Real Wedding

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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Risha Kohli and Michael Koval celebrated their love on April 6, 2024, at the Loews Hotel Millennium Ballroom in Philadelphia, PA, with 260 guests joining the celebration. Risha, a marketing professional, and Michael, a finance expert, first met on the dating app Hinge in 2021. Despite the pandemic, their initial meeting at Harpers Garden felt effortlessly natural. By their third date, sharing stories and inside jokes at a wine bar, they both sensed something special. Their love deepened through shared experiences, including an international trip to France and Belgium in November 2022. Mike proposed in June 2023, after about 1.5 years of dating, with a surprise proposal in Rittenhouse Square followed by a celebratory weekend with their families.

To navigate their wedding planning, Risha and Mike enlisted a wedding planner to help with logistics and venue details, though they believed it wasn’t strictly necessary. They chose Philadelphia, where they both live, for its personal significance, selecting the Loews Hotel for its unique historical charm. This venue, once the Philadelphia Savings Fund Society, allowed them to incorporate historical elements into their celebration, including signage about the building’s past.

BANQUET HALLS Loews Hotel Philadelphia 215-231-723 | BEAUTICIANS Joseph Anthony Retreat Spa & Salon 215-310-0036 | CAKE Classic Cake Cherry Hill 856-751-5448 | DECORATOR Xtraordinary Events by Vito Russo 267-551-4400 | EVENT PLANNER SLC Event Company 954-591-3611 | INVITATIONS Chick Invitations 215-592-1407 | MEHNDI Hirals Henna Designs 215-760-6565 | MUSICIAN EBE Dreamtime 888-323-2263 | PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHY John Barone Photography 215-620-4214 | Abominable Productions 610-420-7710

Their pre-wedding events were thoughtfully designed. On Thursday, they hosted a ‘Welcome Party’ at Harp & Crown, a speakeasy bar with old-school bowling lanes, which delighted their younger guests. The following day’s Sangeet at the Loews Hotel’s 33rd floor featured breathtaking views of the Philadelphia skyline, enhanced by purple linens, floral centerpieces, and candlelight, creating a nostalgic ambiance.

For the wedding ceremony, the theme was modern elegance with green, white, and shades of purple. The mandap was adorned with white and green flowers and glass pearls, complemented by cherry blossom trees and tall aisle structures. Bridesmaids carried long candles in vases down the aisle, adding a unique touch. The music for the ceremony included an instrumental version of ‘Jashn-E-Bahara’ for the wedding party and ‘Teri Ore’ for the bride’s entrance. Instead of a traditional Baraat, the groom walked down the aisle with his parents while the bride’s parents offered blessings at the mandap, allowing all guests to witness the ceremony in a unique and meaningful way.

The reception decor reflected their color scheme of purple, green, and white. Fresh floral centerpieces, candle orbs, and dynamic lighting transitions—from amber for photos to purple for dancing—set the scene. The couple entered to ‘This Will Be (An Everlasting Love),’ inviting all guests to join them on the dance floor shortly after. The first dance, father/daughter dance, and mother/son dance featured a blend of special songs, including ‘Kudi Nu Nachne De’ and ‘You’ll Be In My Heart.’ The groom’s surprise performance of ‘Mr. Brightside’ was a highlight of the night, energizing the dance floor.

Their wedding incorporated personal touches such as a customized Hindu ceremony script with English explanations and the use of Mike’s family pearl necklace as a replacement for the traditional mangal sutra. DIY elements included signage highlighting the venue’s history and a memoriam table for loved ones who had passed. A special “WOW” moment was the serving of Mango Lassi and Chai right before the ceremony.

Risha and Mike’s advice to future couples is to focus on what truly matters to them and create their own traditions, rather than adhering strictly to norms. They managed to avoid pre-wedding nightmares through meticulous planning, and they still laugh about a minor mishap during the Milni when their fathers’ scarves were humorously misaligned.

Stephanie Motilall and Devendra Heman’s journey from childhood friends to life partners is a testament to enduring love. Their story began in 2002 when Stephanie’s family moved to West Palm Beach, Florida, and they joined a local Hindu Mandir where Devendra’s mother was involved. Growing up together, they performed at religious events and dance shows. Their paths crossed again at the University of Florida, where Devendra was a year ahead of Stephanie. After completing their studies—Devendra with a master’s in Electrical Engineering and Stephanie with a bachelor’s degree—they started dating, marking a decade of commitment despite periods of longdistance.

In January 2023, Devendra proposed to Stephanie on top of Georgia Pass in Breckenridge, Colorado, exactly one year before their wedding date. This proposal, set against the stunning backdrop of the Rockies, was a perfect prelude to their wedding celebrations.

Their wedding, held on January 12-13, 2024, at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center, was a heartfelt homage to their shared past. The venue, where they had once performed together, was the perfect setting for their nuptials. With 300 guests in attendance, the ceremony and reception unfolded in the same location, adding to the event’s intimacy and significance.

Stephanie and Devendra managed the planning themselves with the assistance of their families and a day-of coordinator. They utilized their sisters’ experience and met key vendors at the MyShaadi Wedding expo. The choice of venue reflected their deep connection to the area, with both families being local.

BANQUET HALLS Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center 561-790-5192 | Bartending Service Splash Enterprise Inc 561-282-8934 | BEAUTICIANS-COSMETICIAN RT Beauty Designers 561-289-9672 | CAKE Publix 407-226-9754 | DECORATOR Shyne Event Services 352-321-7673 | EVENT PLANNER Superior Serving 561-531-9761 | INVITATIONS Indian Weddings Cards 888-742-8555 | MEHNDI Henna by Amna 954-759-1331 | MUSICIAN Powerhouse International Djs 518-881-7906 | PHOTOGRAPHER Fine Art Productions 407-979-4749 | PRIEST Pandit Durga Chajulal 561-985-8708 | RENTAL SERVICES MPH Club 305-330-6322 | RESTAURANT/CATERING Lucky City Restaurant 954-972-1871 | TEMPLE Vishnu Sharma 561-632-1861 | VIDEOGRAPHY Fine Art Productions 407-979-4749

Pre-wedding events included a henna ceremony and a maticoor—a religious purification ceremony. Stephanie’s family decorated their home with yellow and white, featuring a Radha Krishna backdrop, while Devendra’s family’s ceremony was adorned with vibrant marigold garlands. During these ceremonies, the couple wore humorous shirts that read “Dyeing to marry Devendra” and “Dying to marry Stephanie.”

The wedding day featured a Caribbean blue and gold theme, with lavish decor provided by Shyne Event Services. Personalized touches included custom water bottles and a dessert table. The baarat was accompanied by Tassa music, and the ceremony featured a mix of live musicians and Bollywood tunes. The bride’s entrance under a golden floral dholi was a memorable moment.

The reception the following day embraced a Caribbean blue and silver theme, with elegant centerpieces alternating between floating candles and silver birch trees with hanging crystals. The ballroom was enhanced by blue uplighting, and the night included personalized party favors and a photobooth. Special touches included the bride and groom’s humorous wedding night refreshments: pizza and McDonald’s for their guests.

Musical selections for the reception included Bollywood, modern hip hop, and West Indian music. While the couple did not perform, they enjoyed dancing on stage throughout the night. Personalized elements were evident, from the welcome signs to the customized photobooth and favors featuring their dog’s face.

The most touching moment for Stephanie and Devendra was their first sight of each other during the Hindu ceremony. Their wedding was a beautiful blend of personal touches and cherished traditions, creating a day that perfectly reflected their love and shared history. For couples planning their own celebrations, Stephanie’s advice is to ensure at least a day-of coordinator to ease the stress and fully enjoy the wedding experience.