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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
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Top 10 Lavish Indian Weddings
Indian weddings are known all over the world for their elaborate customs, sacred rituals, and lavish feasts. The wide selection of cuisines, designer clothing, and glamorous jewelry are some of the most notable features in any Indian wedding. As most Indians believe weddings to be made in heaven, they make sure that the event appears divine. From designer mandaps to the entertainment of guests, no expense or reputation is spared.
Here’s a look at the 10 most lavish Indian weddings to date:
1. Vanisha Mittal and Amit Bhatia:In June 2004 Lakshmi Mittal’s only daughter Vanisha Mittal tied the knot with London-based investment banker Amit Bhatia. This lavish wedding is estimated to cost $77 million. The 20 page hand-painted wedding invitation invited guests with hearty poems and was enclosed in a decorative silver box. Wedding festivities took place at the Palace of Versailles in France. Wines served in the celebrations were estimated to cost more than $1.5 million. The six-day event was held at the Jardin des Tuileres, Vaux Le Vicomte, George Cinq, Hotel Bristol and Hotel Cabaret. It was one fairy-tale wedding in France with fireworks shot over at Eiffel Tower.
2. Sushanto Roy and Richa Ahuja / Seemato Roy and Chandni Toor:In the year 2004, Subrata Roy’s (Founder and Chairman of Sahara) sons Sushanto and Seemanto married in a double wedding, that roughly cost $100 million. The entire Sahara Township in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, was transformed into fairy-tale. Pre-wedding festivities were held at the Roy’s residence, Swapna Kuti (the dream house), while the sangeet was held at Hotel Clarks Awadh. With over 11,000 guests in attendance from all corners of the world, the wedding ceremony took place at Sahara Auditorium. Legendary figures such as Amitabh Bachchan, Mulayam Singh, Kapil Dev, Anil Ambani, and Aishwariya Rai among others embraced the occasion with their presence, while Raj Kumar Santoshi captured the enter wedding through his camera’s lens. More than 110 cuisines were served, and entertainers were flown in from all over the world. The highlight of the wedding was the community wedding of 101 underprivileged women belonging to different communities. Food was distributed among those less fortunate.
3. Shristi Mittal and Gulraj Behl:Recently, Laxmi Narayan Mittal’s niece Shristi Mittal, daughter of younger brother Pramod Mittal, married investment banker Gulraj Behl in Barcelona, Spain, spanning a three-day affair across various venues in the city. Michelin Chef Sergi Arola catered the $80 million wedding, and a team of 200 butlers and cooks was flown into Spain for the wedding.
4. Abhinav Jhunjhunwala and Prerna Sarda:In January 2012, Amitabh Jhunjhunwala’s son Abhinav married Prerna Sarda in an elaborate wedding ceremony. Amitabh Jhunjhunwala is the Vice Chairman of Reliance Anil Dhirubai Ambani Group, while Prerna Sarda’s father Ghanshyam Sarda is a jute baron from Kolkata. Like many other lavish weddings, this was a star-studded affair.
5. Alkesh Tandon and Raakhe Kapoor:Raakhe Kapoor, daughter of Rana Kapoor (CEO and Founder of YES Bank), married Dubai-based entrepreneur Alkesh Tandon. The grand wedding was held at The Taj Palace Hotel in Delhi. The wedding was undoubtedly an elaborate affair considering the fact that Alkesh Tandon is related to the London industrialist Laxmi Narayan Mittal. The engagement ceremony was held at ITC Maurya Sheraton, while celebrities like Salman Khurshid, P Chidambaram and Vinod Khanna were also spotted at the wedding.
6. Radhika Singhal and Saurabh Dhoot:In 2010, Sanjay Singhal’s (Chairman of Bhushan Power and Steel) daughter Radhika Singhal married Saurabh Dhoot, son of Pradeep Dhoot (Chairman of Videocon Industries). Bollywood beauties like Katrina Kaif, Bipasha Basu and Malaika Arora Khan performed at the grand wedding.
7. Tanushree Dhoot and Vivek Biyani:In 2011, the Dhoot family (father Pradeep is Chairman of Videocon) enjoyed another wedding – this time daughter Tanushree Dhoot married Kishore Biyani’s nephew Vivek Biyani. Leading Bollywood actors, political officials, and cricket stars were all spotted at the wedding.
8. Vineeta Agarwal and Muqit Teja:Pramod Agarwal, a United Kingdom-based billionaire gave his daughter Vineeta and her groom Muqit a grand wedding in Venice, Italy. The wedding was strictly a private affair and only 800 people were invited to the wedding at San Clemente Palace Hotel, Italy. Pop Star Shakira performed on the second day of the wedding while director, Franco Dragone put up a special show of “Cirque du Soleil” for the elite audience.
9. Mallika Reddy and Siddharth Reddy:Recently, GV Krishna Reddy’s granddaughter Mallika married Siddharth, the son of Indukuri Syam Prasad Reddy of Indu Group. This$160 million wedding was attended by celebrities Shahrukh Khan, Pooja Bedi, Priyanka Chopra, and the prestigious Bachchan family. The designer bridal attire and mandap decorations were tweeted about for weeks after the wedding.
Expensive high profile weddings are a means of showing social status and power. After all, if one earns the big bucks, what better place than to spend them than in a “Big Fat Wedding.”
Top 10 Lavish Indian Weddings
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Kruti weds Viresh
When Kruti first saw Viresh at a graduation party, she had a feeling she would marry him one day. Over two years later, the two met again, this time during Navratri celebrations. This time, Kruti and Viresh exchanged numbers, and they made it a point to talk every day. The couple began dating soon after that eventful festival and four years later, Viresh proposed.
Knowing that Kruti wanted her family present during the proposal, Viresh made arrangements accordingly. He chose Orlando City Walk as the venue,where he planned the proposal as a beautiful journey, literally punctuated with expressions of his feelings for her. As Kruti and her friends walked along the City Walk, she first saw her parents standing at a corner holding yellow flowers that symbolized the couple’s friendship. She soon realized what was happening and began to cry tears of joy. She continued the walk and found Viresh’s parents standing at the Hard Rock with pink roses that symbolized appreciation. Viresh’s mother asked Kruti to walk down to the river, and there he was, Viresh himself, walking towards her wearing a red shirt, symbolizing his love for her. He went down on his knee and proposed, surrounded by their families and friends.
After the heart-touching proposal, Kruti’s parents threw themselves into preparations for the wedding. They had about two years between the proposal and the wedding, which made planning easier. The Renaissance Resort World Golf Village in St. Augustine was chosen as the wedding venue due to its close proximity to Kruti’s house. Another advantage the resort offered were comfortable rooms where out-of-town guests stayed.
Pre-wedding celebrations were beautifully planned, and the venue for the garba event was decorated in a Moroccan theme with orange and purple as the main colors. A live band from India,and Milan Singh performed at this event. The wedding ceremony took place in the morning. Kruti arrived at the Renaissance Resort World Golf Village directly from her parents’ house, where she stayed (rather than at the resort) in deference to tradition. The wedding mandap was set up in the middle of the hall instead of against the wall. Seats for guests were placed all around the mandap allowing guests to see the wedding rituals from all sides. The ceremony was followed by lunch. The live band brought in from India performed at the wedding and entertained the guests during the entire three hour ceremony.
The reception was a grand event with the hall decorated very elegantly, courtesy of Kruti’s parents and aunt. Kruti’s brother, Viresh’s best friend, and his brother were the emcees, and they arranged dances, games and heartfelt speeches to celebrate the couple’s marriage. The DJ then took over and played some music that had the wedding party begging for more. The coupe advises prospective grooms and brides to look around and absorb everything that goes on during their wedding day so that the day can be truly memorable.
Photos Courtesy: Digital Dream Studio
407-791-6064
www.digitaldreamstudio.comVendors BANQUET HALLS
World Golf Village Renaissance St. Augustine Resort
904-940-8000
www.worldgolfrenaissance.com
BEAUTICIANS/COSMETICIAN
Alladin s Magic
321-201-0518
www.alladinsmagic.vpweb.comQ Salon
407-253-2828
qsalonorlando@aol.comDISC JOCKEY
Dudha Productions
407-446-0325
www.dudhaproductions.comMEHNDI
Sushila Beauty Care
904-731-7010
sushilabeautycare@yahoo.com
PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER
Digital Dream Studio
407-791-6064
www.digitaldreamstudio.comRESTAURANT/CATERING
Rajbhog Foods
201-395-9400
www.rajbhog.comWEDDING SERVICES
Palloos Flowers
407-302-7966
www.palloosflowers.com
