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

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.

Photos Courtesy: Sona Photography 407-694-6032 www.sonaphotography.com   Vendors BANQUET HALLS Omni Orlando Resort At ChampionsGate 407-238-6547 www.omnihotels.com BEAUTICIANS/COSMETICIAN Bridal Make Up by Jigna Patel 813-493-0625 kau_jig@yahoo.com CAKE Party Flavors Custom Cakes 407-578-2082 www.orlandocustomcakes.com DECORATOR Nikun Events 407-448-7128 www.nikunevents.com DISC JOCKEY Rang Entertainment 941-545-8509 www.rangentertainment.com EVENT PLANNER Rtti Couture Weddings & Events 813-728-6274 www.ritticouture.com FLORIST Nikun Events 407-448-7128 www.nikunevents.com HORSE AND CARRIAGE Downtown Horse & Carriage Inc 561-723-4704 www.downtownhorseandcarriage.com Pinto Carriage Works 904-222-5272 www.pintocarriageworks.com MEHNDI Bridal Make Up by Jigna Patel 813-493-0625 kau_jig@yahoo.comSangita Patel 407-257-3271 www.spbridalservices.com MUSICIAN Harps Unlimited 407-352-5950 k.attanasi@yahoo.com PHOTOGRAPHER Photo Mingle 321-446-4564 www.photomingle.com Sona Photography 407-694-6032 www.sonaphotography.com PRIEST/WORSHIP SERVICES Ramesh Mehta 813-661-6297 namasteamerica1@gmail.com RESTAURANT/CATERING Aashirwad Indian Cuisine 407-370-9830 www.aashirwadrestaurant.com Bombay Grille 321-446-1556 ksvn54@yahoo.com Khasiyat 407-888-2147 bhanuchavda13@yahoo.com VIDEOGRAPHY Riant Films 407-603-6955 www.riantfilms.com

Sharon Weds Ankit

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