Real Wedding

Sanjay Hindujaad Anu Mahtani’s Udaipur Wedding

The eldest of the next-gen Hinduja’s, Sanjay Hinduja got hitched to his long-time girlfriend Anusuya Mahtani in a threeday extravaganza, which commenced on February 10, 2015 in the City of Lakes, Udaipur. The wedding was a no-expense-spared lavish affair attended by the Bollywood stars as well as International celebrities.

The pre-wedding party was in itself an ostentatious affair, for which several Bollywood bigwigs, business honchos and politicians came all the way to Mumbai’s Taj Mahal Palace to jump-start celebrations. Madhuri Dixit, Boney Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Anil Kapoor, Mukesh Ambani, Nita Ambani, and Amar Singh were some of the luminaries who attended the lavish prewedding party. Nonetheless, the three-day long wedding celebrations in Udaipur remained the cynosure for all eyes in the world.

A slew of traditional festivities and pre-wedding festivities took place at different venues of the City Palace complex. A cocktail party was hosted at the stately Manek Chowk, followed by a poolside mehendi ceremony at the grandiose Shiv Niwas Palace and a Sangeet at the stunning Zenana Mahal. All that was left was the the much hyped fairy-tale wedding at the enchanting Jagmandir Island Palace.

Pop diva Jennifer Lopez and ex-Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger set the stage ablaze with their high-octane performances at this big fat Indian wedding. Also, a number of glitzy celebrity shots by the guests at the wedding flooded social networking sites like Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. The fabulously ritzy wedding is still the talk of the town.

Pooja weds Rupesh

Pooja and Rupesh dated for a year and a half before Rupesh’s surprise proposal, but for the year leading up to their wedding, the relationship was a long-distance affair. Pooja, a structural engineer, was living in Orlando and Rupesh, a business analyst, was in Pittsburgh. Even months before the event, Pooja used to have nightmares that her wedding day had suddenly arrived and nothing was planned. But she would always wake up relieved knowing that they had plenty of time and help from their loved ones. It all started with the memorable proposal. The couple was visiting friends and family in California when Rupesh planned it, somehow without Pooja catching on. He arranged for everyone to secretly arrive at the picturesque Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, where Rupesh surprised Pooja with the big question. As an added surprise, everyone took photos of the couple’s special moment. They chose to be wed in Orlando, and since Pooja’s family living there had recently planned two weddings, this was a familiar experience. They chose the grand Wyndham Hotel and Resort – classic ballrooms, beautiful gardens, and a general open feel was important to the couple when selecting their venue. Because they also planned to have many out-of-towners attending, the resort aspect of the Wyndham was ideal for these guests. Before the day of the ceremony, they held a joyful Garba and Raas night. A beautiful Radha Krishna murti surrounded by candles was the centerpiece of the night, as their 250 guests danced and celebrated Pooja and Rupesh. There was a large wooden swing and a backdrop of sapphire, brown and neon green on the stage and the entire space was draped in bright colors to maintain the festive mood. “Surprise” is a recurring theme in their relationship, because the bride and groom both surprised each other with choreographed dances, Pooja with her cousins and girlfriends, and Rupesh with his cousins. It was a charming personal touch to the Garba night.

Finally, the auspicious ceremony arrived, and Pooja was ready to let go of the hassles of wedding preparations and make a happy memory. Rupesh rode to the ballroom in the traditional way, with his baraat on a majestic horse. Pooja’s bridesmaids and cousins walked in to a graceful instrumental song, and finally, accompanied by her brother and mamas, the bride made her entrance.

The official setting of the ceremony, their gold and ivory draped mandap, sat on a stage with a raised aisle lined by candles and lavender rose petals. There were hues of purple throughout the ceremony, including in the floral arrangements, to represent Pooja’s favorite color. The ceremony programs kept to a traditional design, with red and gold text, folded in half to resemble a book. Pooja and Rupesh also included explanations of the complicated ceremony and a special note to their guests.

The reception again reflected Pooja’s favorite color, from the purple floral centerpieces and lighting to the purple linens and cake décor. The centerpieces were not only beautiful, but resourceful, because they were able to reuse pieces from the ceremony. The tables surrounded the diamond dance floor, and the happy couple sat at a sweetheart table on the stage. The reception, just like the other events, flowed smoothly.

Pooja and Rupesh had complete faith in their family and friends, who helped her to enjoy the celebration of their marriage in a worry-free way. Even though this do-it-yourself couple faced some challenges along the way, they created for themselves the beginning of a long and beautiful journey.

Photos Courtesy:
Sona Photography 407-694-6032 www.sonaphotography.com

Vendors

BANQUET HALLS
Wyndham Orlando Resort
407-351-2420
www.wyndham.com

BEAUTICIANS/COSMETICIAN
Alladin s Magic
321-201-0518
www.alladinsmagic.com

Lejune Artistry
407-625-9556
www.lejeuneartistry.comCAKE
Everything Cake
www.everythingcake.com

DECORATOR
Suhaag Gardens
813-478-9283
www.suhaaggarden.com

DHOL PLAYER
Mitul Gandhi
813-769-9649
tampadholbeats@hotmail.com

DISC JOCKEY
Dudha Productions
727-418-8498
www.dudhaproductions.com

ENTERTAINMENT
Party Shots Orlando
407-542-1292
www.partyshotsorlando.com

HORSE – CARRIAGE
Downtown Horse & Carriage Inc
561-723-4704
www.downtownhorseandcarriage.com

MEHNDI
Henna Allure
321-295-2496
www.hennaallure.com

PHOTOGRAPHER
Sona Photography
407-694-6032
www.sonaphotography.com

RESTAURANT/CATERING
Khasiyat
407-888-2147
bhanuchavda13@yahoo.com

VIDEOGRAPHER
Riant Films
407-603-6955
www.riantfilms.com

Nisha weds Amit

For Amit and Nisha, both 28, one wedding eventually led to another – theirs. The couple met one summer at Nisha’s cousin’s wedding, and almost immediately, began talking every day like best friends. When the time came for Amit to leave to begin his medical residency in Detroit, he knew he had to see her one last time. They made a romantic adventure out of a trip to Six Flags, and their bond was so strong that Nisha decided to move to Michigan. After two years of strong friendship, Amit got ready to propose to the love his life.

Amit planned a cruise getaway, and Nisha was sure this was when he would propose. But just one month before the cruise, the couple went to New York to visit Amit’s brother. Amit knew that Nisha loved waterfalls and the ocean, so he took her to Niagara Falls. Nisha was so busy enjoying the view, she hardly noticed Amit getting down on one knee. Once she realized, Nisha gave him a joyful “yes” and immediately tried calling her parents. But just as Amit planned, when they got home, her parents were already there to celebrate with her! It was a surprising and romantic way to initiate the wedding phase of their lives.

Amit and Nisha, with the help of family and friends, planned every detail over the course of one year. They chose Duluth, GA as their destination – a central location right between Nisha’s family in Albany and Amit’s family in Chattanooga.

For their Garba night, they chose traditional décor, including a classic decorated swing on the stage. The food was the night’s highlight, with several unique food stations with clever names like “Chaat Town” and “Wok n’ Roll.” Guests even made their own sundaes at the dessert station. Live singers and a dhol player created a festive mood, and their 500 guests danced and celebrated the night away.

When the auspicious ceremony arrived, the room was decorated with ruffled drapes, in the same gorgeous red, gold and dark purple colors as the bridal party’s outfits. The sun came out just in time for Amit’s Bharaat procession to make its entrance. He arrived in a horse-drawn carriage, accompanied by his sisters.

To complement the same rich color scheme in the reception, there were gold and silver crystal candle holders, and crystal vogue manzanita tree centerpieces surrounded with roses on each table. The stage also had a glamorous backdrop of glittering life-sized gold picture frames, accented by the room’s lighting.

There were yet more surprises at the reception, when their family did a choreographed dance. Amit and Nisha’s favorite memory was the choreographed first dance for the bride and groom. Each of their 500 guests received a gift bag with personalized M&Ms and snacks, but also took home many memories of a beautiful evening celebrating Amit and Nisha’s union.

Amit’s secret to a smooth and successful wedding is just saying “yes” to whatever the bride wants, the same way his beloved Nisha said “yes” to his big question.

Photos Courtesy:
Zamana Photo & Videography 678-860-2921 www.zamanaphoto.com

Vendors

BANQUET HALLS
Sonesta Gwinnett Place Atlanta
770-935-3862
www.sonesta.com/gwinnettplace

BEAUTICIANS/COSMETICIAN
Blushing Bride
404-454-6946
hetherington.yasmin@yahoo.com

Rupal Desai
678-488-6634
rupaldesai77@yahoo.com

CAKE
Gigis Cup Cakes USA
404-846-4400
www.gigiscupcakesusa.com

DECORATOR
Mandap World
678-772-0053
www.mandapworld.com

DISC JOCKEY
Magic Mike DJs
646-529-2055
www.magicmike.com

MEHNDI
Manishas Mehendi Designs
678-900-7846
www.facebook.com/pages/maishas-mehendi-designs

PHOTOGRAPHER
Zamana Photo & Videography
678-860-2921
www.zamanaphoto.com

RESTAURANT/CATERING
Rajbhog Foods
201-395-9400
www.rajbhog.com

Nisha weds Amit
Zamana Photo & Videography
678-860-2921
www.zamanaphoto.com

Amritha weds Jis

The love story of Amritha and Jis is classic: college sweethearts and dating for five years before marriage crossed their minds. Both studied at the University of Florida, their mutual interest in the arts brought them together. Amritha needed t-shirts designed for her dance team, and Jis was an artist and photographer. Mutual friends introduced them, and the rest is history.

Jis kept his passion for photography alive when it came time to propose to Amritha. On the evening of their fiveyear anniversary, Jis took Amritha to see the Christmas lights at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. When they came across a beautifully lit pavilion, Jis insisted they take a photo, and after snapping the picture, he showed the camera to Amritha. But instead of seeing the photo they just took, she saw an image of Jis kneeling, holding a ring, with the words “Will you marry me?” Amritha was shocked, but of course, said yes to the love of her life.

The couple began planning exactly one year before the wedding date. They chose to be wed in Tampa, where there would be five events: an engagement, a Catholic wedding, a Sangeet, a Hindu wedding, and a reception. The Tampa. Marriott Waterside Hotel and Marina was large enough to accommodate their 400 guests, allowed outside catering, and was situated right on the water with ample natural light.

For the Sangeet night, planned by Amritha’s family, they chose to keep everything simple, from the décor to the entertainment. They wanted their families to mingle, and not be distracted by too much going on. There was an informal open-mic in addition to the music, and a few dances by Amritha’s mom and her dance students. The hotel provided basic votive candles and linens, and Amritha and Jis coordinated their outfits to match the pink and blue lighting.

But when the day of the wedding arrived, nothing was held back. The entire day was accented with a bright color scheme of pink, yellow, orange and purple. It began with the Hindu ceremony in the morning, in the hotel’s grand ballroom. There was a beautiful foyer enclosed with full glass windows, allowing a view of the water and boats in the marina. This space was ideal for both the morning ceremony and the evening cocktail hour at sunset. There were graceful South Indian touches throughout the Hindu ceremony, including a welcome table carrying a dancing Ganesh, flowers, rose water, sugar cubes and jasmine garlands for the female guests’ hair. The aisles were also decorated with gold elephants adorned with floral bouquets.

The afternoon church ceremony was more modern, to match the Catholic church venue. Some décor was reused from the Hindu ceremony, such as the gold elephants and bridal party bouquets. Amritha’s bouquet was a bright bunch of cala lilies, to match the men’s’ cala lily boutonnieres and the Mother Mary bouquet.

They also reused their swing from the Hindu ceremony during their reception, but replaced the bright color scheme with deep purple hues, accented with gold and cream-colored linens. VIP guests sat at four long statesmen tables bordering the dance floor, to make their loved ones feel special and at the center of attention. Amritha and Jis’s wedding was all about making a special memory together and sharing it with their family and friends.

Photos Courtesy:
Kimberly Photography 727-543-9723 www.kimberly-photography.com

Vendors

BANQUET HALLS
Hindu Temple Of Tampa
813-962-6890
www.htflt.orgSaint Timothy Catholic Church
813-957-4427
www.sainttims.orgTampa Marriott Waterside
Hotel & Marina
813-204-6311
www.marriott.comBEAUTICIANS/COSMETICIAN
Badars Hair In All
813-979-0058
www.badarshairnall.com

DECORATOR
Nikun Events
407-448-7128
www.nikunevents.com

DISC JOCKEY
Rang Entertainment
941-545-8509
www.rangentertainment.com

FLORIST
Nikun Events
407-448-7128
www.nikunevents.com

Viveks Flowers
732-321-0403
vivek@vivekflowers.com

JEWELERS
Continental Diamonds
813-282-7375
www.continentalwholesalediamonds.comMalani Jewelers
813-866-4653
www.malanijewelers.comLIMOUSINES
Blu Moon Transportation
813-258-6666
www.blumoonluxury.comSparks Limo
877-897-4727
www.sparklimo.com

PHOTOGRAPHER
Digital Dream Studio
407-791-6064
www.digitaldreamstudio.com

Kimberly Photography
727-543-9723
www.kimberly-photography.com

RESTAURANT/CATERING
Amrit Palace Indian Restaurant
352-873-8500
amritpalace@aol.com

Dosa Hut
813-385-2033
www.garmdosahut.com

VIDEOGRAPHY
Fairytale Production
734-234-0020
www.fairytaleproductions.net

Sharon Weds Ankit

Sharon and Ankit’s story is one where friends grow to fall in love and soon become soul mates. This is the kind of love anyone would be blessed to have, for in this relationship you will find the greatest support, strength, and sense of belonging. After years of being together, Ankit took Sharon to a quiet island, where a tent with a dazzling diamond ring awaited her.

Ankit and Sharon were engaged for a year and a half before the wedding, as Sharon wanted to find the most auspicious date. After all, this was the most important day of her life, and it needed to be just right!

Friends and family readily jumped in to help in any way they could, while also allowing Sharon space to manage things her way. The couple also worked with several professionals to deal with details and ensure their dream wedding would come to life. Sona Photography and Riant Films captured each and every special moment so that the wedding would never be forgotten. Khasiyat catered to every palette and served an unforgettable first meal to the newlyweds. And even Adi brought every event to life with his energetic dhol!

The Omni Orlando Resort was the chosen venue for the wedding. Suggested by Sharon’s father, it was ideal not just for its look and ambience, but also since it made for a great getaway for both families, who could enjoy a little vacation while attending the wedding.

The sangeet was a mix of Gujarati and Punjabi flavor. Traditional in its setting, the venue was highlighted in pinks and greens. Food stations were decorated to showcase their cuisine, and little lanterns and candles were chosen over flowers, uplifting the mood and the ivory linen beautifully. Music was a combination of Gujarati and Punjabi styles.

The wedding was held indoors owing to unpredictable Florida weather and was a day affair. A gold mandap without any pillars with bright pink and orange drapes was set up. Elephant idols were stationed at the end of the aisle, with petals and candles added for greater effect. Orange and pink also reflected in most of the floral arrangements used. DJ Pram played songs of choice for the special select moments. The bride and groom left in a Cinderella horse carriage, a wish Sharon had long harbored.

The reception was all about style and class. With a blue and silver the predominant theme, several elements were personalized, including the favors. Elaborate floral arrangements, candles, gobos, and pillars were set up to perfection.

The wedding went off without a hitch, so all this left for Sharon is to let the realization of being married set in, and enjoy a beautiful life ahead.