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Dreams Do Come True Kavita Weds Prashanth
Very few fortunate people are lucky enough to get what they want. Though everyone dreams, only a few eventually see their dreams turn to reality! Two such fortunate people, Kavita Bahl and Prashanth Kolli, recently tied the knot at one of the world’s most favorite holiday destination.
Kavita and Prashanth Kolli, both aged 31, got married on February 18, 2012 amidst much grandeur and glitz. Their wedding celebration displayed the most elegant and perfect style one could desire. Thanks to proper organization that was incorporated in celebrating their wedding ceremonies and the able assistance of their wedding planner Hameant, Kavita and Prashanth were married in Orlando, Florida, with 300 guests in attendance.
It all began nearly two years ago, when the couple started dating. The sound of wedding bells soon began ringing melodiously for the couple. After a year and a half of courtship, Prashanth proposed to Kavita. What followed was the engagement of Prashanth and Kavita, with a wedding six months down the line. The time line certainly called for meticulous wedding planning to be done with the help of a proficient wedding planner. Hameant was introduced to the family, and he helped enable smooth functioning of the whole process.
Kavita’s dad took charge of the big picture such as hiring of vendors and managing of time lines, while her mother took interest in managing more articulate things for their beloved’s daughter’s wedding. Contrary to everyone’s belief, the wedding was planned in a short span of six months.
Hameant was instrumental in picking a suitable venue as the wedding destination for Kavita and Prashanth. The Orlando Marriott World Center is one of the largest amongst the Marriott chain of hotels, and was appreciated by the entire family as the ideal wedding venue for the couple’s wedding. With the large ballrooms and entertaining space the Orlando Marriott World Center offers its clients, the family had many options from which to select for various ceremonies. Apart from the restaurants, pools, golf courses, and spas housed within the premises of Orlando Marriott World Center, its location fasc-inates one and all. Situated right outside the world famous Disney World, guests could enjoy every moment of their stay while the wedding festivities were not being conducted.
The pre-wedding function started with a bang with the sangeet held in the most elegant manner. The arrangements made the sangeet exude sheer grace, thus rejuvenating the whole atmosphere. Jyoti Patel of Delightful Events, Orlando, handled decor for the sangeet and all other ceremonies.
The sangeet function, as is usually the case, was held in a smaller ballroom of the Marriott. The decoration was very subtle, conveying traditional extravagance in the simplest manner. The tables and chairs at the venue were formidably covered in white cloth. While the white cloth covering the tables contained colorful cloth squares with lanterns and tea lights standing erect upon them, the white covers on the chairs were decorated with golden bows. In the most traditional manner one could sight, a mehndi artist was situated under a white and teal umbrella with a variety of seating placed before her for the guests. The food bar was transformed into a ‘dhaba,’ rendering its guests four types of ‘dhaba’ servings. The guests’ dhaba options included Asian, Mexican, Indian, and Italian. The stage was the center of attraction with a traditional jhula, well decorated in tandem with the overall decor of the ballroom, on which Kavita and Prashanth sat.
The theme wedding ceremony was elaborately decorated to exude the exclusivity rendered to suit the overall ambience of the venue. The afternoon wedding was an outdoor ceremony with a Jodha Akbar mandap occupying the center of the venue. Situated just across a golf course and overlooking a pond, the venue was lit with an enhanced natural grandeur, as rightly so desired by its organizers and the couple. The venue comprised of a wooden terrace decorated by gold and salmon colored draping. The aisle contained an arch along six Jodha Akbar pillars with large rose centerpieces creatively placed on each side. Although the wedding ceremony was intended to be simple initially, the ample space provided by the venue helped Jyoti Patel manufacture last minute detailing and insights into the whole decor, making the venue look simply superlative and fascinating.
The guests, who were seated on white garden chairs adorned with vertical salmon colored sashes, were sure to have a splendid time of their life! The ceremony was conducted by an event management company from India, taking care of every detail in the arena of music and entertainment. DJ Gaurav played a variety of music, from soothing Enya to happy Indian Vidai music from Khal-nayak. In fact, immediately after the arrival of the baraat, Prashanth walked down the aisle alongside Kavita’s parents to the tunes of ‘Sajanki Gharaaye’ from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. The ambience was simply enthralling with one the most joyful moments experienced by each of the invites. Alongside the beat of the music, cocktails flowed freely, foreshadowing the fun and frolic to come.
The wedding reception added more glory and displayed the best party theme of the entire event. The newly married couple was introduced to the song ‘Deewangi’ from Om Shanti Om, followed by ‘Run like Hell’ from Pink Floyd. When the guests were seated, the first official dance was performed by Prashanth and Kavita setting the stage on fire to the tune of “All my life’ by K-Ci and JoJo.
Later, Kavita danced with her father to Paul Simon’s ‘Father and Daughter.’ Many other father’s and daughter’s from the invites later joined Kavita and her dad. Prashanth also danced with his mother to Josh Groban’s ‘You Raise Me Up.’ The reception party became increasingly flamboyant as the evening faded, with music including bhangra as well as American chart toppers being played throughout the night. The dhol player rendered the best support to the overall flavor of music, making the beat more stupendous.
The party ended on a very promising note, but Kavita certainly has a few pointers that couples should consider when making their wedding plans. First, if certain minor things cannot be completed, one should refrain from worrying about them, as they will not be noticed in the midst of fun and frolic. She encourages couples to take advantage of professional wedding vendors, as they simplify much of the work making the entire process much more enjoyable. Kavita and Prashanth’s dream wedding came true mostly due to their wedding planners.
Photos Courtesy:
Digital Dream Video & Photo Studio
407-791-6064
www.DigitalDreamStudio.comVendors Ceremony and Reception Site
Marriott World Center
407-238-8702
www.marriottworldcenter.com
Photography and Videography
Digital Dreams 407-791-6064
www.Digitaldreamstudio.comWedding Planner
Shiv Priya Events 407-473-8852
www.shivpriyaevents.comMandap Decorator
Delightful Events 407-497-1053
www.imakeevents.comHair and Make-up
Sangeeta Patel 407-257-3271
www.spbridalservices.comPriest
Hindu Society of Central Florida
407-699-5277
www.hindutempleorlando.orgCatering
Darbar Restaurant 321-287-6176Catering
New Punjab 407-352-7887
www.newpunjabrestauarant.comMUSIC DJ
DJ Gaurav 732-261-2208
www.djgaurav.com -
Where Are They Now?
Many of our readers often wonder how the featured wedding couples are doing long after gracing the pages of Desh-Videsh. Beginning with this wedding issue, we visit with Desh-Videsh wedding story couples to find out about life after marriage!
Nilu and Jay Patel
March 27, 2010
(July 2010 cover)Since being featured in Desh-Videsh, Nilu and Jay became proud parents to Niam Patel, born on September 4, 2011 at 8 lbs 12 oz. Much of the last year was spent preparing for their little boy and enjoying every moment with him. They moved out of their downtown Chicago condo and bought their first beautiful home in the Chicago suburbs. Before Niam, they enjoyed traveling around the U.S., Hawaii, and Canada. Jay continues to enjoy success with his construction company, building and remodeling hotels in the Midwest. Nilu managed to find some time after the wedding to win first place in the regional Fogana competition as a part of a raas group, and is now back to work in the health administration field. Most of all, the couple are enjoying all the time they have had with each other, their baby, families, and friends.
Attention Desh-Videsh wedding couples:
Desh-Videsh invites you to share your accomplishments and life passages to be published in the “Where are They Now?” section in the June 2012 wedding resources issue. Please submit a 100-200 word update along with a recent family photo via e-mail to raj@deshvidesh.com. Updates may include: births; new jobs and career changes; honors, awards and community involvement; and current location.
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Shalini Weds Randy
Your first love, whether in adolescence or adulthood, is never forgotten. Often, puppy love does not last very long, and we tend to move on in life. It is rare for a first love to be the last and eventually culminate in marriage, but in the lucky instances that it does, life can be nothing short of perfect. In this story, you will find that friends become lovers and life partners, but also experience the joy that finding true love in your first crush can bring.
Shalini Vijaya Persad met her true love Arron Randy Ramlogan when she was only thirteen. They met at Randy’s sister’s sixteenth birthday party, and once they set eyes on each other from across the room, they could not look away. A few days later Randy called Shalini and asked her out. This was the first step they took together and that made for the strongest foundation to their relationship.
Their relationship only grew with time. Growing steadily to become more than lovers, Shalini and Randy found companionship, solace, friendship and counsel in each other. They shared everything they dreamt of, thought about, and felt. Endless hours of talking and countless meetings only made them realize how intense their love was for one another. Randy and Shalini ensured that they spent every birthday, Diwali, Christmas and Thanksgiving together.
As they grew older, both Shalini and Randy understood that they would need to chart their own life and destiny. They decided to explore themselves and life. With all of the traveling, learning, building their careers, making friends, and developing hobbies, the one thing that remained constant in their life was the love they had for one another. Seven years later, Shalini received the fateful call from Randy, which brought the couple, their love, and magic back together.
Randy proposed in style by taking Shalini to the Viceroy Hotel Miami for dinner. Only, it was not in the restaurant, but on the terrace that had been booked only for them. With appetizers, drinks and the main course already ordered and served, Shalini and Randy then proceeded to take a walk on the pretext of getting a better view of Miami. Randy, however, had other plans. As the restaurant manager and waiter came in with a bottle of champagne and tray, Shalini was floored with an exquisite ring and the sight of Randy proposing from down on one knee. This was the perfect beginning of their journey together and a night Shalini will never forget.
The first wedding event happened to be the hardi ceremony and intimate gathering shared with friends and family in Shalini’s backyard. With tents, decorated mandaps and music, it may have been causal, but it was certainly very enjoyable. The hardi ceremony may have been short, but was conducted beautifully. Shalini walked in escorted by her mother, creating a surreal moment. The ceremony was conducted by the family’s guru, Dr. Pundit Prakash Prasad. A scrumptious dinner followed, and then it was time for uninhibited fun and entertainment, with singers and dancers sweeping the guests off their feet.
The next event was the mehndi the following night. Beginning in the afternoon, the joyous occasion went on for several hours in order for the artists to have enough time to create ornate designs on Shalini’s arms and legs. Guests trickled in later in the afternoon, and the festive mood from the evening before continued full force. Shalini found great joy in seeing not just traditional and contemporary designs, but also Randy’s name incorporated into the pattern.
The wedding ceremony began on January 29 and took place at the Marriott Coral Springs Hotel – Golf Club and Convention Center. The atmosphere in the hotel inspired love at first sight as well as a refreshing drive down Heron Bay. The ballroom was attractive in design and layout. Chandeliers and lighting created a grand ambiance. As Shalini walked down the aisle, she felt excitement and anticipation, eager to get a glimpse of Randy. She simply could not stop staring when her eyes met his. The tempo picked up, and Shalini found herself savoring every moment – the ceremony, friends and family, decor, colors and clothes. The love between the bride and groom was obvious –Randy and Shalini laughed, talked, and held hands showing just how comfortable they were making this all important transition. For the over 470 guests in attendance, this was a wedding on which they would think of fondly for a long time.
The wedding reception followed in the same ballroom, which was transformed for the festive occasion. In the meantime, appetizers were served, and Randy and Shalini took the time to change into their reception ensembles. Dinner was the first treat of the evening while a slideshow played in the background with music provided by the DJ. Randy and Shalini entered after dinner to a lively bangra number. They enjoyed their first dance, after which they got to mingle with guests and relatives, while also taking many pictures. Everyone then enjoyed a slideshow that chronicled the journey of their life together, followed by speeches made by close friends and family.
The wedding was certainly not a breeze or cakewalk, but rather a carefully planned event. Though Jilna Patel of Suhaag Garden took the helm with planning and implementation, the whole family pitched in with their contributions. Months of meticulous work went in to ensure everything went smoothly. In retrospect, Shalini believes that being organized is what helps you get through with little stress. Working together on all decisions as a team will enable both bride and groom to take in the moment together and feel the same passion. This is just how you learn to share every moment of your future life together.
Photos Courtesy:
84 West Studios
954-236-9000
www.84weststudios.comVENDORS WEDDING SITE
Fort Lauderdale Marriott Coral Springs
954-227-4122
www.marriott.com/fllmcRECEPTION SITE
Fort Lauderdale Marriott Coral Springs
954-227-4122
www.marriott.com/fllmcPHOTOGRAPHY
84 West Studios
954-236-9000
www.84weststudios.comVIDEOGRAPHY
S&S Video Productions
954-854-2808
www.ssvideopro.comPANDIT
Pt. Prakash Persad
Pt. Teeluckram MaharajMANADP DECORATOR
Suhaag Garden
813-478-9283
www.suhaaggarden.comWEDDING DRESS
Le Trend Boutique
407-288-3304
www.letrendboutique.comHAIR-MAKEUP
Sumaiya Waheed
954-304-4958
sumaiya_waheed@yahoo.comJEWELRY
Chhabra’s Fashions
954-578-0093
chhabrasfashion@hotmail.comINVITATIONS
Invites & Events
954-797-8022
www.invitesandevents.comFLOWERS
Suhaag Garden
813-478-9283
www.suhaaggarden.comMUSIC DJ
DJ Chris
fldjchris@gmail.comCATERINGPriyas Roti Shop
954-471-9550Lucky City Restaurant
954-972-1880SINGERSNeil Persad
954-851-9559Neera Maharaj
954-649-1534Shalini Weds Randy
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The Long and the Short of Life Shivani Weds Samir
Some romances ignite instantly. Others take some time before the acquaintance transforms into friendship, and then grows into a deeper love that lasts for life. While whirlwind romances and tumultuous love works for some couples, others like their romance to age like wine. Consider into which category you fit as you learn more about Samir and Shivani.
A seemingly short Shivani (she measures five feet nothing) and Samir (who claims he’s tall, but Shivani didn’t think so)met in 2008.After long months of being in touch through messages and phone calls, and a little over two years of courting, Samir proposed just before New Year’s Eve in 2010. However, that only happened once Samir was sure he had blessings from both families. After recreating their first date, Samir got down on one knee and presented Shivani with the ring to make the conventional love story even more beautiful.
Before wedding planning even begun, the parties brought in Shiv Priya LLC and Hameant Raghubir stepped in as wedding consultant. He was the eyes, ears and soul of the wedding, arranging and coordinating everything from adistance.Hameant introduced the couple to vendors and prospective sites, and he took them through the food and ceremony arrangements meticulously.
A small mehndi and garba was arranged in Kingland, Georgia, where Shivani’s uncle owns a motel.Although simple and intimate, it brought the family together and allowed them a chance to bond without being tied down by wedding rituals.
Shivani and Samir enjoyed a destination wedding. Most celebrations related to the wedding were held at the Jacksonville Hyatt Riverfront. Shivani’s desire to have an outdoor wedding with water being the main element made this an ideal choice, coupled with the advantage of having an uncle reside in the area. Having attended BAPS functions in the hotel previously, the family was comfortable hosting the wedding at this venue.
Festivities began with a raas garba, that was decorated with candles, lamps, ethereal pinks and lights all over. With flowers, fountains and statues of Radha and Krishna, the venue transported you to a different time and place. To add to the appeal, Samir and Shivani were seated on a decorated swing. Ace DJ’s Satbir Singh provided the music while food was catered by BAPS. Shivani stuck with the pink and purple in her ensemble, while Samir wore a black and purple kurta with dhoti pants to add to the Krishna theme.
The bharat arrived with Samir’s closest cousins following the family on November 19, 2011. There was dancing and happy music, and Samir just couldn’t stay away. At the wedding venue, arrangements made the most the glorious Florida weather and also of the Jacksonville skyline. Crystals were predominant though accompanied by traditional wedding decor. A mix of the modern and conventional, it was a unique theme, with red and white accents adding to the beauty of the locale. With lamps and flowers, and soothing pina coladas and fruit punches, the guests were a scroll, which detailed the ceremony in Gujarati and English. The foyer was to be the backup venue in case of bad weather as well as the bar and service area for appetizers. A sumptuous Gujarati lunch was served to guests, catered by BAPS. White and red were the colors of the bride, with a corset lehnga complementing her beautifully. Samir wore a sherwani in cream and silver.
At the reception, surprises awaited everyone. The first was a live performance by the Steelpan artiste, which was arranged for by Hameant. He set the mood perfectly with Caribbean beats as the appetizers made rounds. The guests also enjoyed novel drinks, and a special tribute called Samvani, a lychee martini. Along with drinks was a chaat station that no one could stay away from.
Pistachio green was the color of the evening, with lights, crystals and a Lucite mandap. Center pieces with calla lilies, vases with beads and orchids, a special Ganesh decoration and white-lighted monikers were just some of the glamorous elements. One of the highlights of the evening was the magical wedding cake flavored with vanilla and almonds that was decorated in green and orange. To make a difference, a corner of the venue was set up to show pictures from Samir and Shivani’s childhood and time together as a couple.The bride wore a pistachio green lehnga with silver embroidery and workmanship. She accessorized with silver and green stones set in exquisite jewelry. Samir wore a tuxedo with a green vest. The man and wife made their entry to Usher’s O.M.G. Their first dance was to to Khuda Jaane and then with the peppy Mauja Mauja. Emcees kept the audience in raptu- re, and then there were toasts and speeches.
If you talk to Shivani and Samir, you may not this couple was destined to be. While pharmacy and finance are a great match,Shivani’s family from Trinidad had not the faintest idea that this was where she would be at this stage in life. Both suggest that you embrace the occasion and make the most of it, and overlook small eventualities, which are bound to occur.
Photos Courtesy:
Fine Art Productions
407-979-4749
www.fineartproductions.netVENDORS WEDDING
Jacksonville Hyatt Riverfront
904-588-1234
www.jacksonville.hyatt.comRECEPTION
Jacksonville Hyatt Riverfront
904-588-1234
www.jacksonville.hyatt.comVIDEOGRAPHY
Fine Art Productions
407-979-4749
www.fineartproductions.netPHOTOGRAPHY
Fine Art Productions
407-979-4749
www.fineartproductions.netPLANNER
Shivpriya Event Management
407-473-8852
www.shivpriyaevents.comMANADP DECORATOR
Occasions by Shangri-la
407-394-4244
www.occasionsbyshangrila.comWEDDING RINGS
Malani’s Jewelers
813-866-4653
www.malanijewelers.comHORSE
Avalon Carriage Services
888-857-4152CATERING
Memories of India
407-370-3277
www.memoriesofindiacuisine.com -
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