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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.comPhotos Courtesy: Jensen Larson Photography
407-409-8499
www.jensenlarson.comVendors Decorator
Occasions by Shangrila
407-355-7700
www.occasionsbyshangrila.comWedding Planners
Eventrics Weddings
863-683-3905
www.eventrics.comLighting
Get Lite
407-615-4418
www.glp-fl.comPhotography
Jensen Larson Photography
407-409-8499
mail@jensenlarson.comVideography
Brett Culp Films
877-808-4336
www.brettculp.comDJ
Dudha Productions
321-436-7482
www.dudhaproductions.comDhol Player
Sumeet Arora
407-252-3398
arorasumeet@gmail.comHair & Make-up (Bride)
Luma Bridal
407-900-8121
www.luisabridal.comHenna/Hair & Make-up
(Wedding Party)
Prerana’s Boutique
407-240-7353
www.preranasboutique.comPriest
Priest Narayana Bhatter
321-527-9226Baraat
Highhorse Carriage Rides
386-334-4386
www.highhorsecarriagerides.comSangeet Rentals
Rental Land
407-851-7368
www.rentalandofflagler.comSangeet Caterer
Khaisyat Restaurant
407-888-2147
www.khanvelresort.comSangeet Transportation
Super Shuttle
407-948-6478Sangeet Staffing Company
Hospitality Staff Orlando
407-223-1834
orlmanager@hospitalitystaff.comSumitha weds Sean
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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.comVendors CEREMONY / RECEPTION /
MEHNDI / SANGEET /
GARBA SITE
Fontainebleau Miami Beach
800-548-8886
www.Fontainebleau.comPHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY
Black Poloraid Photography
954-324-1562
www.blackpolaroidinc.comDECORATOR / FLOWERS
Blooming Events International
305-437-8336
www.be-original.comGROOM CLOTHES
Mr. Tux Tuxedos & Suits
954-434-0345
www.mrtuxstyles.comMAKEUP
Ariel Rodriguez
813 458-8170
Arielrodriguez789@gmail.comCATERING
Fontainebleau Miami Beach
800-548-8886
www.Fontainebleau.comMUSIC DJ
DJ Raj
973-614-1585
www.djraj.comTRANSPORTATION
A Family Limo
954-522-7455
www.afamilylimo.com
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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.comVendors CEREMONY VENUE
Gaylord Palms Resort
407-586-2248
www.gaylordhotels.comRECEPTION VENUE
Wyndham Grand Bonnet Creek
407-390-2361
www.wyndham.comMEHNDI VENUE
Hilton Garden Inn Lake Buena Vista
407-239-9550
www.hilton.comCATERING
Tabla Catering
407-448-3575
www.tablabar.comDECORATOR
Occasions by Shangrila
407-355-7700
www.occasionsbyshangrila.comVIDEOGRAPHER
Life & Love Studio
904-687-3437
www.lifeandlovestudio.comHORSE & ELEPHANT
High Horse Carriage Rides
386-334-4386
www.highhorsecarriagesrides.comPHOTOGRAPHER
Asaad Images
407-221-3333
www.asaadimages.comMUSIC DJ
Dudha Productions
727-418-8498
fdudha@tampabay.rr.comHAIR-MAKEUP
Krisity Alonzo 407-766-3335
kristyalonzo@me.comLIGHTING – 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.
Photos Courtesy: Vendors VENUES
The Cruz Building
305-508-9500
www.CruzBuildings.comPHOTOGRAPHY
Dominoarts Photography
954-776-9472
www.dominoarts.comPRIEST
Pandit Bimal Maharaj
954 594-6248
Pt.Bimal@yahoo.comCOORDINATOR
Meher Designs
305-463-0652
meherdesigns@aol.comCINEMATOGRAPHY
A&A Video Creations
786-208-3545
www.cinematic-memories.comDJ / MC
Liquid DJS
954-399-9896
www.liquiddjs.comPHOTO BOOTH
84 West Studios
954-236-9000
www.partytimedjs.comFLORIST
Floral Productions, Corp
305-772-6252
viviancolls@yahoo.comCAKE
Cake Designs by Edda
305-445-4600
eddapiness@hotmail.comDÉCOR
Solaris Mood
954-966-7814
solarismood@gmail.comMAKEUP
Siufer
786-274-0123
Miamimakeupartist@gmail.comHAIR
JPenn Hair
786-306-5463
jip122078@yahoo.com
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Sonya weds Vikram
Sonya Rane and Vikram Saini’s lovely wedding brought together two cultures and culminated in a dream-come-true celebration for the bride and groom. The couple met at the University of Florida when Sonya was completing her Master’s Degree in Physical Assistant Studies. Vikram was studying for a Master’s in Health Administration. The two connected when they spent time together at the National College Football Championship game in Miami, Florida.
After three years of dating and a few failed attempts to create the right setting, Vikram finally found the perfect moment to propose. Standing waist deep in the sea at St. Pete Beach in Florida with Sonya by his side, he extracted the ring from his pocket. He never had to say a word because she, although stunned, recovery quickly enough to punch him, then hug and kiss him before saying yes. Given he was waist deep in water, Vikram did not go down on one knee; rather he wanted to look straight into her eyes when he proposed.
The engagement ceremony took place shortly afterwards when Sonya’s maternal uncle and aunt visited from India. Being from two different cultures, Sonya, Vikram, and both families had to sort out the wedding rituals. The couple was determined to please both the families, so in the end, they decided to have two wedding ceremonies on March 9, 2013, one according to Sikh traditions and the other according to Hindu traditions.
Unfortunately amidst enthu-siastic preparations, Vikram’s grandmother died in December 2012 putting wedding planning on hold for a bit. Since Sonya had been meeting with vendors beginning in September, much of the groundwork was already laid.
Vikram’s sangeet, which included 175 attendees, was held at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Cocoa, Florida. The venue, decorated by close friends, was done in traditional Punjabi and Indian elements such as Candle Bars, flame less candles, rose petals, simple
white and maroon table cloths, red up lights and small halogen lights to create a warm ambiance. Food was catered by The New Indian Punjabi Restaurant and comprised of typical Punjabi fare.
The Mahia ceremony was held in a rented tent erected adjacent to the Saini family home in Melbourne, Florida. The tent was done in multicolored LED rope lights. Tables were decorated similar to the sangeet ceremony. A continuously burning fire pit kept the venue warm and spread a lovely golden halo in the venue. Being typical Punjabis, the groom’s party chose bhangra music to set a festive tone.
Sonya chose a relaxed ceremony at home surrounded by her close friends and family because she knew she would never get enough time to bond with her family once the wedding ceremony and rituals began. Rangoli Sweets catered the food, and the venue came alive with ghoomer, bhangra and dandia ras. Flowers and lights decorated the house in typical Indian wedding fashion. Flavors of India were everywhere, from the lights floating in the pool to the heavenly aromas of food.
The wedding was a beautiful mix of cultures. Vikram arrived for the wedding on a traditionally decorated recreational vehicle. At the Magnolia Enterprise & Magnolia Corporate Center, the sera ceremony took place. From here, Vikram rode to the wedding venue on a decorated elephant, accompanied by four of his uncles mounted on horses. Sonya arrived in a limousine with her family.
For the Sikh wedding ceremony, they chose the Sikh Society of Central Florida as the venue due to Vikram’s association since its inception. The Hindu wedding took place at the Wyndham Orlando Resort as it was recommended by friends and had great architecture.
The Sikh Society of Central Florida was decorated in white floor linen and pink fabric for the Guru Granth Sahib. Pink was found in varying shades everywhere in the ceremony, from the bridal costume to the clothes of her family. The male members wore rainbow saffas. Vikram was dressed in an off-white shiwani suit accentuated with gold brocade specially procured from Jaipur. He accessorized his ensemble with maroon turban and red scabbard sword.
After the Sikh wedding, the party proceeded to the Wyndham Orlando Resort for the Hindu wedding. The venue, decorated by Remmal of Occasions by Shangri-La, featured a traditional pink and gold mandap. Sonya and her brother Rishi, both lovers of classic music, found a string of quartet to play two movements from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.
Sonya and Vikram wore the same clothes for both wedding ceremonies. The classy wedding programs, designed by Vikram, outlined the importance of rituals of both ceremonies and included a ceremony schedule. Music was a highlight of the ceremony. Granthi’s performed traditional Sikh music for the Sikh ceremony and Music Remembrance performed classical music for the Hindu ceremony.
The reception venue, decorated in a contemporary style with clean lines and dramatic lighting, had glass vases of alternating heights as centerpieces. The vases, filled with water and orchids, were lit at the bottom. Up lighting was used to bring color into the room and patterned projections were used to bring texture to the roof. Highlights were provided over the cake and cupcake table. White table linens were accentuated with colored ribbons and accessories, making them simple and elegant. Part of the mandap was used as a backdrop for the reception stage and projection screens were put up on either sides of the hall.
Rang Entertainment provided music for the reception. Spinning Canvas dance troupe performed a lovely group dance. The program included four dance performances and a couple of duet songs. Sonya’s brother Rishi and Ms. Charity Farris, both professional performers, sang “Come What May” from Moulin Rouge. Next, Rishi and his friend Christian Schweibler sang L-o-v-e by Frank Sinatra.
The couple maintains that to-be-weds need to be calm, keep smiling, listen to everybody, but finally do what their heart tells them to do.
Vendor Comments
We had a wonderful time designing with Sonya. She came to us with a very specific vision for her event. Together we were able to create a very clean and modern space for her reception using white linens and simple yet elegant centerpieces.
Occasions By Shangri-la
Remmal Karamsadkar
OrlandoVik and Sonya are a wonderful caring couple, we worked together to create cupcakes that everyone would enjoy, while reflecting their heritage, background and personal tastes. We balanced Indian flavors like cardamom, with traditional flavors like chocolate. We also customized purple velvet cupcakes to blend with colors of their wedding.
Laura Maddrey
Cupping Cakes, TampaSonya and Vikram’s wedding is definitely one for the books – with 1 elephant and 4 horses for the Baraat, 2 ceremonies, a cocktail hour and reception with over 650 guests and 17 vendors, Eventfully Yours was hired to ensure every-thing would run smoothly and on time for this very special day!
Tracy L. Marini
Eventfully Yours
Orlando“This was one of the largest weddings we have been able to take part in. We were proud to bring our experienced horses and authentic Indian costuming.”
Downtown Horse And Carriage
MelbournePhotos Courtesy: Vendors VENUES
Sikh Wedding
Sikh Society of Central Florida
407-687-6883
Wedding & Reception
Wyndham Orlando Resort
407-355-3640
www.wyndham.com
DECORATOR
Occasions by Shangri-la
407-355-7700
www.occasionsbyshangrila.com
CATERERS
Taste of Punjab
407-485-3897
www.tasteofpunjaborlando.comRangoli Sweets
407-745-0695
rangolisweetsflorida@gmail.comNew Punjab Indian Restaurant
407-352-7887
www.punjabindianrestaurant.comPHOTOGRAPHER
Sona Photography
407-694 -6032
www.sonaphotography.comCINEMATOGRAPHER
Riant Films
407-603-6955WEDDING COORDINATOR
Eventfully Yours
407-489-7699
www.eventfully-yours.com
DJ
Rang Entertainment
941-545-8509
www.rangentertainment.com
HORSES
Downtown Horse and
Carriage, INC 561-723-4704
www.downtowncarriage.com
ELEPHANT
Craig & Company –
Animal Connection
386-935-2792PROJECTION AND LIVE CAMERA
Free Soul Media
321-474-1265
www.freesoulmedia.comPRIEST
Pandit Ashok Shukla
407-913-8080CAKE / CUPCAKES
Cupping Cakes
813-415-9643
www.cuppingcakes.comENTERTAINMENT – DANCERS
Spinning Canvas
813-407-3467
