

BEAUTICIANS-OnSite Beautiful

CATERING-Gale Mansion

PHOTOGRAPHER

VIDEOGRAPHY-Alexandra Robyn Photo + Design, Tinker Yan

When Kristen Wellman met Arpan Patel for the first time, little did she know that they would build a lifetime of love and two different cultures together. Arpan was immediately smitten with Kristen when he met her at a New Year’s party thrown by his friend Andrew, who turned out to play innocent matchmaker for his twin sister! Kristen and Arpan only had time for a one date before Kristen had to return to Indiana for school. During a time of her life where she was traveling to a new city every month for work, Kristen was struck by how caring and supportive Arpan turned out to be and their relationship blossomed through many FaceTimes and phone calls. His consistency won her over, and after a little over a year of dating, Arpan proposed.

Arpan’s beautiful proposal took place at the Seven Mile Beach at the Grand Cayman Islands. The idyllic holiday planned in advance by common friends of the couple and Arpan included boating escapades, surfing with the stingrays and beach bathing. On the last leg of the trip, the couple dressed up prettily for some photo sessions and Arpan urged his lady love to walk through the waters with him and at a dreamy moment, he got down on one knee and asked that magical question “Will you marry me?” For Kristen, it was a moment full of certainty and peace as she had absolute faith in Arpan. The happy couple proceeded for a romantic dinner at the lighthouse and then went for a thrilling horseback ride through the waters, the next morning.

BANQUET HALLS Heritage Park 734-394-5460 | Old St. Marys Catholic Church 313- 961-8711 | The RattleSnake Club 313-567-4400 | CAKE Christine’s Cakes and Pastries 586-566-5545 | CATERING The RattleSnake Club 313-567-4400 | DECORATOR Blissful Weddings & Events 586-604-2709 | EVENT PLANNER Blissful Weddings & Events 586-604-2709 | FLORIST Butterfly Flower and Design 586-909-6203 | HAIR AND MAKEUP Brides On Location for Detroit 248-763-9891 | INVITATIONS Zazzle Inc 888-892-9953 | PHOTOGRAPHER Michelle Lippert Photography 517-614-4720 | PRIEST Prasad Bhat 734-383-1872 | Father LeRoy 313- 961-8711

The couple had planned an elaborate wedding that would include several ceremonies and 300 guests. However, the pandemic made them scale down the event to a single day and thirty guests!! Their wedding planner was immensely helpful in planning the event. Naturally, there were two ceremonies and the couple jointly chose the locations for both. While the Hindu ceremony was held at the outdoor Heritage Park in Canton, Michigan, the Catholic ceremony took place at the Old St Mary’s Catholic Church at Detroit, Michigan. The location worked for them as it was a mid point for both families and a convenient distance from the airport. Though most pre wedding events were cancelled, the couple did have a beautiful rehearsal dinner after the Church wedding rehearsal. The intimate dinner at Greek restaurant in Detroit was accentuated by lovely pink blooms, glimmering candles and palm plant decorations. Kirsten and Arpan’s wedding were a respectful immersion of both Catholic and Hindu cultures with beautiful ceremonies sourced from both religions. There was a miniature Baraat event where Hindi music was played while conventional catholic music was played at the Catholic wedding. In keeping with the norms of the pandemic, the bride and groom opted for carpool with their groomsmen and bridesmaids.

The couple originally planned an elaborate wedding that would include several ceremonies and 300 guests. However, due to Covid pandemic restrictions, they scaled down the event to a single day and thirty guests! The Hindu ceremony was held outdoors at Heritage Park in Canton, Michigan, and the Catholic ceremony took place at Old St Mary’s Catholic Church in Detroit, Michigan. The location worked for them as it was a mid point for both families and a convenient distance from the airport. Though most pre-wedding events were cancelled, the couple did have a beautiful, intimate rehearsal dinner at The Greek Restaurant in Detroit. The venue was accentuated by lovely pink blooms, glimmering candles and palm plant decorations. Kristen and Arpan’s wedding represented a respectful blend of both Catholic and Hindu cultures with beautiful ceremonies in accordance with both religions. There was a short, but lively Baraat where Bollywood music was played, while the Catholic ceremony featured traditional wedding music.

The couple also held a reception at The RattleSnake Club in Detroit. The couple opted to minimize Covid risks by hosting the reception at the club’s outdoor patio, which was located next to a beautiful river. Four to six people were seated at each table and the centerpieces of blooms, candy, shrubs and a gorgeous elephant name holder were handmade by the bride and her mom. Sparkling Edison lights set off reflections on the river water and accentuated the happy smiles of the small gathering filled with light and love. The couple had their dances at a small platform built in the middle of the park. While the bride and her father danced to Heartland’s “I loved her first,” the groom and his mom danced to Atif Aslam’s “Janam Janam.” The couple danced to a beautiful medley of  romantic songs “Pehla Nasha” and “Speechless” by Dan+Shay.

Kristen and Arpan made sure that everyone who could not attend the wedding in person was still able to celebrate the lovely occasion through live streaming. Kristen also surprised Arpan with a video she made in collaboration with Arpan’s friends, something Arpan will always cherish.

Kristen and Arpan urge couples to not only enjoy every moment leading up to their wedding, but also enjoy the day to the fullest once it arrives.

The couple originally planned an elaborate wedding that would include several ceremonies and 300 guests. However, due to Covid pandemic restrictions, they scaled down the event to a single day and thirty guests! The Hindu ceremony was held outdoors at Heritage Park in Canton, Michigan, and the Catholic ceremony took place at Old St Mary’s Catholic Church in Detroit, Michigan. The location worked for them as it was a mid point for both families and a convenient distance from the airport. Though most pre-wedding events were cancelled, the couple did have a beautiful, intimate rehearsal dinner at The Greek Restaurant in Detroit. The venue was accentuated by lovely pink blooms, glimmering candles and palm plant decorations. Kristen and Arpan’s wedding represented a respectful blend of both Catholic and Hindu cultures with beautiful ceremonies in accordance with both religions. There was a short, but lively Baraat where Bollywood music was played, while the Catholic ceremony featured traditional wedding music.

Indian Wedding

Hindu Wedding

Hindu-Catholic Fusion wedding

Baraat Event

Hindu Ceremony

Indian Bollywood Song

Atif Aslam’s Janam Janam

Engagement Photoshoot

Proposal Photoshoot

Romantic Proposal

Heartland’s “I loved her first”

“Pehla Nasha”

Speechless by Shay

Wedding Planner

Kristen Wellman

physician assistant

project manage

Arpan Patel

ethnicities and culture

New Year party

Andrew

Wedding Matchmaker

Seven Mile Beach

Grand Cayman Islands

Beach Bathing

Photo Sessions

Beach Bathing

‘Will you marry me’

Happy Couple

Romantic Dinner

Pandemic

Heritage Park in Canton

Old St. Mary’s Catholic Church

Pre-Wedding Event

Rehearsal Dinner

Greek Restaurant

Hindu and Catholic Cultures

Catholic Music

Catholic Wedding

Bride and Groom

Carpool

Groomsmen

Bridesmaids

Reception

Rattlesnake Club

Eddison lights

BANQUET HALLS Piedmont Park 404-875-7275 | EVENT PLANNER Simply Eloped 415-539-2523 |PHOTOGRAPHER Elicia Bryan Photography 404-827-8139 | PRIEST Milenda 415-539-2523

Sabrina Ramlall and Dillan Cothran’s wedding took place at the Dockside venue at Piedmont Park in Atlanta, Georgia. Their intimate ceremony celebrated their love and represented their cultures through beautiful and unique touches on their memorable day.

Tell us about your wedding! What was the inspiration behind your day? Did you have a specific theme, style or color palette? Did you incorporate any cultural or religious traditions in any part of your day?

We wanted a small and intimate wedding that incorporated the parts of a traditional Hindu wedding. The theme of the wedding was simple with the red of the traditional clothing to the simplistic white roses.

Let’s talk about wedding decor. How did you decorate your space for the ceremony and the reception? Was any part of the decor DIY?

Our venue was so beautiful that we mainly used the natural scenery as our backdrop for the wedding. We got married in front of Lake Clara Meer in Piedmont Park, which was perfect for us since we got engaged directly across from where we were married. We used the simple white folding chairs for our guests, and the aisle was lined with white roses in simple glass vases.

How did you meet? Tell us about the proposal.

We met in the 5th grade and became friends who picked on each other. In 7th grade, Dillan asked me out during orchestra class one day, and we have been together since. We grew up through high school and college with each other and supported each other through careers and a long distance relationship. Our proposal was whirlwind because Dillan planned a lunch date in the middle of my school midterms, and I was extremely stressed and tried to cancel the date multiple times. Luckily Dillan did not let that happen! It was my first time actually walking though Piedmont Park and then suddenly he got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife after 11 years of being together. It was the easiest yes I have ever said.

What was the most anticipated or special moment of your wedding day?

Our wedding day was actually our 12 year dating anniversary. We were both anticipating our vows because it marked us making a life long promise to love each other.

Do you have any wedding planning or marriage advice that you’d like to share with other couples planning their day?

Keeping the ceremony as personal and simple as possible was the highlight for us. It was exactly how we wanted it and less is more. This way we both were not stressing about the logistics of the ceremony – instead we just focused on being there with each other at that moment.

Meghavi Parekh and Ketul Shah’s love story is one that is full of surprises and romantic gestures. Though the two both lived in Parsippany, New Jersey, they first met during a video conference with mutual friends in 2011. Recognizing a special connection at that virtual meeting, Ketul instantly sent a Facebook friend request to Meghavi that she accepted. The virtual friendship led to a real life one when the two started meeting in person. 

Meghavi and Ketul began dating in earnest in September of 2012. After dating for five years, Ketul proposed and Meghavi happily accepted! Meghavi was overwhelmed by the way Ketul proposed, which took place in phases. First, the couple went on a sunset helicopter trip of New York and witnessed the mesmerizing sights together. The next weekend was the eventful one.

BANQUET HALLS The Mansion At Mountain Lakes 973-794-3900 | CAKE Chocal8Kiss Bakery 888-986-2253 | DECORATOR JP Décor 551-655-7114 | HAIR AND MAKEUP Aysh Makeup 732-552-5900 | HORSE Equishare Baraat Horses 908-797-3993 | MEHNDI Henna By Shweta 862-596-8064 | MUSICIAN ILLUSION DJs 201-736-7987 | PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHY Naina Digital Studio 732-881-6700 | CATERING Aashirwad Palace 973-366-9949

Ketul sent a surprise package to Meghavi, a box on which “I love you” was written in 10 different languages. There was a beautiful red dress in it with a note to be ready by 12:30pm. The blushing Meghavi dressed in red went on a lunch date with her true love. Just after lunch, Ketul hurried to a ferry ride in New York. Just when they reached the pier, Meghavi was awestruck to find all their close friends carrying a banner that read “Baku (my dear) will you marry me?.” Meghavi was sincerely touched by Ketul’s romantic gesture and the presence of friends during the great moment of her life.

The couple decided to marry in May 2019. Meghavi and Ketul did not want a wedding planner, and instead, they decided to plan the details themselves with the help of their family and close friends. The couple wanted to enjoy every bit of the planning, and according to Meghavi, it was a huge task, but the process and the successful execution of the plans made them truly content. 

They chose a venue close to Parsippany as both families and their friends lived nearby. Just like their personal chemistry, the choice of venue also stroked a chord of unity and romanticism together. During their search for the perfect venue, Meghavi and Ketul visited The Mansion at Mountain Lakes and were overwhelmed by its rustic elegance. The two agreed that it was the perfect location for their dream marriage.

Friends and family offered references for different vendors, and the couple they met with them personally. Impressed by their genuine wishes to plan everything themselves, the vendors extended exceptional cooperation in all aspects of planning. 

Before tying the knot, the couple visited India to shop and for a pre-wedding shoot. Finally, the big day arrived. Three pre-wedding ceremonies – the Kickoff Party, Mehndi and Pithi – were celebrated at home. The Kickoff Party and Mehndi were celebrated together, while the Pithi took place at the bride and groom’s respective homes.

Meghavi is a henna artist herself, so she designed her own mehndi. Her henna artist fulfilled her expectations more than perfectly. The pithi jewelry was handmade by Meghavi’s aunt, who also made floral jhumkas and veils for the same event. At the Mehndi, a swing was decorated with floral veils. It was an intimate ceremony with the participation of the family members along with touches of love everywhere.

The wedding ceremony was in the morning and inside the venue. The couple loved the venue so much that the decor was simply meant to complement the existing ambiance and grace of the room. The mandap was draped with pink fabric with a chandelier in the center and a floral hedge with white hydrangea and pink and peach roses adorned the top.

Ketul arrived on a horse carriage to the festive occasion. Hit dance numbers were played for the baraat, and during the marriage ceremony, the music choice was traditional Shehnai and Gujarati Lagan geet to fully embrace culture and heritage.

The reception continued with the simple, yet elegant theme. The couple’s love for white hydrangea and pink and peach roses continued here too with the stage centrepieces made of these flowers. There was beautiful silk fabric draping for the backdrop adding to the romantic ambience perfectly. The centrepieces of the guests’ tables included silver crystal goblets with votive candles inside and pink rose petals around the base.

A fog machine was used for the first dance number to create a surreal feeling of dancing on the clouds. Songs included the title track from film Dhadak and “Ek Ladki ko Dekha to Aisa Laga.” The 250 guests partied along with the bride and groom into the night as top dance numbers along and remixes played throughout the reception. 

The reception featured dance recitals by the family and friends. There were even three surprise performances from the groom, his family and the bride’s family. It was indeed a pleasant surprise for Meghavi and the other guests. The couple was overwhelmed to see the beautiful decor at the reception and happily thank the decorators for bringing their ideas to life. 

Simple but elegant was what Meghavi and Ketul hoped for their wedding, and they were happy it came about through their planning. Cherishing the beautiful and happy memories of their wedding, the couple advises everyone not to get too stressed or occupied by the planning process. There is stress, but couples’ should not forget to enjoy the fun of beginning a new journey in life.

Meghavi Parekh and Ketul Shah’s love story

Romantic gestures in Indian Weddings

Beautiful Red Dress

Pre-wedding Ceremonies

Kickoff Party

Mehndi

Pithi Jewelry

Dream Indian Wedding

Romantic ambience at indian wedding

Beautiful silk fabric draping

Henna Artist

Intimate Ceremony

The Mansion at Mountain Lakes

Floral Jhumkas

Mandap

Indian Wedding Mandap