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Tulsi Gabbard Abraham Williams Wedding
When you have a spectacular Hawaiian backdrop complete with mountains in the distant background, palm trees swaying perfectly to every movement, birds chirping synchronically and creating heavenly music, you can be fairly certain that this wedding is going to be very different.
Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI 2nd District) really set the standard when she took her oath of office on the Bhagavad Gita, being the first person in the history of the United States of America to have done so. Her wedding to cinematographer Abraham Williams followed a similar theme, as the two were wed amid traditional Hindu hymns and in the Hindu style.
Ditching a previously chosen wedding gown, Gabbard ordered an Indian ensemble online, which arrived less than two days before the wedding. In a resplendent royal blue silk jacket teamed with a flowing gold skirt, she was a stunning bride.
With a Brahmin priest to wed the two together in the traditional style, complete with the ceremonial fire that calls on Hindu deities to bear witness to the union, Gabbard and Williams added their own personal touch by writing and reciting their own special vows to one another. The moment stood out beautifully in the ceremony, as did the special emotions that touched the bride and groom equally. The ceremony concluded with a special kirtan, where guests gathered around the newly pronounced couple, celebrating their joyous union and blessing them abundantly.
Given the mood of the wedding ceremony, the food needed to recreate the same feel. A traditional Indian spread that included paneer, samosas and saffron rice were all served with love by Gabbard’s brother-in-law.
Although the ceremony and every element around it came together perfectly, the occasion was like any other wedding, bringing with it its share of nerves. For one, Gabbard was extremely concerned that the dress might not make it on time. She continually tracked the shipment until it finally made it to her doorstep. What’s more, the weather threatened to dampen spirits with a fifty percent chance of rain. However, it held beautifully and not only gave the couple clear skies, but also a gentle breeze that was perfect for the occasion.
With Gabbard’s busy work schedule, a relaxing honeymoon will have to wait. The couple, however, has no complaints, as they continue to bask in the magic of a wedding ceremony that seems to have cast a spell on them.
Photos Courtesy: Marco Garcia
808-258-2159
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Farah Weds Shadman
Shadman and Farah may have been introduced to one another through mutual friends, but the bond they developed thereafter made them inseparable. One and a half years after they first met, an engagement followed.
Shadman and Farah may have been introduced to one another through mutual friends, but the bond they developed thereafter made them inseparable. One and a half years after they first met, an engagement followed.
With about six months to plan the wedding, Farah decided to manage without a professional consultant. It seemed easy at first, but as the wedding date drew closer, the pace picked up and Shadman and their friends were asked to provide additional help.
The Hilton Atlanta was large enough to accommodate the entire wedding party, and so the venue was the first choice. Celebrations began with the mehndi (rasm-e-henna) ceremony. Decorative lanterns atop tables, colorful tablecloths and shimmering gold, green, purple and pink accents on the canopy and stage added a vibrant splash of glamour.
The wedding ceremony began in the morning and was held at the local mosque. It was a simple, traditional affair, but not without the characteristic beauty of a wedding. Whites and golds in the ensembles, with bold red highlights from floral garlands made for perfect wedding pictures.
At the reception, guests were welcomed to the dazzling sight of gold, red and white. Floral centerpieces, dangling crystals, and ornate pillars made for a grand sight. An elaborate stage, complete with large golden doors and uplights were breathtaking. Handmade programs and a smartphone app allowed all guests to capture and upload their favorite moments truly making the occasion a standout.
Farah chose some of the industry’s best wedding vendors. Peter Nguyen Photography provided excellence, capturing perfect angles and expressions each time. He also managed to allow for all poses and moments that Farah explained she wanted. Noorface built tastefully on Farah’s existing beauty, and ensured she was every bit the resplendent bride.
No wedding comes without anxiety and sleeplessness. But ask Farah, and she will immediately tell you that none of it is really worth wasting all your energy, since the day will have come and gone before you know it, and you will have missed all the fun and excitement. Live each moment to its fullest, and it will gift you a lifetime of memories.
Photos Courtesy: Vendors BEAUTICIANS/COSMETICIAN
Gunn Glamour
678-558-7637
sgunn.hair@gmail.comNoorFace
678-472-5292
www.noorface.comBOUTIQUES
Chandni Boutique
773-973-6000Studio Elite
773-262-2200
www.studioeliteonline.comCAKE
Artisan Cakes By Julie
678-308-1577
www.artisancakesbyjulie.comDECORATOR
Events InStyle By Beenish Inc
770-912-8199
www.facebook.com/EventsInStyleByBeenishDISC JOCKEY
DJ Zee
678-508-5050
www.DJ-Zee.comFuzionbeats Entertainment
770-601-1354
www.fuzionbeatsent.comJEWELERS
Solomon Brothers
404-266-0266
www.solomonbrothers.comMEHNDI
Mehndi by Heena Manani
404-786-7113
sweetrm18@yahoo.comPHOTOGRAPHER
Peter Nguyen Photography
678-428-2521
www.peternguyenphoto.comRECEPTION SITES
Hilton Downtown Atlanta
404-221-6339
www.tradervicsatlanta.comRESTAURANT/CATERING
Kabab Hut
770-925-4440
www.kbhut.comZyka Restaurant
404-664-8880
www.zyka.comVIDEOGRAPHY
One Entertainment Productions
404-697-2031
www.oneentprouctions.comWEDDING CEREMONY
Masjid Omar Bin Abdul Aziz Mosk
770-279-8606
www.masjidomar.orgWEDDING INVITATIONS
XHD Invites
404-890-0309
www.xhdinvites.com
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Bhumi weds Nikhil
Bhumi has known Nikhil since she was nine. Not then, or all throughout college when they both studied on the same campus, did she believe she would marry him. It was when their families suggested the alliance that both Bhumi and Nikhil decided to focus their attention on getting to know one another better. The more they found out, the more convinced they were that no one was more perfect. And on one special occasion, Nikhil orchestrated a little treasure hunt – the treasure being a diamond ring and wedding proposal. Now who could refuse that!
A year of preparation enabled the families to manage all arrangements. With no professionals involved, the wedding was entirely a reflection of the taste and values of the families. A garba was held a day prior to the wedding. Traditional colors such as yellow, green, red and gold were used in the floral decorations. A large statue of Radha and Krishna were placed in the center, with flowers and a rangoli arranged around them. In striking contrast, the dining area took on various shades of peacock, all of which were brought out in the linens used.
A morning wedding followed the next day. Held at the local temple, the location was of special significance. This was the temple that both Nikhil and Bhumi, and the families, frequented for many years. White sheers with accents of maroon were hung all across the ceiling and the sides. Floral arrangements on the pillars, aisle and mandap brought the temple to life. Traditional wedding music played during the entire ceremony, as a live band supported the mood perfectly. Nikhil arrived for the wedding in a horse carriage, and whisked his wife away in her wedding gift, a Porsche.
The auditorium that was chosen for the reception resembled a dome. The sheer white on the top reflected the colors of the strobes perfectly. White, pink, and gold shone through in the flowers and candles, and a gobo monogram of the couple’s initials beamed throughout on the ceiling drapes. Special dances and skits tied the event together perfectly.
Nightmares, a wedding disaster, and nerves – nothing could come in the way of making this a perfect wedding. It is clear that not just the ceremony, but also the life of this couple is set for perfection. Bhumi firmly believes that you can never stop dating, and never let the magic fizzle. More importantly, she insists that you cannot go to bed angry with one another. For Nikhil, meeting this respiratory therapist clearly took his breath away!
Photos Courtesy: Vendors BANQUET HALLS
Umiya Mataji Mandir
478-476-9440
www.umiyamataji.comBEAUTICIANS/COSMETICIAN
IShadow Studios
678-464-5983
www.ishadowstudios.comDECORATOR
Weddings In Style
678-907-6547
www.weddingsinstyle.netDISC JOCKEY
DJ Sketch
678-665-1962
www.sketchsounds.com/contact-usGIFT ARTICLES
XHD Invites
404-890-0309
www.xhdinvites.comPHOTOGRAPHER
Zamana Photo & Videography
678-860-2921
www.zamanaphoto.comRECEPTION SITES
Macon City Auditorium
478-751-9250
www.maconcentreplex.com/auditoriumRENTAL SERVICES
Event Drapery
404-597-4653
www.eventdrapery.comVIDEOGRAPHY
Zamana Photo & Videography
678-860-2921
www.zamanaphoto.com
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Diana Weds Ananta
Weddings are always special for the couple who is about to begin a new life together. When families are woven into the wedding story, the magic and fun that occurs multiples. Two years after dating Diana, Ananta sought the blessings of her parents and let his family in on his plans for a grand proposal. In the presence of his whole family, Ananta went down on one knee and proposed in style. No girl could have turned him down, and certainly not one who loved him as much as Diana.
Though most of Ananta’s family lives in New York and Diana’s in Miami, the couple chose their hometown, Orlando, as the wedding venue. Both were keen on a temple wedding, which worked well not only for the couple, but also for the guests given its central location. With a puja performed by the groom and bride’s families respectively, it was soon time for the all-important day.
The wedding was held in the afternoon. An intelligent choice of bright colors added to the cheerful atmosphere and enhanced its beauty. The use of red, orange, green, and pink with splashes of blue made for an exquisite collage, and drapes, flowers and candles were used throughout to accentuate the bright colors. Elephant statues adorned the main aisle, as well as the central area. Simple yet elegant programs in maroon were handed to guests as they arrived.
The traditional beat of a drum signalled the entry of the groom and his family. With the use of a fog machine, the groom made a grand entrance in his SUV lending the occasion a surreal touch. One of the bride’s cousins played a selected piece on the violin to set the mood before the bride made her appearance. The wedding was soon underway, and after the rituals, a dance performance by the bride’s niece and some fireworks brought the spectacular explosion of color and life to a close.
The couple chose to host a reception in Ananta’s home state. The newly married couple and bridal party arrived at the reception venue in a Hummer limousine. The ballroom at the Floral Terrace in New York came to life with pale pink, white and yellow flowers lit up with candles and gold pedestals. Glistening lights and chandeliers reflected the upbeat mood, while cocktails, food and a huge wedding cake catered to the appetite of the guests. The DJ belted out a mix of songs of various genres including Bollywood, hip hop, and reggae.
According to the couple, communication and compromise both contribute to a happy marriage. Considering that apart from a little speech that was overlooked things worked perfectly at this wedding, so you should certainly want to follow what they say!
Photos Courtesy: Vendors BANQUET HALLS
Floral Terrance
516-488-2626
www.floralterrace.comBEAUTICIANS/COSMETICIAN
Ambro Style
347-415-6255
www.ambrostyle.comLuma Bridal
407-536-8121
www.luisabridal.comBOUTIQUES
Brides By Demetrios
407-869-5277
demetriosbride.comCAKE
Buttercooky Bakery
516-354-3831Party Flavors Custom Cakes
407-578-2082
orlandocustomcakes.comDHOL PLAYER
TNT Sweet Tassa
407-285-5002
www.sweettassa.comDISC JOCKEY
DJ Derick
917-847-6204FLORIST
Floral Terrance
516-488-2626
www.floralterrace.comJay W. Becker Florist
516-437-0307
www.jwbeckerflorist.comPHOTOGRAPHER
Fine Art Productions
732-662-5555
www.fineartproductions.netPRIEST/WORSHIP SERVICES
Sahadeo Hariprasad
Panditsahadeo@gmail.comRENTAL SERVICES
Rentaland Tents & Events
407-851-7368
www.rentalandparties.comVIDEOGRAPHY
Fine Art Productions
732-662-5555
www.fineartproductions.net
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Nikki weds Mayur
At 27 years-old, Nikki Patel, based in Tampa, and Mayur Patel, who lived in Texas, were both looking for their life partners through the Shaadi.com web portal. Nikki first expressed an interest in September 2013, and one month later, Mayur accepted the request. The two began talking to each other, and what initially was restricted to just a few messages during the day, became long phone calls, emails, texts, and every other means of communicating. Soon, the two met and after dating for nine months, the couple announced their decision to get married. Needless to say, both families were thrilled.
Nikki took on planning for the entire event. The festivities began with an engagement party in July 2014. The coupled hosted the event at the Stamford Marriott in Connecticut with over 500 guests in attendance. Every detail from the food to the decoration was taken care of by Nikki, and the guests enjoyed thoroughly. Soon after the engagement, Mayur moved to Florida, which helped simplify matters as the couple could easily plan. Additionally, Nikki was able to rely on Mayur for all the support that she needed.
After a lot of discussion and visiting several venues, the couple chose the Tampa Waterside Marriott as the site for wedding events. The hotel has always been Nikki’s favorite choice, and it is one of the few venues in Tampa that can comfortably accommodate a guest list exceeding 800 people. The couple chose a Rajasthani theme for the wedding, so décor consisted of bright blues and greens that set the stage for all events. The mehendi ceremony was hosted at Nikki’s house where the Moroccan themed décor coupled with mouth-watering food ensured that the guests enjoyed themselves.
All the pre-wedding ceremonies for Mayur and his family were done at the Stamford Marriott Hotel as most of his family is based there. The couple did hire a wedding planner to coordinate on the day of wedding, but Nikki did most of the planning before then herself. Even the minor details like printing the itinerary for the ceremony to keep the guests informed was on her to-do list. With the help of reliable vendors like All That Shines Event Planning, Fine Art Productions, and the support of the hotel staff, Nikki and Mayur said their wedding vows in a stellar event that has become a memory that they will treasure for a lifetime!
Photos Courtesy: Fine Art Productions
888-494-7909
www.fineartproductions.netVendors EVENT PLANNER
All That Shine Event Planning Inc
813-785-9017
www.allthatshinesevents.comPHOTOGRAPHER
Fine Art Productions
732-662-5555
www.fineartproductions.netDHOL PLAYER
Mitul Gandhi
813-769-9649
tampadholbeats@hotmail.comDECORATOR
Occasions By Shangri-La
407-394-4244
www.occasionsbyshangrila.comRESTAURANT/CATERING
Rasoi
732-429-8150
saggarpop@yahoo.comBANQUET HALLS
Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina
813-204-6311
www.marriott.comDISC JOCKEY
Volcanik Entertainment
201-240-9080
www.volcanik.com
