Real Wedding

Imagine saying “yes” to your soulmate mid-air on a hot air balloon. Top-of-the-world, right!  Vinoth Kumar Thirunavukkarasu, a systems engineer and Jessica Jackson, a genetic counselor, did just that in Treasure Island, Florida.

Vinoth from Neyveli, Tamil Nadu, moved to Jacksonville for a new job in 2008. Jessica from Indiana also settled in the city for her first job in 2014. The duo met through a social volleyball group and hit it off immediately.

The couple’s friends saw the chemistry between the two and set them up. Vinoth was hesitant, but they arranged a group outing and left him alone with Jessica. He finally found the courage to ask Jessica for their first official date – it was a night on the beach watching the full moon, followed by dinner.

The couple later got engaged on a hot air balloon with seven tourists and celebrated with mimosas. Jessica was scared lest she drop the diamond ring!

The color theme for the wedding was cobalt blue and coral with flowers. The ceremony was organized on the rooftop facing St. Johns River in the evening.

The reception was held inside with candle lights on the tables. In a blend of Indian and American cultures, Jessica wore a white gown, while the bridesmaids also wore gowns with Indian jewelry.

Jessica advises couples to be sure that their big day reflects them and their love.

Nikita Patel, 27, a pharmacist and Mayur Patel, 28, a graphic designer, took their vows in Birmingham, Alabama, on August 26.

The duo met through a mutual friend. Mayur was once chatting with his friend on Facebook when he was then asked some awkward questions. He later came to find out it was Niki using his friend’s messenger. He found it hilarious, and sent Niki a friend request. They began talking, and planned a first date at the Georgia Aquarium that actually never happened!

To come full circle, Mayur wanted the proposal to be romantic for Niki. He asked her to go to the Georgia Aquarium, where he had arranged everything. She was taken on a private tour and at the end she was asked to open a seashell that had ‘will you marry me’ written inside. Niki thought it was for someone else, but once she saw Mayur, she understood that it was for her. The couple celebrated by finally taking a tour of the Aquarium together!

The couple hired Nilima from Crimson Bleu Events to help with wedding planning. Niki recommends a wedding planner as it is de-stressing and allows the couple to enjoy their big day.

When Ishan Patel, 29, product manager, and Niketa Agarwal, 27, a registered nurse,  first met for coffee, they felt a connection immediately. Their first date night was nothing short of interesting with them sneaking into Piedmont Park after midnight to talk for hours. It was a moonlit night and the pair danced to Christina Perri’s “A Thousand Years.”

Ishan’s proposal was unique. One day while reading a local newspaper Niketa found her and Ishan’s photograph with the caption: “I’d like to order a lifetime supply of gulab jamun.” He got down on one knee with a ring and popped the question.

After the surprise engagement, the couple started planning for their big day on September 2017. They didn’t hire a wedding planner, but did use a day-of coordinator. Family and friends played a huge role in assisting the couple with wedding event preparations.

With Ishan and Niketa both living in Atlanta, they chose to keep their search in the city. In the end, they chose the Westin Atlanta Perimeter North, which is known for hosting South Asian weddings.