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2014 Desh-Videsh Photo Shoot Participants
In April 2014, Desh-Videsh coordinated a photo shoot with prominent players in the South Asian wedding industry. As a leader in hosting and organizing the popular MyShadi Bridal Expo, working with such professionals was a great opportunity, one the magazine will continue to explore in the future.
Venue
At Innisbrook – a Salamander Golf & Spa Resort in Tampa Bay, you’ll find 900 acres of rolling hills and natural beauty, world class golf, the Indaba Spa and over 500 spacious guest rooms and suites. For weddings and special events, you’ll find elegant ballrooms accommodating from 200 to 600 guests, and an exclusive culinary menu for ethnic catering.
Innisbrook – a Salamander Golf & Spa Resort
Contact : Rick Galipault
T: 727-942-5541
W: www.VisitInnisbrook.com.Photographer
Kimberly Photography is a premier South Asian and American Wedding photographer based in Florida and is quickly becoming one of the most sought after South Asian wedding studios. With 11 years of
experience, Kimberly Photography offers a fresh and unobtrusive approach to every event. Our images are a fusion of a modern, documentary style and a reflection of our amazing couples.Kimberly Photography
T: 727-543-9723
E: k@kimberly-photography.com
W: www.kimberly-photography.com
https://www.facebook.com/KPhotogHair and Makeup
Michele Renee The Studio is an on-location hair and makeup company specializing in bridal hair and makeup. They serve Sarasota, Bradenton, Gainesville, Ocala, Orlando, and the Greater Tampa Bay areas.
Michele Renee The Studio has a staff of 30 artists ready for any size Bridal Party. Other services offered are spray tans, nails, massage, and eyelash extensions.Michele Renee is a licensed cosmetologist and has been a hair and makeup artist for the past 14 years. She is the owner of Michele Renee The Studio located in Tampa and Gainesville.
Michele Renee The Studio
T: 813-531-7770
E: makeup_michele@yahoo.com
W: MicheleReneeTheStudio.Com
www.facebook.com/MicheleReneeTheStudioJewelry
Belsi’s, a collection of modern accessories with Indian inspired influence, is the brainchild of Riddhi Fazal, whose love for culture and fashion drove her to leave her IT career in 2011 and launch her collection. The jewelry collection includes statement earrings, statement earrings, glimmering cocktail rings, and breathtaking cuffs incorporated with an eclectic mix of exotic stones, metals, wood, and distinctive silhouettes.Belsi’s Collection
T: 678-313-7807
E: info@belsiscollection.com
W: www.belsiscollection.comClothing Boutique
Alisha’s Creations was established two years ago when owner, Alisha Patel, decided to pursue her life long passion for art and Indian fashion, after earning her Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences from USF. She currently runs the boutique as well as designs many of the clothing and jewelry found at the boutique. Alisha’s Creations provides a young and fresh take on today’s fashions and guarantees the latest trends. It is a one-stop shop for ready-to-wear and custom clothing for men and women, designer handbags, and also the home of the largest collection of custom imitation jewelry in Florida. Alisha’s Creations is the name you can trust and adore for all your requirements of traditional fashion, as they are confident of their quality and services.
Alisha’s Creations
1911C E. Fowler Ave
Tampa, FL 33612
T: (813) 500- 0366
E: alishascreations08@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/AlishasCreationClothing Boutique
MEDAWALA began in the 1950’s to offer the best in handcrafted and elegant traditional embroideries in different forms. We offer embroidered designer Sarees, Salwar khameez, Chaniya cholis, and other Indian ethnic wear collection for all occasions for bride and all age group in touch with latest trends and stunning style statement. Our focus is to cater to the best quality fabrics, artistic and modern workmanship, and good service at reasonable prices.
Medawala Boutique
T: 478-747-9418
W: www.medawalanadiad.com”Decor
Partners Seema Patel and Megha Kothur are the two ladies of Two Ladies and Events – an events company specializing in wedding, social and corporate event planning.Organization and thinking outside the box is key to any fabulous event! Two Ladies and Events strive to make your event a stress free occasion from start to finish! With a great list of vendor and venue resources Two Ladies is able to save you time and money as you plan your big day!
Megha Kothur: 608-217-5687
Seema Patel: 727-772-3491
E: Twoladiesandevents@gmail.com
W: www.twoladiesandevents.com
www.facebook.com/pages/Two-Ladies-and-Events/131895456995304MODELS
• Bride Chandni Patel
• Groom Lokesh Cuumar
• Best Man Shawn Alam
• Bridesmaid Alisha Patel -
Prachi weds Hardik
After bumping into each other several times (their parents lived in the same city), Hardik finally asked Prachi out on a date, marking the beginning of a lovely relationship. Hardik, an entrepreneur, worked in Atlanta, while Prachi pursued a career in Virginia. On a June weekend, when they were both planning to be in Florida, Hardik arrived one day earlier than scheduled. He surprised Prachi with a proposal at the airport on the day she landed. The beautiful proposal was complete with a huge bouquet, a romantic speech, and of course, a ring. Hardik went down on one knee to profess his love, and Prachi said yes.
The couple chose the Orlando Airport Marriot as the wedding venue since it was convenient for both the families and for guests flying in from out of town. To help plan the wedding, the couple hired a day-of wedding planner as well as a hotel wedding coordinator.
The sangeet and raasgarba exuded a traditional Gujarati feel. A Radha-Krishna statue surrounded by large lotus flowers created the centerpiece on the dance floor. Food stations were set up in the corners of the ballroom. Bright pink, purple, green, blue and red colors were chosen for the décor. Pink uplighting added a traditional touch to the venue. A live band played traditional raas-garba music adding to the ambiance.
For the wedding ceremony, the Grand Ballroom of the hotel was decorated in a Jodha-Akhbar theme. Red, green gold and yellow created a traditional look and white flowers added elegance. Chair covers were embellished with gold sashes. Elephant statues decorated with flowers adorned the aisle entrance. The pedestals flanking the aisle were decorated with roses, hydrangeas, orchids and lilies. A flower Ganesh was suspended at the center of the dais.
Prachi entered the venue to the tunes of “Teri Ore” from Singh is King. Music for the wedding and reception was provided by DJ Jaz of GTB productions. Yogi Patel, from WaWa Curry catered the wedding lunch.
The reception hall was transformed with modern and sophisticated decor. Eggplant purple, white and gold decorated the hall. In keeping with the theme, white flowers with purple sashes were used. Forty tables were arranged in the hall and decorated with several different designs of centerpieces. Twenty tall centerpieces, set in beautiful tall vases, included hydrangeas, roses, orchids, lilies, curly willows, and tea light candles. Another set of centerpieces was placed in assorted sized vases filled with white carnation pomander balls. White rose petals and tea-light candles were used around the vases. The third set included as small square and round vases full of calla lilies and white roses. Purple sashes, table linens, and uplighting beautifully contrasted with the whites flowers used in centerpieces.
The stage was decorated with a white background embellished with large circular flower arrangements of carnations and white orchids suspended and attached by shimmering fabric to floating flower laden ledges. Light projected as falling diamonds beautified the backdrop further.
The DJ played the couple’s favorite Indian music throughout the reception. The couple danced to the title track of Hum Tum. Prachi’s family acted out a 20-minute skit, and Hardik’s sisters presented dances.
Though the couple experienced one last-minute disaster (forgotten table cards), the wedding planner quickly took care of the matter and the crisis was averted!
The couple advises would-be couples to enjoy the moment, support each other, and appreciate their parents for their hard work.Photos Courtesy: Fine Art Productions
732-662-5555
www.fineartproductions.netVendors BANQUET HALLS
Orlando Airport Marriott
407-851-9000
www.marriott.com/mcoapBEAUTICIANS/COSMETICIAN
Luma Bridal
407-536-8121
www.luisabridal.comCAKE
Cakes By Amita
772-485-7937
cakesbyamita@hotmail.comWEDDING PLANNER
Diamond Events
619-916-8380
www.diamondeventsinc.comDECORATOR;FLORIST;
WEDDING SERVICES
Dlightful Events By
Impression Makers LL
407-925-2598
www.Imakeevents.comDISC JOCKEY
Dj Jaz- GTB Productions
404-606-0402
www.djjaz.netPHOTOGRAPHER/
VIDEOGRAPHER
Fine Art Productions
732-662-5555
www.fineartproductions.net
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Avani weds Sandesh
From being classmates to becoming partners in life, the journey for Avani and Sandesh was a beautiful one. It was at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Maryland where love first blossomed between the two. After dating for three years, Sandesh proposed to Avani on the boardwalk at Fells Point, Maryland, a quaint neighborhood frequented by the couple during medical school. Avani said yes – but little did she know that Sandesh planned a surprise party back home in Baltimore with a few close friends. When Avani opened the door, a crowd greeted her and all of them had a celebratory blast. Along with the assistance of a wedding planner, the couple began whirlwind wedding preparations immediately giving them one year to plan the event in Tampa, Florida.
Pre-wedding functions began with great pomp. The sangeet venue was decorated in the gamti-theme with chiffon fabrics adorning the ceilings and pink, orange and green uplighting. The wedding took place in the beautifully decorated grand ballroom of the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel. Since the bride and groom were from different cultures, the entire wedding was planned to represent and embrace traditions from both families. The families worked closely together to create a blend in the unique aspects of each culture into the wedding ceremony. The programs for the ceremony were printed on scrolls. DJ Prem entertained the guests and the ceremony came alive with songs by family and friends.
The reception hall was decorated in royal blue and gold. White flower bouquets with dashes of roses, lilies and orchids adorned the hall, making it look grand and sophisticated. Gold and blue uplighting illuminated the entire place.
A live band, with a sitar player, tabla player, guitarist among other instrumentalists, played during the cocktail hour. The bridesmaids and groomsmen entered the hall to the instrumental version of “Viva la vida” by Coldplay.
The groom’s grandfather and sister were welcomed to the song “Mahi Ve.” The bride’s grandmother, brother and sister-in-law walked in to the tunes of “Boogie Wonderland” by Earth, Wind and Fire. The groom’s parents entered to “Janma Janmada Anu bandha,” and the bride’s parents to “Om Shanti Om.” The bride and groom entered to the song “You are the Best Thing” by Ray Lamontagne. Dances were performed to “Dola-Re-Dola” from Devdas among other songs. The bride’s brother sang a surprise song, changing the words of a popular song to commemorate his sister and brother-in-law.
The cake cutting ceremony was a fun affair and took place as “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing” by Tammi Terrell and Marvin Gaye played in the background. Father and daughter danced to the melodious “Age bhi Jane na Tu, Peeche bhi Jane na Tu” from the classic Waqt film. Mother and son danced to “A Song for Mama” by Boyz II Men. Speeches by parents, friends and siblings were heartfelt and endearing. Each person who spoke gave a unique perspective of the bride or groom, adding to the many fun moments of the reception.
The couple believes that weddings are not all about what the bride and groom want, but about creating a happy atmosphere for everybody including families, friends and guests. Seeing everybody have a good time is the best part of the wedding.
Photos Courtesy: Digital Dreams
407-791-6064
www.digitaldreamstudio.comVendors BANQUET HALLS
Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel
813-204-6311
www.marriott.com/TPAMCBEAUTICIANS/
COSMETICIAN
Bridal Make Up by Jigna Patel
813-493-0625
kau_jig@yahoo.comBOUTIQUES
Bawree Boutique
678-728-0077
www.bawree.comCOMMUNITY HALL
India Cultural Center (ICC)
813-802-4638
www.tampaicc.comDISC JOCKEY
Rang Entertainment
941-755-2615
www.rangentertainment.comDHOL PLAYER
Mitul Gandhi -Dhol Player
813-769-9649
tampadholbeats@hotmail.comPHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER
Digital Dream Studio
407-791-6064
www.digitaldreamstudio.comRENTAL SERVICES
Black Tie Rentals
813-479-8110
www.blacktierental.comRESTAURANT/CATERING
Dosa Hut
813-385-2033
www.garmdosahut.comKhasiyat
407-888-2147
bhanuchavda13@yahoo.comTabla Bar And Grill
407-248-9400
www.tablabar.comWEDDING SERVICES
Palloos Flowers
407-302-7966
www.palloosflowers.comWEDDING PLANNER
Two Ladies and Events
727-772-3491
www.twoladiesandevents.com
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Risha weds Stefen
Risha Krystal Permanan and Stefen Mohammad had a chance meeting. They began dating, and then eight years later Stefen proposed – and he did it in style. On their way to his father and brother’s joint birthday party, Stefen took Risha on a short detour to an undisclosed location. Doors flung open upon their arrival, and they were welcomed by a walkway of rose petals. A stunned Risha turned back to look at Stefen, who had dropped on one knee holding the Tacori ring she longed dreamed about. She said yes and the couple took off for the party where they made the announcement.The couple planned the wedding on their own, with a lot of help from the notes that Risha had gathered from watching weddings on television and tips from social media sites like Pinterest and Etys. Risha relied on her creativity and imagination to create a wedding that reflected both their personalities. They had to plan two weddings, a Hindu wedding in keeping with Risha’s culture and a Catholic wedding in keeping with Stefen’s culture. Being born and brought up in Trinidad and Tobago, a place known for its multicultural way of life, the couple was able to plan the dual wedding very well. The couple chose South Florida for the wedding.
The Hindu ceremony was held at the South Florida Hindu Temple in Southwest Ranches, Florida, for its divinity and sacredness. The venue could accommodate the 300 invitees comfortably. The post-ceremony dinner was hosted at the attached pavilion. The invitation included verses from the Rig Veda. Music was provided by the Florida Melody Makers headed by Pt. Neil Persad and Mala Samaroo, along with Tassa by the Boodoosingh Tassa Group, and dance was performed by Nirvana Sookdeo.
The Catholic ceremony was held the next day at the beautiful Weston Hills Country Club. The couple married in the garden, under a crystal chandelier, framed with cascading white linen. There were white rosette boxes and crystal vases filled with assorted flowers. Violinist Paulo Diaz provided music for the ceremony. During the cocktail hour that followed the Catholic ceremony, Simon and Gail Rambaran of The Island Band played music.
The reception also took place at the Weston Hills Country Club. The entrance was done in a red carpet style where guests took pictures against a backdrop of the newlywed couple’s photo. The theme was “A Love Story: 10 Years in the Making.” The venue was decorated in purple and crystal. The stage was had a crystal gate with hanging crystal globes and purple linen drapes. There was a white new India love seat set against a white linen backdrop curved on either side to create an intimate picture.
The tables at the reception were covered with floor length special linen in purple satin and silver beaded chargers. Beautiful centerpieces were made using floral wreaths designed in crystal bowls and glass sombrero vases filled with white hydrangeas and roses and lavender roses. Crystals were strung on the sides of the vases. Short pillar candles added to the décor. Rectangle tables were set along the perimeter of the dance floor for the immediate families of the couple. The centerpiece for theses tables were themed “River of Candles” and placed in clusters of 6”, 8” and 10” candles. Cylindrical vases were placed on the table along with lavender flower petals. The venue was lit up with LED lights in shades of purple. For guest, acrylic chairs with lavender satin chair pads were provided.
The couple says that nothing works better than your own imagination while planning your wedding.
Be unique and follow your heart for wedding décor and preparations.Photos Courtesy: Afrah Productions
305-336-6933
www.afrahproductions.comVendors PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER
Afrah Production
305-336-6933
www.afrahproductions.comBANQUET HALLS
Weston Hills Country Club
954-384-4670
www.westonhillsgolfclub.comSouth Florida Hindu Temple
954-252-8802
www.sfht.orgBEAUTICIANS/COSMETICIAN
Ibrow Studio
954-304-4958
www.sumaiyas.comBOUTIQUES
Chhabras Fashions
954-578-0093
chhabrasfashion@hotmail.comLetrend Boutique
407-288-3304
www.letrendboutique.comCAKE
We Take The Cake
954 764-2253
www.wetakethecake.comDECORATOR;FLORIST;
WEDDING SERVICES
Suhaag Gardens
813-478-9283
www.suhaaggarden.comENTERTAINMENT
DJ Ryan
954-274-7174
Instagram/Twitter:@RyanSayeedVIDEOGRAPHY
PHOTOGRAPHY
S & S Video Productions
954-854-2808
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Purva weds Amit
Amit and Purva met and fell in love while they were studying to be medical professionals. After spending much time staring into microscopes, Amit took Purva out to dinner at their favorite restaurant in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The next day morning, he left pink roses at her doorstep, and this was their first outing together! After three years of dating, the couple went back to visit Ann Harbor for Amit’s niece’s birthday. After the party, Amit took Purva to the same restaurant where they had their first date and amidst food and nice conversation, he proposed.Planning began in May for the he wedding that took place on November 23, 2013. While both families did most of the planning, they hired Eventrics to help finalize the arrangements and coordinate details on the wedding day. Amit and Purva were wed in a lovely outdoor destination wedding at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The venue’s gorgeous oceanfront terrace offers beautiful views of the ocean, a plus of all of the wedding functions.
The theme for the sangeet ceremony was Latin and Punjabi. The décor, done by Occasions by Shangri-La, featured a lovely combination of Latin and Punjabi cultures. The Latin connection was brought in through centerpieces with peppers suspended in glass vases while Punjabi elements were infused through bright clothes on the tables with small tablas. Beautiful tropical flower arrangements, market lights, and signs pointing to important places in the couple’s life added a personal touch to the venue.
Originally, the Latin portion of the sangeet was planned outdoors. However, weather conditions forced the couple to adopt a similar atmosphere indoors. A 9-piece Latin band played live music, and a dancing couple from Dance South Florida performed. The performers also gave fun salsa lessons to guests. Close friends and family performed at the sangeet. Punjabi celebrations soon took over with Punjabi music and beats by a traditional dhol player, Sunny Singh. A highlight included the special mojito bar served delicious varieties of the classic cocktail.
The groom’s procession/baraat began in the morning on the beach. Amit rode a horse and was accompanied by his groomsmen, dhol player Sunny Singh and DJ Xio. The wedding, arranged on the oceanfront terrace, took place under a mandap designed with open clear acrylic and decorated with corals and white flowers along with crystal strands. The raised aisle displayed acrylic pedestals with large flower bouquets on both sides. Sitar player Prasanna provided background music, and the bride’s entrance music was performed by flute-player Dr. Indar Jhamb, also a close family friend.
The reception hall was decorated in gold, silver and purple. Tables were arranged in two large “X” formations, each displaying a candle river. Crystal balls and large crystal centerpieces were placed in the center. Candles decorated with crystals and gold chairs with purple sashes created an elegant ambiance.
DJ Xio of Miami and a percussionist provided music. Dances began with an un-choreographed number by Amit and Purva to Stevie Wonder’s “Sunshine of my Life.” The couple then did a choreographed rumba to “Mirrors” by Justin Timberlake. The bride and her father danced to Frank Sinatra’s “The Way You Look Tonight.” The groom and his mother danced to “I Will” by the Beatles. Relatives and friends did an impromptu dance to “More than Words.”
The couple advises hiring a wedding coordinator since the professional can take a lot of stress off your shoulders!
Photos Courtesy: Asaad Images
407-221-3333
www.asaadimages.comVendors BANQUET HALLS
Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
954-525-4000
www.marriottharborbeach.comBEAUTICIANS/COSMETICIAN
Ibrow Studio
954-304-4958
www.sumaiyas.comCAKE
Edda-s Cake Design
305-668-1828 x203
www.eddascakedesigns.comDECOR
Occasions By Shangri-La
407-394-4244
www.occasionsbyshangrila.comHORSE – CARRIAGE
Downtown Horse & Carriage Inc
561-723-4704
www.downtownhorseandcarriage.comLIGHTING
Get Lit Lighting Productions
407-924-4246
www.glp-fl.comPHOTOGRAPHER/
VIDEOGRAPHER
Asaad Images
407-221-3333
www.asaadimages.comRESTAURANT/
CATERING
Tabla Bar And Grill
407-248-9400
www.tablabar.comWEDDING PLANNER
EVENTRICS INC
863-683-3905
www.eventrics.com
