Real Wedding

From Chance Introduction to Northern Lights Proposal:
The Wedding of Shrusti Patel and Rishi Amin

The wedding of Shrusti Patel and Rishi Amin was a grand multi-day celebration held on October 12th, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. The ceremony took place at Wasioto Park and the Bridge Building, while the reception was hosted at Embassy Suites by Hilton Franklin Cool Springs. With nearly 600 guests in attendance, the wedding blended tradition, storytelling, and modern design into an unforgettable experience.

CEREMONY VENUE Molly from Infinity Hospitality Group – Cumberland Park/Bride Building || RECEPTION VENUE JJ from Embassy Suites by Hilton Franklin Cool Springs || PHOTOGRAPHY / VIDEOGRAPHY Urban Phulkari, California, || PLANNER Mansi from HumTum Events, NJ || OFFICIANT/PRIEST/PANDIT Piyush Joshi, 513-655-8360 || MANDAP DECORATOR Jatin from Ramleelaeventsatl, Atlanta || HAIR-MAKEUP Jyoti Sood, Atlanta, Photos Courtesy Urban Phulkari, California || INVITATIONS WeddingsbyGraphe, India || BARAAT BOAT Pontoon Saloon/Nashville Water Taxi || FLOWERS Manoj from Indian wedding Garlands – Chicago, 646-637-3556 || CATERING Ricky Walia Cafe Bombay, Atlanta || MUSIC DJ Vrund from Elevate Events , Atlanta || BRIDE AND GROOM STYLING Juhi Sachdeva, Delhi, India || MEHNDI ARTIST Roushan from HennaSquared, CT

The couple’s journey began in 2021 when they were first introduced through a mutual family friend. At that time, neither of them pursued anything further due to timing and life circumstances. In 2023, they were reintroduced by the same friend. This time, their connection felt different and more natural. Conversations started flowing easily and quickly turned into something meaningful. Shrusti was living in Philadelphia and Rishi was based in Chicago, so the relationship began long distance. Over the next year, they traveled frequently between cities, met each other’s families, and built a strong emotional foundation. Their relationship reached a turning point during a trip to Finland when Rishi proposed under the Northern Lights.

The proposal took place in the Arctic Circle in Finland during a planned trip to see the Aurora Borealis. Rishi arranged a private viewing experience with the help of a tour guide. After an unsuccessful first night due to weather conditions, the second night became magical when the sky lit up with vibrant colors. While Shrusti was focused on capturing photographs of the lights, Rishi surprised her by getting down on one knee and proposing. The moment felt surreal and emotional, made even more special by the fact that a candid photo she was trying to take ended up capturing the proposal itself.

The pre-wedding events each had distinct themes. The Mehendi was designed with a soft boho aesthetic featuring neutral drapes, pampas grass, candles, wicker textures, and blush floral arrangements. The Vidhi and Haldi ceremonies were vibrant and traditional with marigold décor, colorful backdrops, lanterns, and interactive guest activities including a canvas reveal. The Sangeet transformed the barn into a Moroccan-inspired space with jewel tones, hanging lanterns, velvet textures, and dramatic lighting that created an immersive celebration.

The wedding ceremony was held outdoors in the evening at 7 PM with the Nashville skyline as a backdrop. Inspired by the wedding sequence in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, the mandap design was grand and cinematic. One of the most memorable moments was Shrusti’s entrance into the mandap through a hidden staircase, a vision that required extensive planning and last-minute problem solving before it was successfully executed.

Music played an important role throughout the celebration. The Baraat featured a live dhol team that created an energetic atmosphere as guests danced from the waterfront to the ceremony space. The groom arrived by boat with his groomsmen, adding a unique and lively start to the day. The ceremony included live singers and musicians performing traditional songs, enhancing the emotional atmosphere.

The reception embraced a modern luxury theme with a black, white, and gold color palette. The ballroom featured mirrored accents, candles, acrylic seating, and white floral arrangements including roses, hydrangeas, and lisianthus. Instead of a traditional stage setup, the DJ booth and LED screens became the focal point, creating an immersive party atmosphere. The bridal party entrance included custom props, LED lights, and oversized photo cutouts that energized the room.

The couple’s first dance included “Ordinary” by Alex Warren and “Tum Ho Toh” from Saiyaara. The father daughter dance was “Meri Duniya Tu Hi Re” by Sonu Nigam, and the mother son dance was “It’s the Time to Disco” by Vasundhara Das, KK, and Shaan.

The reception music blended Bollywood, Punjabi, hip hop, and global hits, keeping guests on the dance floor throughout the night. One of the most memorable spontaneous moments came when everyone gathered for “Mr. Brightside,” creating a final emotional singalong.

Personal touches were present throughout the wedding. Shrusti wore her mother’s wedding saree during the garland exchange, which also honored her grandparents who originally gifted it. DIY elements included custom signage, engraved favors, photo sharing QR codes, and personalized props for entrances. A major highlight was the emotional reveal of the fully designed mandap, which exceeded expectations and left guests in awe.

Despite weather anxieties leading up to the wedding and a humorous moment during the Haldi when the groom’s ring was temporarily lost, everything came together beautifully. The couple’s biggest advice to others is to stay present, focus on loved ones, and remember that the most meaningful memories often come from unplanned moments.

Suhani Jain, a Software Engineer at Microsoft, and Bhavik Desai, a Commissioning Engineer at CBRE, have a beautiful love story that began in middle school. Their friendship grew over the years, becoming a deep connection during high school. By 2014, they started dating in 11th grade. Their bond remained strong, and they both decided to attend Georgia Tech for college, continuing their relationship. After dating for 9 years, they got engaged and decided to marry on their 10th anniversary in November 2024.

The proposal happened serendipitously during a venue tour in August 2023. Suhani was transitioning to jobs, and they had already decided to get married in November 2024. Bhavik, knowing the importance of the moment, had secretly arranged the proposal at Embassy Suites St. Augustine Beach. Suhani was completely surprised when she stepped out onto the beach and saw Bhavik waiting with the proposal setup. This venue, which they later chose for their wedding, became the perfect place to celebrate their love.

BANQUET HALLS Embassy Suites by Hilton St Augustine Beach Oceanfront Resort 904-342-4410 | BEAUTICIANS Beauty Marked 813-445-6485  | Manus Beauty Care 904-525-5602 | CATERING Maa Vimla Catering 407-408-6030 | The Flame 305-989-1186 | DANCE FLOOR WRAP St. Johns Illuminations Event Rentals 904-436-5973 | DECORATOR Utopian Events 678-570-4443 | DISC JOCKEY Dudha Productions 727-418-8498 | EVENT PLANNER Elite Dream Creations 407-466-4247 | PHOTO BOOTH LetsBoothIt – Photo Booth 662-801-8552 | PHOTOGRAPHER / VIDEOGRAPHER Noor K Photography 407-729-0388 | PRIEST Mahesh Gor 321-297-6167

For the wedding planning, they hired a wedding coordinator for month-of and weekend-of coordination, which they highly recommend. While they handled finding vendors themselves, having someone manage the schedules and event details was invaluable. Both Suhani and Bhavik are from Jacksonville, so the wedding venue was conveniently located 30-45 minutes away from their hometown, with their families still living in the area.

The pre-wedding events were held in their backyards, with both families hosting Haldi/Pithi and Mehendi. Colorful decorations and flowers, particularly carnations and yellow blooms, added vibrancy to the occasion. The brides’ side had market lights while the groom’s side had a tent with lighting inside. Fun games, including trivia, added an interactive element to the celebrations. The wedding itself took place at 9:30 am on a beautiful beach-facing lawn, with the sound of the ocean creating a serene atmosphere. The mandap, adorned with white flowers and greenery, was the perfect setting for their vows. As a personal touch, guests received snack bags and a newspaper-style program, with games and stories about the couple.

Music played a key role in the wedding, reflecting the couple’s love for dancing. The Baraat was loud and lively, with Indian and popular music playing as Bhavik arrived in an open-roof Ford Bronco. He soon joined his friends and family for dancing, even carrying a toy horse head for fun. The bridal party walked to the ceremony site from the hotel, as all events were hosted at the same location.

For the reception, the couple chose a Jacksonville Jaguars theme, showcasing their love for the team. The tables were draped in black covers with white flowers, and the space featured black and gold accents. The couple made a grand entrance to an Indian/hip hop rap song, followed by a lively WWE-style call-out introduction. The cocktail hour featured personalized elements like posters from each year of their relationship and a photo/video booth. A unique seating chart with hexagonal wooden tiles displayed guests’ names and table numbers.

The first dance was to “My Girl” by The Temptations, while the father-daughter dance was to “Shava Shava” and the mother-son dance to “Jaane Kyu” and “Crank Dat” by Soulja Boy. The reception continued with performances by the bridesmaids, groomsmen, and friends, all dancing to a mix of Indian and hip-hop music. Suhani and Bhavik added creative touches throughout the celebration, including personalized dandiyas for the Sangeet, a newspaper-style program for the wedding, and custom cocktails for the cocktail hour. They even had shirts with each other’s faces for the after-party.

In a fun twist, their food stations at the Sangeet featured animated photos of the couple, and the cocktail hour had personalized tiles. The biggest “wow” moment was the stunning wedding scenery, with the beach providing a breathtaking backdrop. Looking back, Suhani and Bhavik share advice for future couples: seek help, enjoy the process, and incorporate personal touches to make the celebration more meaningful for everyone involved. Despite a few vendor hiccups, like a last-minute DJ change, everything came together beautifully, creating memories they’ll cherish forever.

Meera Patel and Ravi Choxi’s love story began with a simple message on Mirchi. From the moment Meera replied on November 18, 2022, their conversations never stopped. Texts turned into FaceTime calls, and soon, Ravi took the leap—visiting Meera in Florida. They met in person on December 18, 2022, and instantly knew they were meant to be. Two years later, on December 28, 2024, they tied the knot at the stunning Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando, Florida, surrounded by 350 guests.

Ravi’s proposal was a dream come true. He popped the question at sunset in front of Mt. Fuji in Japan on March 27, 2024. He had planned every detail, even hiring a photographer to capture the moment. Meera, completely unaware, had dressed casually that day, assuming the proposal would happen later in the trip. Shivering in the cold, she was reluctant to take photos, but Ravi convinced her to lower her scarf—just in time for him to kneel down and ask her to marry him. Overwhelmed with joy, Meera instantly forgot the cold. The surprise, the scenery, and Ravi’s love made it a perfect, unforgettable moment.

BANQUET HALLS Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress 407-913-2893 | BEAUTICIANS BRONZE + GLOW BEAUTY 407-385-2381 | CATERING Khasiyat Indian Restaurant 407-252-8756  | DECORATOR NJP Events & Design 321-474-4078 | DISC JOCKEY Awaaz Entertainment 407-902-9639 | EVENT PLANNER Elite Dream Creations 407-466-4247 | MEHNDI Henna Mehndi Art By Amrita 352-277-1906 | PHOTOGRAPHER / VIDEOGRAPHER Rolling Canvas Presentations 0425 671470 | PRIEST Mahesh Gor 321-297-6167

Planning a wedding is no small task, but Meera and Ravi made it work with the help of Elite Dreams Creation. Meera had already picked her vendors, and their planners ensured everything ran smoothly. Umangi and Bhargavi managed timelines, coordinated events, and kept everyone on track, making the process stress-free.

The pre-wedding events were nothing short of magical. NJP Events and Design brought each celebration to life. The Mehndi night featured an elegant floral-adorned backdrop with lanterns and a cascading waterfall. The Vidhi ceremony had a pastel paisley theme, while the Haldi took place outdoors, featuring gold tubs where family and friends applied turmeric paste. The Sangeet was an electrifying night, with a dazzling LED-lit stage and nonstop dancing.

The wedding itself was a dream. Despite brief rain showers in the morning and after the vidai—considered auspicious—the ceremony enjoyed perfect, cool weather. The outdoor mandap was breathtaking: a clear acrylic structure adorned with pink, red, and white flowers, blending beautifully with nature. Ravi arrived in style in a Corvette, dancing with his family and even Meera’s relatives. As Meera walked to the mandap with her mamas and mamis, emotions ran high—it was a moment she’ll cherish forever.

Since they skipped a traditional reception, their Sangeet became their big celebration. They made a grand entrance dancing to a remix of “Rangilo Maro Dol Na” and “Dior.” The night was filled with incredible performances, including a father-daughter dance to “Stunting Like My Daddy” and a mother-son performance to “Koi Ladki Hai.” Awaaz Entertainment kept the dance floor packed, mixing Bollywood, hip-hop, and Hispanic beats.

Planning a wedding is never easy, but Meera and Ravi’s biggest advice to couples is to remember the true purpose of the celebration. There will be stress, but in the end, the wedding is about love, commitment, and the start of a beautiful marriage. Their wedding weekend was a whirlwind of joy, traditions, and unforgettable memories—one that perfectly reflected their journey together.

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Aditi Jariwala and Nandha Parthiban’s wedding was a beautiful celebration of love and culture. The couple, both 28, first met in college during a shared class in 2016. Their relationship began with casual conversations and grew over time, leading to 7.5 years of dating. During this time, they moved across the country together twice, navigated long-distance periods, and shared many adventures.

The proposal came in December 2022, during a trip to Chicago with close friends. After spending the day exploring the city and soaking in the festive atmosphere, Nandha surprised Aditi with a proposal at a park overlooking the river. Aditi was overwhelmed with joy, and the couple spent the rest of the day sharing the news with their families and friends.

BANQUET HALL Minneapolis Institute of Art 888-642-2787  | BEAUTICIAN Ziel Bridal 612-234-7442 | CAKE Glam Doll Donuts 612-345-7064 | CATERING Raag Indian Cuisine 952-405-8367 | EVENT PLANNER Keyed Up Events 612-548-4539 | FLORIST Studio B Floral Designs 612-788-7575  | INVITATIONS Minted 888-828-6468 | MUSICIAN DJ Sundeep 651-592-7936 | PHOTOGRAPHER G. Marie Images

For their wedding, Aditi and Nandha chose the Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA) as the venue, a place close to their hearts. Both grew up in Minnesota, and although they no longer lived there, their families and many friends were based in the state. They were drawn to MIA for its stunning architecture, and they loved that the venue allowed them to bring in food from a local restaurant. Their day-of-coordinator, Dana from Keyed Up Events, was instrumental in bringing their vision to life, helping them stay organized and managing vendor coordination.

The wedding ceremony was intimate and simple, with the couple opting for a Western-style ceremony that reflected their preferences before their traditional Hindu wedding in India. Aditi’s dress, a custom creation by designer Shilpa K. from Mumbai, was a beautiful testament to her personal style, while Nandha wore a custom suit from SuitSupply. The ceremony’s music played a big part in setting the tone, with Vitamin String Quartet covers creating an elegant atmosphere, and the couple’s recessional song, “Stay Next to Me,” by Quinn XCII and Chelsea Cutler, reflecting their modern tastes.

Following the ceremony, the couple hosted a lively reception in another part of the art gallery. The décor was thoughtfully minimal to allow for the food and the art to take center stage. The reception featured a grand fountain at the center of the room, decorated with florals and candles that created a magical atmosphere, especially when the lights were dimmed to reveal the dance floor. The couple chose a mix of their favorite dishes for the dinner, including classic Indian appetizers like samosas and Sabudana fritters, and main courses such as butter chicken and malai tomatillo with paneer, served family-style. Signature cocktails—Paloma and Spicy Moscow Mule—were a hit at the open bar. Guests also enjoyed a unique touch in the form of custom fortune cookies, a nod to the couple’s first date. The evening was topped off with a stunning dessert display from Glam Doll Donuts, and a custom portrait of the couple painted by Aditi’s friend was displayed prominently.

Their first dance was to “Senorita” from Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, followed by a touching father/daughter and mother/son dance to Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World.” The energy on the dance floor was electric, with music ranging from Bollywood hits to classic pop and hip-hop, reflecting the couple’s diverse cultural backgrounds. The bride and groom danced alongside their loved ones, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Aditi and Nandha’s advice for future couples planning their wedding is simple: stay organized and plan ahead. Their biggest tip is to hire a wedding planner or coordinator, or to at least make sure you have checklists to avoid last-minute stress. The couple also had a few unexpected moments, like when the power went out at the location where Aditi and her bridesmaids were getting ready. Thankfully, the team quickly adapted, and the preparation went smoothly, allowing the day to unfold perfectly.

This wedding was a celebration of family, love, and cultural fusion, blending the couple’s Indian roots with their personal tastes. From the heartfelt vows to the joyous dance party, Aditi and Nandha’s wedding was a day they—and their guests—will always remember.

Vivek and Kelly’s wedding was a celebration of love, tradition, and beautiful memories, set against the stunning backdrop of The Westin Carlsbad Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, California. The couple, both dental specialists, had known each other for over a decade before tying the knot on October 29, 2023. Their journey began in 2013 during their specialty residency programs at the West Los Angeles VA hospital. Despite attending different dental schools, they chose the same 3-year program, and their paths crossed from the very first day. A month into the program, they went on their first date, marking the beginning of a long and fulfilling relationship.

For nearly nine years, Vivek and Kelly nurtured their bond, collaborating both professionally and personally. Over the years, they navigated the challenges of long-distance, as Vivek worked in San Diego for a year before returning to Los Angeles, while Kelly stayed in LA. Despite working separately, they dreamed of one day collaborating together professionally. In mid-2023, they took a leap and moved to sunny Tampa, where they now co-own multiple dental offices.

BANQUET HALLS The Westin Carlsbad Resort and Spa 760-827-2800 | BEAUTICIAN   Vanessa Rene Artistry 949-326-8707 | CAKE The Cake Korner  562-865-3200 ext. 1 |  CATERING Mantra Indian Cuisine 909-496-6824 | DECORATOR Tip Top Event Designs 323-402-1500 | EVENT PLANNER Shilpa Patel Events 714-585-8779 | MEHNDI Dimpsi Mehndi Service 858-609-9039 | Mobile Beauty Team 619-414-9048 | MUSICIAN Dancing DJ Productions 619-514-3117 | PHOTOGRAPHER One Story Weddings 562-972-0888 | GaryCoelhoPhotography 562-972-0888 | PRIEST Dharmasetu Das Adhikari 619-300-6542 | WEDDING SERVICES Zola 408-657-ZOLA

Vivek proposed to Kelly during a trip to Mayakoba, Playa del Carmen, Mexico, in June 2022. The surprise proposal was perfectly planned, though Kelly had no idea it was coming. Vivek had coordinated with the Rosewood Mayakoba to arrange a proposal spot on the beach, complete with a photographer and family members in the know. As they walked along the beach, Kelly noticed a heart drawn in the sand with “V+K” inside. At that moment, Vivek dropped to one knee and popped the question, leaving Kelly overwhelmed with joy and surprise.

The wedding itself was a stunning blend of Indian traditions and Western customs. It began with a welcome event and Mendhi on October 27, 2023, featuring a vibrant color scheme of fall tones, including pinks, salmon, and lavender, complemented by greenery. Birdcages, candles, and flowers such as carnations and dahlias decorated the venue. A particularly special touch was the folding of 1,001 origami cranes by their families. This Japanese tradition symbolizes peace, love, and longevity, and the cranes were incorporated into both the Mendhi and wedding ceremonies, hanging above the sweetheart table during the reception.

As the couple transitioned from the Mendhi to the wedding itself, they hosted a casual lunch in downtown Carlsbad on the day in between, providing a relaxed setting for guests to socialize. The wedding ceremony, held on October 29, was an outdoor Hindu ceremony, complete with a traditional Baarat. The ceremony was officiated by a priest who ensured that guests, many of whom were unfamiliar with Indian wedding traditions, understood the significance of each ritual. The floral decor remained consistent, with the same vibrant colors and flowers from the Mendhi, and the Mandap was kept simple yet elegant.

For the reception, the couple embraced Western traditions, with a white wedding ceremony officiated by a close family friend, Kent Siladi. They re-purposed the flowers from the Mandap and continued the crane theme with the 1,001 origami cranes adorning the sweetheart table and the backdrop. A unique touch was the traditional Japanese sake ceremony, “San San Kudo,” where the couple drank from three stacked cups, symbolizing love, wisdom, and happiness.

The evening continued with a series of dances, speeches, and a cake cutting. The couple’s first dance was to “And I Love Her” by The Beatles, a song that held special meaning for Kelly, having been a lifelong fan of the legendary band. The day concluded with a night filled with laughter, dancing, and cherished memories, marking the beginning of their new life together.