Real Wedding

Aarti Patel, an Accountant, and Nir Mistry, an Athletic Trainer, embarked on a whirlwind journey of love that culminated in a grand wedding celebration at the Le Meridien Hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina. Their love story began when Aarti, in Las Vegas for a friend’s birthday, matched with Nir on DilMil, a dating app. Despite the initial distance, they soon discovered they both lived just an hour and a half apart in North Carolina. Two weeks of exchanging heartfelt messages led to their first date at Nir’s gym, followed by a sweet visit to a cookie dough
place.

The proposal was a picturesque mountain sunrise in Asheville, North Carolina, where Nir surprised Aarti with a ring amidst their shared love for hiking and sunrises. With friends hiding behind trees to capture the moment, the proposal left them both overjoyed and surprised.

With the help of a wedding planner, Aarti and Nir meticulously planned their wedding at Le Meridien Hotel, a venue that perfectly accommodated their 800 guests. Despite both being from nearby cities, they chose Charlotte for its vibrant atmosphere.

The wedding festivities included a series of prewedding events, each adorned with unique decor and outfits designed by Annu Creation, Perinaspopup, and others. From Aarti’s personalized Mendhi party to Nir’s colorful celebration at his house, each event was filled with joy and love.

BANQUET HALLS Le Meridien Charlotte Hotel 704-372-9610 | BEAUTICIANS Makeup By Pallak Manocha | CATERING Zayka Indian Cuisine – Raleigh 919-361-5370 | DECORATOR Prashe Decor 972-980-4483 | DISC JOCKEY M4U Events 732-771-9648 | FLORIST Stringed Petals 770-367-5290 | MEHNDI Henna4Happiness by Minaz 704-724-8084 | MUSICIAN DJ NIK 908-636-1765 | PHOTOGRAPHER Bhowmik Dave Photography 980-446-9449 Catch Motion Studio 571-446-0004

The wedding ceremony took place indoors in the morning, with music ranging from Bollywood to Hispanic, reflecting the couple’s diverse tastes. A highlight was their baaraat, with Nir arriving in a McClaren and Aarti in a Lambo. The reception dazzled with its pink-themed decor, with the bride in a stunning Manish Malhotra outfit and the groom in a tuxedo. The evening was filled with heartfelt dances and speeches, including surprise performances from both the bride and groom’s sides.

As for advice to couples planning their wedding, Aarti and Nir emphasize the importance of taking one step at a time, not procrastinating, and, most importantly, enjoying every moment. Despite any funny dreams or calamities leading up to the day, their wedding was a beautiful celebration of love and laughter, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Ashima Madan, a dentist specializing in orthodontics, and Gautam Anand, a physician training in gastroenterology,
embarked on a journey that culminated in a beautiful wedding celebration on December 16, 2023, in St. Petersburg, FL, at The Vinoy. With 400 guests in attendance, their love story unfolded in a series of memorable events.

Their modern romance began on the online platform DilMil. After a week of incessant texting, they had their first Facetime date. Despite the virtual setting, Gautam’s thoughtful gestures, like sending roses and Thai food via UberEats, sparked a connection. Meeting in person on Labor Day weekend in 2021 sealed their fate, and they knew they had found something special.

Gautam orchestrated a pictureperfect proposal during his Internal Medicine residency graduation in June 2022. With meticulous planning, he arranged for a rooftop setting adorned with a glowing “MARRY ME” sign and showered rose petals. Ashima was swept off her feet, and amidst awe, she happily accepted his proposal.

To navigate the complexities of wedding planning, the couple enlisted the help of Premini Events. Choosing The Vinoy in St. Petersburg, FL, was an easy decision, resonating with Ashima’s Florida roots and the venue’s iconic pink façade, matching her favorite color. The wedding festivities commenced with a vibrant Mehndi at Ashima’s parents’ home, followed by a warm welcome party at The Vinoy. The Haldi event and Sangeet were lively affairs, filled with music, dancing, and cherished performances from both sides.

BANQUET HALLS The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club – Autograph Collection 727-894-1000 | BEAUTICIANS Henna Allure 321-444-5911 Renata Estepan Makeup and Hair 305-903-3989 | BOUTIQUES Falguni Shane Peacock India 91 9004765981 Sabayasachi 91 9830593953 | CAKE Sweet Divas Cakery 727-498-6323 | CATERING Chef Gaurav Anand 212-683-4228 | DECORATOR Prashe Decor 972-980-4483 | EVENT PLANNER Premini Events 908-591-4050 | HORSE – CARRIAGE Wind Chase Farm 772-285-3480 | MEHNDI Bridal Henna 01 727-459-6448 Henna Allure 321-444-5911 | MUSICIAN DJ Shilpa 908-227-5795 | PHOTOGRAPHER Dukes Images by Duke Khodaverdian 626-744-9695 | PRIEST Pundit Manikya Sharma 813-484-9568 | VIDEOGRAPHY P. Taufiq Photography 617-407-3700

Despite unexpected rain, the wedding ceremony at The Vinoy exuded magic. Vibrant pink décor adorned the indoor setting, creating an enchanting atmosphere. Traditional Punjabi music filled the air as Gautam made a grand entrance on horseback. The reception dazzled with blue and gold décor, featuring stunning floral arrangements and thematic elements. Ashima and Gautam’s first dance to “Dil Diyan Gallan” set the tone for an evening of celebration, with DJ Shilpa spinning a fusion of Bollywood, Bhangra, Spanish, and English music.

Personalized cocktail napkins featuring their family dogs added a charming touch to the festivities. Ashima’s entrance under a floral canopy held by her brothers and uncles was a breathtaking moment, along with witnessing the live painting by Allison Allianic. The couple advises future brides and grooms to enjoy the wedding planning process and cherish every moment. Thankfully, they didn’t experience any funny dreams or nightmares leading up to the big day, nor any calamities to laugh about afterward. Ashima and Gautam’s wedding was a beautiful blend of tradition, love, and joy, creating unforgettable memories for themselves and their loved ones.

In the heart of Orlando, Florida, amid the lush surroundings of the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort, Shreni Shah and Jay Gopal embarked on a journey of love and celebration on November 25, 2023. The union of these two remarkable individuals, both resident physicians deeply committed to their medical careers, was a testament to their enduring bond and shared aspirations.

BANQUET HALLS Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress 904-360-8672 | BARTENDING SERVICE Double Down Bartenders & Event Staff LLC 772-521-1630 | BEAUTICIANS C’ Minerva s Looks 813-830-3323 | Tejal Henna 407-415-7994 | DECORATOR Confetti Balloons Orlando 516-655-5922 | Dreams To Reality 407-592-9261 | DISC JOCKEY  Awaaz Entertainment 407-902-9639 | Krish Entertainment Inc. 352-299-0743  |  EVENT PLANNER Elite Dream Creations 407-733-2597 | ICE SCULPTURE Kellys Homemade Ice Cream 407-900-7198 | MEHNDI Gokul’s Henna Art 407-264-1932 | Tejal Henna 407-415-7994  | MUSICIAN Surbaahar Group of Melbourne 321-543-7639 | PHOTO BOOTH 360 Flix LLC 352-617-1626 | PHOTOGRAPHER Joshua Kane Photography 561-801-4660 | PRIEST OM VIPRA 813-900-0190 | RENTAL SERVICES Stages Plus LLC 407-442-0254 | CATERING Khasiyat Indian Restaurant 407-252-8756 | Saffron Indian Cuisines 407-674-8899 | WEDDING SERVICES Just the 2 of us 703-479-9890

Their story began with a chance encounter at a dinner just before medical school orientation. Despite the initial spark, they started as friends, spending weekends in Tampa and weekdays buried in medical books. It wasn’t until a hesitant first date and a subsequent game night that their romance blossomed. Through the challenges of long-distance and the tumult of a global pandemic, their love endured, culminating in a joyous engagement in the picturesque setting of Capri, Italy.

Against the backdrop of Capri’s azure waters, Jay orchestrated a surprise proposal on a private gozzo, capturing Shreni’s heart with a heartfelt declaration of love. As they plunged into the sea in celebration, their bond grew stronger, foreshadowing the joyous journey that lay ahead.

With demanding residency schedules, Shreni and Jay wisely enlisted the expertise of a wedding planner, ensuring a seamless experience from venue selection to day-of coordination. Their decision to wed in Florida, blending Shreni’s roots with Jay’s Californian heritage, underscored their commitment to family and tradition.

Their wedding festivities were a fusion of cultural traditions and personal touches, from the boho-themed Mehndi to the vibrant Garba night, each event exuded warmth and joy. Against the verdant backdrop of a golf course, their enchanting garden ceremony unfolded, marked by personalized touches and heartfelt tributes to loved ones.

Under the starlit sky, the reception dazzled with its enchanting decor and personalized touches. From mirror tables adorned with candles and roses to towering cherry blossom trees, every detail reflected Shreni and Jay’s love story. Guests were treated to a sensory feast, from the vibrant dance performances to the soulful melodies that filled the air.

As they reflect on their wedding journey, Shreni and Jay offer sage advice to couples embarking on their own matrimonial adventure: cherish every moment, embrace the unexpected, and above all, stay true to your love.

Shreni and Jay’s wedding was more than a celebration of love; it was a testament to resilience, unity, and the power of shared dreams. As they embark on their journey together, hand in hand, their love story serves as an inspiration to all who believe in the enduring power of love.

Aastha Gandhi, a dentist, tied the knot with entrepreneur Rahul Sheth on November 4, 2023, at the Hard Rock Hotel in Daytona Beach, Florida. The wedding, attended by 350 guests, showcased the couple’s journey from their first encounter during Spring Break 2015 to their romantic engagement along the Chicago Riverwalk in February 2022.

BANQUET HALLS Hard Rock Daytona Beach 386-947-7300 | BEAUTICIANS C’Minerva s Looks 813-830-3323 | CATERING Saffron Indian Cuisines 407-674-8899 | Sudhaben 407-758-1776 | DECORATOR Abhishek Decorators 732-283-2565 | DISC JOCKEY JP Entertainment 732-903-JPDJ | EVENT PLANNER Elite Dream Creations 407-733-2597 | MEHNDI Gokul’s Henna Art 407-264-1932 | PHOTOGRAPHER Noor K Photography 407-729-0388 | PRIEST Priest Bhavinbhai 567-298-1819

Rahul proposed with a heartfelt video capturing seven years of cherished memories, culminating in a surprise reunion with both families. The couple celebrated with a lavish lunch at Beatnik on the River, followed by a memorable trip to Tulum.

With the help of wedding planner Rikti from Elite Dream Creations, Aastha and Rahul meticulously planned their dream wedding. The venue choice, Hard Rock Hotel, held sentimental value as it was close to Aastha’s family in Ormond Beach and offered the perfect beachfront setting.

The wedding festivities included colorful pre-wedding events like Mehndi, a Welcome Party with an Italian theme, Haldi adorned with yellow and white decor, and a Sangeet blending Tulum-inspired elements with Indian traditions.

Despite initial plans for an outdoor ceremony, windy weather prompted a move indoors to the ballroom. The bohemian-inspired decor featured pampas, dried palms, and a mandap adorned with small bells, creating a whimsical ambiance.

The reception exuded elegance with classic black and white decor, white flowers, and ambient lighting effects like fog and sparklers. The newlyweds made a grand entrance to Swag Surfin’, setting the tone for a night of celebration.

Musical performances throughout the reception, including a surprise serenade by Rahul singing Aastha’s favorite song, added to the magic of the evening. The couple’s puppy, Blaze, stole the show, participating in every event.

Reflecting on their wedding journey, Aastha and Rahul advise couples to enlist a wedding planner for seamless execution and stress-free planning. Despite minor setbacks like inclement weather during the Sangeet, the couple embraced every moment, cherishing the memories created amidst the chaos.

Julie Patel, a Critical Care Respiratory Therapist, and Mickesh Patel, a Business Entrepreneur, celebrated their union in a grand ceremony at the World Golf Hall Of Fame in St. Augustine, Florida, on July 22, 2023. With over 400 guests in attendance, the couple’s love story began unexpectedly when Julie’s sister created a wedding profile for her, leading to a chance encounter with Mickesh, who stood out among hundreds of texts.

BANQUET HALLS World Golf Hall of Fame 904 940-4015 | BEAUTICIANS Michele Renee The Studio and Salon 813-531-7770  | CATERING Maa Vimla Catering 407-408-6030 | DECORATOR Siri Elegant Events 407-575-0763 | ENTERTAINMENT JP Entertainment 732-903-JPDJ | FLORIST Garlands By Kirti 321-482-3838 | PHOTOGRAPHER / VIDEOGRAPHY Fine Art Productions 407-979-4749 |  PRIEST Mahesh Gor 321-297-6167 | RENTAL SERVICES Exotic Limo 407-790-6388

Their relationship blossomed, and Mickesh’s proposal at the Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills, Los Angeles, marked the beginning of their journey towards forever. The proposal, a sacred moment reflecting their religious background, was a sweet affirmation of their love.

To bring their wedding vision to life, the couple enlisted the expertise of wedding planner Amish Thakkar. His guidance and vendor recommendations proved invaluable, allowing Julie and Mickesh to navigate the planning process with ease.

The pre-wedding events, including the Mendhi, Haldi, and Sangeet, were vibrant and colorful, meticulously decorated by Siri Elegant Design. Each celebration exuded elegance and joy, with unique touches like colorful saree pieces and a golden Haldi bath adding to the festivities.

The wedding ceremony, held indoors, featured a Joda Akbar Mandap adorned with smoke effects and vibrant decor in white and baby pink hues. Music played a significant role throughout the celebration, with the couple’s love for Justin Bieber reflected in their song choices.

The reception was a magical affair, with the couple entering amidst smoke and dholi, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening of celebration and love. Their grand entrance was followed by a slow dance, with Mickesh singing to Julie, creating a moment that captured the essence of their love.

Despite the inevitable challenges of wedding planning, Julie and Mickesh navigated the process with humor and gratitude, emerging stronger as they embarked on their journey as a married couple. Reflecting on their wedding day, they advise future couples to invest in a wedding planner to alleviate stress and ensure a smooth planning process.

As they begin their married life together, Julie and Mickesh cherish the memories of their wedding day, marked by love, laughter, and unforgettable moments shared with family and friends. Their wedding was a testament to their love and commitment to each other, as they look forward to a lifetime of happiness together.