Real Wedding

Risha Kohli and Michael Koval celebrated their love on April 6, 2024, at the Loews Hotel Millennium Ballroom in Philadelphia, PA, with 260 guests joining the celebration. Risha, a marketing professional, and Michael, a finance expert, first met on the dating app Hinge in 2021. Despite the pandemic, their initial meeting at Harpers Garden felt effortlessly natural. By their third date, sharing stories and inside jokes at a wine bar, they both sensed something special. Their love deepened through shared experiences, including an international trip to France and Belgium in November 2022. Mike proposed in June 2023, after about 1.5 years of dating, with a surprise proposal in Rittenhouse Square followed by a celebratory weekend with their families.

To navigate their wedding planning, Risha and Mike enlisted a wedding planner to help with logistics and venue details, though they believed it wasn’t strictly necessary. They chose Philadelphia, where they both live, for its personal significance, selecting the Loews Hotel for its unique historical charm. This venue, once the Philadelphia Savings Fund Society, allowed them to incorporate historical elements into their celebration, including signage about the building’s past.

BANQUET HALLS Loews Hotel Philadelphia 215-231-723 | BEAUTICIANS Joseph Anthony Retreat Spa & Salon 215-310-0036 | CAKE Classic Cake Cherry Hill 856-751-5448 | DECORATOR Xtraordinary Events by Vito Russo 267-551-4400 | EVENT PLANNER SLC Event Company 954-591-3611 | INVITATIONS Chick Invitations 215-592-1407 | MEHNDI Hirals Henna Designs 215-760-6565 | MUSICIAN EBE Dreamtime 888-323-2263 | PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHY John Barone Photography 215-620-4214 | Abominable Productions 610-420-7710

Their pre-wedding events were thoughtfully designed. On Thursday, they hosted a ‘Welcome Party’ at Harp & Crown, a speakeasy bar with old-school bowling lanes, which delighted their younger guests. The following day’s Sangeet at the Loews Hotel’s 33rd floor featured breathtaking views of the Philadelphia skyline, enhanced by purple linens, floral centerpieces, and candlelight, creating a nostalgic ambiance.

For the wedding ceremony, the theme was modern elegance with green, white, and shades of purple. The mandap was adorned with white and green flowers and glass pearls, complemented by cherry blossom trees and tall aisle structures. Bridesmaids carried long candles in vases down the aisle, adding a unique touch. The music for the ceremony included an instrumental version of ‘Jashn-E-Bahara’ for the wedding party and ‘Teri Ore’ for the bride’s entrance. Instead of a traditional Baraat, the groom walked down the aisle with his parents while the bride’s parents offered blessings at the mandap, allowing all guests to witness the ceremony in a unique and meaningful way.

The reception decor reflected their color scheme of purple, green, and white. Fresh floral centerpieces, candle orbs, and dynamic lighting transitions—from amber for photos to purple for dancing—set the scene. The couple entered to ‘This Will Be (An Everlasting Love),’ inviting all guests to join them on the dance floor shortly after. The first dance, father/daughter dance, and mother/son dance featured a blend of special songs, including ‘Kudi Nu Nachne De’ and ‘You’ll Be In My Heart.’ The groom’s surprise performance of ‘Mr. Brightside’ was a highlight of the night, energizing the dance floor.

Their wedding incorporated personal touches such as a customized Hindu ceremony script with English explanations and the use of Mike’s family pearl necklace as a replacement for the traditional mangal sutra. DIY elements included signage highlighting the venue’s history and a memoriam table for loved ones who had passed. A special “WOW” moment was the serving of Mango Lassi and Chai right before the ceremony.

Risha and Mike’s advice to future couples is to focus on what truly matters to them and create their own traditions, rather than adhering strictly to norms. They managed to avoid pre-wedding nightmares through meticulous planning, and they still laugh about a minor mishap during the Milni when their fathers’ scarves were humorously misaligned.

Stephanie Motilall and Devendra Heman’s journey from childhood friends to life partners is a testament to enduring love. Their story began in 2002 when Stephanie’s family moved to West Palm Beach, Florida, and they joined a local Hindu Mandir where Devendra’s mother was involved. Growing up together, they performed at religious events and dance shows. Their paths crossed again at the University of Florida, where Devendra was a year ahead of Stephanie. After completing their studies—Devendra with a master’s in Electrical Engineering and Stephanie with a bachelor’s degree—they started dating, marking a decade of commitment despite periods of longdistance.

In January 2023, Devendra proposed to Stephanie on top of Georgia Pass in Breckenridge, Colorado, exactly one year before their wedding date. This proposal, set against the stunning backdrop of the Rockies, was a perfect prelude to their wedding celebrations.

Their wedding, held on January 12-13, 2024, at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center, was a heartfelt homage to their shared past. The venue, where they had once performed together, was the perfect setting for their nuptials. With 300 guests in attendance, the ceremony and reception unfolded in the same location, adding to the event’s intimacy and significance.

Stephanie and Devendra managed the planning themselves with the assistance of their families and a day-of coordinator. They utilized their sisters’ experience and met key vendors at the MyShaadi Wedding expo. The choice of venue reflected their deep connection to the area, with both families being local.

BANQUET HALLS Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center 561-790-5192 | Bartending Service Splash Enterprise Inc 561-282-8934 | BEAUTICIANS-COSMETICIAN RT Beauty Designers 561-289-9672 | CAKE Publix 407-226-9754 | DECORATOR Shyne Event Services 352-321-7673 | EVENT PLANNER Superior Serving 561-531-9761 | INVITATIONS Indian Weddings Cards 888-742-8555 | MEHNDI Henna by Amna 954-759-1331 | MUSICIAN Powerhouse International Djs 518-881-7906 | PHOTOGRAPHER Fine Art Productions 407-979-4749 | PRIEST Pandit Durga Chajulal 561-985-8708 | RENTAL SERVICES MPH Club 305-330-6322 | RESTAURANT/CATERING Lucky City Restaurant 954-972-1871 | TEMPLE Vishnu Sharma 561-632-1861 | VIDEOGRAPHY Fine Art Productions 407-979-4749

Pre-wedding events included a henna ceremony and a maticoor—a religious purification ceremony. Stephanie’s family decorated their home with yellow and white, featuring a Radha Krishna backdrop, while Devendra’s family’s ceremony was adorned with vibrant marigold garlands. During these ceremonies, the couple wore humorous shirts that read “Dyeing to marry Devendra” and “Dying to marry Stephanie.”

The wedding day featured a Caribbean blue and gold theme, with lavish decor provided by Shyne Event Services. Personalized touches included custom water bottles and a dessert table. The baarat was accompanied by Tassa music, and the ceremony featured a mix of live musicians and Bollywood tunes. The bride’s entrance under a golden floral dholi was a memorable moment.

The reception the following day embraced a Caribbean blue and silver theme, with elegant centerpieces alternating between floating candles and silver birch trees with hanging crystals. The ballroom was enhanced by blue uplighting, and the night included personalized party favors and a photobooth. Special touches included the bride and groom’s humorous wedding night refreshments: pizza and McDonald’s for their guests.

Musical selections for the reception included Bollywood, modern hip hop, and West Indian music. While the couple did not perform, they enjoyed dancing on stage throughout the night. Personalized elements were evident, from the welcome signs to the customized photobooth and favors featuring their dog’s face.

The most touching moment for Stephanie and Devendra was their first sight of each other during the Hindu ceremony. Their wedding was a beautiful blend of personal touches and cherished traditions, creating a day that perfectly reflected their love and shared history. For couples planning their own celebrations, Stephanie’s advice is to ensure at least a day-of coordinator to ease the stress and fully enjoy the wedding experience.

Ritika Aggarwal and Parul Kumar celebrated their wedding on December 5, 2023, at the Hard Rock Punta Cana Resort and Spa in the Dominican Republic, with 225 guests witnessing their extraordinary event.

Ritika and Parul’s story began in 2014 while studying abroad in Aruba. They officially started dating on November 11, 2014. Their engagement was as memorable as their romance. Parul planned a grand proposal at Riu Palace in the Dominican Republic, involving a family vacation where he surprised Ritika with a sunset proposal on the beach. A giant candle heart, a live guitar trio, and a heartfelt note from Parul created a touching moment, celebrated with family holding “Marry Me” signs and a beautifully orchestrated setting.

BANQUET HALLS Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana 809-687-0000 | BEAUTICIANS-COSMETICIAN Beauty and Co Artistry | DHOL PLAYER Sukhdeep Dholi 707-631-4942 | EVENT PLANNER Preety Weddings and Travel 604-828-1059 | FLORIST Merca Flowers 829-712-9518 | INVITATIONS Jasmita Chopra 91-8860740094 | MEHNDI Sonia Summaira | MUSICIAN Flying Nimbus Studios Ltd. 778-320-3425 | PHOTOGRAPHER JSK Photography 209-996-2555 | PRIEST Shastri Jagdish Tripathi 646-251-8050 | VIDEOGRAPHY Maiyan Studios 209-450-0018

The couple chose Hard Rock Punta Cana for its Caribbean allure, accommodating their large guest list and aligning with their vision of a beachside wedding. They enlisted Preety, a wedding planner specializing in destination weddings, to help navigate the complexities of planning an international celebration.

Their pre-wedding events were thoughtfully curated. The welcome party had a boho chic vibe with a relaxed dress code, featuring a large circular ring adorned with boho flowers and fairy lights. The night’s unique drinks included “Easy Lover” for Ritika and “Pushin P” for Parul, with DJ Apojee setting the tone with “Swag Se Karega Sab Ka Swagat” from “Tiger Zinda Hai”.

The Haldi ceremony, held in an air-conditioned gazebo near the beach, featured traditional marigold decorations and encouraged guests to wear shades of pink. Breaking tradition, both families participated in applying haldi, enhancing the celebratory spirit. Following the ceremony, the couple enjoyed playing with Holi colors on the beach and a refreshing dip in the ocean.

The Sangeet night was a highlight, celebrated on the beach with a white dance floor, wooden chairs, and fuchsia tablecloths. The backdrop included a two-person swing covered in bougainvillea and illuminated by purple lights, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. Edison bulbs hung above the party, while two bars and a spectacular firework show, set to Coldplay’s “Hymn For The Weekend,” added to the excitement. Unique drinks for the night included “Let’s
Mango” for Ritika and “Spicy P” for Parul.

The wedding after-party took place at the Hard Rock Punta Cana’s casino club, where guests, including parents and older relatives, danced until 6 a.m., energized by DJ Apogee’s set. A pre-reception pool party allowed guests to relax and mingle under the Dominican sun.

The wedding ceremony itself was an afternoon event on the beach. Parul arrived on a horse chariot, greeted by a Baarat with a Pirates of the Caribbean theme song, while Ritika was driven in by Hard Rock staff. The ceremony featured a white stage with clear glass pillars and an ethereal garden of roses and green vines, set against the clear blue sky and crystal-clear water, creating a serene and picturesque setting.

For the reception, Ritika and Parul desired a sexy and romantic atmosphere. The venue was transformed with dark ambient lighting, starlit draping on all walls, and a gold backdrop with candles and a chandelier. The dance floor
was white, tables were covered in black cloth with gold accent chairs, and ostrich feathers served as centerpieces. The music, a modern blend of Bollywood, bhangra, and EDM, was a hit, complemented by elevated DJ and concert speakers to create a music festival feel. Guests found their seats using tequila shot glasses as part of the seating chart.

The first dance was accompanied by a song that resonated deeply with the couple. The reception also featured a heartfelt performance by family and friends, which received considerable attention on YouTube. An animated wedding video mirrored real-life events, adding a unique touch that impressed guests.

The wedding was marked by several “WOW” moments: the stunning welcome party décor, the innovative Haldi ceremony, the tropical Sangeet night, the breathtaking fireworks, and the romantic reception. The overall experience was described as a fairytale, with guests continuing to share stories and memories long after the event.

Ritika and Parul’s wedding exemplified their personal touch, from the décor and music to the custom outfits and animated invite. Their advice for future couples includes focusing on what truly matters, setting a realistic budget,
and ensuring that every detail reflects their personalities. With thoughtful planning and attention to detail, their
wedding became a cherished and unforgettable celebration.

Shipra Arjun and Abhishek Parekh’s wedding was a celebration steeped in love, adventure, and the beauty of shared experiences. Their journey began on a crisp autumn evening at Stony Brook University, where a chance meeting during a dance practice ignited the spark between them. Abhishek was immediately captivated by Shipra, and what started as a simple hello soon blossomed into a deep friendship. Their initial connection was solidified during an unplanned five-hour conversation over a meal at Panera in Long Island, which revealed a promising future together.

The summer that followed was marked by a memorable hike up Mt. Washington, where Abhishek planned to confess his feelings to Shipra. Though nervous, his heartfelt proposal eventually led Shipra to embrace a new chapter in their relationship. Their bond grew stronger through shared adventures, including a notable mishap in Yosemite where they found themselves lost in the woods, only to emerge ith a story to laugh about.

BANQUET HALLS Hyatt Regency Long Island 631-784-1234 | BEAUTICIANS-COSMETICIAN Cinderella Bridez 914-361-9488 | CAKE The Rolling Pin Bakery 631-689-2253 | DECORATOR Exclusive Events 516-942-3925 | EVENT PLANNER Karma Events 516-398-8435 | HORSE Ponies Will Travel 347-725-6447 | MEHNDI Poonam Henna Arts Boston | MUSICIAN DNA Events & Entertainment 516-588-5599 | PRIEST Pandit Krishna Dixit | RESTAURANT/CATERING Tandoor Restaurant & Caterers 718-997-6800 | PHOTOGRAPHER House of Talent Studio 516-644-5454

On February 6, 2022, Abhishek chose Beavertail State Park in Rhode Island for his proposal—a place rich with memories from their time together. The sunny, snowy morning was perfect for his heartfelt question: “I guess this means we’re hiking and getting lost together for the rest of our lives.” Shipra’s joyous acceptance marked the beginning of their wedding preparations.

The couple decided to hire a wedding planner, a choice they found essential for navigating the complexities of their big day. The Hyatt Regency Long Island in Hauppauge, NY, was selected for its all-in-one convenience and modern appeal. Although Abhishek’s family is from Long Island and Shipra hails from Massachusetts, the venue was an
ideal fit for their vision.

Their wedding celebration was held entirely at the Hyatt Regency, with a Sangeet that featured vibrant Indian décor, including traditional elements like matkis, umbrellas, and colorful linens. The ceremony took place outdoors on the garden terrace in the afternoon, where a white wooden mandap adorned with silk flowers and fresh greens set a picturesque backdrop. The aisle was lined with pedestals holding fresh flowers and two decorative elephants, creating an enchanting atmosphere.

For their reception, the couple embraced an enchanted forestry theme. The Grand Ballroom was transformed with three-tier cylindrical vases holding orchids and votives, glass vases with fresh flowers, and chandeliers draped with cascading white wisteria. The bridal party and newlyweds entered through the main door, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening.

Classic wedding and Bollywood music filled the reception, with memorable performances by the bridesmaids and groomsmen adding to the celebration. Shipra and Abhishek infused their love for hiking into the event by naming each table after a significant hike they had taken together. They also crafted DIY welcome signs and centerpieces,
adding personal touches that reflected their journey.

Among the highlights was the touching moment when Shipra’s pet turtle made a surprise appearance during the ceremony, and the joy of sharing their wedding cake. The lively dance floor, particularly the spirited wedding party dance, left a lasting impression on everyone present.

Shipra and Abhishek’s wedding was a beautiful fusion of their personal passions and shared adventures, creating a day filled with love, joy, and unforgettable memories.