-
Life is a Beach – Shailee Marries Vivek
holidays are treasured, what we never let go of is the magic of our own wedding. Beginning with courtship, continuing all the way to the proposal and wedding planning, and finally ending with the moment that is lost all too soon, love and marriage make for an experience that moves not just those involved, but also everyone in the vicinity of the happy couple.
Shailee and Vivek Patel, both fourth year students of medicine at the University of Miami, knew one another’s siblings for a while, but did not meet until a fateful cultural convention held in 2003. They were in touch through messages and emails and completed their undergraduate degree together at the University of Miami, after which they both went to the Miller School of Medicine.
In 2010,Vivek decided to propose. Mindful that both held their respective families in the highest regard, Vivek decided to include them and invited them to a beach spot at Key Biscayne. Etching out a wedding proposal in the sand with Shailee’s favorite color teal, Vivek got down on one knee with the entire family hidden behind keeping the scene in full view. Shailee had no reason to refuse.
Diligent planning and ample support ensured all details were taken care of well in advance. A wedding planner was the ideal resource for this couple to ensure arrangements went on smoothly and remained on course. With help to find and secure vendors, arrange food tastings, and plan the events, wedding planning became easy to manage. While friends managed all logistics and parents were busy with details, Shailee and Vivek had time to focus on their studies. A quick trip to India to shop for clothes and other items was also possible given the one and a half years between the engagement and wedding.
Although everyone felt plenty of time was available, the wedding arrived sooner than they expected. The first event was raas garba, which set to a mela or carnival A spectacular opening to the upcoming celebrations, everyone participated in full dress and with ample enthusiasm. Palmists, puppet shows, poster collage, and bangle bazaar were accompanied by music from the famous Rawal Brothers who performed live. Close friends of the couple performed a choreographed number with a surprise entry made by the groom. Entertainment not with standing, the guests had a roaring time with village foods served with a rustic feel. To blend in a little American essence, there was also cotton candy, snow cones and popcorn. The Orlando Marriott Lake Mary found itself transported to an Indian village as 500 guests enjoyed the festivities. The Marriott was ideal for its proximity to Shailee’s home and for lodging arrangements for most of the wedding guests.
For the wedding, an elegant gold mandap was embellished using pastel colored roses, hydrangeas and Asiatic lilies. Draped with ivory and coral curtains, it made for an impressive arena with 6 pillars designed in the shape of a seashell. The aisle had circular mosaic tile holders for the bouquets, candles and dangling flowers.The wedding reception was held at the Heron Bay Marriott in Parkland, which is where Vivek and his family reside. The theme for the reception was Miami Chic, and the golf course located on the premises made for a pictures que backdrop Weaving Miami nightlife with the use of decor, colors and lighting, Suhaag Gardens handled all the decorations and in corporately host of elements to complete the feel. Most importantly, they ensured an inclusive dessert bar to appease the dessert cravings Shailee and Vivek are known to have.
DJ Firoz Dudha kept the 450 attendees completely entertained, not just with his music, but also as Emcee. A photo frame on the stage saw a silhouette dance performed by Shailee and Vivek, after which the sheers dropped and the man and his new wife emerged. They then performed their first dance together to Starlight by Muse. The Miami Chic theme continued with a salsa performance by the couple followed with professionally trained dancers in the background.Both Shailee and Vivek advise that you stay calm and not worry about the wedding arrangements since it will be verbefore you even realize. There is little time for enjoyment, and you should make the most of it. A pleasant wedding with happy memories will go a long way in strengthening the marriage. Although moments during the wedding will make you feel the world is coming apart and all will come to an end, those moments will seem trivial in retrospect.
Photos Courtesy:
Zamana Lifestyles
678-860-2921
www.zamanaphoto.comVENDORS WEDDING SITE
Orlando Marriott Lake Mary
407-995-1100
www.marriott.com/MCOMLPHOTOGRAPHY
Zamana Lifestyles Photography
678-860-2921
www.zamanaphoto.comWEDDING DRESS
Roop Kala
+91-079-55614411
Roopkala.ahmedabadPANDIT
Maheshbhai Gor
321-297-6167MANDAP DECORATOR
Suhaag Gardens
561-247-4298
www.suhaaggarden.comGARBA BAND
Rawal Brothers
386-882-1462
DANCE LESSONS
A PARTY HALL
305-796-8782
www.apartyhall.comHORSE – CARRIAGE
High Horse Carriage Rides
386-334-4386
www.highhorsecarriagerides.comRENTAL EQUIPMENT
352-217-0330
www.keventlighting.com
VIDEOGRAPHY Zamana Lifestyles Photography
678-860-2921
www.zamanaphoto.comShivPriya Events LLC
407-473-8852
www.shivpriyaevents.comHAIR-MAKEUP
Beauty by Jayshree
407-430-8536
www.beautybyjayshree.comAnjana Thaker
954-554-8749
www.anjuthaker.comFLOWERS
Suhaag Gardens
561-247-4298
www.suhaaggarden.com
Ranjan Patel
321-947-9673MUSIC DJ
DJ Zahir
407-437-3300
www.djspinorlando.com
Dudha Productions
727-418-8498
www.dudhaproductions.comCATERING
BAPS Orlando
407-857-0091
www.swaminarayan.org
Bombay Café
407-240-5151
www.Bombaycafeorlando.ComPunjab – Fine Indian Cuisine
561 392 8000
www.punjabindiancuisine.comRoyal Sweets
813-977-6000
www.royalsweetsusa.com -
A Star Studded Affair – Riteish Weds Genelia
Romance, high profile or not, is hard to keep under wraps. Love is a difficult secret to keep, especially when the courtship is long. When the lovers in question are high profile public figures, you can be certain that word is bound to slip. This was not the case with Riteish and Genelia. This couple has been in love and together for ten years and no one has had enough evidence to blow their cover. It was only sometime last year when the two openly discussed their relationship did people begin to believe the rumours. Before anyone had a chance to fuel the rum or mills further, the couple officially became man and wife.Though the wedding was announced just a short while before it took place, it was obvious that plenty of planning and preparation went into this affair that brought together some of the biggest names in the country. We may all agree that Riteish and Genelia are able to gather large crowds on their own merit, but given that Riteish’s father holds such a prominent place in Indian politics, the list was lengthened a few times over.
First to take place was the sangeet ceremony, which brought together not just celebrities but also family and friends. The evening was directed by Karan Johar and needless to say, was bound to exude larger than life appeal. It was endearing to see Genelia come in with her own baraat, in complete Goan style that included koli music and dance. With her brother and father by her side, Genelia looked nothing like the demure, blushing bride. Instead, she was as much part of the brigade, grooving and shaking to the numbers with abandon. Back at the sangeet, Shah Rukh Khan did the voice over for the entire evening, though he only made a physical appearance towards the end. Several other stars like Abhishek Bachchan, Arbaaz and Malaika Arora Khan, Soha Ali Khan and Gauri Khan made up for his absence. Genelia looked divine in a flowing white and peach lehnga and ethnic jewelry. Riteish made quite a statement in royal blue and white. It was clear that not just the couple in love, but all in attendance were having a really great time since the party came to an end in the early hours of the morning!
The wedding was a day to remember. Traditional with every Maharashtrian observance woven in, it was exciting from beginning to end. Riteish came in on the horse with a full baraat in tow, dressed in a white sherwani and a red turban. He was completely at ease and very compliant, waving to all he passed and taking in every moment. Genelia waited at the venue, the Grand Hyatt Hotel in suburban Mumbai. Dressed in traditional wedding colors, Genelia looked grand and beautiful in an outfit by Ritu Kumar, and completed with heavy ornate jewelry.
It was an affair that brought big names together from several fields ranging from politics to film. Kripashankar Singh, Chagan Bhujbal and Praful Patel attended with blessings and best wishes, while Abhishek with mother Jaya Bachchan, Jackie Shroff, Shahid Kapur, Jeetendra and Akshay Kumar represented the film fraternity. Other popular faces included Leander Paes with wife Rhea Pillai and daughter, Priya Dutt and Smita Thakrey. Anil Ambani with his wife Tina and Parmeshwar Godrej were also among those who attended. The father of the groom looked happy and jubilant, and the couple posed happily for pictures. Riteish went on to post pictures and add his thoughts on a popular micro-blogging site almost immediately.
After the Hindu wedding, the couple said their vows and “I do” in Christian style. Ensuring that all were happy and had their heart’s desires met during this inter-caste wedding, an intimate ceremony was held at St. Anne’s church in Bandra, where the couple were married in the presence of family. Dressed in a flowing ivory gown, Genelia sashayed down the aisle to meet Riteish, who wore a conventional black tuxedo.
The couple celebrated their nuptials with a glamorous reception at a five star suburban hotel in Mumbai. The occasion was quite the party as many prominent members of Bollywood attended to congratulate the happy couple. As for the couple, their celebrations will no doubt continue throughout life with many happy memories yet to come. The tryst of fate is such that what we least expect happens, and try as we might we cannot fight it. For Riteish and Genelia, it brings in a new life of promise, hope and love. For all their fans who loved the chemistry they shared on screen, it is here to last. -
Magical Wedding – Reenal Weds Saurav
For some, there is a moment in life when you meet someone and know instantly that they are meant to be your spouse. For others, it takes a long courtship before you can really be sure that someone is your soul mate. For Reenal Patel, it was a bit of both.
Though Reenal and her boyfriend, Saurav Sharma, knew that they wanted to live with one another, they decided to wait until they completed their postgraduate courses before they finally got married. The result was a ten-year relations hip before a final marriage date could be set.
Reenal, a 27-year-old optometrist, and 30-year-old Saurav first met through mutual friends. In 2010, on New Year’s Eve, the two created a magical memory, one that will no doubt be relived for many years to come. On the pretext of taking her to a special concert, Saurav took Reenal to the Disney Boardwalk, where they enjoyed each other’s company on their first date ten years ago. An unsuspecting Reenal played along until they sat on the same bench, and Saurav waited until no one was around before he got down on one knee to propose. It was then that nerves took over, and Reenal melted away into tears as she said yes. Quite understandably, there is little that she remembers about who said what. The most important thing was that she accepted.
With just ten months to go before the wedding, the two threw themselves into planning their special day. Rather than use the services of a wedding consultant, the couple preferred working with their families to ensure all arrangements were made with a personal touch.
The pre-wedding functions included a mehndi, sangeet and raas garba, which were all held on the same night. It was during this event that the true feel of wedding celebrations thoroughly took over everyone’s spirits. Needless to say, there was delicious food and drink as well as infectious music to keep everyone waiting with eager anticipation of the events to come. Nearly 300 guests attended the festivities, and the DoubleTree Orlando Hotel at the entrance of Universal Studios made for the ideal venue.
Reenal suggests the bride and groom take in every moment of the wedding and reception as best as they can, since it will pass quickly and be over before they even know it. “Soak it all in.”
The same venue was the backdrop for the wedding ceremony, and the guests attended adorned in full grandeur. The ballroom was the chosen venue, and with its space, lighting and decor, it made for the most exquisite setting. An important factor in the selection of the venue was its accessibility due to its central location. Moreover, outside catering was allowed, making it possible for the families to dine on their own selection of Indian cuisine.
The reception exhibited the same enthusiasm and participation witnessed during the wedding. With a DJ and dholl player, who had been brought in specially, no one was spared, and few guests could keep themselves away from the dance floor. As soon as the touching speeches and toasts were complete, the dance floor was the center of attention. Everyone was so busy dancing the night away, that many almost missed the cake cutting!
Reenal and Saurav, a calm and happy couple, did not have anxiety or cold feet before the wedding. Considering they had looked forward to this special moment for so long, there was just keen eagerness on their part.
Reenal does offer brides-to-be some practical advice. Wiser for having gone through the motions, she suggests the bride and groom take in every moment of the wedding and reception as best as they can, since it will pass quickly and be over before they even know it. “Soak it all in,” Reenal says with a smile. With so many memories and delightful events to look back on, we know that Reenal and Saurav will relive their wedding celebrations a thousand times over in their thoughts and dreams.
WEDDING Doubletree Hotel 407-351-1000 | VIDEOGRAPHY Digital Dream Studio 407-791-6064 | WEDDING DRESS Asopalav +91-79-26577958 | RECEPTION Doubletree Hotel 407-351-1000 |MANDAP DECORATOR Palloo’s Flowers 407-302-7966 | MAKEUP Zaidy Santoni 787-528-4880 | PHOTOGRAPHY Digital Dream Studio 407-791-6064 | FLOWERS Palloo’s Flowers 407-302-7966 | MUSIC/DJ Dudha Productions 727-523-0786 | CATERING BAPS Shayona 407-857-0091 | New Punjab 407-352-7887
-
When Love Gives You Wings Natasha Weds Faiz
Love is among the most sublime emotions that we know, an emotion that keeps us feeling youthful and alive. As children we tend to grow fond of friends of the opposite sex without realizing what it means, as teens we have crushes that make life more exciting, and true love blooms only when we are old enough to realize. Some people only find love when they are of age, while others, like Natasha and Faiz,understand how it changes and grows in the people they have known for several years.
The first meeting between Natasha and Faiz occurred during a dinner hosted at Faiz’s residence by his parents, when they were 15 years old. Exchanging only pleasantries, the story was left at that until they met again a year later. When they began to talk, they found so much in common that they connected like they were old friends. Finding a deep connection between them, they remained friends throughout high school, although they were always strangely drawn to one another. It was in college when they talked of taking the relationship to the next level, and amazingly, also decided that they would one day marry one another. Although there was no dramatic proposal that Faiz made to Natasha at that time, it was the most committed, strongest expression of love and faith that they showed for each other.
A traditional Pakistani wedding proposal followed, which included the parents of the couple. Faiz and his family went to Melbourne, Florida, to see Natasha’s family and ask for Natasha’s hand in marriage formally. Although it was not particularly dreamy, it felt completely right for Faiz, Natasha, and both families.
Both families and friends undertook all wedding preparations without the help of a wedding consultant. With a year to plan and prepare, an inclusive list was prepared with all the important points and details itemized. Since they had little experience with planning a wedding, it was along journey, one no one realized would be difficult and paved with many details. Making arrangements and confirming details continued all the way to the week before the wedding.
A mehndi rasam was the first official ceremony leading to the wedding. Besides the mendhi, music and dance performances were the highlights of the evening. The Mystic Dunes in Orlando was the chosen venue, which was decorated beautifully with candles, lanterns, votives and tea lights. The décor created a very colorful and mystical setting, which set the mood making all 160 guests look and feel special.
The wedding ceremony was held at the Hilton Walt Disney World Resort. Chosen for its proximity and also its warm, welcoming feel, the venue was decorated to enhance its best features. Earthy tones and warm lighting added to the magnificence. Tree centerpieces with hanging votives and roses, and majestic lamps and surahis in brass along side elegant drapes made the wedding space just perfect.The valima, or the wedding reception, followed. Hosted at the Grand Bohemian, this was an evening no one will forget in quite some time. With the formalities of the wedding ceremony complete, now was the time to push aside anxiety and truly relax and enjoy the occasion. The Grand Bohemian is majestic, opulent and stylish with exquisite artwork and fabulous design, which was everything Faiz and Natasha wanted. The venue makes for an ideal backdrop for pictures and is even a place celebrities frequent. The guests were treated with style and class, and they enjoyed every minute. With a DJ spinning great numbers and friends and families emceeing throughout the evening, laughs and jovial fun resonated all night.
Natasha and Faiz suggest that prospective brides and grooms take in every moment, from the planning all the way to the last moment of festivities. No matter how it goes or how you take it, this is a moment that can never come back again and can only be lived through pictures and videos. If you have made the most of it, you can relive the magic in your head and heart forever.Photos Courtesy:
Sona Photography
407-694-6032
www.sonaphotography.comVendors MEHNDI SITE
Mystic Dunes Resort
407-396-1311
www.mystic-dunes-resort.comSHAADI SITE
Hilton Walt Disney World Resort
407-827-3809
www.hiltonorlandoresort.comPHOTOGRAPHY
Sona Photography
407-694-6032
www.SonaPhotography.comVIDEOGRAPHY
Digital Dream
407-791-6064
www.digitaldreamstudio.comDECORATOR
Dreams to Reality
407-592-9261
mejoomemon@hotmail.comFLOWERS
Raining Roses Productions
407-854-3500
www.RainingRoses.bizVALIMA SITE
Grand Bohemian Hotel
407-313-9000
www.GrandBohemianHotel.comOFFICIANT
Dr. Muzaffar A. Shaikh
321-674-7345
mshaikh@fit.edu -
In Love for Eternity – Monali Weds Kenny
Not every love story has a perfect ending with bubbles, candy-colored hearts and magic everywhere. Every once in a while, when you do find the perfect love story that has a befitting end, your faith in love is strengthened. For Kenny and Monali, although their life together has only just begun, their romance that culminated in a fairy tale wedding is like a complete story in itself.When Monali Rathod moved to Atlanta the summer of 2006 to study pharmacy, she never suspected her life would change forever. An evening with friends began a tryst with destiny when she met Kenny for the first time. He literally swept her off her feet, offering to carry her to the car as she walked barefoot to curb the pain from her high-heeled shoes. Ironically, though they had several mutual friends, the two had never met. It seems that fate arranged a grand opening sequence for this drama.
Four years of dating and courtship followed, after which Kenny was certain that it was time to make things official. Comforted by the fact that the relationship met with approval from both sets of parents, Kenny took the first step. On the pretext of taking Monali some place new, Kenny actually took her to where they first met. He then feigned an untied shoelace as he got down on one knee to propose. Monali could do little but accept, and she did with all her heart.
With a year to plan the wedding, there was enough time to attend to all details. Given that Monali’s sister married just two years before, the experience was fresh on her mind and helped Monali as she went about planning her own wedding. Both families were actively involved and with the help of wedding professional Nadira Merali from Evni Event Planning, no detail was forgotten. The only trouble with all the excitement and enthusiasm was the abundance of choice and having to stand by a decision once a choice was made.
Celebrations began with the mehndi ceremony that was hosted at the neighborhood clubhouse, which was the easiest, most accessible and convenient location. A grah shanti was held at the Rathod residence in Cumming with about 50 members in attendance. Kenny, on the other hand, enjoyed his grah shanti with close to 100 members of family and friends at his family’s Wauseon residence. The night before the wedding, both families came toge-ther for an informal dinner. The occasion served as a great icebreaker and precursor to the upcoming wedding celebration the next day. Children and adults alike embraced the evening with abandon during a dinner catered by Udipi and an ice cream sundae bar by Bruster’s Ice Cream.
The ceremony location was decorated in appropriate colors for the occasion, with traditional gold being the highlight. With intricate jail work and a see through glass top on which delicate rose petals were precariously perched creating the most exquisite sight. Nearly 450 guests gathered at the Gwinnett Place Marriott for the wedding. It was a deliberate choice, being familiar territory for the bride’s family who held Monali’s sister’s wedding at the same venue. They were also extremely comfortable working with the hotel wedding coordinator, Jill Bish. The biggest advantage was that the guest rooms, wedding and reception areas were all in the same place, making it a logistic dream.
Prior to the wedding, Kenny and Monali met briefly so that they could have some pre-ceremony pictures taken. This, in Monali’s opinion was an extremely wise decision and something she advises all brides and grooms consider doing.
During the reception, DJ Sahil brought together classics and contemporary music, with help from Kenny’s brother Minesh, a popular DJ in the south. Every guest was moving to the music and enjoy in the great food. The evening decors hone in colors of plum and gold with delicate diamond shaped estate tables and lighting creating an ambiance of perfection. The surprise of the evening was a same day edit of wedding photographs created by Zamana.
In looking at any wedding in retrospect, there is always much to learn from the experience. Monali meticulously maintained a diary, in which she kept diligent notes, starting the first day of planning. She was in regular touch with all her vendors to ensure arrangements were in place. While she candidly maintains that things will never be as perfect as you expect, it is best to smile and enjoy every minute. As she beamingly admits, watching Kenny stand before her smiling made all the minor details fade away.Photos Courtesy:
Zamana Lifestyles
678-860-2921
www.zamanaphoto.comVendors CEREMONY SITE
Gwinnett Place Marriott
770-923-1775
www.marriottgwinnettplace.comJEWELRY
Bhindi Jewelers
404-325-8755
www.bhindijewellers.comPHOTOGRAPHY
Zamana Lifestyles
678-860-2921
www.zamanaphoto.comHORSE
Gentle Giant Horse & Carriage
770-885-9616
www.gentlegiantcarriage.webs.comPLANNER
Envi Event Planning
864-907-2003
www.envieventplanning.comCATERING
Udipi Cafe
678-584-5840
www.udipicafegeorgia.comCATERING
The Palace
770-840-7770
www.thepalaceatl.comPANDIT
Dr. Majmudar
404-616-7445
bmajmud@emory.eduMANDAP DECORATOR
Occasions by Shangri-La
407-394-4244
www.occasionsbyshangrila.comMUSIC DJ
Prime DJ
404-429-5499
www.prime-djs.comHAIR-MAKEUP
Ruby’s Hair Salon
404-294-8020
www.rubybeautycenter.comCAKE
Unforgettable Cakes
770-971-1700
www.unforgettableweddingcakes.com
