Real Wedding

Neha weds Guru

Couples who keep their love alive even after having been together many years have truly found themselves the perfect soul mate. Finding love is rare, and when it is as special as what Guru and Neha share, it is truly unbelievable.

Neha and Guru dated for nearly nine years before they got married. Despite the fact that they would be husband and wife was a foregone conclusion, the proposal was elaborate and breathtaking. Guru left Neha believing he was flying off for three weeks, when he was actually setting things up and shopping for the special proposal day. After surprising Neha with a visit at her dorm, Guru let her in on the fact that they were getting away for the weekend. He even managed to sneak some special things and pack for her. Whisking her off to a scenic locale, Guru arranged for everything that was romantic and surreal, unfolding one surprise after the other. The icing on the cake was a special dress and shoes that lay waiting in the closet for Neha – something she dreamt would come true only in the movies. He started to break the news gently, telling her first that he would be moving to Boston. On the pretext of a dance, Guru was suddenly on one knee proposing and Neha was ecstatic! That was not the end to the enchanting weekend, but there was much more waiting ahead

While Guru’s parents managed the engagement, Neha’s family looked after all wedding preparations. The couple chose Nashville as the location for their wedding, since both graduated from Vanderbilt University. It was also more appropriate for them since it allowed them choices like the Parthenon and War Memorial. The arrangements and plans were beyond what anyone imagined possible.

Photos Courtesy:
Zamana Photo & Videography 678-860-2921 www.zamanaphoto.com

Vendors
BANQUET HALLS OZ Nashville 615-350-7200 www.oznashville.comThe Parthenon 615-862-8431 www.conservancyonline.comWar Memorial Auditorium 615-782-4086 www.wmarocks.com	Planning and Decor Sage Nines Event production 615-545-9706 www.sagenines.comCatering Raj bhog 201-395-9400 www.rajbhog.com

Sumitha weds Sean

Sumitha weds Sean Sumitha Solai and Sean Pitroda had one thing in common – spontaneity. And so, it was fitting that Sean proposed spontaneously. Sitting in the room of Sofitel Hotel during a vacation to their favorite place in the world, Manhattan, New York, Sean pulled out the ring while Sumitha was busy animatedly narrating a story. He did not plan the occasion because he knew she would read his mind. He also avoided clichéd lines and did not go down in his knees. He simply produced the ring and felt like the happiest man on planet earth when she said yes through happiness and tears.

The wedding was planned for May 24, 2013, ten months from the engagement. The planning began in August 2012. Although Sumitha was at the forefront of preparations, Sean was a huge support. The process was tougher than they imagined, more so because Sumitha, being the perfectionist she is, wanted everything to be just so for their special day. The couple hired a “day of” coordinator, Brittany Ellis from Eventrics, to organize all details on the wedding day. As their wedding got closer, the couple allocated 25 hours per week for wedding preparations

Wedding preparations became difficult when the couple shifted the wedding venue from their hometown of Chicago to Winder mere, Florida because the place was more conducive to executing their dream wedding. As an added bonus, Sumitha’s family owns a home in Florida. Also, the couple loved the Ritz Carlton there, the place where the wedding was ultimately held.

Pre-wedding celebrations began on May 23. The Sangeet ceremony was held pool side at Sumitha’s family home in Windermere, and the theme exuded Bollywood. The venue was done in bright pink and teal with white tables decorated with lanterns and canopy beds highlighted with Rajasthani umbrellas placed along the pool perimeter. The pool itself was adorned with lit lotus flowers floating in water. The entry was lined with lit palm trees. The back terrace was decorated with 200 market lights placed under mini Rajasthani umbrellas. The bride and groom were positioned under a canopy on silk sofas accentuated with colorful pillows. Food stations were placed under draped arches and marked by wood signs. Desserts were served in a separate lounge and a gazebo served as a bar.

The wedding took place by the lake at the Ritz Carlton in a gazebo. The venue was done in traditional orange and red colors. The bride was dressed in a red saree, and the bridesmaid donned yellow saris. Red and orange fabrics were used to drape the mandap. The groom arrived on a horse and the bride arrived in a horse-drawn carriage while traditional Tamil songs played in the background. After the ceremony, the couple left in the carriage.

The ceremony programs, done in gold, were embossed with the couple’s custom monogram designed by Get Lit. The programs were placed in a gold colored bag that also consisted of a personalized paper fan and custom designed game. The winner of the game was announced during the reception. Guests also received a bag with a traditional incense stick holder and sweets. Music consisted of traditional South Indian nadhaswaram played by DJ Raj.

The reception was a grand affair. For cocktails, the Tuscany Terrace of the Ritz was chosen. Roman pillars and greenery characterized the place. It was personalized with things that emphasized the couple’s interests such as traveling. The couple arrived to the beats of dhol and made a sparkling entrance as the bridesmaids and groomsmen held sparklers on either side. While the dhol player entertained guests, the couple retreated to a private room for a toast.

The reception dinner was organized in the Plaza Ballroom of the Ritz. The room featured a rich royal look with elegant chandeliers, silk wall coverings and grand wall scones done in ivory and gold. The couple and the wedding party wore royal blue and emerald green clothing. The tables were alternately decorated with 20” panache vases holding hydrangea centerpieces lit up with base votives and lit gold elephants on fabric risers surrounded by a border of fresh flowers. The couple was seated in front of a white background embellished with white and gold jali columns. The sweetheart table had floating glass with fresh floral border lit up with floating candles in vases.

The couple first danced to U2’s“One” followed by a fast Latin salsa number, “Tamacun” by Rodrigo y Gabriela. The bridesmaids and groomsmen danced to a medley of Indian songs. All throughout the reception, the music was a mix of retro and modern numbers.

The couple says that people getting married should look around the venue to capture memorable images of family and friends. Such memories truly last forever.

Decorator:
Occasions by Shangrila 407-355-7700 www.occasionsbyshangrila.com

Photos Courtesy:
Jensen Larson Photography 407-409-8499 www.jensenlarson.com

Vendors

Decorator
Occasions by Shangrila
407-355-7700
www.occasionsbyshangrila.comWedding Planners
Eventrics Weddings
863-683-3905
www.eventrics.com

Lighting
Get Lite
407-615-4418
www.glp-fl.com

Photography
Jensen Larson Photography
407-409-8499
mail@jensenlarson.com

Videography
Brett Culp Films
877-808-4336
www.brettculp.com

DJ
Dudha Productions
321-436-7482
www.dudhaproductions.com

Dhol Player
Sumeet Arora
407-252-3398
arorasumeet@gmail.com

Hair & Make-up (Bride)
Luma Bridal
407-900-8121
www.luisabridal.com

Henna/Hair & Make-up
(Wedding Party)
Prerana’s Boutique
407-240-7353
www.preranasboutique.comPriest
Priest Narayana Bhatter
321-527-9226

Baraat
Highhorse Carriage Rides
386-334-4386
www.highhorsecarriagerides.com

Sangeet Rentals
Rental Land
407-851-7368
www.rentalandofflagler.com

Sangeet Caterer
Khaisyat Restaurant
407-888-2147
www.khanvelresort.com

Sangeet Transportation
Super Shuttle
407-948-6478

Sangeet Staffing Company
Hospitality Staff Orlando
407-223-1834
orlmanager@hospitalitystaff.com

Sumitha weds Sean

Lisa weds Antonio

Lisa Mattam and Antonio Nunez were studying medicine at the same medical school when they first metin a coffee shop. Aaron mustered up the confidence to approach Lisa, she smiled, and he felt his heart flip.

After dating for almost a year, Antonio officially proposed to Lisa on October 17, 2012, just one day before her birthday. He popped the question after a romantic dinner at YOLO Restaurant on Las Olas Boulevard in Ft. Lauderdale. Antonio took Lisa on a fairy-tale gondola boat ride through the city of downtown Fort Lauderdale in Florida. Their favorite songs played in the background as they enjoyed dancing together and finally he produced a ring, while reading a poem he had written especially for her; with tears in her eyes, she said yes.

Lisa and Antonio started planning their wedding on January 2013, which was the same month as their engagement party. For their ceremony, Lisa and Antonio selected St. Bona venture Catholic Church. Father Zacharias, an Indian priest, performed the ceremony while an Indian choir filled the church with lovely melodies. The podium was decorated in beautiful white roses, which symbolizes innocence and purity. The bride carried a white and ivory bouquet.

The flower girls, dressed in traditional mustard shaded saris, featuring a dash of color that included maroon, orange and mustard flowers. Antonio composed a charming poem for their wedding programs that featured photographs of the bride and groom on the front and back cover.

For the ceremony music, the couple chose to use the choir from Our Lady of Health Syro Malabar Catholic Church. The bride made her grand entrance to Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel and exited to Songs such as Air on the G String by J. S. Bach.

Lisa and Antonio did not want to compromise on any part of their wedding. For transportation, they hired an opulent limo service. The reception was held at the legendary Fontainebleau Miami Beach. The couple chose the lavish hotel not only for its history, but also the luxury it offers and the breath-taking views it has. The bride and groom also loved the great ambiance and large space options.

Ivette Rosales, Senior Catering Sales Manager of the Fontainebleau assisted the couple with all the details of their event. From the outdoor beach front reception to the elegant dinner reception, the reception was a beautiful affair. The centerpieces created by Al Davis of BE Original were particularly stunning. Mr. Davis decorated the venue using 8-foot chandeliers with hanging crystals. In the center of every chandelier was an arrangement of white and ivory roses. The highlight of the décor was a three tiered flower vase setting. Pictures taken for their engagement ceremony were used to decorate their seating table cards.

The couple’s music selections for their reception started with Violinist Dave Damage who entertained guests for the cocktail reception which took place on a Glimmer terrace overlooking the sunset on the beach. The couple also selected Bollywood dancers who did a great job of entertaining the crowd during dinner. The evening entertainment highlight was DJ Raj who was flown in from New York. He performed with a live crew that kept an already enthusiastic crowd engaged all night.

The couple danced to a Viennese Waltz of Lea Michelle’s version of “Without You.” The violinist played the intro for the song before the dance began. The couple’s dance was a surprise and a highlight of the reception. The couple also

Photos Courtesy:
Black Poloraid Photography 954-324-1562 www.blackpolaroidinc.com

Vendors

CEREMONY / RECEPTION /
MEHNDI / SANGEET /
GARBA SITE
Fontainebleau Miami Beach
800-548-8886
www.Fontainebleau.comPHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY
Black Poloraid Photography
954-324-1562
www.blackpolaroidinc.com

DECORATOR / FLOWERS
Blooming Events International
305-437-8336
www.be-original.com

GROOM CLOTHES
Mr. Tux Tuxedos & Suits
954-434-0345
www.mrtuxstyles.com

MAKEUP
Ariel Rodriguez
813 458-8170
Arielrodriguez789@gmail.comCATERING
Fontainebleau Miami Beach
800-548-8886
www.Fontainebleau.com

MUSIC DJ
DJ Raj
973-614-1585
www.djraj.com

TRANSPORTATION
A Family Limo
954-522-7455
www.afamilylimo.com

Kelly weds Jaimeen

In 2010, Kalpeshree (Kelly) Patel and Jaimeen Brahmabhatt met through an online dating website. Jaimeen was in Chicago and Kelly was in Tampa, but they stay connected through e-mails and phone calls. One day, Kelly took their relationship to the next level by arranging a visit to Chicago to see Jaimeen. They officially became a couple one year after their first date.

In spring 2010, Jaimeen asked Kelly, “If I proposed within the next six months, how long would we remain engaged?” Kelly replied “Not too long, six to eight months, perhaps.” On May 5, 2012, after scheming and planning with Kelly’s parents, brothers and girlfriends, Jaimeen surprised her with an official proposal on the gazebo of the Grand Hyatt overlooking Tatmpa Bay.

They got married March 30, 2013 in the atrium of The Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando because of its central location and convenience for out-of-town guests. One of the main reasons was that the venue was Kelly’s dream wedding destination. Wedding planning began seven months before the wedding date. Kelly and Jaimeen wanted to be 100 percent involved in the wedding, so they decided not hire a wedding planner or consultant.

Pre-wedding celebrations were held in the Presidential Suite at the Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort, Bonnet Creek, with 40 guests in attendance. The welcome dinner was held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Lake Buena Vista, and the theme of the event was “MelaMasti.” Kaleidoscope Lighting arranged the lighting. Paper star lanterns and different booths for bindis, bangles, mehndi, and caricature artists dotted the venue.

Though the wedding was held indoors, the venue was decorated to bring the outdoors in. The Mandapwas round draped in plum red, magenta, white and pink fabrics. Natural sunlight streamed in through the glass walls of the atrium adding to the ambiance. Pink and white lilies, white roses, plum orchids and eight huge plum carnation balls were used for floral décor.
DJ Firoz of Dudha Productions played music, and Mitul Ghandi played the dhol. Jaimeen entered to the instrumental version of “Azeem O Shan Shahenshah,” and Kelly walked in to “Teri Ore. “Kelly, a self-professed computer nerd, designed the ceremony programs in magenta, pink, white and blue paisley prints describing Hindu wedding rituals. After the wedding and vidai, Jaimeen drove Kelly back to the Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort in a Rolls Royce.

The reception was held at The Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort. Flower arrangements in rectangular mirrored vases and monet glasses filled with orchids, pearls and water topped the X-shaped tables. Since the couple loves to travel, the tables were named using airport codes from places they traveled individually or together. The sweetheart tables were named with words meaning “love” in the different languages of places they visited. Instead of a cake, the couple chose six varieties of Indian sweets.

The couple’s first dance was to “Ajab Si” from Om Shanti Om, the first movie they saw together. The bridal party and friends did an impromptu jig to Harlem Shake, which was one of the funniest and memorable moments of the reception.

The couple advises brides and grooms-to-be to spend as much time together during the planning stage and not to stress too much about the little things.

Photos Courtesy:
Asaad Images 407-221-3333 www.asaadimages.com

Vendors

CEREMONY VENUE
Gaylord Palms Resort
407-586-2248
www.gaylordhotels.com

RECEPTION VENUE
Wyndham Grand Bonnet Creek
407-390-2361
www.wyndham.com

MEHNDI VENUE
Hilton Garden Inn Lake Buena Vista
407-239-9550
www.hilton.com

CATERING
Tabla Catering
407-448-3575
www.tablabar.com

DECORATOR
Occasions by Shangrila
407-355-7700
www.occasionsbyshangrila.com

VIDEOGRAPHER
Life & Love Studio
904-687-3437
www.lifeandlovestudio.com

HORSE & ELEPHANT
High Horse Carriage Rides
386-334-4386
www.highhorsecarriagesrides.com

PHOTOGRAPHER
Asaad Images
407-221-3333
www.asaadimages.com

MUSIC DJ
Dudha Productions
727-418-8498
fdudha@tampabay.rr.com

HAIR-MAKEUP
Krisity Alonzo 407-766-3335
kristyalonzo@me.com

LIGHTING – MEHNDI & RECEPTION
Kaleidoscope
352-874-8375
www.keventlighting.com

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Nandra weds Marc

The fairy tale story of Nandra Devi Mansaram and Marc Thomas Albinger takes you through beautiful locales all over the world before culminating in a romantic wedding. The couple met in 2007, and two and half years later they were engaged. Their shared values make them ideal life partners.

Marc proposed on the rocky grounds of the scenic Caldera Cliff on the Greek island of Santorini, which overlooks the Mediterranean. The location was perfect, the proposal was perfect and it was a perfect beginning of a lovely life together.

After procrastinating for two years after the proposal, Nandra and Marc decided it was time to officially say “I Do.” Marc, who is Catholic, wanted a simple wedding. But Nandra, a typical Indian, always dreamt of a grand, traditional celebration. What followed was a lovely confluence of both cultures.

The couple planned a family trip to Europe during June-July 2012. Stunning beautiful locales in Germany, France, Italy and England tugged at Marc’s heart and he wanted the ceremony there. Nandra acquiesced, stalled her plans for the Indian celebration and began planning a wedding abroad. The couple made their own arrangements. Nandra’s family and Marc’s daughter were present for an intimate ceremony held at an 18th century Villa del Balbianello in Italy with the stunningly gorgeous Lake Camoin the background.

After their lovely vacation, the couple was ready to take on the Indian wedding. They began preparing for the December 22, 2012 wedding in August. The groom’s guests received a classy silver scroll invitation, while the bride’s guests received a red and gold invite. For an added special wed on 22nd December 2012 and started wedding preparations in August. The groom’s guests received a classy silver scroll invitation while the bride’s guests received a red and gold invite. The couple put in a special thought in the invitations thanking their parents.
The wedding was held at Coral Gables, Florida. The venue was a charming three level building complete with authentic European ambiance, grand marble staircases, high atrium ceilings, huge balconies, architectural antiques and open terraces.

The bride and groom arrived in a Rolls Royce for the wedding. The ceremony took place in the indoor courtyard of the first level, after which the guests moved into the English bar room for cocktails. A four column gold mandap decorated with orchids, black/red roses and hanging crystal votives was created for the ceremony.

The venue was done up in tall centerpieces, off-white hydrangeas, black magic roses, jamesstorie red orchids, mockara orchids, and purple dendrobiums. The deco-ration theme was gold, red and bling. The programs, designed by the couple, had a complete expla-nation of Hindu customs along with a verse from the Rig Veda.

Dinner was served on the Royal Mezzanine and Sky view Terrace on the second floor. Tables were laid with burgundy / red table cloths that had Indian / Moroccan motifs done in gold, tall center-pieces, charger plates and gold chivari chairs.The reception was arranged on the third floor of the Cruz Ballroom and Terraza De Leon. This level was accentuated with up lighting was accentuated with up lighting in aqua, lavender and pink shades. White leather glow furniture dotted the terrace. Nandra designed a candy station for the reception as well as a gorgeous three-storied cake topped with the couple’s monograms. Music was played by a traditional Indian Tassa band. There was a mix of love songs, western music and traditional Indian wedding songs.

Marc and Nandra suggest that would-be couples take off from their work at least a couple of weeks before the wedding so that everything can be arranged flawlessly.