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The Magic Carpet Ride – Sabrina Weds Raj
Who said a marriage cannot be all about fun and merriment? With your true love by your side, there is little to cause worry. Marriage does come with its own share of tense and memorable events, no matter how it is enjoyed. When the people are special, the wedding is certain to be one that cannot be forgotten.Following a three-year friendship, Raj and Sabrina followed a most natural progression. With a magical proposal on New Year’s Eve, Raj got down on one knee with a spectacular ring, and there was no way Sabrina could have said anything but a resounding yes.
Although the families had over a year to plan for the wedding, time flew by quickly. After all, there is never anything like enough time to plan and shop. A quick dash to India enabled Sabrina and her family to pick out clothes, jewelry and invitations. With the families handling details with regards to the venue and catering, they made the prudent decision of leaving matters related to decor to professionals
Two country clubs in North Carolina were chosen for the wedding and reception, and they waited in readiness to welcome the 400 guests. Large open windows brought in the abundant sunshine and also revealed a view of the scenic outdoors. Flowers and runners added to the visual appeal, along with the colorful delight that the breakfast and lunch spreads offered. Program books that matched the logos on the runner gave a sense of cohesion to the overall look.
After a traditional Sikh wedding and the customary keertan, Raj and Sabrina were formally man and wife. After a hearty lunch, plans for the reception followed.A DJ welcomed guests and kept them entertained with bhangra and the latest music. Luminescent colors brought in with the help of drapes, crystals, flowers and candles elevated the venue to look glamorous and tasteful. Coral, gold and purple were predominant colors, although various other shades danced off the lights and crystals merrily. A Hollywood backdrop and ice sculptures were standouts as far as attractions were concerned, while the trees that stood in welcome and the votive candles were widely appreciated. Speeches from closest family members tied the event together perfectly.
Planning a wedding is fun, but can be a test of nerves. Sabrina suggests that you take time off to do something completely unrelated to help give you a well-deserved break and keep you energized. She recommends enjoying a movie or drinks with friends. Although she braved several nightmares including rain on the wedding day and wardrobe malfunctions, she breezed through the event like the princess she truly was.
Such is the magic of your wedding. A cauldron of emotions churns in your stomach. While you cannot wait for the special day, you still feel time goes by too fast. However, nothing can match the dreamlike walk down the aisle or the ecstasy of finally becoming one with the prince you waited for all your life.
Photos Courtesy:
Vendors VENUE
Carolina Theatre
336-333-2605
www.carolinatheatre.comDeep River Event Center
336-542-3797
Forest Oaks Country Club
336-674-0126
www.forestoakscc.comHigh Point CountryClub
336-889-0818
www.hpcountryclub.comBEAUTICIANS/COSMETICIAN
Elaine Harrison Makeup Artistry
919-624-0437www.elaineharrisonmakeupartistry.com
CAKE
Edible Artistry
336-889-7252
www.edibleartistry.netFLORIST
Just Priceless
336-883-6249
www.justpriceless.netPHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER
Zamana Photo & Videography
678-860-2921
www.zamanaphoto.comRESTAURANT/CATERING
Copper Restaurant
704-333-0063
www.copperrestaurant.comRESTAURANT/CATERING
Saffron Indian Cuisine
336-574-3300WEDDING PLANNER
Vida With Michelle
704-724-2091
www.vidawithmichelle.comWEDDING SERVICES
Poonam Henna Art
336-510-8830
poonam.solanki.58@gmail.com -
Love in the Fast Lane Mattie weds Naresh
While love may take years to grow on some, a meeting at work soon grew into friendship and then a relationship with love playing catalyst in this story. Mattie and Naresh had a whirlwind romance, and were soon to be wed. It can be somewhat easy when you are so at ease and so reassured. Knowing fully well how women can be lured into anything with shopping, Naresh decided he would take Mattie on an innocent visit to the mall where he could buy her a ring and propose. And although he tried to hold the surprise back for as long as he could, Mattie’s growing impatience made him spill the bean a tad too soon. That, however, did nothing to take the magic away from the moment, and they were soon on their way to the walk down the aisle.Although the formal engagement followed only four months later, preparations for the wedding began much earlier. With a decision to enjoy a wedding at home, it may have seemed like the going was going to be easy, but there was plenty to do. Luckily for them, there were enough family member and friends all pitching in to help.
While July 1st was the Big Day, there were intimate ceremonies that took place before it. The haldi ceremony that took place at the bride and groom’s residence simultaneously, followed by a night of entertainment. While the decor for both events was relatively simple, plenty was going on towards getting ready for the all-important wedding ceremony.Rakesh Anand and his team managed gold pillars with a red dome as the basic framework, with up lighting and delicate scrollwork accentuating the design. The tables too reflected the colors in the tablecloth and overlay. There was entertainment in the form of a live band, treats in the wedding favors and a carefully crafted program all awaiting the guests. The aunts, meanwhile, chopped, mixed and spiced tirelessly to bring together an overwhelming feast of vegetarian foods and dessert. Before the time could be checked, the bride was ready and the wedding was set to begin.
Naresh, clad in a cream Sherwani, arrived in a grand limousine, and after a three day wait, got to meet his wife to be at her home in Lauderhill. Amid religious prayer and glamorous outfit changes, the bride and groom went through a seamless ceremony, and Naresh and Mattie left in the limo after the bidaai ceremony.
The reception was taken over completely by Mattie and Naresh, who planned and went through details personally. The Weston Hills used its natural beauty and combined it with the judicious use of carefully chosen flowers to look sublime. Ready to welcome close to 300 guests, the venue reflected the purple and ivory theme radiantly. Soon, dressed in a charcoal grey suit and white wedding gown, the man and wife presented themselves to the guests, and the evening was officially flagged off. Dances with father and mother respectively, an open dance floor and generous toasts ensured there was enough to have everyone in good humour.Mattie went through the wedding with least stress. She now advises that you include as many close friends and family members as you can to help manage different aspects. She also wisely adds that you look only vendors and ensure they come with sound references. For the bride, she adds pointedly that you make sure that you have eaten and had plenty of water. With all the activity and excitement, you are most likely to forget about eating, and it can take a toll on your health. Eat, drink and be merry, for this is truly your special day!
Photos Courtesy:
Vendors BEAUTICIANS/COSMETICIAN
Beauty Cafe Salon 754-204-8080
www.beautycafesalon.comBOUTIQUES
Aishwarya Design Studio
011-91-22-2628 4545
www.aishwaryadesignstudio.comCAKE
SugarBabies Cakes & Cupcakes by Nicole
305-775-9814CRUISES
Carnival Cruise Lines 800-327-7276
www.carnival.comFLORIST
Patricia s Flower Shop 954-696-8784DISC JOCKEY
Florida Melody Makers 954-325-7712
www.floridamelody.comJEWELERS
Chhabras Fashions 954-578-0093
chhabrasfashion@hotmail.comPARTY FLAVORS
Personalized CDs by Vedesh
954-630-5381PHOTOGRAPHER
Anand Photo & Video 954-332-1560
www.anandphotoandvideo.comRENTAL SERVICES
Universal Parties 954-444-4954
www.universalfunparties.comVENUE
Weston Hills Country Club 954-384-4671
www.westonhillsgolfclub.comVIDEOGRAPHER
Anand Photo & Video 954-332-1560
www.anandphotoandvideo.com -
Heart and Soul Payal With Parag
Though doctors may be able to diagnose and know instinctively what is going on with the body, matters of the heart and love are entirely different. Ask Payal and Parag, who knew each other for months before they even began to date. Although both are doctors, the symptoms of love were not obvious to either. After a few months of friendship, Parag and Payal let it all go and went out on a date.On one of their many adventures together, Parag thought the destination – the San Diego Botanic Gardens – would be an appropriate setting to propose. Even though Payal suspected the proposal would be coming, she really had no idea exactly when. So, when Parag got down on one knee, the moment was nothing like Payal had imagined.
After an engagement that lasted for a little over a year, the wedding was finally drawing near. Relying on friends and family rather than a wedding consultant, Payal and her troop had plenty of work cut out for them. The most taxing part was for Payal, who had to make four trips to Orlando from Houston to get things in place. This was followed by countless emails and phone calls to ensure all details were finalized. With friends, aunts and uncles willing to step in for her, planning was made much easier.
With the bride’s family traveling from Alabama and the groom’s family flying in from Canada, the couple chose to have a destination wedding in Orlando. The Hilton Lake Buena Vista was chosen as the ideal wedding venue.
The first of the functions was the garba. With nearly 300 guests attending, the Rawal Brothers provided live music and encouraged all to sway in complete abandon. Fuschia parasols, blue and fushcia drapes, and amber lights provided a myriad of different shades that offset the mood. A statue of Radha-Krishna along with dancing Ganesh statues adorned the venue alongside peacock statues.
The wedding ceremony was held in the morning in the venue’s ballroom. The popular Jodha Akbar theme was chosen for the decor, and accentuated with drapes, flowers and lights. The bride came carried in adoli by her uncles, and before long, Parag and Payal were pronounced man and wife. With Ganesh motifs decorating the programs, each guest followed along the ceremony every step of the way. The newly married couple was then whisked away in a grand horse carriage.The reception was a sophisticated affair. With crystals and vases, flower arrangements and wreaths, LED lights and the predominant use of teal as the color of the evening, the atmosphere was surreal. The food was delectable, and a lavish spread ensured every taste bud in the room would be thrilled. Cocktails, a visual presentation, skit and dances were just some of the special moments. With grand music played by DJ Firoz throughout the events and creative conceptualization and execution by Suhaag Gardens on the decor, the event was seamless and smooth.
Payal opines that you leave things to chance eventually and sit back and enjoy it, or you will never have fun at your wedding. The wedding is not just about you, but also about the special people who have travel miles to be with you. Payal especially wants to remember all the special people who made this possible – the photographers Digital Dreams, make-up and hair stylists, and the team at the Hilton headed by Rachel Sitter, who coordinated all details. After all, a wedding is not a single-handed project, but the sum total of efforts put in by many tireless hands!
Photos Courtesy:
Digital Dream Studio407-791-6064
www.digitaldreamstudio.comVendors BEAUTICIANS/COSMETICIAN
Alladins Magic 321-201-0518
www.alladinsmagic.vpweb.comQ Salon 407-253-2828
qsalonorlando@aol.comBRIDE AND GROOM CLOTHING
Preranas Boutique 407-240-7353
sagar05142@aol.comENTERTAINMENT
Fred Astaire Dance Studios
713-871-1300
www.fredastairehouston.comOrlando Belly Dance 407-579-9765
www.orlandobellydance.comSaree Palace Anand 011-91-269-2251003
info@sareepalaceanand.comCAKE
RW Chocolate Fountain 407-443-0779
www.rwchocolatefountains.comWhole Foods Market 407-355-7100
www.wholefoodsmarket.comDISC JOCKEY
Dudha Productions 727-523-0786
www.dudhaproductions.comHorse and Carriage
High Horse Carriage Rides Inc 386-334-4386
www.highhorsecarriagerides.comMANDAP/DECORATIONS
Suhaag Gardens 813-478-9283
www.suhaaggarden.comPHOTOGRAPHER
Digital Dream Studio 407-791-6064
www.digitaldreamstudio.comPRIEST/WORSHIP SERVICES
Mahesh Gor 407-699-7966
dharinigor_17@hotmail.comRESTAURANT/CATERING
Aashirwad Indian Cuisine 407-370-9830
www.aashirwadrestaurant.comKhasiyat 407-888-2147
bhanuchavda13@yahoo.comVENUE
Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista
407-827-4000
www.hiltonorlandolakebuenavista.comVIDEOGRAPHER
Digital Dream Studio 407-791-6064
www.digitaldreamstudio.comWEDDING INVITATIONS
Sarvoday Cards 011-91-269-6259401
www.sarvodaycard.com -
Love Keeps Us Alive Anuradha weds Avinash
Miles may separate lovelorn hearts, and years may pass before they even catch a glimpse of one another, but when love is meant to be – it will always find a reason and time. Though Anuradha and her family moved from Trinidad and found a new home in Florida, fate brought Anuradha and Avinash together, simply because true love is stronger than all else. One chance encounter at the Shiva temple and a simple exchange of glances was a sure sign that love had struck.Ten years after experiencing the bliss of togetherness, Avinash decided it was time to take the relationship to the next level. On the pretext of having Anuradha home for dinner, Avinash arranged for an elaborate candlelight dinner, complete with rose petals carpeting the floor, floating candles and soft music playing gently in the background. The most special snapshot was of Avinash waiting in readiness with a ring in his hand.
With ten months before the final wedding day, there was plenty to accomplish. The task was made even more difficult since the wedding was followed directly by the reception on the same day. Suhaag Gardens stepped in and took responsibility for all décor and overall arrangements, which eased a significant amount of stress.The wedding was held in Florida, with another reception planned in Trinidad. The Marriott Coral Springs was an ideal venue since the hotel could not only accommodate all guests, but also provided scenic beauty. Although there were smaller pujas and obligatory rituals performed in the days before the wedding, the main celebrations stretched over three days, beginning with a haldi ceremony and followed by a sangeet the following day.
A large Radha Krishna statue welcomed guests to the wedding venue. Upon entering, it was apparent that white was the color of the day, complemented with the use of gold, crystal and colorful flowers. The mandap drew much attention with the use of bright blue and purple drapes. While Avinash had an impressive entourage of cars, the bride came in under an exquisite canopy, while a live band created the right mood with its music.
At the reception, tables and chairs were decorated to feed into the predominant peacock theme. With purple and blue on the tables and matching flower arrangements, the sight was spectacular. Water fountains and rotating peacock statues made the arrangements unique and equally ornate. Even the lights were purple, green and blue. Highlights of the evening include introduction of the bride and groom, speeches, and the fine food.For those who missed out on the extravaganza in Florida, there was plenty to look forward to back home as the couple celebrated again with a reception in Trinidad. The Lakshmi Narayan Temple came alive with water fountains, tea gardens and fresh décor. This time around, there were even two live peacocks!
There is no shortage of wedding advice, but the couple offers a fresh perspective. They feel that once you have true friendship, love, honesty and respect for one another, all arrangements leading up to the wedding will become much easier and also more enjoyable. It also works when you keep each other well informed and communicate, which will ensure that everyone is heard. The couple stresses that no matter how stressful the event, and despite what may go wrong, you will certainly be left wanting to enjoy the celebrations all over again, so it is best that you take in every moment!Photos Courtesy:
Vanessa Hankins Photography
305-890-8536
www.vanessahankins.com
Tony E Photography
www.tonyephotography.comVendors BEAUTICIANS/COSMETICIAN
Anju Thaker 954-554-8749BRIDE-GROOM CLOTHING
Frontier Heritage Artesia
562-653-9396
rasija@gmail.com
Letrend Boutique
407-288-3304
www.letrendboutique.comMANDAP/DECORATIONS
Suhaag Gardens 813-478-9283
www.suhaaggarden.comPHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER
Vanessa Hankins Photography
305-890-8536
www.vanessahankins.comTony E Photography
www.tonyephotography.comVENUE
Coral Spring Marriot
954-227-4122
www.marriott.com/fllmcWEDDING INVITATIONS
Invites Events 954-797-8022
www.invitesandevents.comAnuradha weds Avinash
Suhaag Gardens
The Marriott Coral Springs
the wedding venue
The mandap
The Lakshmi Narayan Temple
Vanessa Hankins Photography
BEAUTICIANS/COSMETICIAN
BRIDE-GROOM CLOTHING
PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER
WEDDING INVITATIONS
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A Perfect Confluence of Love: The Esha Deol Bharat Takhtani Wedding
June 29 was a very special day for legendary stars Dharmendra and Hema Malini as their eldest daughter, Esha Deol, was bonded in holy matrimony to Bharat Takhtani. The ceremony matched perfectly with the people involved – glamorous, beautiful and opulent. The doting parents sent out wedding invitations accompanied by boxes of laddoos bursting with nuts. The week long ceremony culminated in an elegant wedding at the Iskcon Temple in Mumbai, followed by a grand reception at a five star hotel in the city. The days prior to the wedding were filled with lively events like the Mehndi and Sangeet ceremonies.The credit for Esha, Bharat’s, Aahna, and Hema Malini’s beautiful outfits goes to Neeta Lulla, a celebrated Bollywood designer. She truly worked her magic on the grand Kanchivaram saree that was specially ordered from Chennai for the bride. Hema Malini looked stunning, as usual, in her own toned down Kanchivaram saree that she wore with a heavily embroidered blouse and traditional gold jewelry. Aahna held her own amidst the glam exuded by her mother and sister. She looked sweet and very much like a younger version of Hema Malini. Esha was dolled up in a gorgeous dress designed by the same Sindhi designer. The groom looked dapper in a traditional beige sherwani.
The wedding was held at the Iskon temple, and it was a simple affair with just close family and friends in attendance. The reception was the exact opposite, and the grandeur was stunning. Equally stunning were sweethearts and newlyweds,Esha and Bharat Takhtani. Esha wore a pink lehnga studded with Swaroski crystals designed by Rocky S, and Bharat matched her beauty in a dark suit, designed by Simone Khambatta. Hema Malini stole the show at the reception dressed in a silver and soft white lenhga saree, while Dharmendra played the perfect host. Aahna, the baby of the Deol family, looked very pretty in a bright pink traditional lehnga.Apart from the beautiful costumes, colors and glitter, what really shone through all the ceremonies was the lovely warm bond that Esha and Bharat Takhtani share. The groom seemed very proud of his wife as he called her his “princess for life.” Bharat also said that he was looking forward to a great life ahead with the most wondrous life partner. The bride was definitely blushing crimson.
Hema Malini and Dharmendra elegantly managed everything during the wedding ensuring the day would be perfect for Esha. The wedding went off without a hitch and will remain one of the most talked about celebrations of the year.
