Some believe that soulmates will meet, irrespective of distance. Such was the case for Tricia Kurban, professor, and Vishal Mungal, physician. Though they lived far from each other, they met through a mutual friend in Washington, D.C., and after two years of romance and dating, Vishal, with the help of Trisha’s four friends, planned the proposal at their usual rendezvous place, the Lincoln Memorial during the Cherry Blossom Festival in April 2014. He even mangaed to capture Trisha’s happily shocked and incredible smile when she said yes!

The couple prepared for their wedding for 11 months, and were already sold on a wedding in Biscayne Bay. The couple decided to forego pre-wedding events. For the wedding ceremony, Tricia decided to use the church’s candle lit aisles and altar with lace accents as the perfect beautiful, quaint setting and perfect for their wedding theme, Winter Wonderland. She even got her gown and veil blending and complementing the decorations. Totally involved in the preparations, Tricia set the entire wedding program herself and got them printed at a local shop. On the ceremony day, February 21, 2015, each of the invited 250 guests was presented the program menu by the usher as they entered the church to attend the ceremony at 2 p.m. Both the bride and the bridegroom arrived in their separate limos while the bridal party was transported to the church in a party bus, both stars of the show a needed breather. The ceremony was very romantic and ethereal amidst Trisha’s favorite processional music of ‘Ode to Joy’ and ‘Canon in D.’

Jilna, Tricia’s friend, planned and helped execute the theme of the wedding, Winter Wonderland. The theme was selected so that the couple may experience the ethereal winter setting amidst the warm splendor of south Florida’s weather. To lend a more romantic and mesmerizing ambience, abundant luxury flowers like orchids and hydrangeas were used for decoration. To accentuate the light effect, floating candles and sparkle added to the charisma of the place. Matching the silver sequined table linens were silver chiavari chairs. All the 10 bridesmaids wore royal blue sarees to match the winter theme. To enhance effect, blue lights and royal blue accents were used. The final effect was a mesmerizing romantic winter hue of blue and white. DJ Pawan ensured that the reception remained rocking and guests enjoyed to the hilt by playing a variety of 90s hip hop, reggae, top 40 and soca. He also made special moments extra special with selective songs. For instance, the newly wedded couple did their first

dance on the romantic music of Ed Sheeran, “Thinking Out Loud.” The cake cutting was done to John Legend’s “All of Me” and the evening ended with the final couple dance to The Wanted’s “I’m Glad You Came.” There were a few harrowing moments when a snowstorm in DC during wedding week messed with the guests arrival plans. However, they all managed to attend the ceremony in the end. To this date, Tricia remembers the day with fond memories and her pre wedding nightmares of getting married in jeans. Thank goodness, it remained a dream!

Meeting through mutual friends, Jamini and Neal dated each other for three years. Though Jaimini hated surprises, Neal’s sudden proposal on the beach during a romantic weekend away in Puerto Rico was one of pure joy. She did not hesitate in saying ‘yes’ as Neal awaited her answer on one knee. Both Jaimini, 28, and Neal, 31, software engineer are from Florida. After a thorough search, they chose to marry near home at the beautiful and mesmerizing Westin Lake Mary. One main reason was the hotel’s large hall set up as well as the ample space for guests. Needing to know all the details, the couple did all the planning themselves with the welcome assistance of their vendors.

Meeting through mutual friends, Jamini and Neal dated each other for three years. Though Jaimini hated surprises, Neal’s sudden proposal on the beach during a romantic weekend away in Puerto Rico was one of pure joy. She did not hesitate in saying ‘yes’ as Neal awaited her answer on one knee.

Both Jaimini, 28, and Neal, 31, software engineer are from Florida. After a thorough search, they chose to marry near home at the beautiful and mesmerizing Westin Lake Mary. One main reason was the hotel’s large hall set up as well as the ample space for guests.

Needing to know all the details, the couple did all the planning themselves with the welcome assistance of their vendors.

The sangeet manifested through vibrant hues like bright orange and fuchsia. The centerpiece included a three tiered tower with a Radha Krishna Murti at the top amidst lighted diyas and baby elephants at the bottom. The dandiyas displayed around the illuminated centerpiece and the Indian swing adorned with pink and orange drapery background captured the romance and passion between the couple and vibrated through to each of the 250 guests present.

The ceremony took place in the Westin Ballroom, which was bathed in vibrant and romantic hues of violet and shades of purple like lilac and gold. The hues extended to the mandap, including the dangling crystal balls in the front. Fresh florals and diamond laces at the mandap provided the right romantic touch completed by two chandeliers at its two sides.

Neal made quite the entry in a horse carriage accompanied by his sister, while Jaimini was led to the mandap by her uncle and brothers holding the red cloth over her head. With the romantic meaningful song of “Din Shagna Da Chadya” playing in the background, it made every single heart cave to the couple’s moment. Thankfully, Jaimini’s nightmare of an ill-prepared mandap or dressing hiccups never materialized. Post wedding, the festivity continued with the couple exiting in a Rolls Royce.

The reception stage transformed the wedding carriage in a white coach with two seats on the side. The ambiance of the room vibrated in violet and dark purple drapery adorned with two flower chandeliers in the middle of its center. The theme was extended to tables with gold tree centerpieces adorned with dangling crystal strings as well as white and purple fresh flowers. Illuminated vintage candle holders added the perfect romantic touch. Gems and orchids on the tables captured light creating the perfect romantic setting enthralling all. Billowing fog during the couple’s first dance, romantic songs, dancing guests, and fun photos taken at the photo booth with props made the wedding a dream come true for the couple.

It’s no wonder both Jaimini and Neal get a nostalgic and whimsical feeling along with smiles extending to their eyes at the mere mention of their wedding!